Thinking about buying a car

skcin · #1 06-28-2005, 11:37 AM

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 · #2 06-28-2005, 11:45 AM

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 · #3 06-28-2005, 11:55 AM

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 · #4 06-28-2005, 12:02 PM

Quote:

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** · #5 06-28-2005, 12:04 PM

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 · #6 06-28-2005, 12:30 PM

Quote:

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 · #7 06-28-2005, 12:36 PM

Quote:

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

skcin · #8 06-28-2005, 01:20 PM

My friend had an Hyundai Excel back in '92. What a piece of **** that thing was. Good to hear they've improved.

I have issues with buying foreign. I've always had an American car. Actually, I've always had Chevy's. Actually, I've had 3 Monte Carlos & that's it.

So it's a big decision for me. I don't know if I can do it, even though most "foreign" cars are now made in the U.S.

CreepingDeath · #9 06-28-2005, 04:59 PM

If you end up getting a SUV, avoid anything from Ford like the plague. My friend just bought an Expedition two months ago and has had nothing but trouble. Actually, I was just with her last night and the rearview mirror fell off. I mean wth?

My aunt has had a bunch of **** happen with her Explorer too.

goldie · #10 06-28-2005, 06:42 PM

I'd say Nissans are the way to go Paula!!! But you don't want to buy foreign.

I'm on my 3rd Nissan and my 2nd Nissan Altima. It's an AWESOME car. I've heard the Nissan Murano (their small SUV) is pretty decent. That's my next car, I think. But I just bought a new car in February so that's a while off for me.

Good luck!

LEATHER&LACE64 · #11 06-28-2005, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skcin

My friend had an Hyundai Excel back in '92. What a piece of **** that thing was. Good to hear they've improved.

I have issues with buying foreign. I've always had an American car. Actually, I've always had Chevy's. Actually, I've had 3 Monte Carlos & that's it.

So it's a big decision for me. I don't know if I can do it, even though most "foreign" cars are now made in the U.S.

Paula, thought I would give you my two cents~~~ Buy "American" because if you buy foreign you could wait a week or more for parts if your car should break down.I've worked as a parts consultant for 20 years for a GM/Pontiac/Mitsubishi Dealership and I see the ins and outs all day long. Having had several Import lines over the years turned me off completely. They are hard to deal with and take forever to get parts.I personally have always had Chevys.Everyone has their own feelings on cars-everyone has had different luck. I just wanted to give my inside opinion

if ya have any question, I would be happy to answer or find out info for you

GardenStateGirlie · #12 06-28-2005, 11:03 PM

My parents are looking--my mom really likes the Santa Fe, Chevy Equinox (the grey on grey is beautiful), Mercury Mariner, and the Kia SUV--we should have a new one by the end of the week. The Equinox has a great safety rating and all of them get incredibly good gas mileage (unless you go for the big guys). Good luck!

diamondsnake · #13 06-28-2005, 11:03 PM

BMW now makes a really affordable SUV. Has anyone heard anything about these?

tynan88 · #14 06-29-2005, 02:35 AM

BMW is an excellent brand of car, and the x3 and x5 are very good SUV's. I wouldn't touch one though, cost way too much.

desertangel · #15 06-29-2005, 02:54 AM

I trade cars pretty frequently, not on purpose... it just works out that way. Seems I've had EVERYTHING. The best one I've owned is a Honda Accord. I recently test drove an Eclipse and came very close to buying it, until I read what hunks of trash they are. The test drive was a little scarey.

Cars I've owned:

1 Chev Impala
1 Ford Ltd
1 Mercury Monarch
1 Renault Alliance
2 Honda Accords
1 Dodge Neon (3 days, gave it back)
1 Grand Am
2 Trans Ams

Test drove: Mazda Miata, BMW, Dodge van and the Eclipse

I say Honda Accord because they hold their value and will go forever if you do routine maintenance and not let them go to heck. Stuff doesn't fall off easily like the door handles and things.

Of course there are always lemons and you should do your research on the internet about the car you're looking at. (If you find a car you want to buy take it to a mechanic for a check if the car is used.) I found so much BAD information about the Eclipse, it was hard for me to believe how popular they are. One person said they're great little cars as long as you strip everything mechanical off that came from the factory and replace it all with after market. Sigh... I really wanted that car.

Anyway, good luck in your search!

Laura