Help Please - Rogue VS. ??

[Serkle K]

Okay, so I'm looking for a new car again. (I've been a member for a while, and have looked into getting the Altima Coupe, the Xterra, and the Juke) After some life changes and all, I am looking into the CUV class. I have looked at the Rogue before anything, because deep down I really love Nissan, but in the CUV class I looked at the Sportage and the Outlander Sport as well.

After looking at the different builds, the prices are in the same range across the 3 models, although with that said, the Rogue is the most expensive of the 3 the way I tried to comparatively build them. I really want to have AWD or 4WD. I have noticed that the offerings as far as odds and ends seem to be lacking in the Rogue though. I have checked out the average fuel ratings on all 3 and the Outlander Sport seems to have the best of them all and offers 4WD. The Rogue was second. When I compared them to my current average MPG in my 96 Altima, the Outlander Sport really had the biggest difference in MPG by about 8MPG compared to the Rogue with 3MPG and the Sportage with just 1MPG better. I like the option of push button start/keyless entry. But while the Sportage and Outlander Sport offer all of these, the Rogue does not (minus the keyless entry)


I dont know too much about mistubishi's and their fit and finish. From a few mechanics I have spoken to, they're not bad as long as you keep with the oil changes on time, as well as the routine maintenance. I also don't know too much about Kia's but I have heard they are getting better and better in yearly maintenance, and overall quality. I have looked at a few of their forums, but have not noticed many issues the motors or anything any different than most people post here.

I know this being a Nissan forum, the opinions may be biased, but any input from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

[kerrton]

I love these car-comparision debates!

My first thougths: The Rogue is slightly larger than the Sportage and Outlander Sport/RVR, so a slightly higher sticker price may be justified to a point. My wife is shopping for a CUV too, and with 2 kids the Sportage is a little too small, and a second Rogue in the family is out too because she wants a manual shift and something a little larger than the Rogue, so the Kia Sorento is it - we're going to make the purchase today actually. The interesting thing is, with current incentives, the Sorento is actually $1000 cheaper than a comparable Sportage so we couldn't go wrong.

In terms of build quality I'm told that Mitsubishi is very good, but several of my friends who recently purchased Lancers complain about maintenance costs, although I'm not sure if this is car-specific or not. Kia/Hyundai build quality is very high so I'd recommend looking at them, and I'm very happy with my Nissan Rogue quality as well, considering I negotiated a very good price back in 2008 (might not be as impressive by today's standards though, things have sure changed in 3 years!!).

I checked out an Outlander Sport/RVR, and boy it was small. We parked our Mazda3 Sport car next to it and the Mits wasn't much bigger. If you are going to have kids, I'll tell you right now from experience that you'll need a lot more space than you're thinking right now! I have a 3 year old, I bought the Rogue one month after she was born and it's been great, but man we routinely filled that thing to capacity! And with a second kid on the way in April, I'll be happy that my wife has the Sorento to load up for those extra big trips when I don't feel like carefully packing the Rogue to maximize every inch of space!

I'd recommend comparing the Rogue, Sorento (although in a slightly larger class), Hyundai Santa Fe (excellent vehicle), take a peak at a RAV4 and CRV if you're so inclined, and if budget really is the limiting factor perhaps think about a slightly used vehicle that is an ideal size...just an idea! Whatever you buy be sure to test drive a lot! Good luck.

[Serkle K]

I have thought about getting a used one, but with the offerings of the other current models, they have more then the current Rogue has to offer, new or used. I have literally looked on lots and inventory listings, and all I ever really see are 2WD or S Rogues. I would like something with a little more, and definitely want the AW or 4WD option still.

While budget is limiting, it's more the long run that I am worried about. Yearly fuel costs, routine maintenance and all. My biggest factor is gas, I currently travel about 100 miles a day just to and from work, and I am a field tech that goes to multiple sites a day. While the sites are always the same sites, I can sometimes end up traveling another 50 miles between them. I get compensation, but when I have to pay for it out of pocket and up front, it is costing me more.


Kids would definitely be sometime down the line, but for the next few years I definitely need something that is bigger then what I have. I don't necessarily want a full SUV, because I don't need all of that space all of the time, as well as many of them are high in the fuel consumption area. Again, that's something that sticks out more with me. I don't want to end up paying for a car to sit around because it cost too much to drive and maintain. Space is nice to have though, and that is something that also come to my attention recently with having to transport a number of machines to the sites. I have had to make multiple trips out of my shop/office to each individual site, rather then be able to carry all of them at once, and make one full day of transport and setup.

I have had the chance to sit in a Rav4 as my co-worker has one, but I'm just not a fan of them. I dont like the way things are situation and I feel like I am sitting above everything inside and outside of the car. I personally don't like Hondas also, but I know I shouldn't cut them out entirely. I have tried to price out the Santa Fe, and I was surprised to see it's pricey, comparatively speaking. And the same goes for all the GM cars too... IMO they were way overpriced for what they offered. And from the ones I have been in (Equinox and Terrain) I didn't like the feel of them from the inside, I just didn't like the layout of the controls and how I felt in them.

I guess I really should schedule the test drives though. I have only looked at the 3 I mentioned in my previous post when the Auto Show was in town a few weeks ago, and started to go from there as far as research. I felt the Sorento was bigger then I'd really need, and the Outlander Sport didn't seem to be that small from what I recall. at least from the inside.

Thanks for your input so far Kerrton!

[kerrton]

Good thoughts, very similar to my situation when I finally decided to purchase the Rogue in 2008. The gas mileage of the Rogue, combined with the decent amount of passenger and cargo room, very good build quality, and low purchase price was the perfect balance for me.

And you're 100% correct - if it costs too much to run (i.e poor fuel efficiency), then all the cargo room in the world isn't going to do you any good because you'll leave that car parked and likely take your little "second car" on road trips.

Regarding the RAV4, again I totally agree with you, I don't see what the big obsession is with that car, very average in my opinion, and the same with the CRV but with even worse looks. GM and Ford have a lot vehicles to check out too, but the sticker prices skyrocket in a hurry, and yes the Santa Fe gets pricey too when you start adding options. This is why my wife and I settled on the Kia Sorento, it is a Santa Fe chassis and powertrain with Kia skin and options, and the Kia is MUCH more reasonably priced. We're getting the base model 6-spd manual trans with every option except leather and sunroof, this includes options that other manufacturers commonly make you purchase in a package or higher trim level including heated seats, bluetooth, Sirus satelitte radio etc.. Very good value and quality ranking up there with Toyota and Honda, AND great fuel efficiency, the Sorento is only slightly lower in efficiency ratings than my Rogue.

So much of this stuff is based on perceptions, the Outlander Sport may be the best vehicle for you, check it out in more detail, do some test drives and let us know how it goes....it's surprising how quickly your perceptions can change too, sometimes in as little time as a weekend so make sure you test drive each candidate more than once!

[Rob's Rogue]

Just my 2 cents, but all the vehicles mentioned so far are outrageously overpriced when you get right down to finding a good deal. While each may appear to offer a lower initial sticker price, when comparatively equipped, the actual out-the-door price will definitely be in favor of the Rogue. That's because Nissan apparently has lots of money riding on the Rogue and was the one factor that influenced me to buy mine back in November. Actually I leased mine and was out the door for under $350 a month including tax and fees with zero down and a $500 dealer bonus check in my pocket on a fully loaded SL/SV AWL with leather, Bose and Navigation. Not one of those other vehicles you mentioned could even come close to that deal. I admit that I am a low mileage driver so the MPG was not such a big factor for me. I was primarily looking for the best bang-for-the-buck and I think the Rogue was it for me.

[Serkle K]

well the key to your point is, comparatively priced. For me, I would really like to have AWD/4WD and one package. Not even all of the one package, but some features. Price wise, for the rest of the class to offer things like paddle shifters, push button start, and HID/LED lights, the Rogue couldn't compare because literally, it wasn't an option on the Rogue. Those are just some things that actually made me think that Nissan's Rogue wasn't top of it's class in offerings for "bang-for-buck" when compared to others in it's class. I do still need to take a ride around in all of these cars because features aren't going to be the be-all-end-all for me, but generally speaking, I will be working on finding a good deal. I figure if my cousin can work a deal for a 2011 3.5 SR Altima with everything but navigation for $22k, then I should be able to work out a decent deal for my next car.

[kerrton]

Bottom line: it is VERY competitive out there right now, and as much as I love my 2008 Rogue, in 2011 model year it is anything but straight forward and clear cut. What I think it comes down to is the individual dealership and their willingness to negotiate a good price much less than MSRP. It's one thing to discuss "which vehicle is better", but it's totally another to discuss which vehicle is better AND which is the best deal. In the 2011 model year, we found the Kia Sorento absolutely blew the competition away and the product is amazing, with little extras on the base model that noone could compete with like wiper blade heater/defroster, standard bluetooth (all others require a package, Kia is one of the few that offer it standard), Sirius sat. radio standard, 6-speaker stereo standard (the rogue has 4 speaker standard), steering wheel audio controls including Ipod standard, side mirror turn signal lights standard (not available on the Rogue at any trim level or package), and standard recessed rear bumper protector (the Rogue offers this as an accessory, and it's not recessed). AND, lower door sills are designed very well on the Sorento, it has the standard design with a "lip", rather than the style of the Rogue which allows dirt build-up and seems to be a design flaw allowing for erosion and rust if you don't use paint protection.

I'm not trying to convert everyone away from Nissan, I'm just saying that in this thread, when considering the Rogue against current competitors, there is stiff competition. I love my 08 Rogue and I encourage everyone to check it out because I feel strongly that it is the better choice over Toyota and Honda. My comments regarding Kia/Hyundai merely reflect the competitive nature of the industry, and it foreshadows the fact that with all of this competition an excellent deal on a Rogue should be within reach.

Also, the great offerings from competitors is worth noting because it should be stimulate the possibility of lots of room for negotiation and great deals to be had. The better that Kia and other competitors get, the better the deal on Rogue's should be..... so please don't pay MSRP, negotiate hard and be sure to reference the competition, it will be sure to give you leverage in your negotiations on a great Nissan Rogue vehicle!

[PlatinumGraphite]

Now that I've gotten over my hysteria over cvt's, out of all that you've listed, I would recommend either the Outlander (my neighbor owns one and enjoys it, except she says the seats are uncomfortable...I agree it needs some lumbar support, but it seems to be a well built vehicle) or the Rogue. I'm getting what I consider great gas mileage for a car with only 1,600 miles on it, and it's fun to drive. I'm well past the age of driving for "fun" but it really is fun. I have the sv, and after a little buyers remorse about not getting the SL, I'm happy that I took the practicle route now. Saved a bit of money, still fun to drive, enough room to haul stuff around, and great mileage. Good luck on your decision!

[philipa_240sx]

I like the option of push button start/keyless entry. But while the Sportage and Outlander Sport offer all of these, the Rogue does not (minus the keyless entry)

Are you referring to a remote start type of system? The Rogue does have Intellikey (keyless entry and pushbutton/keyless starting) on the SV trim models.

[Serkle K]

I like the option of push button start/keyless entry. But while the Sportage and Outlander Sport offer all of these, the Rogue does not (minus the keyless entry)

Are you referring to a remote start type of system? The Rogue does have Intellikey (keyless entry and pushbutton/keyless starting) on the SV trim models.

Oh really? That's new to me. I thought it only had a "nub" as the built in key rather than a push button start. From the used models I have seen it was either that, or a regular Key in the "S" if I recall correctly. I may have to revisit them then.

Thank you for that info!

[philipa_240sx]

Serkle K,

You are correct, there is a 'fake' key/knob for the ignition on Intellikey equipped vehicles. It's not pushbutton per se. However, it's still completely keyless as you never have to take your keys out from your pocket.

[kerrton]

Hey Serkle K,

Have you done any test drives yet, are you any closer to a decision and if so what did you eliminate from your list and why?

[Serkle K]

Hey Kerrton,

I have not done any test drives just yet. I am still sitting on the fence with the OS and the Rogue. I have talked to a few of the local shop guys I know (both mechanic and aftermarket) and they're making me think of going with the Rogue. What it is still really coming down to for me is gas (as now it probably is for everyone) and I am reading over the mitsubishi forums on the OS, and many people are talking about not getting anywhere near the rated MPGs that Mitsubishi is reporting. It also helps that the aftermarket shop does a lot of work with the one Nissan dealership near them so they told me to look for a certain person that should be good to work with me.

I have also looked into the Mazda's CX 7 & 9, but I am not sure about those either. I have to look into those more.

From the one dealership I have contacted by email I might be test driving the OS within the next few weeks. In my other research I have hit a small bump... I'd have to dump another $1k into my altima to try to get the best top dollar when I trade it in... even though I am not going to mention it in the beginning. My father is also letting me trade in his 98 Monte Carlo as well to try to get me into my goal price range. I know I won't get too much for that since it has over 200k miles and a new motor.

But on the upside, with the new year cars coming in soon, I might be able to work out a better deal in the long run. I still have to research some inventories and banks as well.

Thanks for asking! If you guys have any other advice I'd love to hear it!

[Serkle K]

I just wanted to add, that while most people think some things are not a big deal, IMO I think it makes a big deal like features vs. dollar, but at the same time I am trying to keep in mind quality over quantity.

I like the fact that feature wise, the OS has things like push button start, HID(projectors) and LED tails, panoramic roof, rain sensing wipers, 4WD vs AWD, and the paddle shifters. Most of these things you would likely find on the higher trim or luxury cars, but for the OS is available in the 4WD trim. Even the Kia's have similar features, and they all have the lesser sticker. However the converse to that is quality and resale value. I am hearing that Mitsubishi fit and finish isn't always the greatest in their regular cars, as opposed to their sports cars (EVO and Eclipse). One guy even mentioned that the Kia's probably have better resale value and quality now-a-days compared to the Mitsubishis.

Ah... the trial of looking for a new car.

[axel10]

Here are my 2 cents worth (3 cents in the US):

Since Monday AM I have been driving a 2011 Outlander LS 4WD (V6). This is a result of my Rogue being at the body shop after someone slid into the driver's side in a parking lot (2 small dings nearly $3000 in damage) .

Anyway, I was very excited to have a new (outlander had 560 km on odometer Monday AM) vehicle, however after a few hundred kilometers I do have a few things that I like, and a few other things I don't like about the Outlander.

Like:
-large side mirrors appropriately shaped to give me good visibility both to the back and below (when backing up near a curve I do not need to lower the mirror like in the Rogue)
-turn signal lights on side mirrors
-V6 is a nice option. Great power when needed, but definitely eats more fuel

Don't Like:
-quality. There is an obvious difference in both how the vehicle interior/exterior are finished compared to the Rogue. Not only do some of the plastic parts look cheap, they also feel cheap. The doors are also noticeable lighter in weight, which to me feels cheap....like a tin car...really
-seats are ill...nuff said
-need to cycle thru an INFO button to get engine temp on the drivers console
-handling feels like a truck (feel every bump), however driver position is more like a car (low to ground). I like the slightly higher driver position of the Rogue
-displays 'SEE YOU LATER' message when you power down - creeps me out

Bottom line is that we never considered the Outlander early in 2010 when we were shopping for a vehicle, and after a week of using one I am reassured that I didi not make a horrible mistake.

Thanks for allowing me to exploit my existence

[Serkle K]

Thank you for your input!

The only thing I would say about your current expierence is that it is going to feel like a truck since it is the larger version of the 2. Unless in Canada they offer the RVR in a V6. In the States, they dont, so it's the "smaller version" being the "Sport" and that may feel more comparabe to the Rogue.

As I stated though, I still need to do more research as well as test drive them each, which I plan to do.

[kerrton]

The Rogue is in the same class as the Outlander, the RVR/Sport is a compact crossover and competes with the Sportage and Tucson, all of which are smaller than the Rogue.

With the Rogue you may find that the 4-cylinder is not very "refined", particularly if you live in a cold climate, it can get a little raspy when cold. However, the thing that I love about this engine and CVT trans combination is I get exactly the posted fuel efficiency and I've even exceeded it in some cases, and cold winter weather really doesn't seem to affect the mileage much. The CVT is great for tuning itself to your driving habits, and if you're very conservative with a light foot on the gas and brake the CVT really shines returning amazing mileage, particularly in town. I don't believe there is any crossover or even compact crossover that can touch the Rogue's in-town efficiency/mileage. The Rogue isn't perfect but I can tell you that this is one of it's really strong points that I haven't seen any competitors match, in my experience.

[Serkle K]

The Rogue is in the same class as the Outlander, the RVR/Sport is a compact crossover and competes with the Sportage and Tucson, all of which are smaller than the Rogue.

With the Rogue you may find that the 4-cylinder is not very "refined", particularly if you live in a cold climate, it can get a little raspy when cold. However, the thing that I love about this engine and CVT trans combination is I get exactly the posted fuel efficiency and I've even exceeded it in some cases, and cold winter weather really doesn't seem to affect the mileage much. The CVT is great for tuning itself to your driving habits, and if you're very conservative with a light foot on the gas and brake the CVT really shines returning amazing mileage, particularly in town. I don't believe there is any crossover or even compact crossover that can touch the Rogue's in-town efficiency/mileage. The Rogue isn't perfect but I can tell you that this is one of it's really strong points that I haven't seen any competitors match, in my experience.

Thank you for that clarification and insite Kerrton! I was under the impression that the Rogue was in the same class as the RVR/Outlander Sport, Sportage, Tuscan, and CX-7. And that the Outlander was in the same class with the Murano, Sorento, Santa Fe, and CX-9.

I guess in any case, it's really comes down to MPGs, at least for me. I will need some space as I have a medium size dog, I like to take weekend trips, I will most likely need the cargo room for transporting DJ equipment, and computer equipment (multiple desktops, servers, and monitors).


EDIT: Also, how are you guys liking the Sorento so far?

[daytrippr]

We recently added a 2011 Subaru Forester to our awd family and other than it's boxy exterior and 4 speed automatic we absolutely LOVE this car. We got base (2.5X) model for about $20K and the fit and finish is every bit as nice as our 08 Rogue's. The gas mileage is slightly less than our Rogue's (25.5 after 5500 miles compared to 27.0 after 58,000 miles on our Rogue). The seats are comfortable and have good support and leg room and there is considerably more room in the back.
I would definitely check out the Forester as a Rogue alternative.

[kerrton]

These comparisons can be so subjective, which is why buying a vehicle get frustrating in a hurry. In this thread alone we have two people commenting on the Forester, each with completely different opinions, one loves it and the other hates it.

Personally I don't think there is one vehicle that is head and shoulders better than the rest, I'd say the choices you've narrowed it down to are pretty close to equal, and to break the tie you'll need to test drive them and go with whichever one you feel is the best; most often it's whichever dealer is willing to give you the best price along with any manufacturer incentives that breaks the tie.

We haven't actually picked up my wife's Sorento yet, we should be getting it within the next couple days according to the last update. The Sorento won't get as good mileage as the Rogue, but the standard features and price incentives and Consumer Reports Top Pick made it a no-brainer for us, in addition to a ton of extra cargo and passenger space. The manufacturer is offering $4100 off, plus we negotiated another $1500 off from the Dealer on an already great price. A comparable Murano MRSRP in Canada is around $45,000, the Sorento is going to cost us around $22,000 (I know it seems unbelievable but this is accurate), and on top of it I'm completely convinced that the Kia quality is top of the pack, and it has a superior warranty (5/5 in Canada, 5/10 in US, yes that's a 10 year powertrain warranty).

But, the Rogue has worked out well for me, I have an 80 lb dog which was a big reason why I upgraded to this vehicle over my sedan car, the back hatch of the Rogue is perfect for her and I put stuff back there including a large wagon for my child and it all fits no problem.

[jrr]

Like you when Subaru bought my 2010 Outback back, I searched all the brands. Just kept coming back to the Rogue.

If you are looking to really save money and are here in the states, use this http://amexnetwork.zag.com/main.html. No costs no fuss. Someone gave me the lead. I bought a loaded SV awd for $26.2K. Never went to the dealer, no hidden costs, no games and they delivered the car 130 miles to house. Did the paperwork in my living room. Amex/Zag are a big deal in wholesale auto buying. They will give you three dealers within you buying area. I am in the process of buying a new BMW diesel 335, qoutes are 7.2K below MSRP.

Good luck with your search

[brh31]

Had just found this page a couple of days ago and used the link provided by jrr. Worked a treat - saved me about $800 I think - thanks for that. Picked up a loaded Rogue last night. Had thought about the OS for a while, but in the end, I just like the shaped and feel of the Rogue better

[300winmag]

I looked at everything out there. The RVR really caught my eye and took it for a drive. I love the way it looks and all the cool stuff it has but it barley made it out of the parking lot. I had to put the pedal 3/4 the way to the floor to accelerate at a normal speed from a red light. IMHO that RVR should not be allowed on the roads, if something were to happen and you needed to accelerate to avoid... good luck. It should head back to the go-cart track before something really sad happens to someone. Never have I seen a vehicle so underpowered before... But damn its nice to look at and using those 148 hp to haul a 3000lb carcass was fun.... in the parking lot.

The Kia sportage was a nice unit especially the one with the turbo... But its a Kia and I just could not bring myself to spend 35K on one...
The Juke is so Fugly I almost bought one but at the last min I decided the lack of center console(which can be ordered from europe), the small glove box, the orange in between the Tach and Speedo and the door squishing me a bit was too much. Fun car though and the newer model will be killer!!

[Serkle K]

Just to give you all wondering an update... I have had to take a second look at my plans to get a new car. My altima is slowly dying, but it's dying faster then I first thought. over the last month I replaced the struts, and tires in efforts to bring some value back into it while trying to save. Well last weekend my water pump went and I ended up spending more then I originally wanted to get things back to just operational. I am going to be exercising all options, but my best bet now is to sell my car privately to at least get the $1,300 I just put into it back. It also looks like my best bet to get a newer car is to go the used route.

Anything I should keep an eye out for when looking at used Rogues?

Thanks guys!