Posted on:
08/29/2004 12:23 PM | i am really tired of my mini-van. wanting to get something
sporty and fun, yet safe and mechanically sound. after
reading all the reviews about jeeps,(grand cherokees)
regarding their probs. with rotors and calipers, plus
numerous other things..i have crossed Jeep off my list. I
want a mid-size SUV...with storage space, cubbies, and some
nice options...cute and fun looking. but not off the deep
end price wise. we have been looking at 2002 Ford
Escapes...they are nice to look at, but the insides are
pretty boring. OTOH...the Hyundai Sante Fe looks
great..but my Hubby worries about maintenance issues, as
there is no dealership for about 75 miles. what i really
want is the Buick Rendezvous, but my Hubby hates em....i
dont know why.
anyone recommend a good quality SUV. roomy, cute, storage
space( like cubbies etc..)good handling and mechanically
sound? we cant spend much more than 15k all the way
around...im just getting really frustrated...4wd isnt
mandatory.
thanks
beth |
Posted on:
10/07/2004 02:05 PM | Hi,
We prefer the Honda CRV and the Toyota RAV4. Perhaps a
Honda Element would do as you don't need 4WD. One of my
best friends swears by her RAV4, and we know lots of people
who are happy with their CRVs.
The Suzuki XL7 is also an option, but I don't know about
their long-term repair records. However they are very
inexpensive.
The Pontiac Aztek and the Buick Rendevous are the same
vehicle, with just a few styling differences. Neither are
stellar vehicles. I would have to agree with your husband
about those two options.
There is nothing wrong with the Ford Escape. It is a good
product. If you don't like the interiors of the ones you
have seen, keep looking, and try to get whatever was the
top of the line interior for the year you are considering.
About 20% of the Escapes sold had the upscale interior. The
sister car of the Escape is the Mazda Tribute. It is a
sleeper -- meaning people aren't aware of them, and so they
can be had for good prices. You may even be able to get a
new one for the cash you have.
Consider a used Mini Cooper. They have more space than you
think they would, they are ADORABLE, not just cute, and
everyone we know who has one, loves it. Some of them come
with run-flat tires. Those are cool, but they make the ride
harsher.
You should also take a look at a used Nissan Xterra or
Pathfinder. They are real SUVs with some off-road
capability, that you might not need, but they are solid
cars that well made.
Make sure that whatever you purchase, if it is used, that
it is gone over by a mechanic that you pay for,
thoroughly.
Good luck and let us know what you buy.
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