Small SUVs
#31
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by AmerLisa
We (husband and I) are currently looking at small SUVs to replace our small car. We're not buying one this second, but are doing research, since there seems to be so many out there. Does anyone own a small SUV (for example Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty) and how do they like/dislike it. Does anyone have any information on any of them? Thanks for any help.
We have heaps of room for four of us to go away at the weekend, and much better milage than we'd ever hoped for.
#32
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by Martin Wellbourne
Her Ladyship has a Hyundai Tucson - the LX V6 - and is made up with it .. nice engine, well appointed, all seats except the drivers seat fold flat ...
I'll get her to pm you when she gets back if you like ..
I'll get her to pm you when she gets back if you like ..
Also, another thought, insurance. Haven't talked to our insurance people yet, but did anyone find their insurance went up owning a SUV?
Anyway, thanks for all of your replies, anything else anyone can think of please feel free to post.
#33
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by rushman
I cant for the life of me understand why anyone would buy a small SUV.
If your family is small enough to all fit inside a car, buy a car.
If not buy a minivan (far wiser option that a small SUV)
SUV's are dinosaurs, handle like crap,crap on gas, perform like crap, built like crap and after a few years ain't worth a crap (well the US built one's anyway).
I don't particularly like minivans but they have to be 100 times more practical than an SUV.
If your family is small enough to all fit inside a car, buy a car.
If not buy a minivan (far wiser option that a small SUV)
SUV's are dinosaurs, handle like crap,crap on gas, perform like crap, built like crap and after a few years ain't worth a crap (well the US built one's anyway).
I don't particularly like minivans but they have to be 100 times more practical than an SUV.
#34
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,113
Re: Small SUVs
I know your hubby didn't like the vue, but just in case he changes his mind. Do not get the vue with the 2.5 litre engine. Get the bigger 3.5 litre that has a bit more omph!. My mother in law has a brand new vue, which is not a bad car, but she bought the small engine version and it sucks power wise.
I think our insurance went up about $15 a month going from a Focus to an Xterra.
I think our insurance went up about $15 a month going from a Focus to an Xterra.
#35
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by Pimpbot
I know your hubby didn't like the vue, but just in case he changes his mind. Do not get the vue with the 2.5 litre engine. Get the bigger 3.5 litre that has a bit more omph!. My mother in law has a brand new vue, which is not a bad car, but she bought the small engine version and it sucks power wise.
I think our insurance went up about $15 a month going from a Focus to an Xterra.
I think our insurance went up about $15 a month going from a Focus to an Xterra.
Have to call our insurance and check. $15 isn't a bad hike.
#36
Re: Small SUVs
Had a Honda CRV for the last two years. Quite happy with it. Insurance less than for my Civic. Gas mileage ~ 22 to 28 depending on how much of it is in-town. Good in snow. Only thing that I'm less than happy with is the 4-speed auto - could use a 5-speed auto, although I think this is standard on the new ones. Stock tyres are not too good either - get rid of those if you get one. Considered the RAV-4 as well, but not quite what I wanted (the insurance is supposedly higher too). Never even thought about the Escape, although a lot of people seem to like them.
As for the Saturn Vue - not my cup of tea, but at least the larger engine is a Honda V6.
As for the Saturn Vue - not my cup of tea, but at least the larger engine is a Honda V6.
#37
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by AdobePinon
Had a Honda CRV for the last two years. Quite happy with it. Insurance less than for my Civic. Gas mileage ~ 22 to 28 depending on how much of it is in-town. Good in snow. Only thing that I'm less than happy with is the 4-speed auto - could use a 5-speed auto, although I think this is standard on the new ones. Stock tyres are not too good either - get rid of those if you get one. Considered the RAV-4 as well, but not quite what I wanted (the insurance is supposedly higher too). Never even thought about the Escape, although a lot of people seem to like them.
As for the Saturn Vue - not my cup of tea, but at least the larger engine is a Honda V6.
As for the Saturn Vue - not my cup of tea, but at least the larger engine is a Honda V6.
Obviously I don't know what it's like to own over a period of time, but the numerous test drives I have had indicate it's a good car. I initially looked at used ones, which drove barely any different to a new one after 30k miles. However, thieving ba$tards at the local dealers (as in plural, many dealers) all wanted top dollar for a used one. I spent every last cent and bought a new one with no options from CarMax. Saved $3k over one from a traditional dealer, all fitted with useless options like adjustable pedals! Still only $4k more than the used ones.
I don't like CarMax, but they are cheap. I'm sure I will get over buying from the "enemy".
I'm happy with my choice, comparing it with my old car in the UK (Merc E class). As I said, just my 2 cents.
Last edited by Roadster280; Oct 30th 2005 at 9:54 pm.
#38
Mr. Grumpy
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 3,100
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by Roadster280
I'm happy with my choice, comparing it with my old car in the UK (Merc E class). As I said, just my 2 cents.
#39
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by BritGuyTN
probably won't notice that much difference - the pacifica is essentially the old shape e class
It does seem very similar to Merc R Class.
However, straying from Small SUVs into crossovers! Sorry.
Last edited by Roadster280; Oct 31st 2005 at 12:37 am.
#41
I approved this message
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,425
Re: Small SUVs
I've had an 02 Honda CR-V for over three and a half years now. It's essentially been flawless, it drives and handles very well, it's the right size for a two-kid family and seems very well designed on the interior.
Problems: even though it's 4WD, it's slightly scary to drive in the snow. My Mazda6 is better in the winter. Also, the 4 cyl. engine is a little anaemic.
Don't get a Liberty, they have awful quality ratings and apparently drive like shit compared to a Rav4 or CR-V (I've never driven one, though). The Escape is a completely obsolete design and my friend's one seems to break down on a weekly basis. The Subaru Forrester is supposedly terrific. I've driven a Rav4 and they are very nicely made.
I think 4WD station wagons are truly the way to go, but most Americans seemingly wouldn't be caught dead in one. Our loss. I'd love to get this car:
It's a Lancer Evo X wagon. Over 300HP (400 pound feet) at the flywheel and the thing apparenly handles like a rallycross racer. It also sells for about 35K. I even like the way it looks, sort of a Volvo on steroids. It's sold in Japan only...too bad.
Problems: even though it's 4WD, it's slightly scary to drive in the snow. My Mazda6 is better in the winter. Also, the 4 cyl. engine is a little anaemic.
Don't get a Liberty, they have awful quality ratings and apparently drive like shit compared to a Rav4 or CR-V (I've never driven one, though). The Escape is a completely obsolete design and my friend's one seems to break down on a weekly basis. The Subaru Forrester is supposedly terrific. I've driven a Rav4 and they are very nicely made.
I think 4WD station wagons are truly the way to go, but most Americans seemingly wouldn't be caught dead in one. Our loss. I'd love to get this car:
It's a Lancer Evo X wagon. Over 300HP (400 pound feet) at the flywheel and the thing apparenly handles like a rallycross racer. It also sells for about 35K. I even like the way it looks, sort of a Volvo on steroids. It's sold in Japan only...too bad.
#42
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,750
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by Hiro11
Don't get a Liberty, they have awful quality ratings and apparently drive like shit compared to a Rav4 or CR-V (I've never driven one, though).
#43
I approved this message
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,425
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by Chorlton
I bought a Wrangler when I got here and I don't plan on driving anything else Its worth at least as much as I paid for it 3 years ago, you can buy every single part for it easily, and I still get people telling me they wish they had one. The best thing about it is it does what it looks like it is supposed to do! Not for everyone but I wouldnt swap it.
#44
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,750
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by Hiro11
Wrangler's a different story.
um, yep, it sure is. The Liberty tries to do lots of things and achieves none. The Wrangler is damn good at what it does if you dont need a walnut dash
#45
Re: Small SUVs
Originally Posted by Hiro11
I think 4WD station wagons are truly the way to go, but most Americans seemingly wouldn't be caught dead in one. Our loss. I'd love to get this car:
It's a Lancer Evo X wagon. Over 300HP (400 pound feet) at the flywheel and the thing apparenly handles like a rallycross racer. It also sells for about 35K. I even like the way it looks, sort of a Volvo on steroids. It's sold in Japan only...too bad.