View Full Version : Thinking of a new vehicle for the wife
Thought I would pick your brains a bit.
She he currently has a 2010 Nissan Rogue. Nice enough for what it is but she kind of wants something a little fancier and maybe with a bit more power.
She doesn't want anything too big and would like to stick to some sort of SUV type thing. Hopefully something near or under $30K if that's doable.
Since it's her vehicle all I can do is steer her in a direction and let her try things out to see what she likes. Here are a few things I am thinking of having her test drive.
Toyota 4Runner
Subaru Tribeca
Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee
Nissan Murano
Dodge Durango
If any of you own one of these or have any experience with them or have any other suggestions for things she should check out let me know.
Thanks.
Chrysler products are extremely meh, IMO.
What about the Mazda CX-5? Starts at $21k
Chevy equinox V6 with awd.
Chrysler products are extremely meh, IMO.
What about the Mazda CX-5? Starts at $21k
We drove a CX5 before we bought her Rogue. The road noise and engine noise in the passenger compartment was almost unbearable. Not sure if they have changed much since 2010 but I suppose we could take a spin in another one.
I'm also considering looking at the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA. Not sure about the cost of maintenance and repairs on those though.
The VW Tiguan seems fairly nice for a small SUV but it might not be as roomy as what she has right now.
Chevy equinox V6 with awd.
I'm probably going to steer clear or GM and Ford products. Nothing wrong with their trucks but I'm not a huge fan of anything else they build. Not really a fan of the Chrysler stuff either but I like the size and some of the features on the ones I listed above.
tmleadr03
08-05-2014, 21:07
If you are looking at a new BMW maintenance is included for the first 4 years 50k miles. And you can bump that up to 100k and 8 years if you want.
If you are looking at a new BMW maintenance is included for the first 4 years 50k miles. And you can bump that up to 100k and 8 years if you want.
Thanks. I wasn't aware of that. I might have to check out the X1 and see just how small it is. Wish the X3 was in my price range.
RCCrawler
08-05-2014, 21:13
We just got the wife a new Subaru Outback and we're both loving it. They're much bigger than they were a few years ago. After road tripping to St. Paul and back I totally dig it, the adaptive cruise control setup is wonderful.
Great-Kazoo
08-05-2014, 21:16
We drove a CX5 before we bought her Rogue. The road noise and engine noise in the passenger compartment was almost unbearable. Not sure if they have changed much since 2010 but I suppose we could take a spin in another one.
I'm also considering looking at the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA. Not sure about the cost of maintenance and repairs on those though.
The VW Tiguan seems fairly nice for a small SUV but it might not be as roomy as what she has right now.
The Tiguan has been out a few years and to say sales have been lackluster, would be kind. It's one of the few VW product line they can't give away. KBB and NADA show one thing for trade in Sales dept have another, it's not pretty. For it's size other like suv's have larger storage capacity. The up side is VW is doing some sales promos on the Tiguan.
Out of your choices, i'd lean towards the 4runner. Subaru is nice, but i think you'll get more bang for the buck with a 4runner.
I hadn't thought about an Outback but the Forester with the turbo might be something we'll look at.
My wife has a 2013 Subaru. We're dealing with this fun:
http://m.autoblog.com/2014/07/22/subaru-class-action-lawsuit-excess-oil-use/
Her Legacy was consuming .74 quarts every 1200 miles. Yikes. The put new piston rings in and fully covered it under warranty but it's kind of lame that our 2013 needed a rebuild (basically). Subaru extended the non transferable warranty to 100k miles so they've been pretty good about handling it. However, knowing this, we may have looked to other cars. Her car died upon start up today. We've had the car back 2-3 weeks. We''ll see if it happens again tomorrow.
Apparently Subaru s are good at eating oil due to the boxer engine. At least that's what people keep telling me when I tell them about this.
Overall, the car has been good. Great in the snow, 30mpg and plenty of space. But do your research on them first.
hghclsswhitetrsh
08-05-2014, 21:32
I know you said no go for gm products. But if you change your mind I'd be more than happy to bring my wife's ’14 Acadia by.
Great-Kazoo
08-05-2014, 21:35
My wife has a 2013 Subaru. We're dealing with this fun:
http://m.autoblog.com/2014/07/22/subaru-class-action-lawsuit-excess-oil-use/
Her Legacy was consuming .74 quarts every 1200 miles. Yikes. The put new piston rings in and fully covered it under warranty but it's kind of lame that our 2013 needed a rebuild (basically). Subaru extended the non transferable warranty to 100k miles so they've been pretty good about handling it. However, knowing this, we may have looked to other cars. Her car died upon start up today. We've had the car back 2-3 weeks. We''ll see if it happens again tomorrow.
Apparently Subaru s are good at eating oil due to the boxer engine. At least that's what people keep telling me when I tell them about this.
Overall, the car has been good. Great in the snow, 30mpg and plenty of space. But do your research on them first.
The boxer's been around for many a year. You using that much oil, it's isn't the engine design.
My brother just got a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee- he loves it! Power for days, great ride, very nice, and decent MPG out of it. I really like the new Durango, got to check one out, but haven't driven it. IMHO- the Subaru Tribeca is kinda ghey... and I thought Subaru cars were in lieu of SUVs? Why build an SUV?
Hotchef181818
08-05-2014, 21:53
Every Subaru I've owned has eaten oil, some more than others. Not a chance is hell I'd buy a Tiguan after owning a toureg, screw vw.
I know you said no go for gm products. But if you change your mind I'd be more than happy to bring my wife's ’14 Acadia by.
Thanks. My sister in law actually has one of those so I have seen one up close. Thanks for the offer though. [Beer]
Get her a Pinzgauer. Then when she decides it's not what she wants to drive, you get to drive it... [ROFL1]
If it were up to me, I'd try to get her to buy an FJ. I think they are pretty cool and they won't be making them any more. But, the wife insist on four real doors and room for grown ups in the back seat.
What about something in the Acura or Infiniti line up? It's been a while since I've been into cars, but Acura had at least one turbo model out for a while. I think it was the RDX.
Traded in a 2010 4-Runner and just got a 2014 Highlander. The 4-Runner was great but we recently found out we need a 3rd row. :) The Highlander has been awesome and it almost as big as the 4-Runner was. It has quite a bit more front and rear passenger room and only 1" less clearance.
What about something in the Acura or Infiniti line up? It's been a while since I've been into cars, but Acura had at least one turbo model out for a while. I think it was the RDX.
Did you read the budget on page 1? [hahhah-no]
If I were looking at something like the Acadia/Traverse, I'd look harder at the Buick Enclave...but that budget thing comes up again.
Does it have to be brand new?
Does it have to be brand new?
Most likely. I like having at least one newer vehicle in the household that is still under a factory warranty.
If I had to cheat on my Grand Cherokee, I'd go for a Toyota.
But then again, it's a 2002 Jeep, so there could be all sorts of things that I don't know about with those newer vehicles.
What about something in the Acura or Infiniti line up? It's been a while since I've been into cars, but Acura had at least one turbo model out for a while. I think it was the RDX.
Acuras are expensive as hell. I briefly looked at them a couple years ago when I was in the market for a new car. Everything in their lineup started above my budget ($20k)
Madeinhb
08-06-2014, 05:53
Traded in a 2010 4-Runner and just got a 2014 Highlander. The 4-Runner was great but we recently found out we need a 3rd row. :) The Highlander has been awesome and it almost as big as the 4-Runner was. It has quite a bit more front and rear passenger room and only 1" less clearance.
I have a 4runner and it's awesome. Highlanders are great too. My wife had one and loved it. Can't go wrong with either.
ruthabagah
08-06-2014, 06:10
I would suggest you stay away from the current generation 4runner. Mine was a lemon, and the day toyota bought it back was a great day for me....
Jeffrey Lebowski
08-06-2014, 07:32
I'm also considering looking at the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA. Not sure about the cost of maintenance and repairs on those though.
If you go factory certified whatever on either, that should be taken care of. I really like the way the MB GLA looks. I hate the GLK, however.
BPTactical
08-06-2014, 08:26
My missus wheels around in a Rav4.
Good little vehicle
Audi Q5 - wife's "car" - Love It!
Many used ones available below 30K
My vote would be for a Subaru of some sort - Outback or Forester. I have owned two in my lifetime and they have all been good cars. The oil consumption deal, well Subaru has been known to buy parts from the lowest bidder at times but they usually make good on isues.
That is why you stay away from the 2.2l from the late 90's early 2000 models.
If that is not fancy enough buy a Toyota - can't go wrong there but you are going to be paying a lot more for the name.
Bailey Guns
08-06-2014, 08:46
I gotta go with sniper and hghclss... My wife has a 2012 Traverse. Talk about room inside. Real seating for 8 adults. Or fold the seats down for enough room for the in-laws to live in for a week. She drives up and down the hill daily from Bailey to work in Denver and averages 22 - 23 mpg and it's AWD. Paid maintenance for the first two years. Quietest car I've been in...ever. She's very happy with it and she's a hard-core Subaru convert. The Traverse/Enclave/Acadia consistently rank near the top in owner satisfaction surveys. Only downside is the 12 was subject to seatbelt and airbag recalls. Waiting on parts for the seatbelt, airbag is done and took less than 1/2 hour. Elway gave her some service freebies for having to come in a second time for the recalls. And it's very inexpensive to insure for some reason. High end full coverage with $100 deductibles is less than $450 year. I think it's the least expensive car we've ever insured.
She didn't like the 12 Equinox because the seat fabric looked like a hooker wearing fishnets blew up inside it. The newer ones have very nice interior schemes but are smaller inside, of course, than the Traverse.
She also liked the Kia Sorento but couldn't find one with a V6.
Lots of good incentives and financing deals on the 14s now, too.
Thanks for all of the replies.
Looks like I'll be busy shopping around this weekend.
Zundfolge
08-06-2014, 09:16
Geländewagen! For no other reason than it's fun to say (well they're also pretty awesome vehicles).
I went looking for trucks this past weekend and car prices are NOT what they used to be. Good luck getting a new Toyota under 30k.
I hadn't thought about an Outback but the Forester with the turbo might be something we'll look at.
Subarus had way too many head gasket issues over a very long period of time. I guess it is suppose to be better now, but their failure rate is unacceptable if you ask me, but I guess people look past it when the manufacturer is Japanese.
I went looking for trucks this past weekend and car prices are NOT what they used to be. Good luck getting a new Toyota under 30k.
Yeah. I've started doing a little research. There are new 4runners out there in the 32K to 34K range. Just need to see how well equipped they are.
RonMexico
08-06-2014, 21:16
I'm probably going to steer clear or GM and Ford products. Nothing wrong with their trucks but I'm not a huge fan of anything else they build. Not really a fan of the Chrysler stuff either but I like the size and some of the features on the ones I listed above.
If you change your mind give me a ring bc my buddy is the sales manager at one of the local Buick/gmc dealers.
If you change your mind give me a ring bc my buddy is the sales manager at one of the local Buick/gmc dealers.
Thanks. I'll definitely keep that in mind. [Beer]
Stevensje
08-06-2014, 21:45
My uncle just bought a 2013 Buick Enclave at SUSS for $30,000. It had 18,000 mi and was from a rental company that sells off after a year.
KestrelBike
08-07-2014, 14:21
I love my impreza hatchback. I can fit an insane amount of cargo in it, and the mileage is pretty decent. Unfortunately, that's because it's just a 4cyl and power is obviously severely lacking. Having ridden sportbikes for a few years, I'm over having a fast car so this isn't an issue for me. So far (knock on wood) I've had no mechanical issues with it. Just my $0.02!
hollohas
08-07-2014, 14:59
I hadn't thought about an Outback but the Forester with the turbo might be something we'll look at.
My wife drives a turbo Forester. She loves it and I think it's pretty good too. It's the last model but I hear the new model has a much better transmission.
Very good ground clearance for this type of vehicle ( for comparison a 2013 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo has 8.6" and the Forester has 8.7") and the turbo gets you into traffic with ease.
Comfortable interior but not made for big dudes to drive. My 6'2" buddy drove one for work and hated it because of the driver leg room...however, that was the old model too.
This is our second Forester. I crashed the 1st on Hwy 285 doing 45-50'ish when a funeral precession ran the red light across 8 lanes. Totalled car and the only injury was the wife's nose got bloodied from the airbag. The car started up and drove out of the intersection even though the front end was collapsed. So in the safety regard, I can say from personal experience it passed.
I like some of the other cars on your list but don't have personal experience so I won't comment on those.
PS - my wife and I have owned 3 Subarus. The first was a 91 Legacy. Had over 200k on it by the time the tranny gave up and I didn't feel like fixing it. Never ate oil. In fact, one time I drove around for a week after my dumb ass forgot to put the oil cap back on after I did an oil change...other than a big mess, the car didn't care. I drove that as a college kid and only changed the oil like every 10k. It didn't seem to mind that either.
My folks have had two Subarus. A Legacy GT that never had problems until some kid in a parking lot crashed into it and they currently still have a Forester that's a couple generations back. It's a turbo with 200k+ on it and runs like a champ. Turbo still works, doesn't eat any oil and has never had any major work done. Original clutch and all.
OK. Looks like the wife and I have somewhat of a plan for Saturday. Can't fit in a full day of dealing with salesmen but we are going to have her test drive a few things.
We'll the Toyota dealer and put her behind the wheel of a 4Runner and possibly a Highlander. I'm cleverly steering her towards the 4Runner. She seems to like the looks of the thing and I told her without stepping up to something full sized this might be her best bet for a comfortable, solid feeling ride since it has an actual frame under it. I will omit the part that it might actually get worse gas mileage than my full size truck.
We are also going to look at the Honda Pilot. I think they are too boxy and ugly but have to admit I have had nothing but excellent luck with Honda products in the past. I know a couple of people who have them and they swear they are the best vehicle they have ever owned.
That's probably all we will have time for. If she falls in love with one of those it will likely follow us home. If not, we might be back looking around next weekend and driving other stuff.
Was at the Mazda dealer today getting a service appointment set up. There was a woman there with a CX-5 to buy another key. I asked her, she says her car is quiet on the road, no road or wind noise that she's noticed.
Was at the Mazda dealer today getting a service appointment set up. There was a woman there with a CX-5 to buy another key. I asked her, she says her car is quiet on the road, no road or wind noise that she's noticed.
Pretty sure the one the wife and I test drove was a 2010 model. Maybe they have improved them since then.
Funny you should mention the key. Reminds me I need to get a spare for my truck. Just having a tough time spending the $200 for it.
tmleadr03
08-08-2014, 06:13
Pretty sure the one the wife and I test drove was a 2010 model. Maybe they have improved them since then.
Funny you should mention the key. Reminds me I need to get a spare for my truck. Just having a tough time spending the $200 for it.
Tires have a lot to do with road noise. I can quiet a vehicle dramaticly by changing out the tires.
Tires have a lot to do with road noise. I can quiet a vehicle dramaticly by changing out the tires.
Did that with 3 of my vehicles when I changed out the OEM tires for some better Michelins.
Pretty sure the one the wife and I test drove was a 2010 model. Maybe they have improved them since then.
Funny you should mention the key. Reminds me I need to get a spare for my truck. Just having a tough time spending the $200 for it.
Before shelling out $200, check with Home Depot. They've expanded their key options to encompass vehicle keys. The dealership wanted $150 for our Nissan key; Home Depot charged $70.
Before shelling out $200, check with Home Depot. They've expanded their key options to encompass vehicle keys. The dealership wanted $150 for our Nissan key; Home Depot charged $70.
Thanks. I'll look next time I'm there. It's a Fobik style key so I'd be really surprised if they had it. Plus, I'd still have to pay the dealer to program it.
Madeinhb
08-08-2014, 13:28
OK. Looks like the wife and I have somewhat of a plan for Saturday. Can't fit in a full day of dealing with salesmen but we are going to have her test drive a few things.
We'll the Toyota dealer and put her behind the wheel of a 4Runner and possibly a Highlander. I'm cleverly steering her towards the 4Runner. She seems to like the looks of the thing and I told her without stepping up to something full sized this might be her best bet for a comfortable, solid feeling ride since it has an actual frame under it. I will omit the part that it might actually get worse gas mileage than my full size truck.
We are also going to look at the Honda Pilot. I think they are too boxy and ugly but have to admit I have had nothing but excellent luck with Honda products in the past. I know a couple of people who have them and they swear they are the best vehicle they have ever owned.
That's probably all we will have time for. If she falls in love with one of those it will likely follow us home. If not, we might be back looking around next weekend and driving other stuff.
The 4runner drives more like a truck than SUV. So All depends what she likes.
The 4runner drives more like a truck than SUV. So All depends what she likes.
That's actually what I'm hoping. She drove my truck and really liked how "smooth and solid" if felt compared to what she drives now. I figured since the 4runner has a full frame it might be the closest to the same sort of ride quality. I have tried to explain to her that anything smaller isn't going to have the same type of feel to the way it rides. She doesn't want anything full sized though. I told her if she doesn't want a full size truck her best bet for something that sort of feels the same would be a Tahoe/Yukon/Expedition/Excursion. She doesn't want something that large to drive around town every day.
Great-Kazoo
08-08-2014, 15:10
That's actually what I'm hoping. She drove my truck and really liked how "smooth and solid" if felt compared to what she drives now. I figured since the 4runner has a full frame it might be the closest to the same sort of ride quality. I have tried to explain to her that anything smaller isn't going to have the same type of feel to the way it rides. She doesn't want anything full sized though. I told her if she doesn't want a full size truck her best bet for something that sort of feels the same would be a Tahoe/Yukon/Expedition/Excursion. She doesn't want something that large to drive around town every day.
Once again, no matter how you try to please the spouse. It always comes down to size. Like taking goldilocks shopping. Yes darling it's perfect, of course I like it, Why wouldn't I ?
Me? being sarcastic . Yes i love you, how can you even ask that question.
Once again, no matter how you try to please the spouse. It always comes down to size. Like taking goldilocks shopping. Yes darling it's perfect, of course I like it, Why wouldn't I ?
Me? being sarcastic . Yes i love you, how can you even ask that question.
At least my wife doesn't like them too big and actually prefers them a bit smaller. [Coffee]
I guess it depends on the size of the garage.
Sent from my electronic leash.
^^^^ lol that's some funny shit right there!
Heading out soon for some test drives. Wish us luck.
Should be a good day if I don't have to tell more than two or three salespeople to go f**k themselves.
Have fun! Hope they don't try to keep you at the dealership all day.
They won't. We are adults and can leave whenever we want.
Plus, the wife has plans after lunch so we will be wrapped up by then one way or another.
Ok. Back from the test drives.
So, as I had hoped/suspected the wife really liked the way the 4 runner drove. Definitely more of a truck like ride compared to all of the uni body SUVs out there.
Now she needs to decide what color she wants and if she wants leather and a sunroof and if she wants the third row seats.
Then we have to decide whether or not we want to go that much into debt or not.
Thanks for all of the help, guys.
[Beer]
Nice, that was a quick day.
Our last trip to the dealer was supposed to be quick 20 min look at one we hadn't scene and turned into a 3 hour ordeal, with a major hail storm moving through just as we were signing the paper work. :) It ended well, our sales guy ran into the hail and got the car into one of the interior bays in about 30 seconds before it could be damaged.
How bad would that suck, major hail damage just seconds after you own it. I was wondering how that short return policy would work in a case like that.
tmleadr03
08-09-2014, 12:57
Ok. Back from the test drives.
So, as I had hoped/suspected the wife really liked the way the 4 runner drove. Definitely more of a truck like ride compared to all of the uni body SUVs out there.
Now she needs to decide what color she wants and if she wants leather and a sunroof and if she wants the third row seats.
Then we have to decide whether or not we want to go that much into debt or not.
Thanks for all of the help, guys.
[Beer]
Just priced one toyota.com.
The way I would have it set up would be the trail with kinetic suspension. 38K.
That said, now that you know what you want and are figuring out the options here is what you do.
Write up what you want, exactly.
Email every Toyota dealer in the area stating you have test driven this vehicle and you are ready to buy it in this trim. The lowest price gets your money. You will be in on x day to sign paperwork and pick vehicle up.
Make sure you CC, not blind CC all of them in one email so they can see that you are contacting them all.
Sit back and enjoy bidding war.
ETA: You have 5 dealers in the area, 4 of you combine east and west Stevinson.
Great-Kazoo
08-09-2014, 13:03
Just priced one toyota.com.
The way I would have it set up would be the trail with kinetic suspension. 38K.
That said, now that you know what you want and are figuring out the options here is what you do.
Write up what you want, exactly.
Email every Toyota dealer in the area stating you have test driven this vehicle and you are ready to buy it in this trim. The lowest price gets your money. You will be in on x day to sign paperwork and pick vehicle up.
Make sure you CC, not blind CC all of them in one email so they can see that you are contacting them all.
Sit back and enjoy bidding war.
ETA: You have 5 dealers in the area, 4 of you combine east and west Stevinson.
The only way to go. Let them earn your business.
hurley842002
08-09-2014, 13:06
Just priced one toyota.com.
The way I would have it set up would be the trail with kinetic suspension. 38K.
That said, now that you know what you want and are figuring out the options here is what you do.
Write up what you want, exactly.
Email every Toyota dealer in the area stating you have test driven this vehicle and you are ready to buy it in this trim. The lowest price gets your money. You will be in on x day to sign paperwork and pick vehicle up.
Make sure you CC, not blind CC all of them in one email so they can see that you are contacting them all.
Sit back and enjoy bidding war.
ETA: You have 5 dealers in the area, 4 of you combine east and west Stevinson.
Not that I'll be buying anytime soon, but thanks for the tip, hell of an idea!
The wife really won't need any of the cool features on the trail model. We are looking at the "base model" SR5. Still pretty nicely equipped. If she wants the "premium" package that adds leather interior and a sunroof. The ones we were looking at were between $32K and $35K. The email bidding war sounds like a great idea. Being that there are lots of 2014 models on the lots they should make us a decent deal with the 2015 models beginning to come in. I'll email the sales managers directly and do the whole CC thing so they are all aware they are bidding against each other.
The wife leaves in the morning for a business trip so I told her to figure out exactly what she wants while she's gone. Hopefully when she returns on Tuesday she'll know and I can send out the email.
Thanks.
Richard K
08-09-2014, 22:04
MY wife loves her 2011 Murano SL and prefers it over her previous Lexus RX300. Better, quieter ride with Michelin LTX tires on both and the option of locking it in 4X4 for deep snow. If you go that route get a 2010 or newer (tranny problems on the older ones)
Rooskibar03
08-09-2014, 22:16
Just priced one toyota.com.
The way I would have it set up would be the trail with kinetic suspension. 38K.
That said, now that you know what you want and are figuring out the options here is what you do.
Write up what you want, exactly.
Email every Toyota dealer in the area stating you have test driven this vehicle and you are ready to buy it in this trim. The lowest price gets your money. You will be in on x day to sign paperwork and pick vehicle up.
Make sure you CC, not blind CC all of them in one email so they can see that you are contacting them all.
Sit back and enjoy bidding war.
ETA: You have 5 dealers in the area, 4 of you combine east and west Stevinson.
If you go this route I highly suggest setting up a disposable gmail account for this use only.
Ray if you end up going the Toyota route PM me and I'll get you a contact out at Stevinson West to deal with.
Haroldlutsen
08-10-2014, 00:45
I know it's a global economy but I think we could all help by considering buying domestic products over foreign. It seems not very many people even think of that aspect when choosing a vehicle these days. Buying American when possible always seems like a better idea to me than foreign yet reading most of the replies it's not even brought up as one of the determining factors :(
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I know it's a global economy but I think we could all help by considering buying domestic products over foreign. It seems not very many people even think of that aspect when choosing a vehicle these days. Buying American when possible always seems like a better idea to me than foreign yet reading most of the replies it's not even brought up as one of the determining factors :(
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Help what exactly? Not everyone is okay with encouraging low quality products just because they are made here.
blackford76
08-10-2014, 02:15
Help what exactly? Not everyone is okay with encouraging low quality products just because they are made here.
Define 'low quality'. Seems the imports have had more recalls than even GM. Saw that VW had to recall all their suv's, toyota holds the record for recalls, but still has a rabidly loyal customer base.
I'll sick with American, thanks.
Depends on your definition of "American" I suppose. There was an article out recently about which vehicles were the most American made. I remember the Toyota Camry was number one. The Ford F150 was second. I can't remember the rest but I know there were other "imports" on the list. They based the study on several criteria including not only where they are manufactured but the source of the parts.
Oh, and for those of you who are die hard "buy American" fans, have you seen how many pieces of your vehicle come from places like Mexico, the Philippines, etc? Those places are known for cranking out high quality products, aren't they? And, depending which model you buy, it might have even been assembled at one of the plants in Mexico or Canada.
Oh, and I don't recall Toyota, Nissan, etc. running their company into the ground and then taking a handout from the federal government either.
Madeinhb
08-10-2014, 07:58
I know it's a global economy but I think we could all help by considering buying domestic products over foreign. It seems not very many people even think of that aspect when choosing a vehicle these days. Buying American when possible always seems like a better idea to me than foreign yet reading most of the replies it's not even brought up as one of the determining factors :(
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Using GM as an example - corvette is only car built is US. Almost every other car is "built" in Mexico.
Haroldlutsen
08-10-2014, 08:21
Using GM as an example - corvette is only car built is US. Almost every other car is "built" in Mexico.
I do not believe this to be true there is a van plant and Colorado truck plant in wentzville mo and I'm sure there are others plus I think if we bought more we would have to " make more" which would provide more good paying jobs. I'm sure I am oversimplifying it but why buy Korean and Japanese cars when there are viable us alternatives
Haroldlutsen
08-10-2014, 08:25
.
Oh, and I don't recall Toyota, Nissan, etc. running their company into the ground and then taking a handout from the federal government either.[/QUOTE]
Brought to you by the same people that brought you Pearl Harbor what would our grandparents say
hurley842002
08-10-2014, 09:03
Help what exactly? Not everyone is okay with encouraging low quality products just because they are made here.
You said it better than I was going to.
To the die hard "buy American" crowd, GET OVER IT, seriously. If American automobile manufacturers were truly cranking out 100% American made cars and trucks, I'd say you have a valid point, anymore that is not the case.
For the record, I don't buy a vehicle based on where it's made, I buy them based on what I can afford, and what suits my needs best. I've been a die hard Jeep Cherokee guy for years, and recently switched to a Tacoma. American manufacturers don't make anything that I feel compares to a Tacoma, and I'm sure all the American workers in California, that put my truck together are happy to get a paycheck.
Haroldlutsen
08-10-2014, 09:20
You said it better than I was going to.
I'm sure all the American workers in California, that put my truck together are happy to get a paycheck.
I agree with some of your points but if we bought less Toyotas, Hyundais Nissans the California workers would be building ford and Chevys
tmleadr03
08-10-2014, 10:00
.
Oh, and I don't recall Toyota, Nissan, etc. running their company into the ground and then taking a handout from the federal government either.
Brought to you by the same people that brought you Pearl Harbor what would our grandparents say[/QUOTE]
Clearly your grandparents are racist fucks who agreed with internment camps for american citizens just because of the shape of their eyes.
tmleadr03
08-10-2014, 10:00
I agree with some of your points but if we bought less Toyotas, Hyundais Nissans the California workers would be building ford and Chevys
Not how it works boss.
I know it's a global economy but I think we could all help by considering buying domestic products over foreign. It seems not very many people even think of that aspect when choosing a vehicle these days. Buying American when possible always seems like a better idea to me than foreign yet reading most of the replies it's not even brought up as one of the determining factors :(
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
You took this way off topic, open your own thread.
Madeinhb
08-10-2014, 11:00
I do not believe this to be true there is a van plant and Colorado truck plant in wentzville mo and I'm sure there are others plus I think if we bought more we would have to " make more" which would provide more good paying jobs. I'm sure I am oversimplifying it but why buy Korean and Japanese cars when there are viable us alternatives
Parts might be made here. My GM car said parts made in America - assembled in Mexico.
Madeinhb
08-10-2014, 11:03
I agree with some of your points but if we bought less Toyotas, Hyundais Nissans the California workers would be building ford and Chevys
Sorry this is not how it works.
Madeinhb
08-10-2014, 11:27
The wife really won't need any of the cool features on the trail model. We are looking at the "base model" SR5. Still pretty nicely equipped. If she wants the "premium" package that adds leather interior and a sunroof. The ones we were looking at were between $32K and $35K. The email bidding war sounds like a great idea. Being that there are lots of 2014 models on the lots they should make us a decent deal with the 2015 models beginning to come in. I'll email the sales managers directly and do the whole CC thing so they are all aware they are bidding against each other.
The wife leaves in the morning for a business trip so I told her to figure out exactly what she wants while she's gone. Hopefully when she returns on Tuesday she'll know and I can send out the email.
Thanks.
I love my 4runner. Feels like a truck but I have the room of an SUV. I went with used 2006 cause it was half the price of new.
My new Duramax says Proudly built by union 358 members in Flint Michigan.
KestrelBike
08-10-2014, 11:29
Depends on your definition of "American" I suppose. There was an article out recently about which vehicles were the most American made. I remember the Toyota Camry was number one. The Ford F150 was second. I can't remember the rest but I know there were other "imports" on the list. They based the study on several criteria including not only where they are manufactured but the source of the parts.
Oh, and for those of you who are die hard "buy American" fans, have you seen how many pieces of your vehicle come from places like Mexico, the Philippines, etc? Those places are known for cranking out high quality products, aren't they? And, depending which model you buy, it might have even been assembled at one of the plants in Mexico or Canada.
Oh, and I don't recall Toyota, Nissan, etc. running their company into the ground and then taking a handout from the federal government either.
Wasn't that whole Toyota accelerator recall a bunch of liberal-congress fueled bullshit during the height of domestic shitty sales and bailouts? And they never could replicate or even prove a single case of the runaway Toyota as big media rabidly reported? (Not counting the stuck floormat, that's a basic physics issue that can affect any car with a pedal)
Madeinhb
08-10-2014, 11:31
Not to mention I love that the back window in tail gate rolls down and up.
I agree with some of your points but if we bought less Toyotas, Hyundais Nissans the California workers would be building ford and Chevys
So you're against free market Enterprise?
Apologies to the OP, but I couldn't resist the troll.
Madeinhb
08-10-2014, 12:13
So you're against free market Enterprise?
Apologies to the OP, but I couldn't resist the troll.
I think some of us fell for feeding the troll
Brought to you by the same people that brought you Pearl Harbor what would our grandparents say
NM. Did not mean to derail.
Ray - good luck with it & hope you manage a sweet deal.
Sheesh. This has run off course. I was just hoping for some first hand experiences with a few makes and models.
Anyways, just to keep this thing derailed, I will just say that I buy what best fits my needs and I prefer to buy something dependable and reliable that holds some of its value.
If it makes any of you feel better, I drive a Dodge Ram and have two Harleys in the garage.
[Beer]
Get a side car for the wife.
Get a side car for the wife.
She wouldn't ride in it anyways. She prefers to ride her own bike. Been quite a few years since she has even ridden on the back of mine.
I agree with some of your points but if we bought less Toyotas, Hyundais Nissans the California workers would be building ford and Chevys
I'd rather Americans be building some quality vehicles, not ones that burst into flames 2 weeks after a collision, and GM's response is to park your vehicle outside so your house doesn't burn down. (http://www.8newsnow.com/story/26233987/gm-park-your-suv-outside-in-case-it-catches-fire)
I thought I would share my experience with 4-Runners; actually, they were my brother's. He had a '90, '92, '94, and a '95 (all SR5s). My first observation on all four; the defroster didn't have enough force from the blower to defrost the entire windshield...WTF! Annoying as that was along with the rest of the cheap construction, it gets worse.
My brother kept the '95 thinking he would put miles on it and it would last him forever. In 2003, he limped this thing to my house with 120k, full of rust especially the tailgate, a CEL, and no power. I did a compression test; it had one dead cylinder and one mostly dead cylinder. I told him he had a head or ring issue; probably head because the heads were junk in these. He begged me to fix it because he was hurting financially so I relented and did it for him. After pulling the heads, I saw the two burned valves, and sent them off to the machine shop where the machinist sat in amazement that they were still usable because he usually threw these in the trash. My brother was one of the lucky few who got off easy because warped and cracked heads were common in these (link (http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toyota/4runner/r45660/comments/)).
Yes, Toyota, the king of all who can do no wrong, put that shit 3.0 in their vehicles and there was a recall on them for blown head gaskets. If I took my 175k mile Jeep to the crusher tomorrow, I would still have my brother on total cost of ownership. Anyhow, he learned his lesson and stopped throwing away his money on these especially since I told him I would never work on one again; he sold it a couple of years after I fixed it. Whenever we hear about something going wrong with Toyota, it usually gets dismissed as did the issue about the random acceleration recall in this very thread. I guess my point is this; contrary to popular belief, Toyota's shit does stink, and their stuff breaks like everybody else's...you just get the privilege of paying more for it. I think my brother paid about 34k for that thing back in '95 and would have paid a lot more for it if I didn't come to his rescue...ridiculous! I don't know how much the new ones cost, but I am sure it is equally ridiculous.
Ironically, his '90 down payment was made with the money he got from selling me his low mileage '79 W72 WS6 Nocturne Blue Trans Am for $9,000. I have 40k miles on this car now and it is worth close to what he paid for the the original 4-Runner, which is kind of fun when I rub his nose in it. All that he has left to show for it is the $3,800 he got for that 4 Runner rust bucket he unloaded in '06.
ruthabagah
08-11-2014, 15:56
3rd gen 4 runner, were ok, 4th gen are amazing, 5th gen (current one) are terrible. I pulled a 5th gen (SR5 with a lift kit) out of a ditch last week end..... Guy got stuck because of the long wheelbase....
Madeinhb
08-11-2014, 16:53
I thought I would share my experience with 4-Runners; actually, they were my brother's. He had a '90, '92, '94, and a '95 (all SR5s). My first observation on all four; the defroster didn't have enough force from the blower to defrost the entire windshield...WTF! Annoying as that was along with the rest of the cheap construction, it gets worse.
My brother kept the '95 thinking he would put miles on it and it would last him forever. In 2003, he limped this thing to my house with 120k, full of rust especially the tailgate, a CEL, and no power. I did a compression test; it had one dead cylinder and one mostly dead cylinder. I told him he had a head or ring issue; probably head because the heads were junk in these. He begged me to fix it because he was hurting financially so I relented and did it for him. After pulling the heads, I saw the two burned valves, and sent them off to the machine shop where the machinist sat in amazement that they were still usable because he usually threw these in the trash. My brother was one of the lucky few who got off easy because warped and cracked heads were common in these (link (http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toyota/4runner/r45660/comments/)).
Yes, Toyota, the king of all who can do no wrong, put that shit 3.0 in their vehicles and there was a recall on them for blown head gaskets. If I took my 175k mile Jeep to the crusher tomorrow, I would still have my brother on total cost of ownership. Anyhow, he learned his lesson and stopped throwing away his money on these especially since I told him I would never work on one again; he sold it a couple of years after I fixed it. Whenever we hear about something going wrong with Toyota, it usually gets dismissed as did the issue about the random acceleration recall in this very thread. I guess my point is this; contrary to popular belief, Toyota's shit does stink, and their stuff breaks like everybody else's...you just get the privilege of paying more for it. I think my brother paid about 34k for that thing back in '95 and would have paid a lot more for it if I didn't come to his rescue...ridiculous! I don't know how much the new ones cost, but I am sure it is equally ridiculous.
Ironically, his '90 down payment was made with the money he got from selling me his low mileage '79 W72 WS6 Nocturne Blue Trans Am for $9,000. I have 40k miles on this car now and it is worth close to what he paid for the the original 4-Runner, which is kind of fun when I rub his nose in it. All that he has left to show for it is the $3,800 he got for that 4 Runner rust bucket he unloaded in '06.
A lot has changed in 20 years. I have a 4th gen and love it. No issues.
hurley842002
08-11-2014, 17:05
I thought I would share my experience with 4-Runners; actually, they were my brother's. He had a '90, '92, '94, and a '95 (all SR5s). My first observation on all four; the defroster didn't have enough force from the blower to defrost the entire windshield...WTF! Annoying as that was along with the rest of the cheap construction, it gets worse.
My brother kept the '95 thinking he would put miles on it and it would last him forever. In 2003, he limped this thing to my house with 120k, full of rust especially the tailgate, a CEL, and no power. I did a compression test; it had one dead cylinder and one mostly dead cylinder. I told him he had a head or ring issue; probably head because the heads were junk in these. He begged me to fix it because he was hurting financially so I relented and did it for him. After pulling the heads, I saw the two burned valves, and sent them off to the machine shop where the machinist sat in amazement that they were still usable because he usually threw these in the trash. My brother was one of the lucky few who got off easy because warped and cracked heads were common in these (link (http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toyota/4runner/r45660/comments/)).
Yes, Toyota, the king of all who can do no wrong, put that shit 3.0 in their vehicles and there was a recall on them for blown head gaskets. If I took my 175k mile Jeep to the crusher tomorrow, I would still have my brother on total cost of ownership. Anyhow, he learned his lesson and stopped throwing away his money on these especially since I told him I would never work on one again; he sold it a couple of years after I fixed it. Whenever we hear about something going wrong with Toyota, it usually gets dismissed as did the issue about the random acceleration recall in this very thread. I guess my point is this; contrary to popular belief, Toyota's shit does stink, and their stuff breaks like everybody else's...you just get the privilege of paying more for it. I think my brother paid about 34k for that thing back in '95 and would have paid a lot more for it if I didn't come to his rescue...ridiculous! I don't know how much the new ones cost, but I am sure it is equally ridiculous.
Ironically, his '90 down payment was made with the money he got from selling me his low mileage '79 W72 WS6 Nocturne Blue Trans Am for $9,000. I have 40k miles on this car now and it is worth close to what he paid for the the original 4-Runner, which is kind of fun when I rub his nose in it. All that he has left to show for it is the $3,800 he got for that 4 Runner rust bucket he unloaded in '06.
And your rant about 20+ year old vehicles with known head gasket issues, has what exactly to do with with the OP and his purchase of a brand new Toyota?
My new Duramax says Proudly built by union 358 members in Flint Michigan.
Mine does too! It also says better than ford and and a shitload better than dodge on it.
Haroldlutsen
08-11-2014, 18:31
She wouldn't ride in it anyways. She prefers to ride her own bike. Been quite a few years since she has even ridden on the back of mine.
Good luck if should have not changed from your original question. To be clear I think most major manufacturers have a good products these days not limited to Japanese or American or otherwise. Sometimes I get upset thinking about all or manufacturing leaving for other countries and the loss of jobs. It also seems me that people to "no fault of their own" think buying foreign vs domestic makes no difference, I think it does help buying American maybe I'm wrong and it makes no difference. Once again good luck with your purchase and it's pretty cool having a wife that rides her own Harley it's a lot better riding for the both of you
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
To the gentkeman with the long rant a few posts up, if your brother paid that much for one back in 95 he really got screwed. The average price of a new vehicle these days is $32K. The new 4runners the wife and I were looking at were between $32K and $35K. I can't imagine they haven't increased in price over all those years.
Of course the ones for $32K were the basic models. Only had the standard equipment. You know, 4WD, 4.0 V6, automatic, power everything, Bluetooth, navigation, etc. The ones for $35K added leather seats and a sunroof. There are more expensive ones but they don't really have any extra features. Just fancy things like 20" wheels, a different grill, chrome door handles, third row seats, etc. Although they do have a "trail" model that has some stuff like locking diffs, manual transfer case and whatever.
I think most major manufacturers have a good products these days not limited to Japanese or American or otherwise.
I'll agree with you on this. Just about any vehicle made these days is capable of going 200,000 miles or more. Seems most stuff from the 60s,70s, and 80s was pretty well worn out by around 100,000.
To the gentkeman with the long rant a few posts up, if your brother paid that much for one back in 95 he really got screwed. The average price of a new vehicle these days is $32K. The new 4runners the wife and I were looking at were between $32K and $35K. I can't imagine they haven't increased in price over all those years.
I completely agree; he got screwed. I believe the price on them started around 26K on his first purchase and went up a couple of thousand or so each time he traded it in. The dealers were marking up the 3.0 SR5s and people were dumb enough to pay it (the 4cyl ones were cheaper). I am not the one who signed on the dotted line so I am basically relaying what he told me; I am just the one who cleaned up the mess. Anyhow, this is my one and only experience with the company; nobody in my family ever purchased one again.
So what are they offering for the wife?
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.