Opinions wanted....new car shopping

[bsnyder]

We're thinking of trading in our Dodge Caravan. It's the second one we've owned, and we've had great experiences with both of them. We also love the Dodge dealership and they've treated us great.

I'm not very excited about getting another mini-van, but I'm afraid I'd really, really miss the versitility, if I get an SUV.

We had a Dodge Durango, and I hated it. Felt like I was driving a truck. When we traded that in, we got a Jeep Liberty, that DH drives, and we like it a lot. It doesn't have that truck-like feel. But I wouldn't want to have 2 of them.

Any other suggestions, for an SUV that drives more like a car?

And anyone who's driven a mini-van for a long time, and then gone with something else....did you miss the mini-van?

 

[snoopy]

Personally, I did a jig the day we got rid of our minivan - I positively HATED that thing! We now drive SUVs - DH is in the Dodge Durango (I understand how you feel about that, Bet, I hate driving this thing!) and I drive a Chevy Blazer, which I love. First and foremost, it has leather interior which my minivan didn't have, and it rides tighter, imo, than the minivan.

 

[debster812]

We have just started our quest for a new vehicle, and probably will not be purchasing until September sometime. We are looking at the small SUVs (Subaru Forrester, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV-4) Right now the Subaru and the Honda are neck and neck. They Toyota is a close third, mainly because I am being bratty, and don't like it's looks too much.

The Subaru feels the most car-like to me.

 

[tstobb]

The new Kia Sorento drives beautifully & has a 10 year 100k warranty for less than most of the competition. We have their mini-van (Sedona) and if we weren't in the market for a truck, it would easily be our 1st choice.

 

[doxdogy]

For me personally I would like the RAV-4.

 

[Michelle]

Bet, Tim has a Toyota Highlander Limited and it is a REALLY great SUV. I HATED his old Jeep Cherokee, that thing DID drive like a truck. The Highlander is built on a Camry chassis, I think, and it drives like a CAR. Very smooth, but with the room and other extras of an SUV. His has the leather interior and upgraded sound system.

 

[Gone Disney]

I've never had a minivan or an SUV. I'm a truck person
See my truck

I couldn't tell you what to buy but I would suggest checking the vehicle safety ratings. http://www.highwaysafety.org/ is a good place to start. Safety would be my biggest concern.


Have fun with your new wheels, what ever you decide to buy


Patti

 

[AspiringCindy]

We had a similar dilemma last summer. We needed a larger car, but I could not see myself driving a minivan, and I didn't have the cash to buy a large luxury vehicle(like the navigator). So, we opted for the Chevy Trailblazer EXT. The EXT stands for extension. They've added 18 inches to the blazer/trailblazer to accomodate a third row. Also, the've extended the wheel base to give you a smoother ride. We love our new vehicle, and comfortably drove to WDW from Jersey last summer!

 

[jamsmom]

I liked the Buick Roundevous (sp) when I test drove it a year ago.

 

[nancy679]

We are car shopping too--we are looking at the Honda Pilot or the Honda odyssey.

The Pilot is an SUV but seats 8 (not like a suburban, though) Its about the same size as a mini van. There is a 3rd row that will really only seat kids. Its tight back there but the 2nd row is comfy. ANd that 3rd row folds down for extra cargo space.

The Odyssey is probably better suited for my family, more roomy and is a little less expensive too

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We went from a van to a Honda CRV last year and I don't miss that van one single bit! I LOVE my CRV! It is on a car chassis of course, so it drives like one. Consumer Reports gives it the highest safety rating.

 

[RUDisney]

My DH has a Durango and I have a Jeep Laredo. I love that they both drive like a truck. That's what we were really looking for.

We went out with friends on Saturday night in their new Volvo SUV. What a nice ride, if you don't mind the price. it had every "nice" accommodation that I could think of and even had a tailgate.

That would be my dream machine at this point, if I was looking now.

 

[JoNo]

I know it's not new, but I drive a '93 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition and I love the thing to death. Of course I go off-roads a lot so I have my lovely 4x4 switch-over that came with it. It also turns tight and has plenty of room.

 

[pumba]

and then HE went and got a ford ranger ......but this new truck is a silverado 4x4 that feels and drives like a million bucks....it is like being in a caddy.....honest......what a nice nice feeling......plenty of room and a big bench back seat too......this is a four door.....we are waiting for the step ups to come in and then I will be a happy camper

 

[bsnyder]

Thanks for all the opinions....keep 'em coming!

I'm glad to hear no one (so far) misses their mini-van. But I keep thinking about taking DS back to college in August. It's great to be able to pop both those seats out of the van and pack it with stuff!

 

[SplshMtn99]

I absolutely LOVE everything about my 2002 Subaru Forester! I wanted an SUV that felt like a car ---- that's exactly what it is --- it's a car-based SUV. It handled so well this winter. AWD. ABS brakes. Power everything. Has GREAT horsepower. Storage. Towing. Rides well on bumpy roads. Comfy.

I got it used with only 7,500 miles on it. It was a Hertz rental car before I bought it. Very hard to find used Foresters with low mileage. People DON'T trade them in!!!!

 

[Karista]

Here's another vote for the TrailBlazer EXT. We had 2 suburbans, and although I loved them, when I was by myself I felt like I had the living room with me. I still wanted the 7 passenger capacity, and so we went with the TrailBlazer.

One thing to take into consideration when looking at mid-size SUV's, if you want the 3rd row, is that a lot of them aren't made for adults. The rear wheel well usually hits about where the 3rd row is, and therefore it has a platform floor area that only someone with very short legs could sit at comfortably. On the TrailBlazer, it's designed for 6' adults, so it's truly a 7-adult capacity.

 

[mum4jenn]

My dh just traded in his Chevy Silverado for a Buick Rendezvous. I really like the way it drives!!! We used to have a mini van and to perfectly honest I never liked to drive it. I was always very uncomfortable driving the big truck also. I personally drive a Mitsubishi Mirage now which I love but I do love driving the new Rendevous. It really does handle like a car and it has a real smooth ride. Lots of room and versatility with moving the seats if more room for cargo is needed.

 

[MerryPoppins]

We just got a Forester. I really like it. It gave my DH the features he wanted in an SUV without making me feel like I was driving a truck. I felt like after the years with the minivan I was ready for a car. Like others said, it is on a car frame instead of a truck, still you can fit a lot in the rear. I was also concerned about mileage and rollover stats as DS is a new driver. This fit the bill for us.

 

[LindaR]

A great place for research is www.edmunds.com

I, too, drive a Toyota Highlander. It is built on a car chasis. Rides like a Camry, but has the capabilities of an SUV