My mom needs a new vehicle (SUV)

[MinisterofDOOM]

Look at the Ford Freestyle/Taurus X, not bad and is very close to being a SUV.

Also the Volvo XC70.

And the Flex, which is better looking than either but essentially the same car.

[Bubba1]

And the Flex, which is better looking than either but essentially the same car.

Unfortunately, the Flex is not old enough to be in his mother's price range.She only wants to spend $10-15K

[PoorManQ45]

1. And he said she wants an SUV. 2. Only the size has not been defined. 3. irrelevant4. irrelevant5. irrelevant6. not true. He simply said she wants an SUV, not a minivan. Her choice.

When you are offering advice do you not ask questions about the person's needs?
Modified by PoorManQ45 at 8:44 PM 3/10/2010

[krash]

Is hers the 4.0 or 3.5?

She has the 4.0, it has a pretty exhaust note when overtaking people

[naladude911]

Get a 2WD (not a lot of snow in Seattle)2001-2004 Pathfinder/QX4. It has VERY good pickup for an suv (same engine as 350z, g35 etc), and decent gas milage. It handles very well on turns for an SUV, and feels sturdy. That, and it has excellent build quality. My mom has a 2009 RAV4 and its a piece of crap. We have the limited yet the interior is filled with cheap plastics, and it has no pickup at all. That, and it feels very unsafe.

[Mr1der]

wtf is advise?

[krash]

My mom has a 2009 RAV4 and its a piece of crap. We have the limited yet the interior is filled with cheap plastics, and it has no pickup at all. That, and it feels very unsafe.

Don't hate, you'll be driving it in a few years

jk buddy

But seriously

[PoorManQ45]

wtf is advise?

Advise is the action of giving advice.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

What's the financial situation with the TL? Are the payments an issue? Is she upside down in the loan? Is it paid for?

It's actually a lease. It's running out this month and she wants something different, and not a lease.

I know I know, a lease, don't give me s*** about it.

Anyways, she's living on her own (I live in AZ) and wants something big in case she needs to carry something. She doesn't like Subarus (go figure) and she's not a fan of wagons. A minivan is COMPLETELY out of the question, lol. Sorry if I wasn't more specific, she is looking more at small to midsize suv's.

She isn't car savvy either, so nothing weird. Her new vehicle needs to be reliable with low maintenance.

She's looked at the Murano and really likes it. And I've been reading up on them and they seem to be pretty reliable. If she gets something Nissan it'll be either a murano, pathfinder, or Xterra.

On a side note, how's the Highlander's reliability? I've read up on it a little and saw it has oil gelling problems if the oil isn't changed within spec. That's kinda scary. And since my mom is the "typical" driver, she might not get it changed as much as she should.

But yeah, keep the suggestions coming. As far as gas mileage, 20 or so would be ideal (normal driving). Not 20hwy max going downhill.

[Bubba1]

When you are offering advice do you not ask questions about the person's needs?

Modified by PoorManQ45 at 8:44 PM 3/10/2010

Yes, you could, but that's not what you did. All you did was list 3 minivans

Once again, you fail.

[naladude911]

Dont buy a toyota, they're now complete crap. Everything inside and outside is crap and poorly made.

[Bubba1]

It's actually a lease. It's running out this month and she wants something different, and not a lease.

I know I know, a lease, don't give me s*** about it.

Anyways, she's living on her own (I live in AZ) and wants something big in case she needs to carry something. She doesn't like Subarus (go figure) and she's not a fan of wagons. A minivan is COMPLETELY out of the question, lol. Sorry if I wasn't more specific, she is looking more at small to midsize suv's.

She isn't car savvy either, so nothing weird. Her new vehicle needs to be reliable with low maintenance.

She's looked at the Murano and really likes it. And I've been reading up on them and they seem to be pretty reliable. If she gets something Nissan it'll be either a murano, pathfinder, or Xterra.

On a side note, how's the Highlander's reliability? I've read up on it a little and saw it has oil gelling problems if the oil isn't changed within spec. That's kinda scary. And since my mom is the "typical" driver, she might not get it changed as much as she should.

But yeah, keep the suggestions coming. As far as gas mileage, 20 or so would be ideal (normal driving). Not 20hwy max going downhill.

Consumer reports ownership surveys show the Highlander ranks as the one of the most reliable SUV's you can buy. The smaller RAV4 4cyl and Honda CRV are also highly reliable. Any of those three are worth looking at.

My next door neighbor (married 2 kids) has a Rav4 and loves it. No problems, gets in the low/mid 20's.

Pre-06 Muranos rank average for reliability, but newer ones are better than average. It's not a bad choice.

[ZOMG.SR20]

*cough* Trailblazer *COUGH*!!!!!!!!

[Bubba1]

Dont buy a toyota, they're now complete crap. Everything inside and outside is crap and poorly made.

You are an idiot.

[Rev_D21]

Dont buy a Nala, they're now complete crap. Everything inside and outside is crap and poorly made.

Fixed

[dusred]

Ford Excursion Diesel. Pros:-Very spacious and roomy inside. - Very good reliability (99 to 2003)- Decent mileage - 10 to 17 MPG- Costs around $15K- Easily pulls boats and RV's

Cons:- Handling sucks- Takes at least 2 acres to turn around - poor turning radius - Hard to park in the city because it's so wide

Anyway just my .02.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Ford Excursion Diesel. Pros:-Very spacious and roomy inside. - Very good reliability (99 to 2003)- Decent mileage - 10 to 17 MPG- Costs around $15K- Easily pulls boats and RV's

Cons:- Handling sucks- Takes at least 2 acres to turn around - poor turning radius - Hard to park in the city because it's so wide

Anyway just my .02.

Is that some kind of bad joke? How the HELL is that close to anything I specified she wanted? I wouldn't even consider that an SUV. More of a tank.

Decent mileage? Lolcats.

[dusred]

- It's gotta be an SUV.

- Nothing old

- She wants power seats and all the creature comforts

- Has to have "pick up." No Scion XB's. lol

- 10K - 15K

So yeah, any suggestions are welcome! Thanks guys!

Is that some kind of bad joke? How the HELL is that close to anything I specified she wanted? I wouldn't even consider that an SUV. More of a tank.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Seriously dude?

Okay, my mom is looking to get a new vehicle and she wants an SUV. She's getting rid of her 07 TL Type-S and wants something a little more practical and less expensive. She lives in Seattle if that makes a difference.

- It's gotta be an SUV.

- Nothing old

- Has to get fairly decent gas mileage. No Tahoe, Expedition, etc....

- She wants power seats and all the creature comforts

- Has to have "pick up." No Scion XB's. lol

- 10K - 15K

So yeah, any suggestions are welcome! Thanks guys!

- An Expedition is not an SUV. It's basically just a HD truck with a backseat and trunk.

- 99 is pretty old and the newer ones look the same.

- No way in hell an Excursion gets decent gas mileage.

- Okay it might have power seats, you got me

- It weighs 7,000 pounds. It's not fast.

- Yeah, it's in the price range. So is this 08 Eclipse.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/....html

Come on dude.

[nissangirl74]

I have heard a lot of praise for the Murano and the Ford Edge. Things she needs to consider are the costs of insurance, routine maintenance, and tires. However, the best piece of advice I could give her would be to go test drive one of everything. Regardless of everything else, she should enjoy what she is driving. If the seats don't fit right and the interior just sucks to her, it's not gonna matter if it gets 50 mpg. She won't like it and will be looking for a way out of the deal.

[dusred]

Seriously dude?

- An Expedition is not an SUV. It's basically just a HD truck with a backseat and trunk.

Excursion. I'm well aware of that. My cousin has one and I've put plenty of miles on it.

Quote »- 99 is pretty old and the newer ones look the same.[/quote]They are made up til 2006

Quote »- No way in hell an Excursion gets decent gas mileage. [/quote]Put a chip on them and they'll get 17MPG on the highway which is pretty damn good for a vehicle that size.

Quote »- Okay it might have power seats, you got me[/quote]Leather power and heated seats, heated and power mirrors, power windows, rear entertainment system, 4wd , and an enormous cab capable of hauling 9 passengers. Now if you're a mom and don't want to drive around a big truck that's fine but for a vehicle that size and capable of so many things AND to get 17 MPG is really quite good.

Quote »- It weighs 7,000 pounds. It's not fast.[/quote]8,500 LBS. And they cruise along at 90 MPH quite well. Trust me.

Okay okay, it's not exactly what you had in mind. I was just suggesting it. Some people (like me) like big vehicles. A least get your facts straight before bashing a vehicle. I'm sure you've never even driven one.

[Veriest1]

Our 2004 diesel f350 gets almost 19 mpg on the highway if we keep it around 55 mph and about 15.5 mpg mixed driving according to the on board computer. Real world calculations are slightly less than that for mixed driving. It also has the 4:10 rear end in it.

I figure taller gears, slightly better aerodynamics, and an excursion could do even better. Put a chip, intake, and exhaust into the equation and I wouldn't be surprised by 20.

[dusred]

Veriest1 > AZ89two4Tsx

[AZ89two4Tsx]

I don't CARE about your guys' trucks and mpg accomplishments! At least not in this thread that is....

My MOM needs a vehicle. She doesn't need a friggin F-350.

And who the hell drives 55 on the highway?!?!

I'm not bashing big trucks (or SUVs ), it's just that they're irrelevant to this thread.

[dusred]

And who the hell drives 55 on the highway?!?!

People in Arizona where the speed limit is 55. Between Flagstaff and Colorado City, an area just over 200 miles, the speed limit is 55.

[nissangirl74]

People in Arizona where the speed limit is 55. Between Flagstaff and Colorado City, an area just over 200 miles, the speed limit is 55.

She lives in Seattle

[dusred]

So what's your point? He was asking who drives 55 on the highway so I was telling him.

[PoorManQ45]

It's actually a lease. It's running out this month and she wants something different, and not a lease.

I know I know, a lease, don't give me s*** about it.

Anyways, she's living on her own (I live in AZ) and wants something big in case she needs to carry something. She doesn't like Subarus (go figure) and she's not a fan of wagons. A minivan is COMPLETELY out of the question, lol. Sorry if I wasn't more specific, she is looking more at small to midsize suv's.

She isn't car savvy either, so nothing weird. Her new vehicle needs to be reliable with low maintenance.

She's looked at the Murano and really likes it. And I've been reading up on them and they seem to be pretty reliable. If she gets something Nissan it'll be either a murano, pathfinder, or Xterra.

On a side note, how's the Highlander's reliability? I've read up on it a little and saw it has oil gelling problems if the oil isn't changed within spec. That's kinda scary. And since my mom is the "typical" driver, she might not get it changed as much as she should.

But yeah, keep the suggestions coming. As far as gas mileage, 20 or so would be ideal (normal driving). Not 20hwy max going downhill.

I noticed that you are 16 so I will give you a little slack.

Seriously though, your mom did not say any of that.

You want us to recommend a car that you would like, not her.

She is going to get whatever pretty car she sees.

Your input does not matter one bit.

If you want to be helpful you should ask her questions. Have a pen and paper handy. What exactly will she need the vehicle to be able to do? What features does she require?

The TL probably lasted 3 years, what did she like and dislike about it?

[Rex]

If pseudo-wagons and mini-cross-over's aren't an option, try a Mitsubishi Outlander



You can get either FWD & 4WD both offered as I4 or V6.

Not a bad small-sh SUV and she should be able to find even an 07 for $15k or less (depending on 2 or 4 WD and engine options).

[Bubba1]

I noticed that you are 16 so I will give you a little slack.

Seriously though, your mom did not say any of that.

QUOTE]

How do you know that? Unless you actually know him and his mom you're guessing. As info, A lot of women don't like minivans.

You want us to recommend a car that you would like, not her.

Again you're guessing, but does that matter? She asked him for recommendations. He's consulting us, which is nice. What he does with that info is entirely up to him.

She is going to get whatever pretty car she sees.

?

Yes, ultimately it's her decision, but your statement has no basis in truth. Based on the facts, the last car she got was a TL, which an excellent car.

Your input does not matter one bit.

?

Uh, reality check? HIS input matters to his mother, it's YOUR input (and ours) that don't matter.

If you want to be helpful you should ask her questions. Have a pen and paper handy. What exactly will she need the vehicle to be able to do? What features does she require?

Reread his thread. He listed what SHE wants. You're the dummy who's trying to steer her toward minivans which she said up front she does not want. Continuing to push minivans is a waste of bandwidth. Let it go.

The TL probably lasted 3 years, what did she like and dislike about it?

That's a good question, but irrelevant to this thread. She wants an SUV as her next vehicle, not a sedan.Are you sure you don't have relatives in Mt.Kisco NY?