Expert Advice for Choosing the Perfect Mid-Size SUV - New or Used?

[cookinmama]

For resale value - I'd say look at kelly blue book on line and also, I will never buy another car without checking out all the reviews on consumer reports (online is the best! - yes you have to pay for it but WELL worth it as its good for a year and has a TON of info on everything), edmunds.com and a few others...just type in the type of vehicle in yahoo/google and then follow it with 'reviews'. I don't believe Hyundai keep their value like Honda/Toyota/VW/Audi. I think Hyundai depreciate more like American brands even though they are foreign.

Your local library has the consumer reports also. Unless you live in a tiny town like me.

 

[Aunticooks]

i bought a 2009 Ford Flex and absolutely love it. It looks like a hearse but you just have to get in it and take for a test drive. Lots of room!!! Drove cross country with dh 2 stepsons Both 5"10 + with size 14 feet. and the Moose 100 lb german shepard. Everyone was comfortable (except when the dog wanted to go out and potty) lol granted we towed a trailer behind that held luggage, bikes, etc. but still I love it. the third row is very comfortable and isn't just for "little kids". Gas mileage around 23 - 27 depends on whose driving. lol

Hubby swears by his subarus. We've had 5 in the past 10 years.. (he loves to tinker and resell) they run forever as long as they are maintained and are awesome in winter.
Good luck to you.

 

[ChefForrester]

I drive a Mazda5 and love it. It's not quite an SUV, it's not quite a minivan, it's not a sedan, it's just. . . perfect for me. A lot of times people looking for transporting stuff + a family get trapped into thinking that an SUV is the way to go, but I've been really, really happy with this. Seats six with the 3rd row engaged, but most of the time I fold it down. 2 sliding side doors make it SO easy to get in and out of the back for kids and grandparents. I get 30 MPG.
Think outside of the box http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazda5/review.html

 

[KellyRedHead]

Had a little time today and went an drove a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and a 2007 Ford Edge today. Has anyone had either of these or know someone who has??
Just wondered what you think of them.

I also wanted to go look at a 2007 Toyota Highander, but didn't have enough time, any thought on them too??

I love the 7 passenger, but not sure how much longer I will need the 2 extra seats, probably another 1-2 years at least.

Thanks!
Kelly V.

 

[Melissa78]

Before I bought my house in November I was looking at a Highlander. IMO you can't go wrong with Toyota (and that comes from a girl that has only owned American...BLAH!). The Mercury Mountaineer is the same thing as a Ford Escape only with the Mercury name on it so I recommend doing searches online for reviews. My next door neighbors have the Edge and really like it. I rode in one and the only thing I didn't like was seeing over the dash (say for parking) and I'm not short...just seemed to have a high dashboard. I never buy without reading reviews online via edmunds, consumer reports etc. I will say that Toyota always gets better reviews than Ford and it won't depreciate as much as Ford. Just my 2 cents.

 

[KellyRedHead]

I also noticed that the Edge had a high dash or hood (not sure which it was) that made it a little harder to see over. The ride was okay, not as smooth. I liked it though, but even on a 2007, the price was still high.

I also worry about the resale value of a SUV or a cross over in a couple of years when and if I want to trade up.
The salesman was nice, but did say the cross overs are in higher demand and probably would be for awhile.
But the Mountaineer had more of the bells and whistles at a lesser price (again worrying about resale value!) I am SO confused, I wish I had more $$ a month, but I don't want to have such a high payment my car stays in the drive way and goes no where because I can afford to do anything!!!

Hope to go drive the HIghlander on Monday. But it is a 2006 with 73,000 miles on it at almost $20 grand! And that worries me on the value in a few years.


Kelly V.

 

[Aunticooks]

Kelly: Just a thought; I was looking at the Highlander before we bought the Flex. It's a good car. But really the room seemed a little cramped to me. Especially if you have kids growing still.

I traded in my Toyota Rav 4 and I gotta say that while Toyota used to put out great cars, they have really not done such a great job lately. I had an oil line break in the Rav (the last straw to sell) and the mechanics response was "wow this only usually happens on the Camrys." Now why would something "usually" happen on a vehicle. Talking with DH who is a car fanatic, it seems that Toyota is riding on its good name from years ago and the product is not what it should be. SO do your research and check out Consumer Reports on any vehicle you are looking at spending money on. Again good luck with your search.

 

[KellyRedHead]

Hi Traci!

I did look at the Flex while we were there at the dealership. The room was great, only problem is the payment. In an AWD it was too high for us. I didn't want to have something like that over my head for 5 years.
I did have a 2008 Consumer Report book that came out that covered up to 2007 models and the Mountaineer was scored "worse then average" so that one is off the list.
The Highlander was scored "better then average" We had a '97 Rav4 and it was a great running car, we did find it went thru brakes faster then it should, but lucky for me my husband can do that kind if repair.
I have read online alot this weekend that the Highlander's and Sienna's have horrible tires that come with the car (like horrible in snow which is where I am most of the winter!) an should be changed out.
Does anyone know how to search online on consumer reports? I didn't know this, but you have to pay to get into the site to look up what you want.
A friend subscribes, does that allow you to get into the site or is it separate?

Thanks!
Kelly V.

 

[iteachurkid]

Kelly good luck with your search! I have a 2007 Toyota Highlander. I love it! I don't have the third row, but I don't have kids, so I didn't feel like I needed it. I know it's an option though. There is lots of room in my back seat and it's quite comfy. I got it last April and haven't had any issues (knock on wood ). Have fun!

 

[KellyRedHead]

Maybe this weekend we will go again.

I am also going to try a Subaru Tribeca and see how i like those.

I need to get a newer Consumer reports book, mine only carries like one year of review on the Tribeca were some other cars it goes back 4-5 years. The reports gave it a better then average for '06, buts that's as far as my book goes.

Anyone have a Subaru Tribeca?

Kelly V.

 

[Melissa78]

From a CR junkie: Consumer Reports don't necessarily test out every vehicle every year. When I was looking at a Volvo they only had 2004 and 2006 b/c that was the last year for the major redesigns. I don't know anyone that has the Tribeca but they do look nice!

 

[KellyRedHead]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to update you all on my car search.

My husband and I went back out again last weekend and test drove a few more cars.
And we finally made our decision......we purchased a 2006 Subaru Tribeca.
It drives great, we got a decent deal and I got the limited package with leather I wanted. So we picked it up Friday (yesterday) and so far so good!

Thank you to everyone who shared your driving experiences with me! I appreciate all the input.

Kelly V.