SUV to Car

[Lil Lil]

Due to the increased gas prices, did you go from an SUV to a Car? The news is reporting increase sales in cars versus SUV's. I'm spoiled having an SUV. Wonder for those that did go from a SUV to a car was it a big disapointment?

 

[stinkerbelle]

i went from a mid-sized SUV to a small SUV.
i can totally tell i'm not driving a 6 cylinder anymore...but I DO like my new RAV 4. and I can totally tell at the pump (MUCH better on gas, plus I can put the 'cheap stuff' in)

 

[Marseeya]

I just went from car to compact SUV! Why don't you just downsize your SUV? Mine (Hyundai Tucson) gets the same gas mileage as my Pontiac Grand Am and there's more cargo room and leg room in the SUV. It's actually a good foot shorter than the Pontiac, but I think that's just in the front.

 

[Feralpeg]

I went from a Dodge Durango (got 12 miles to the gallon) to a Hyundai Sante Fe (gets over 20 miles to the gallon) when I moved to Florida. I have not been disappointed. I miss a couple of the fancy options I had on my Durango, but I really like the Sante Fe and I am very happy with the gas milage.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Haven't changed yet, but I've considered it (going from a Ford Explorer to a mid-size car). I drive mid-sized cars a lot on business travel and could probably make the adjustment. But I do love my Explorer -- even if it doesn't get great mileage.

 

[ZachnElli]

My dh went from a Toyota Land Cruiser to an Audi S4. Why would anyone be disappointed? My dh is much happier in a car.

 

[jajuan]

I went from a Chevy Surburban to a Toyota Sequoia and I hate it...but that is just me.

 

[Christine]

Well, I'm always doing things late or backwards. I went from a Toyota Camry to a Toyota Highlander. I really do *miss* my Camry when driving. Don't get me wrong, the Highlander is wonderful, but for commuting purposes, I love my zippy little Camry. I can take corners on two wheels with no problems and weave in and out of traffic like crazy! In the Highlander, I feel like I'm kind of "lumbering." I can only imagine what those in an Escalade feel like--no wonder they can hardly get around the corners.

Don't worry, you will love your car--it will just be in a different way.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

I have a Suburban. I tried to trade it last year, but they offered me 8K less than I owe on it!

I really want the Volvo SUV. It's so little, and so cute!

 

[Chicago526]

I did this in '98, but I went from a Jeep Cherokee to a Saturn SL2 sedan. The only thing I missed was being higher up. Even in the snow, the Saturn handles very well, so I don't even miss the 4WD!!!

 

[Planogirl]

I had a Pathfinder at one time and while it was handy, I was so relieved to switch back to a car. I had a T-Bird and it was so much more comfortable and zippy than the Nissan, and I just loved traveling in it. Now I have an even smaller car and it's still a lot more fun but just a wee bit too small. I think that roomy cars are the way to go for us.

 

[minnie56]

Have been driving SUV's for years now and have no intentions of downsizing....the gas is 'painful' but the peace of mind I get driving on winter roads far compensates for it. I also love sitting high above the traffic..just gives me a great vantage point....

I do understand though why some folks would change..

 

[horseshowmom]

Well, I don't have an SUV exactly. It's a Ford F-250 diesel crew cab. Since we get 20 miles a gallon, I'm still satisfied with what I've got. It's spacious and multi-purpose. We have horses, so it works for that, and it's comfortable on long trips. We debated whether to go to FL in it last June (DD's car gets 35 mpg), but we were really glad we decided on the truck instead of the car.

I had a friend with a Dodge truck who only got 11-12 mpg, and they traded because of that.

 

[vettechick99]

I went from a Corvette, up to a Pathfinder, up again to a Tahoe, down to an Accord. It's actually DH's car, but I'm driving it for a few weeks til I get a new car...Maxima maybe? It can be hard going "down", but when you think of the cost difference and how much better it is for the environment, it's not so hard to adjust.

Incidentally, a friend of ours has a car dealership and when he goes to the auction every week, he says they are practically giving the SUV's away. Just recently, a 2003 Tahoe with avg. mileage went for less than $18K -- that's crazy! Lesson being, if you are in the market for a gas hog, go get one now!

 

[marybet]

I had a Mercury Mountaineer and went to an Infiniti G35. The Infiniti got better gas mileage but it took high octane so it wasn't cheaper. It was a great handling car but I never got use to riding down on the ground. So after 2 years I got a Honda Pilot, and I love it. I don't think I will ever own anything but an SUV for everyday driving.

 

[SC Minnie]

I am still driving my Explorer. It is paid for and I only have a 3 mile commute to work so we are biting the bullet. We will probably always have at least one vehicle be an SUV to be able to haul stuff for vacations or from Home Depot

 

[MICKEY88]

I had SUVs when SUVs weren't cool, used to do a lot of offroading, now I have my Chrysler Sedan... don't miss the Suvs at all, and would not trade my car for anything.... with good tires and front traction control, I have been able to go anywhere in the snow without problems,

JAnuary of 2002 I drove down 95 to orlando, hit a snow/sleet/ice storm in North Carolina, and literally saw dozens of wrecked SUVs, while I had no problems with my 96 Dodge INtrepid[AKA The Mickeymobile}

with the exception of offroading, the only thing 4 wheel drive does is gives most people a false sense of security...

you have better ground clearance and can pull thru deeper snow better, but as far as braking goes, 4 wheel drive does nothing for you, good tires and ABS will..

if the roads are too bad for my cars, I don't really need to be going anywhere, no matter how big your SUV, and how good your 4 wheel drive, you still have no control over the other vehicles on the road..

my car will out maneuver any SUV on dry roads, average driving conditions, or wet conditions

other than hauling or towing purposes, SUVs really have no advantage over a good car...

 

[Chris2597]

We went from a Ford Expedition to a Honda crv this year. I love the CRV...gas mileage is much better and it so easy to drive and park. We almost bought a Camry but I still wanted the suv feel.

 

[Lil Lil]

Wow, thanks for the feedback. I love the Honda CRV too. Wish it wasn't so costly.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I went from a Jeep Wrangler to a Mercury Mariner a couple of months ago. I am so glad I switched! I really thought I would miss my Jeep in the summer, but the fact is I rarely put the top down. I get about 6-8 mpg better in the Mariner and it's so cute, I love it. It's so much more quiet and very comfortable to ride in. I love the heated seats too! And my car payment only went up $20 a month.

I don't think I could ever go back to owning a car. I used to drive an Accord coupe and while the car was very cute I hated how low I sat and couldn't see hardly around the car in front of me. Also, when it would rain and I would hit puddles it would practically take my car off the road. I've never had that problem with the Jeep or Mariner.