Thinking about buying a car

[skcin]

I've had my car for about 7 years now (it's 8&1/2 years old) and I'm thinking of getting something else. I like it, it runs & looks great, but it's a 2 door & not really practical anymore as far as the dog, fam & other stuff go. It's a Monte Carlo.

I'll be selling my car myself - I refuse to let a dirty dealer screw me out of $1000 or more to trade it in. I'm thinking of a smaller SUV (shut up, Diss) - I like the Jeep Liberty, Hyundai Santa Fe, Saturn VUE, etc. Used, preferably 2003 or 2004 (I'd go 2002 if the miles are low & it's in good shape.)

Any advice? Recommendations? Warnings? I've heard the VUE has lots of problems, so I'm leaning away from that. Jeep does a really thorough check on their "certified used vehicles" but I hear the Liberty is not a smooth ride. I've heard great things about the Buick Rendevous, but eh.

[DrummerDeanna]

Don't know much about the topic - but my sister got a Nissan Extera (it is actually considered a small SUV) and she LOVES it - it's a great drive - not bulky and scary - and yeah - she enjoys it

So that's all I know

Good luck.

[hayley]

I drive a Hyundai Elantra, and based on how much I love my car, my mom got a Santa Fe. It's totally cute, really affordable, the gas mileage is better than a lot of similar models, and the warranty is great.

People don't necessarily think quality when they hear Hyundai, but I love my car, and at 50,000 miles I've yet to have a SINGLE problem with it (knock on wood).

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by hayley

I drive a Hyundai Elantra, and based on how much I love my car, my mom got a Santa Fe. It's totally cute, really affordable, the gas mileage is better than a lot of similar models, and the warranty is great.

People don't necessarily think quality when they hear Hyundai, but I love my car, and at 50,000 miles I've yet to have a SINGLE problem with it (knock on wood).

They used to be absolute **** - but they've really gotten better - my sister got a Hyndai accent like when they first came out - that car was nothing but one big heap of trouble from day one

Now though - I hear great things about Hyndai -

[mylittledemon]

Well I'd say get something that's good on the gas mileage and is known for not breaking down all the damn time. I've had a Geo Prizm GSI since 1996. It was my first car and it's still tickin'!

Honda's are excellent cars too.

[hayley]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

They used to be absolute **** - but they've really gotten better - my sister got a Hyndai accent like when they first came out - that car was nothing but one big heap of trouble from day one

Now though - I hear great things about Hyndai -

Yeah, they're so much better now. I have a 2002 model and have nothing but love for it. I was surprised when I started to research cars in that price and size level- the consensus was that the Elantra was the best.

I guess Kia's part of the Hyundai corporation- they've taken the baton for continued excellence in being ****ty.

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by hayley

Yeah, they're so much better now. I have a 2002 model and have nothing but love for it. I was surprised when I started to research cars in that price and size level- the consensus was that the Elantra was the best.

I guess Kia's part of the Hyundai corporation- they've taken the baton for continued excellence in being ****ty.

lol - yeah my sister accent was a 1995 I believe - or 1993 - I don't know - either way - not a good year for Hyndai's!!!

Glad to hear the Elantra is a winner - I hope to not have to look for a car for a few years - but ya never know

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by hayley

I drive a Hyundai Elantra, and based on how much I love my car, my mom got a Santa Fe. It's totally cute, really affordable, the gas mileage is better than a lot of similar models, and the warranty is great.

People don't necessarily think quality when they hear Hyundai, but I love my car, and at 50,000 miles I've yet to have a SINGLE problem with it (knock on wood).

Actually, I've heard that the Elantra is supposed to be pretty good.

[golddustwoman77]

I had a Honda CRV which I loved and never had any problems from. We sold it to my husband's mother, and it is still going strong no problems. I have a Ford Explorer now, and my mom, dad, and brother have all had Explorers or Expeditions. None of us have ever had problems with any of them, and they lasted us a long time.

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by skcin

I've had my car for about 7 years now (it's 8&1/2 years old) and I'm thinking of getting something else. I like it, it runs & looks great, but it's a 2 door & not really practical anymore as far as the dog, fam & other stuff go. It's a Monte Carlo.

I'll be selling my car myself - I refuse to let a dirty dealer screw me out of $1000 or more to trade it in. I'm thinking of a smaller SUV (shut up, Diss) - I like the Jeep Liberty, Hyundai Santa Fe, Saturn VUE, etc. Used, preferably 2003 or 2004 (I'd go 2002 if the miles are low & it's in good shape.)

Any advice? Recommendations? Warnings? I've heard the VUE has lots of problems, so I'm leaning away from that. Jeep does a really thorough check on their "certified used vehicles" but I hear the Liberty is not a smooth ride. I've heard great things about the Buick Rendevous, but eh.

Well, I do know that GM is doing the employee discount thing. Personally, I financed my car through a credit union and bought it on ebay for $5000 below blue book. It worked out quite well. It's still under warranty for another three years and the scheduled maintenance is covered by the manufacturer up to 30,000 miles. SUV's are going pretty cheap right now. I'd still advise against most of them. They have a high center of gravity and roll too easily and are just not safe in my book.
Good luck to you.