topic Re: SUV Shopping in Auto Loans

SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:30:02 GMT

I'm looking to purchase an SUV within the next year and I'm not sure exactly which one I want. I currently drive a Chevy Tahoe and it has some pretty cool features that I'd like to keep. My current SUV has Bluetooth, OnStar, USB connections, and an AUX connection for iPod/phone/etc. Although I love my Tahoe, I'd like something that is mid-sized. Any suggestions?

P.S. I'm not really a fan of Ford. Other than that I'm open to suggestions.

Re: SUV Shopping

pipeguy — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:47:18 GMT

@frogfan12 wrote:
I'm looking to purchase an SUV within the next year and I'm not sure exactly which one I want. I currently drive a Chevy Tahoe and it has some pretty cool features that I'd like to keep. My current SUV has Bluetooth, OnStar, USB connections, and an AUX connection for iPod/phone/etc. Although I love my Tahoe, I'd like something that is mid-sized. Any suggestions?

P.S. I'm not really a fan of Ford. Other than that I'm open to suggestions.

Heh, we think alike

I drive a Avalanche with 252,000 miles on it so down sizing is something I understand even if I won't. Once you get used to a full size Tahoe-Suburban its hard to go "small". My SIL drives a 2011 GMC Acadia crossover which is still pretty good size and has all the goodies like rear camera, AWD, heads-up display, Bluetooth, OnStar, etc etc. My DW had an Acura car which was well made, held up well and had great dealer service. Acura makes a nice mid-size SUV (MDX I think) but it's kind of pricey and last time I looked just about all Acura vehicles had to use high test gas. If I replace my "big Chevy" I'd probably take a close look at the Cadillac CTS Wagon in AWD - priced about the same as a new Tahoe but with a v-6 (300+ hp), lots of room and all the goodies.

Re: SUV Shopping

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:30:27 GMT

You should check out the new Kia Sorentos!!! I absolutely love mine and they have some amazing features!!!

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:47:14 GMT

I've been seeing that. As I searched online, the Kia Sorento was the only SUV aside from my current Tahoe that has all the features that I want. Kind of strange. I'll have to check it out. They look nice and the price is even nicer!

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:01:33 GMT

@pipeguy wrote:
@frogfan12 wrote:
I'm looking to purchase an SUV within the next year and I'm not sure exactly which one I want. I currently drive a Chevy Tahoe and it has some pretty cool features that I'd like to keep. My current SUV has Bluetooth, OnStar, USB connections, and an AUX connection for iPod/phone/etc. Although I love my Tahoe, I'd like something that is mid-sized. Any suggestions?

P.S. I'm not really a fan of Ford. Other than that I'm open to suggestions.
Heh, we think alike

I drive a Avalanche with 252,000 miles on it so down sizing is something I understand even if I won't. Once you get used to a full size Tahoe-Suburban its hard to go "small". My SIL drives a 2011 GMC Acadia crossover which is still pretty good size and has all the goodies like rear camera, AWD, heads-up display, Bluetooth, OnStar, etc etc. My DW had an Acura car which was well made, held up well and had great dealer service. Acura makes a nice mid-size SUV (MDX I think) but it's kind of pricey and last time I looked just about all Acura vehicles had to use high test gas. If I replace my "big Chevy" I'd probably take a close look at the Cadillac CTS Wagon in AWD - priced about the same as a new Tahoe but with a v-6 (300+ hp), lots of room and all the goodies.

The Cadillac SUVs are nice also...but I think it might be a little old for me. :/

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:02:04 GMT

Does anyone know about the Audi SUVs? The Q7, in particular. I've been looking at it but I'm not sure.

Re: SUV Shopping

BGinVA — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:39:05 GMT

I have a 2012 AWD Chevy Traverse on factory order, I think they are pretty nice. They are crossovers but hold 7 or 8 passengers (depending on the model), have a 5200 lb tow capacity with the factory installed tow package. For me it has the features I need in an SUV with a ride of a car.

Re: SUV Shopping

Anonymous — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:48:29 GMT

I know you said you don't like Ford, so I'll keep it brief Have you checked out the new Explorer's? They have some pretty neat tech options as well as some economical engine choices.

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 07:22:35 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I know you said you don't like Ford, so I'll keep it brief Have you checked out the new Explorer's? They have some pretty neat tech options as well as some economical engine choices.

I saw a new Explorer recently and I must admit that I did a double take. But I don't think I can do Ford again.

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 07:23:52 GMT

@BGinVA wrote:
I have a 2012 AWD Chevy Traverse on factory order, I think they are pretty nice. They are crossovers but hold 7 or 8 passengers (depending on the model), have a 5200 lb tow capacity with the factory installed tow package. For me it has the features I need in an SUV with a ride of a car.

I have a Tahoe now and don't want to do Chevy again. I've had too many problems with my brand new car.

Re: SUV Shopping

Anonymous — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:07:05 GMT

I would really look into the new Ford Explorer. In terms of safety, fuel economy, and economical engine choices, it's definitely a winner. You'd be surprised at the quality of Ford these days. I currently drive a '07 Ford Fusion, with 90K on the odometer, and I've had zero problems. I've only replaced the tires and changed the oil myself. Still on original brake pads and rotors...But enough of that...

If you're really against the Blue Oval, I'd look into the Audi Q7. I'm currently in Germany right now and I have one as a monthly rental. Amazing SUV and the diesel gets great fuel economy. I believe the US 3.0L TDI starts around $51K though. Being here in Germany has really made me fall in love with Audi though...I recently had an A4 S-Line Avant and it was great too. The manual transmission was firm and smooth and allowed me to get every bit of power out of the 2.0L TDI.

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 19:09:56 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I would really look into the new Ford Explorer. In terms of safety, fuel economy, and economical engine choices, it's definitely a winner. You'd be surprised at the quality of Ford these days. I currently drive a '07 Ford Fusion, with 90K on the odometer, and I've had zero problems. I've only replaced the tires and changed the oil myself. Still on original brake pads and rotors...But enough of that...

If you're really against the Blue Oval, I'd look into the Audi Q7. I'm currently in Germany right now and I have one as a monthly rental. Amazing SUV and the diesel gets great fuel economy. I believe the US 3.0L TDI starts around $51K though. Being here in Germany has really made me fall in love with Audi though...I recently had an A4 S-Line Avant and it was great too. The manual transmission was firm and smooth and allowed me to get every bit of power out of the 2.0L TDI.

After having 2 Fords, I'm just not a fan. The new ones are new and improved, I'm sure but I don't want to do Ford again.

Are all Audis fueled by diesel? And I'm not looking to buy new. I'm getting a used vehicle next. I bought new once and I'll probably never do that again because depreciation is nothing nice on a new car.

Re: SUV Shopping

Anonymous — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 19:52:52 GMT

No, many Audi's in the US are still gas. But the diesels cost a little more $$$. Well worth it in my opinion. The trip computer in my Q7 is showing 38MPG right now with a decent combination of highway and city driving...And I'm sure the highway mileage isn't as good as it could be...I'm driving on the autobahn and enjoying the road.

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:38:04 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
No, many Audi's in the US are still gas. But the diesels cost a little more $$$. Well worth it in my opinion. The trip computer in my Q7 is showing 38MPG right now with a decent combination of highway and city driving...And I'm sure the highway mileage isn't as good as it could be...I'm driving on the autobahn and enjoying the road.

38 mpg? I don't think I've ever gotten gas mileage that good, even with a car. I'll definitely be looking into that in the next couple of years.

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:38:37 GMT

I'm currently averaging 16 mpg. :/

P.S. Have fun out there on the Autobahn but be safe!

Re: SUV Shopping

pipeguy — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:04:33 GMT

@frogfan12 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
No, many Audi's in the US are still gas. But the diesels cost a little more $$$. Well worth it in my opinion. The trip computer in my Q7 is showing 38MPG right now with a decent combination of highway and city driving...And I'm sure the highway mileage isn't as good as it could be...I'm driving on the autobahn and enjoying the road.
38 mpg? I don't think I've ever gotten gas mileage that good, even with a car. I'll definitely be looking into that in the next couple of years.

Audi is very big in Europe, Germany, Italy, etc. Not so much in the USA and that's a factor with service if there is not an Audi dealer near you especially when traveling outside your home base. The TDI Q-7 is rated at 17/25 mpg by the EPA and the base price is in the $52k area meaning dressed out, $60K. The other problem especially with Germany Lux cars (et al) is the cost of service. Do some research on the cost of a tune up, brake job, strut replacement (as examples) of a BMW, Mercedes, Audi vs a Chevy or Ford.

Yes I drove a friends A8 at 220kph on the Autobahn - great fun, great car - bit different from the 10 mph crawl we live with around here most of the time.

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 04:08:27 GMT

@pipeguy wrote:
@frogfan12 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
No, many Audi's in the US are still gas. But the diesels cost a little more $$$. Well worth it in my opinion. The trip computer in my Q7 is showing 38MPG right now with a decent combination of highway and city driving...And I'm sure the highway mileage isn't as good as it could be...I'm driving on the autobahn and enjoying the road.
38 mpg? I don't think I've ever gotten gas mileage that good, even with a car. I'll definitely be looking into that in the next couple of years.
Audi is very big in Europe, Germany, Italy, etc. Not so much in the USA and that's a factor with service if there is not an Audi dealer near you especially when traveling outside your home base. The TDI Q-7 is rated at 17/25 mpg by the EPA and the base price is in the $52k area meaning dressed out, $60K. The other problem especially with Germany Lux cars (et al) is the cost of service. Do some research on the cost of a tune up, brake job, strut replacement (as examples) of a BMW, Mercedes, Audi vs a Chevy or Ford.

Yes I drove a friends A8 at 220kph on the Autobahn - great fun, great car - bit different from the 10 mph crawl we live with around here most of the time.

True about the foreign cars. My car right now is semi-expensive for things such as oil changes if I get synthetic oil ($75+). Right now I'm still under warranty so I can only imagine how much things will cost when that ends.

Re: SUV Shopping

aussiesareforever — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 15:36:33 GMT

I have a Hyundai Tucson. It is probably smaller than what you want but it has all the features you want for a pretty good price. I got the "Limited" version- which is fully loaded and it only cost about $25K. You can't beat the warranty either and I haven't had any problems with it so far. I went crar shopping expecting to get the CRV and the Hyundai cars totally won me over.

If the Tucson is too small, you can consider the VeraCruz or the Santa Fe.

Re: SUV Shopping

aussiesareforever — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 15:37:34 GMT

I guess Hyunda does not have OnStar though but it has everything else!!

Re: SUV Shopping

frogfan12 — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:31:45 GMT

I've looked at Hyundais a bit. I think I like their cars better because their SUVs seem a bit basic for my likes (that's what I get for buying a tricked out Tahoe first).

Has anyone had any experience with the Lexus RX 350? I've been looking at those online and they are looking pretty good in terms of prices, specs, etc. I still have yet to find out if they have bluetooth. Please let me know if you guys know anything about the RX 350.