Getting a New Car!! Need Opinions/Help!!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and opinions regarding various vehicle options, particularly crossovers and family-friendly cars. The discussion includes personal anecdotes about different models, preferences, and considerations when choosing a vehicle.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is interested in crossovers, specifically the Ford Edge and Lexus RX330, and seeks input from others.
  • Another participant expresses satisfaction with their Land Rover LR2.
  • Several participants share positive experiences with the Toyota Prius, highlighting its fuel efficiency and suitability for families.
  • One participant notes that the Lexus RX330 and RX350 only seat five, suggesting the Lexus LX470 for larger families.
  • One participant discusses their recent purchase of a Dodge Journey R/T, emphasizing its features and third-row seating.
  • Another participant mentions their preference for a minivan, specifically the Toyota Sienna, due to its spaciousness and affordability compared to SUVs.
  • One participant shares their enjoyment of the Ford Flex, noting its roominess and smooth ride.
  • A participant mentions the Saturn Outlook, which seats eight and has a third row that folds down, expressing loyalty to the brand due to positive customer service experiences.
  • One participant advises considering comfort and personal needs when selecting a vehicle, sharing their experience with a Dodge Journey.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best vehicle options for families, with some participants favoring crossovers while others advocate for minivans. No clear consensus emerges regarding a single best choice.

Contextual Notes

Participants share insights based on their personal experiences with various vehicles, focusing on family size, comfort, and budget considerations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members considering a new vehicle, particularly those with families or specific seating needs, may find the shared experiences relevant.

WLMcCoy
Messages
694
I am looking at new vehicles. I really want a crossover. Anyone have a crossover or know anything about them..

I really like the looks of the Ford Edge & Lexus RX330..

TIA!
 
I love my Land Rover LR2.
 
My I love my 2008 Toyota Prius and my husband loves his, too. Don't know how big your family is, but there is room for 5 and the storage in the back is pretty good. I went from a full size GMC Savana conversion van (and really loved it.....except for the $ for gas). I went from filling up for $80 to around $12 - $15 and from around 16 mpg to 48 -51.
My sister just got an HHR and loves it, too. So, I think it boils down to what you really want. My husband would say try driving anything you are interested in. We also rented a Prius over a weekend and that really helped us get a good idea of how it would be.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
byrd1956 said:
My I love my 2008 Toyota Prius and my husband loves his, too. Don't know how big your family is, but there is room for 5 and the storage in the back is pretty good. I went from a full size GMC Savana conversion van (and really loved it.....except for the $ for gas). I went from filling up for $80 to around $12 - $15 and from around 16 mpg to 48 -51.
My sister just got an HHR and loves it, too. So, I think it boils down to what you really want. My husband would say try driving anything you are interested in. We also rented a Prius over a weekend and that really helped us get a good idea of how it would be.

I have a family of 3.. but we're hoping to have 5 in the next 5 years. So I'd like something w/ 6 or more passenger. I just remember how bad my brother & I used to fight, so I don't really want 3 kids sitting by eachother in the backseat.. haha
 
If you want something to seat 6+, you'll need the Lexus LX470 (I believe it seats 8), not the RX330 or 350 (both seat 5). I've got my eye on a champagne-colored RX350...someday! The GX is another option (5-8 seater). Otherwise, you're looking at getting a minivan. Good luck!
 
Last edited:
We just bought a Dodge Journey R/T. I would have loved to have gotten a Lexus, but couldn't afford it. With the Dodge we were able to get it completely loaded, from the moon roof, to the DVD player, GPS, Sirius, back-up camera, etc. I love all the toys! It does have third row seats, too, so it'll seat up to 7.

We traded in our Grand Caravan. We found with the 4 of us we didn't need all that much room. So far, a huge thumbs up!
 
byrd1956 said:
My I love my 2008 Toyota Prius and my husband loves his, too. Don't know how big your family is, but there is room for 5 and the storage in the back is pretty good. I went from a full size GMC Savana conversion van (and really loved it.....except for the $ for gas). I went from filling up for $80 to around $12 - $15 and from around 16 mpg to 48 -51.
My sister just got an HHR and loves it, too. So, I think it boils down to what you really want. My husband would say try driving anything you are interested in. We also rented a Prius over a weekend and that really helped us get a good idea of how it would be.

I highly suggest doing this. My DH and I wanted to get a Jeep so we rented one for a weekend and it changed our minds. Man am I glad we didn't buy one.
This was BC - Before Children
 
We're currently looking at a Toyota Sienna, we have 3 kids and have found that the minivan has more room, is better on gas and is more affordable than most of the SUV's. I say test drive as many as you can and find the right fit for you, good luck!
 
I just bought the Ford Flex and LOOOOOVE IT!!!! I'm not a big "car" person, but I like what I like and the Flex is awesome. Lots of room especially in the second row. My stepson and his size 32 shoes are gonna fit this summer!! LOL It rides soo smoooth. The dog has room in the back and you just gotta check it out. It seats 6 - 7 depending on which 2nd row you get. The 3rd row is even roomy. Good luck in whatever you get. But like everyone else says test drive test drive test drive. These days you gotta be happy with what you spend your money on. Just like Pampered Chef!! lol
 
I have the ES350 & love it but won't hold three baby seats. I love the RX's though. Everytime I take my car in for service I get one as a loaner. The 2010's are out & they are really nice! The LX's have more space than the GS's though.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
dianevill said:
We just bought a Dodge Journey R/T. I would have loved to have gotten a Lexus, but couldn't afford it. With the Dodge we were able to get it completely loaded, from the moon roof, to the DVD player, GPS, Sirius, back-up camera, etc. I love all the toys! It does have third row seats, too, so it'll seat up to 7.

We traded in our Grand Caravan. We found with the 4 of us we didn't need all that much room. So far, a huge thumbs up!

I'm glad to hear good feedback on the Journey. Through the company my DH's
works for, they get some sort of discount on Dodges. We saw one the other day & he's been trying to talk me into one ever since.

Is the interior comfy? DH's Dodge is not too comfortable!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
cathyskitchen said:
If you want something to seat 6+, you'll need the Lexus LX470 (I believe it seats 8), not the RX330 or 350 (both seat 5). I've got my eye on a champagne-colored RX350...someday! The GX is another option (5-8 seater). Otherwise, you're looking at getting a minivan. Good luck!

That's my problem. A lot of crossovers do not have 3rd row seating. The Edge that I like only seats 5, too.. :\
 
WLMcCoy said:
That's my problem. A lot of crossovers do not have 3rd row seating. The Edge that I like only seats 5, too.. :\

I went from an 8-seater minivan to a 5-seater Pontiac Vibe last summer. We are a family of 4, and we take family vacations in it all the time. I'm spending 1/2 of the amount I spent on gas, and I really like it. You may want to drive one of the 5-seaters that you like and then compare to the big ones. You may answer your own question (ps - my sons are 10 and 7 and sure, they fight sometimes in the back seat, but what kids don't? I don't think you can avoid that one!)
 
WLMcCoy said:
I'm glad to hear good feedback on the Journey. Through the company my DH's
works for, they get some sort of discount on Dodges. We saw one the other day & he's been trying to talk me into one ever since.

Is the interior comfy? DH's Dodge is not too comfortable!!

It's comfortable for us - we're average height/weight, though, so you definitely have to take that into consideration. I had one as a rental a couple of months ago and really liked it. I called DH and told him we had to get one, but he laughed at me because we just figured we'd get a minivan. When we went to the dealer to pick out a van, I saw the Journey and asked him to test drive it. We got the one with all wheel drive and a V6. It definitely has a lot more pick up than the 4 cylinder that I had as a rental. I've only had it a week and a half but have been quite happy with it. We've had Dodges for many years and have never had any problems, or if we did have a problem it was fixed right away.
 
I have a Saturn Outlook and it seats 8. They also have one that seats 7. I love it with the third row that folds down. You can get it as loaded as you want. We have the side steps but no dvd player since we already had one. Its got a V6, and it does great on the highway.

I've always driven a Saturn- this is my third. Its the same basic thing as a GMC Acadia. Both good, but I admit I love the Saturn more due to our FAB customer Service. Our folks that we've dealt with over the years (over 10 total) have really kept us coming back for more! People ask and I will tell them Saturn all the way!!!!
 
okay... IMO get what you can afford with out payments. I cannot tell how relieve we are that we own both cars outright. I have a Subaru Outback, maybe too small for your needs, but it has over 120K and is still going strong.
 
Love my Buick Rendezvous CXL. Has a third row seat that folds away easily. Good gas milage too!
 
I love love love my brand new Toyota Rav4. It's bigger than previous years and actually holds MORe than my Chevy Trailblazer used to. 60 month warranty, 24 mpg, and so fun. It has tons of room in it.
 
I just bought the Mercedes ML350 on Monday, and while I love it, I think that I'm going to take it back (mis-representation from the dealership is why). I'm not sure what I'll end up getting, so I'm also anxious to see some of the othe responses.

I also have a Land Rover Discovery (well, actually, my husband does), and while it's a nice vehicle, it sits a little high to make getting a child in and out of the car seat a little difficult. I much prefer my old 2002 Explorer over the Land Rover.

Good luck in your new car pursuit!
 
I just bought a Toyota Highlander and love it. It has third row seats that completly disappear for better storage. I like the back up camera and built in navigation system along with bluetooth for hands free phone. I average 23 to 24 mpg.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to qualify for a new car through Pampered Chef?

To qualify for a new car through Pampered Chef, you typically need to meet specific sales and recruiting goals set by the company. This often includes achieving a certain level of sales within a designated timeframe and possibly recruiting a minimum number of new consultants. It's essential to check the latest guidelines from Pampered Chef as these criteria can change.

How does the Pampered Chef car program work?

The Pampered Chef car program allows consultants to earn a monthly car allowance or a bonus towards a new car once they meet the required sales and team-building goals. Consultants can choose to receive the allowance as cash or apply it directly to a car lease or purchase. The program is designed to reward high-performing consultants.

What types of cars are eligible for the Pampered Chef car program?

Typically, the Pampered Chef car program allows for a variety of vehicles that meet certain criteria, such as being a new model and having a specific value range. It's best to consult the Pampered Chef guidelines or your team leader for the most current list of eligible vehicles and any specific requirements.

Can I choose any car I want if I qualify?

While you may have some flexibility in choosing a car, there are usually guidelines regarding the type and value of the vehicle. Pampered Chef may have a list of approved makes and models, and you will need to ensure that your choice aligns with their requirements to qualify for the car program.

What if I don’t qualify for the car program this year?

If you don’t qualify for the car program this year, don’t be discouraged! Many consultants take time to build their business and may qualify in the future. Focus on improving your sales skills, expanding your customer base, and recruiting new team members. Set achievable goals and work towards them consistently for better chances next time.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • pampchefrhondab
  • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
12
Views
2K
pampchefrhondab
Replies
14
Views
2K
PamperedCaniac
  • Dayna
  • General Pampered Chef Chat
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
DebbieJ
  • Intrepid_Chef
  • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
4
Views
4K
3RingChef
  • PigletsMom
  • Sell Pampered Chef Items
Replies
17
Views
4K
kylev
  • pamperedalf
  • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
6
Views
1K
pamperedalf
  • cookn' katie
  • Recruiting and Team Leaders
Replies
14
Views
3K
BethCooks4U
  • janezapchef
  • General Pampered Chef Chat
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
janezapchef
  • esavvymom
  • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
4
Views
1K
3RingChef
  • Trish in Texas
  • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
2
Views
2K
Trish in Texas
Back
Top