Canuck223 Posted May 25, 2010 Share Posted May 25, 2010 So between now and next April, I need to narrow my short list of new vehicle possibilities. We'll be trading in our 2000 Montana, and looking to get something modest. My critera are simple. Must be comfortable for XXLarge adults to drive. Must be able to hold 3 kids (9-11) at the same time in back. Must not be built in Korea or Japan, or Europe. My target is to match the same $500/month car payment I have now, spread over not more than 4 years. Our operating theory is we are not likely to be a one car family in the near future, so we buy one new vehicle every four years, replacing the oldest in the fleet. I have a few in mind, but what are your thoughts?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vlad Posted May 25, 2010 Share Posted May 25, 2010 Nissan Xterra, and before you tell me no Japan again, it is made in Smyrna. I like ours, but then I also like my Kia Sorrento but it fails you Korea rule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe4d Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 crewcab f150, long reliable track record, you'll have to search to find one that isnt loaded with gak, but they're out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XD Niner Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 What kind of price are you willing to spend? The monthly payment is also a function of loan duration so it doesn't help much. Will a truck work or does it have to be a car? Will a the product of a foriegn car company that is built in the U.S. be acceptable? We need a little more definition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck223 Posted May 26, 2010 Author Share Posted May 26, 2010 I would like to try and live within the $24K all in budget of the last vehicle. I'd like to stay with a SUV or van like car as it's for 'er indoors, not moi. I'd prefer a true north american manufacturer, but would look at a Japanese vehicle assembled here. (I live 30 minutes from a Honda plant) What I'd really like is to find out that GM is reversing thier decision and will be building a 2011 Montana. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken hebert Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 Used Toyota Tundra 4dr. I came from a F150 to this, and will not look back. Absolutely huge interior, rear doors open almost 90deg, almost as much leg room in the back as in the front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jman Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 FORD http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/taurus/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putty Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 Used Toyota Tundra 4dr. I came from a F150 to this, and will not look back. Absolutely huge interior, rear doors open almost 90deg, almost as much leg room in the back as in the front. +1 got an extra cab 5.7 L. Its a biggun getting 17 mpg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gundry Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 Why not support your locals and get a Honda Odyssey? We see a ton of them come through the shop - only because the nearby used car lot sells a few dozen a month (easily their best selling vehicle). The only common trait on the newer (i.e. 2004-2007) models is failing power sliding door modules and motors. Not a huge issue to deal with. It's just plain hard to argue the utility and convenience of a minivan, especially in your situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooterbenedetto Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 (edited) +1 I have thought it over and over and I always windup choosing a VAN!! over trucks, Suv and others.Big roomy, new, sporty,27mpg! I windup leasing a Nissan van for $320 a month and that was an awesome experience. Never had any problem except rotate and change tires. Other than that just drove it and put gas in it. Also, just get as basic as you can get it. you will save lots of money. Edited May 26, 2010 by shooterbenedetto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jadeslade Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 Honda Ridgeline - used is best deal. New really expensive-but can probably get one used for about 20K. Very large interior, trunk in bed of truck. All wheel drive but drives excellently on the Interstate. Gas ok. Really surprised me when I looked at it. Kind of ugly, but it's like a mule-you get used to it because it works so hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemo Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 Ford Flex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfinney Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia. They have some $299/month Leases going right now, have three rows, and are large enough to satisfy your "XXL" requirement. They also get mid to upper 20's to MPG. With enough trade value (or $ down) you can even stay in the sub $500/month on a purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck223 Posted May 26, 2010 Author Share Posted May 26, 2010 My reason for financing over 4 years is the general observation that all but the worst POS (Chrysler) will tend to be relatively reliable over the first 8 years with the low (10-15K ) milage I put on my vehicles. Leasing for me means two payments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodownzero Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 I love my diesel pickup. 20 mpg, payload for over 2k lbs of gear, towing capacity for over 7x that, 4 doors and two bench seats. YMMV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boz1911 Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 I agree with Nemo, the Ford Flex has a lot more room inside than it appears. I've (also XXL) driven one and if I was in that market I'd seriously consider it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-ManBart Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 (edited) More legroom in the back than in the front, major power under the hood, made in Texas (mine was made in Indiana) and you can probably extend your replacement timeline quite a bit. You'll have to skip the Limited and fancy options, but you'll be happy with it. If you want to stay away from a big, big truck and prefer domestic, a Ford Flex really wouldn't be a bad choice. Edited May 28, 2010 by G-ManBart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now