Need to make a decesion on a new SUV?

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The Highlander is not horrible, it is basically the toyota version of the lexus RX waaaaay waaay way scaled back, but still it is there. Also the new ought ten 4Runner looks awfully rad....
 
We already have one in the Mercury trim. That's why we are trading because it only gets about 18 mpg on a good day. It's a truck based SUV with a big V6 and wide spaced gears so it's rather thirsty. We can tow just as much, ride much smoother, and get 24-25 mpg with a car based SUV.

I thought the Mitsubishi was off the table, but the wife just told me that she is still considering it. It has the most features of any other SUV at the moment.

HID headlights, rain sensing wipers, keyless ignition, rockford fosgate stereo, third-row seats, and they are discounting it the most because it was a demo. 5/60,000 warranty plus 10/100,000 powertrain isn't bad either. I heard that Mitsu's are now like a Toyota but with a better warranty. I wouldn't go that far, but I am sure they are pretty good for a Japanese make.

Jeremy
I am in the market for a used 100 and I have seen some really nice clean used trucks starting at $11k-$20k
 
I am in the market for a used 100 and I have seen some really nice clean used trucks starting at $11k-$20k

Dude you should have told me, I just sold my 100 '99 with 115k on the clock for a real good price. It was in excellent condition. Last I saw the place I sold it to were selling it for 14k
 
Test drove the Honda Pilot today. It's sweet.

Test drove the Highlander today. It's sweet.

Test drove the Venza today. It's sweet, but doesn't fit the bill.

The Rav4 could be an option but it would have to be a V6 Sport in 4WD in order to get rid of the rear tire. The wife hates the rear tire mount.

To those that have driven the Rav4, does it have good room inside? We are used to having room for 7, and know this will be smaller, but don't want it too small. I ran out of time to check it out while I was there today.

Jeremy
 
To me the Rav4 has as much useable interior space as my 2001 4runner. There is plenty of room for 4 adults and gear.
 
To me the Rav4 has as much useable interior space as my 2001 4runner. There is plenty of room for 4 adults and gear.

Thanks, but no offense, that's not saying much. Even the 2003+ 4runner only has as much space as the GM crossovers; Equinox, torrent, VUE, etc.

I am test driving the Outlander over the next 3 days to see if it compares to the Highlander and Pilot. All the extra features plus price makes it hard for me to turn away from it. Especially the warranty. I know you get a much better built vehicle and the other 2 ride sooooo smooth and quiet. It's just hard for me to spend $6k more for less features unless their really is a huge difference between them.

I think 3 days of family hauling and shopping/traffic will help me decide how I like the Mitsu'.

Oh, and if you are wondering why I am still looking after I said we will probably get the Mariner, that was the :princess: choice. I think she will be much better off over the next 6 years with a more reliable/larger vehicle.

Jeremy
 
If mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy.
The first time I was buying a family wagon I did tons of research and started looking for a new (used) example of what I had decided on. I think it was a Camry wagon.
Then one day my wife walked in and announced that she saw what she wanted on a street in Shandon with a For Sale sign in it. It was a Volvo and more money and less features and more expensive to work on than what I had painstakingly researched.
Then a wise man told me that if she gets what she wants she'll always be happy even if it's a lemon.
If she gets what YOU want she'll never be happy even if it's a gem.

So I bought the Volvo and it served us well. Then another one then another.

I'm not saying get a Volvo. I'm just saying: If mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy. It worked for cars, houses, appliances etc etc.
I'm just saying.
 
Well, I don't think mama will be happy unless she gets a Lexus. We have test drove everything in a small SUV under $30,000 and none of them are just right. We are waiting on a check from an insurance claim on some property and then I think we are going to search for a Lexus RX350. We may get a 1 year old with about 15,000 miles to save $5k-$8k. I will say the Mitsubishi Outlander was the best under $30k, and the Highlander was the best just over $30k.

Thanks,
Jeremy
 
Acura MDX

I have got a 2004 Acura MDX with about 50K miles on for sale (wife thinking of selling) in Atlanta. Excellent condition. PM me if interested


Test drove the Honda Pilot today. It's sweet.

Test drove the Highlander today. It's sweet.

Test drove the Venza today. It's sweet, but doesn't fit the bill.

The Rav4 could be an option but it would have to be a V6 Sport in 4WD in order to get rid of the rear tire. The wife hates the rear tire mount.

To those that have driven the Rav4, does it have good room inside? We are used to having room for 7, and know this will be smaller, but don't want it too small. I ran out of time to check it out while I was there today.

Jeremy
 
Might consider 2-3 yr old vehicles

From Clarkhoward.com
He also recommends financing for only 42 months for 2-3 yr old cars and newer, otherwise you get upside down.

Another Quote....
Best value
Been driving for 40 years, and the best advice I've found is one given to me by a dealer: Buy a 4 to 6 year old well-maintained high end car top rated by Consumer Reports(usually Japanese i.e. Lexus, Infiniti)for pennies on the dollar and ride in style, comfort and safety.

years ago, I bought a 99 Toyota Camary loaded, about 2 yrs old and saved a bundle. Even with great resale, I did not make much back :frown:when I sold it, but bought my 4runner.:)
Gotta love no car payments.



Thanks, but we are looking for 2008 and newer with under 25k miles.

Jeremy
 
I tried yesterday to buy the Mitsubishi Outlander that we were looking at with no luck. It really pissed me off to the point that we are going to keep outr current cars and enjoy no payments for the next few years. Besides, there really isn't a whole lot ou t there right now that interests us.

The list on the car was $30k. It was a 2009 demo, with full warranty, incentives, and 5k miles. Before we even test drove it the sales manager said they would sellit for $24.5k. We drove it and thought about it for 2-3 weeks. Then last week they call and say that if I bring in my trade they would sell it to me for $23k. I said sure, and showed yesterday. Long Story short, they would only sell it for $24.2k and wouldn't budge. I was pissed and left.

Never believe anything anyone at a dealership tells you until the OWNER himself rights it down and signs it for you.

I will stand behind this that Sparks Toyota is by far the BEST dealership I have ever dealt with. Bought 4 new cars from them and everyone was smooth as silk.

Jeremy
 
I had the same problem with a dealership on a 2000 4runner, they would not budge even though prices were going through roof on gas, so I kept looking and found the one I own. No taxes to pay with a private sale in GA.
I tried yesterday to buy the Mitsubishi Outlander that we were looking at with no luck. It really ****ed me off to the point that we are going to keep outr current cars and enjoy no payments for the next few years. Besides, there really isn't a whole lot ou t there right now that interests us.

The list on the car was $30k. It was a 2009 demo, with full warranty, incentives, and 5k miles. Before we even test drove it the sales manager said they would sellit for $24.5k. We drove it and thought about it for 2-3 weeks. Then last week they call and say that if I bring in my trade they would sell it to me for $23k. I said sure, and showed yesterday. Long Story short, they would only sell it for $24.2k and wouldn't budge. I was ****ed and left.

Never believe anything anyone at a dealership tells you until the OWNER himself rights it down and signs it for you.

I will stand behind this that Sparks Toyota is by far the BEST dealership I have ever dealt with. Bought 4 new cars from them and everyone was smooth as silk.

Jeremy
 
I hate stealerships.
 
I believe we are down to a new Highlander or a new Mazda CX-9.

Or a Mercury Mariner or Mazda CX-7 to save $100 a month.

I know I said I didn't like the Mazda, but like was said above. The misses has to like it first.

Jeremy
 
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Well the saga finally ends. I was on my way to buy a car this morning in Pawleys Island when I got a phone call from the Mitsu place trying one last time to sell me their last Outlander. They offered it to me for $2500 below invoice along with 0% for 60 months and gave me full KBB value on my trade. I couldn't pass it up, so we now have a new loaded Mitsu Outlander XLS in the driveway for Christmas. I am glad the search is over. Buying a new car really sucks.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Jeremy
 

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