Need help with my SUV choice!

[uromac]

Hi Everyone:

Help!! I am looking now to get a new SUV as my 2004 paid in full Navigator w/ 99,000+ miles (11 and 15 miles/gallon) which was in a 'fender bender' . It is $3500 to fix and probably is worth $6500 as a trade without being fixed. It was also going to need new tires and had other minor issues due to its age. So DH said that I should take a look at some new SUVs as I keep my vehicles for generally 5+ years, and put on at least 15,000 miles per year. BTW, I dislike the whole car shopping experience - it's just not fun for me !!

BTW, I have had Ford products my last 2 times and liked them would like to buy American. Also, on my wishlist I would like to 'downsize' somewhat and would like to go 'green' with a hybrid.

So - we found a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer demo with 5,000+ miles which would give me a smaller SUV which I wanted as I am in the tail end of my 'soccer mom' years and just need the extra space to move my ds to and from college, my dd carpools, and my work at camp. The mileage 13-19 is better than what I currently have of 11 and 15. This car has everything in it except a nav system. When test driving - it feels comfortable and is what I am used to driving

Then I saw a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid , an 'executive' car which is apparently the new code word for a demo !! This SUV is also fully loaded except for the nav system and is basically the same 'white' color with a leather interior (tan vs. gray) and it gets 25 and 27 mpg. It drives suprisingly well, and I really liked it. Although it has a rear view camera for backing up which I don't like , as I am used to the 'back up beep' of the Mountaineer and my Nav.

So now comes the hard part deciding which one. Basically, there will probably be a $10-12,000 price difference between the two vehicles and we would be paying in cash. I like both, but 1 is a full year younger and is a hybrid vs. a major price difference and both are under full warranty for the remaining time. I can rationalize both vehicles - but I would like your honest opinion, pros and cons on which one I should purchase. Do any of you out there own one of these SUVs?

We are now going back and forth doing the buyer/dealer dance . so I would really appreciate everyones input to help me out! Did I tell everyone I hate making rush decisions so I starting to feel the pressure !

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Thanks!

 

[Cindy B]

Is the Mercury a hybrid? I missed that.

Heres the deal. If you are paying cash, do what you are comfortable with. I personally would not be comfortable with paying 10,000 more for one year older car if I was paying with my hard earned cash.

What is the mileage on both the cars? Can you negiotiated the price of the Toyota?

Which one costs more?

I would prefer the Toyota. I don't really care about navigation system so that is a non issue for me.

Personally I would fix the broken car and call it the last major repair. Don't you have insurance? Wouldn't that cover part of that repair? What other issues?

It sounds like the original car isn't that old and the miles aren't bad. We paid for a 1999 and a 2000 car in cash and we are still driving them so 2004 is still a young one.

You could do a break even analysis of cost of repair vs. cost of depreication for newer car. You can also complete a break even cost for cost of repair vs. gas savings.

We kept our cars even with the gas mpg. Think about it, you still have to pay for gas over the upfront cost of the car which delays your breakeven point. We hardly drive, so thats a non issue for us. it would take us over 10 years to have a break even gas point so it is not worth it.

 

[vsimeone]

I have a 2005 Highlander which is the love of my life! I hope I never have to get rid of this car but if I do... I already KNOW that I will buy another Highlander. I have never done a thing to this car other than regular maintanence. It has 80,000 miles and runs like a dream.

Obviously, my vote is for the Highlander!

 

[natmurr]

another vote for the Highlander! I have an '08 (not hybrid) and I absolutely love it. There is tons of flexibility in seating and storage, runs perfectly and has decent fuel economy. We are a Toyota family (DH drives a 1992 Camry with 350,000kms) n vyvhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvcccccccccvvvvvvhvchhhhhy xfggfgvd hrhx6yuxx

 

[CyndiLooWho]

I adored my Expedition (same as your Navigator) and was sad to give it up when we moved overseas. Now that we're back, I'm driving a Saturn Vue, which is a nice vehicle, but I still miss my Expedition, esp since we're planning our drive to Disney...


That said, there are a couple of things I just want to make you aware of with each of your choices.

The Mountaineer gets similar mileage to your Navigator for a lot less room (unless things have changed greatly since 2005, the last year we compared). Dh and I decided that the gain in mileage was not offset by the lack of room, for us anyway. But our kids are just starting their little league careers.

It's still a great vehicle, and I'm sure it costs less, but be sure you are ok with that tradeoff if you go with the Mercury.


The Toyota is nice (my bro has one, not the hybrid though). The size is comparable to the Mercury and it the gas version rides well. However, hybrids, even hybrid SUVs have limited or non-existent towing capacities. This might not matter to you, but it was a major consideration for us. I will not own a vehicle that big that cannot tow a trailer. Most hybrids simply cannot tow unless they are the very latest versions. If you don't own a camper or plan to take motorcycles to the track (or even the repair shop LOL), you don't need to worry.


So, my two cents on things to think about. I think you can be very happy with both cars, and if they both meet your needs, I'd just go with the one that you can get the best deal on. I have to admit, I'd lean a bit more toward the Mercury, cuz I've owned several Ford SUVs and I love them.

 

[HayGan]

I have an '04 Highlander and I absolutely love it. I started out driving Toyotas and then went with a Ford. After owning a Ford Explorer for 6 years, I decided to go back with Toyotas. I have never had the maintenance issues with my Toyotas like I did with the Ford.

 

[luvavacation]

Toyota Highlander Hybrid!

I own a 2008 Highlander Hybrid, downsized from a 1998 Chevy Astro AWD. Never in my life did I think I would like the Toyota as much as I do, as we bought it with me practically kicking and screaming! Now, I am so glad we have it, especially after this winter, wow that thing is so sure-footed in the snow!

The third row is great in a pinch, though I do miss the storage space behind the third row when it is up (not much room there), but there is lots of storage space when the third row is down. Also, the back glass lifts up on the Highlander Limited (our version), not sure about the other body styles. While still not as convenient as the liftgate on my Chevy, it does come in handy at times to just open the back glass, not the whole tailgate.

Mileage wise, fantastic above 50 degrees. The colder you go, the lower the mileage. Still better than my Astro (10 mpg!), but while I can get 29 - 30 mpg in the summer, I was at about 18 in the winter. Apparently, the hybrid engine does not kick in so well in the cold, plus when you run the heater, the gas engine stays on.

I do find the front pillars to be a bit of a blind spot when I am turning. I look forward and behind them, but the pillars are bigger than I would like. However, I am also short, and my taller husband does not have a problem with them.

The rear back-up camera is ok. I don't really use it, too used to using my mirrors. But, it did come in handy when I was backing out of the garage on garbage day and noticed my DH had left a can right behind my car, thinking I would take it down to the curb before I left that day. Lucky for him, I glanced at the camera screen that morning!

There really are so many things I like about my Highlander. I never thought I would buy anything but Chevy or Ford, but this fit our needs and wants so well. We do keep our vehicles for many years, so the cost average with gas savings was not an issue for us.

I have heard that Toyota was going to start building the Highlander Hybrid in the U.S. soon, not sure if they were still going ahead with that though.

I hope you enjoy whichever vehicle you end up with!

 

[NMW]

We concluded our SUV search last week-our choice was a 08 Nissan Pathfinder SE loaded with everything-leather, moon roof, 6 disc Bose system, back up camera, etc.

We have 3 kids and were going from an 05 Toyota Sienna minivan to an SUV, so it was a downsize space-wise as well as gas mileage.

We originally wanted an 09 Toyota 4Runner with the 3rd row seat. This is not standard in the 4 runner the way it is in the Nissan Pathfinder. Well, two Toyota dealerships we went to had NO 4Runners, I mean none. One of them had an 08 demo with 10,000 miles on it. A third Toyota dealer had 2 09's but neither of them had the 3rd row seat. They all said the same thing-they could try to find one for me.

I was really surprised at the lack of 4runners. I must have seen HUNDREDS of Prius, Matrix, and Corollas at these dealerships. They all tried to get me in a Highlander, but my 3 kids can not fit across the middle seat the way they can in a 4runner, so we couldn't use it for vacations to Myrtle Beach which we drive to. I really did like the Highlander though. If I only had 2 kids, I would have considered it.

That led me to Nissan and I really fell in love with the look of the Pathfinder. However, I ran into the same problem of dealers not having many Pathfinders on the lot. I was starting to think that I was the only person in America looking to buy an SUV! We went to 3 Nissan dealerships and I mean, these were BIG dealerships and between the 3, I only saw one 09 Pathfinder and it didn't have leather, the moonroof, and some other things (it was the base model, not the SE). The one salesman told me that people just aren't buying big SUV's the way they used to. He joked that he forgets what the Nissan Armada (their really big SUV) even looks like because it's been so long since he's seen one!

Again, we saw HUNDREDS of small cars at these dealerships. It's funny because none of the families I know drive small cars, unless it's the car the husband commutes to work in. Like DH, drives a Toyota Corolla to commute in. The women I know though all drive SUV's or Toyota or Honda minivans.

We did get a really, really good deal on the 08 Pathfinder and I love driving it! It was new-23 miles on it and was loaded with everything. At first I was unsure about buying the 08, but we got such a good deal...they took 7,000 off the sticker price before we even sat down to negotiate!

I would go with the Highlander-you should get a better deal on an 08. Plus, it's the hybrid so if gas prices go back up...you are sitting pretty. Good luck!

 

[NMW]

Just wanted to add that I think you would get used to the backup camera. I thought it was weird at first and now (after one week) I really like it. It's very good in tight parking lots.

 

[uromac]

Thanks for all your honest opinions -today I'm driving a Kia Sorrento as a rental (I'm not a really car person now), but I'm getting by...so I'm not spoiled person and consider myself practical and do things or purchase some 'luxury' items when they are a 'good' deal. Just to give you more info on us we have 2 other vehicles a 2000 mercedes clk with 125,000+ and a 2002 Jeep with 100,000+ (always has problems- we purchased it used) in our driveway - belongs to my ds who is 20 and I have a dd who will be 16 and driving soon and the jeep
is not that reliable. I know they are not worth much, but I would love to package all three cars and get 2 'new ones' paying the difference with cash - just thought of this in my dreams (maybe getting an Escape with the 10K difference and the cars which I know they would just wholesale). What do you guys think of that - would any salesman actually make that kind of deal? Should we ask....


Honestly, they are both great deals and if money was no object I would probably go for the Highlander Hybrid more because I would feel good. I love Ford products and would like to buy 'American' and it feels what I'm used to so I'm not changing that much. I could just fix it, and wait closer to Sept when the new models are coming in and there are more deals with 'leftovers'... Did I tell you guys I have a tough time making decisions .

BTW, towing is not an issue, both have leather and are pretty good deals, toyotas are very reliable (I had a much loved Camry w/no trouble until I needed an SUV for carpools, etc...) So I have loyalty for both brands for years ...I'm glad you brought up the cold weather issue and running the heat on with thy Hybrid as we live in NJ and even today I put on the heat just to warm up the car this morning!

 

[MoniqueU]

I have a highlander and we really like it. I still miss my landcruiser but not the fill p I was paying for it. We have pretty much stuck with toyotas though have also have fords and the maintenence on the toyotas is quite minimal compared to the fords we have owned.

 

[maggiew]

I wouldn't even consider getting a vehicle that only gets 13 - 19 MPG. I'd go with the Toyota since it at least gets 25 - 27 MPG, if those are your only two choices.

Maggie

 

[a1tinkfans]

Buying american is great and they are giving good/great finance deals so, I personally would not "throw" my cash that quickly for a vehicle in this particular economy. That being said, i just bought a honda pilot all the bells and whistles cause we got a great deal and I gave them 50% down cash and took a small
finance (i hate payments, but wanted to keep the cash handy, I also use really low mileage so gas is not an issue for me...) we have an explorer and crv and hondas really hold their values and rarely have car issues, sadly that is not the same with some American makes. Is there a reason you don't want to repair your current car?? Not sure if I missed that...Good Luck!!

 

[craz4dogs]

Look at the Chevy Traverse!! We got ours a few weeks ago and I LOVE IT!

 

[luvavacation]

In the interest of full-disclosure regarding the Highlander Hybrid's mpg, I should add that I tend to like getting where I am going as soon as possible. My DH and eldest DD like to take their time, hence they are constantly showing me on the dashboard readout how much better their mileage is than mine.

How you drive the hybrid will influence your mileage to a large extent. DH drives it in ECON mode all the time, I don't care for the lag time when I hit the gas that ECON mode offers (even if DH says that lag time is all in my head, I know it is there!). I drive the hybrid in regular mode most of the time, as I happen to like the way the engine sounds when I hit the gas and go! It is not that it doesn't accelerate in ECON mode, it does, and quite well, but it accelerates faster in regular mode. I like faster.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[uromac]

In the interest of full-disclosure regarding the Highlander Hybrid's mpg, I should add that I tend to like getting where I am going as soon as possible. My DH and eldest DD like to take their time, hence they are constantly showing me on the dashboard readout how much better their mileage is than mine.

How you drive the hybrid will influence your mileage to a large extent. DH drives it in ECON mode all the time, I don't care for the lag time when I hit the gas that ECON mode offers (even if DH says that lag time is all in my head, I know it is there!). I drive the hybrid in regular mode most of the time, as I happen to like the way the engine sounds when I hit the gas and go! It is not that it doesn't accelerate in ECON mode, it does, and quite well, but it accelerates faster in regular mode. I like faster.

Your mileage may vary.

I have to laugh - because it seems that you and I drive a lot alike and our dh's too !!!

When I went for a test drive yesterday the salesman did not even mention those two modes, maybe because I went there alone and a was woman !

Anymore info since you have now provided me with more stuff than my trip to the dealership!! Thanks again!

 

[RayJay]

Hi Everyone:

Help!! I am looking now to get a new SUV as my 2004 paid in full Navigator w/ 99,000+ miles (11 and 15 miles/gallon) which was in a 'fender bender' . It is $3500 to fix and probably is worth $6500 as a trade without being fixed. It was also going to need new tires and had other minor issues due to its age. So DH said that I should take a look at some new SUVs as I keep my vehicles for generally 5+ years, and put on at least 15,000 miles per year. BTW, I dislike the whole car shopping experience - it's just not fun for me !!

BTW, I have had Ford products my last 2 times and liked them would like to buy American. Also, on my wishlist I would like to 'downsize' somewhat and would like to go 'green' with a hybrid.

So - we found a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer demo with 5,000+ miles which would give me a smaller SUV which I wanted as I am in the tail end of my 'soccer mom' years and just need the extra space to move my ds to and from college, my dd carpools, and my work at camp. The mileage 13-19 is better than what I currently have of 11 and 15. This car has everything in it except a nav system. When test driving - it feels comfortable and is what I am used to driving

Then I saw a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid , an 'executive' car which is apparently the new code word for a demo !! This SUV is also fully loaded except for the nav system and is basically the same 'white' color with a leather interior (tan vs. gray) and it gets 25 and 27 mpg. It drives suprisingly well, and I really liked it. Although it has a rear view camera for backing up which I don't like , as I am used to the 'back up beep' of the Mountaineer and my Nav.

So now comes the hard part deciding which one. Basically, there will probably be a $10-12,000 price difference between the two vehicles and we would be paying in cash. I like both, but 1 is a full year younger and is a hybrid vs. a major price difference and both are under full warranty for the remaining time. I can rationalize both vehicles - but I would like your honest opinion, pros and cons on which one I should purchase. Do any of you out there own one of these SUVs?

We are now going back and forth doing the buyer/dealer dance . so I would really appreciate everyones input to help me out! Did I tell everyone I hate making rush decisions so I starting to feel the pressure !

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Thanks!

If you get the Toyota you'll have it forever!!!!

Everybody I know that has Toyota has 200,000 or more miles
with little to no problems.

RayJay

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Buying a Totyota doesn't necessarily mean you're buying foreign. Many Toyotas and Hondas are produced and assembled in the US. They are as american as Fords and Chevys.

 

[Jitzy]

Look at the Chevy Traverse!! We got ours a few weeks ago and I LOVE IT!

The Wall Street Journal car guy also recommends the Traverse.

 

[natmurr]

another vote for the Highlander! I have an '08 (not hybrid) and I absolutely love it. There is tons of flexibility in seating and storage, runs perfectly and has decent fuel economy. We are a Toyota family (DH drives a 1992 Camry with 350,000kms) n vyvhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvcccccccccvvvvvvhvchhhhhy xfggfgvd hrhx6yuxx

Hehehe! it looks my toddler finished this post for me! The joys of 3 kids under 6 - there's always a distraction (and one kid just waiting for mom to turn her back for a second!!!)