Cars

[S49erman]

I recently moved to a area which has many more mountains than where I came from (LA.) And need a car with four weel or all weel drive by the winter time. Looking for a reasonably priced car or small-mid suv. Any thoughts? Thanks!

-Scott

[BettorsChat]

www.kellybluebook.com

[wizardofoddz]

Scott

My opinion, pound for pound, dollar for dollar, you can't beat a 4 runner. I have one and it has 214,000 miles on it. I wouldn't hesitate to drive it ANYWHERE!

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...ex.cfm/id/2110

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...95812161990708

[S49erman]

wiz, toyota makes a great vehicle. I had a camry that was running well at 125 thousand miles probably still is running good

[GermanBettor]

Get a used BMW 3 Series.
Great car, great quality and not too expansive.

[wallstreet]

Just bought a Honda Element, I love it!

Good gas milage, small in size, practical, I got it new for under 19k (I robbed the dealer)

Not the typical SUV but if you check it out in person, for the price it is tough to beat.

Stick with an import whatever you do..

[S49erman]

Thanks for the insight guys. I am looking at a few cars especially this mazda. Its a smaller suv called Tribute. I wanted to know if anyone had any experiences with mazdas? Thanks.

[hazsupport]

Cars

My brother bought one of the first Mazda RX2 i think back in the 70s Rotary Engine. Ive bought a small truck se5 in the early 80s and presently own a Protege 90. Always been good on Maintenance but suv's are a different story. Tell whick year your looking @ and i will check consumer report for repair history. hc

[S49erman]

haz,

I'm looking for a brand new one, or one made in the last couple years.

[statsman]

49er,
Have a little experience here since I'm in the financing part of the auto industry. I would have have to say go with a Honda or Nissan. Might offend some people here, but stay away from domestic. They have absolutely no resale value what so ever.

No offense Wallstreet, but the Element is Honda's no frills, cheaply constructed SUV targeted for the yound crowd. Comes cheap and is cheap. You can pick up a CRV (smaller but better) for around the same price.

Agree with Wiz, can't go wrong with a 4runner, new or used. They just seem to keep going and going. Best of luck with your search. Just remember if you go used the market is flooded with used cars because new car rates are so low. Decide what you are willing to pay and stick with it. Dealers will bend to unload inventory, especially a SUV this time of year.

[S49erman]

stats,

thanks for the info.

Why are they unloading the suv's? How long will that last. Im willing to pay cash will that help anything?

[hazsupport]

cars

Read some not so good comments on the Mazda @consumerreports.com u may want to check it out!4 runners have very good resale value. hc

[wizardofoddz]

Scott

My cousin bought a (new) Tribute. It never made the first oil change before the motor shit the bed. The dealer replaced the motor, but they are still fighting over who is going to pay. Mazda is saying it was a faulty oil filter, the oil filter manufacture is saying it was a faulty oil pump. Now, he is stuck in the middle and has to go to court to get his money back.
Also, the Tribute is the same vehicle as the Ford Escape.

[wallstreet]

statsman,

I used to sell Hondas..



So I know about the CRV, Pilot etc.. I chose the Element for a few reasons..

The CRV will run you 2k-4k more versus the EX Element I bought. Also the CRV used to be based on the Civic chasis and got great gas milage, but last model change was a big one and with it came power and a loss of gas milage.

The CRV is just a mini Pilot now whereas the Element is completely its own style.

The Element is based off the Accord chasis, has a great turning radius, gets good gas milage, has decent power (I dont need a 6 banger) and you are right, the features are watered down, but it has the basics and for its purpose it has what it needs. It doesnt have power seats or climate control or a DVD console in the back..

But it is cool, I got it for under 19k, it will have great resale, is original and is as close to an SUV that I will get.

I would prefer the last model on the CRV if you asked me..

[logan3372]

We just got a trailblazer Lt a must look at they are great