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Message |
    
michelezembow
Citizen
Username: Michelezembow
Post Number: 30
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 1:51 pm: | 
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I'm finishing out my lease on a 2000 Jetta and am thinking about alternatives for my next car (purchase, probably). Toyed with the idea of a Jetta wagon, but I was disappointed when I test drove it as it felt very much like the car I've had for the past 3 years. Starting to think about the Forester and also about the Toyota hybrid, the Prius (for energy economy). Any strong feelings about these cars or another that you have? I'm looking for something reliable (my Jetta had a few real problems which I was very unhappy about, even under warranty), sturdy (the Jetta felt very solid for a smaller car), and not too expensive/good financing. I also prefer a stick shift and good handling...throw in heated seats as an option and a quiet interior. Am I asking for too much?!
Thanks for your ideas...Michele |
1-2many
Citizen
Username: Wbg69
Post Number: 280
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 4:23 pm: |
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cars are such a personal preference. when looking at car options, I always refer to consumer reports - both their Buying Guide for the current year, and the New Cars issue of the monthly magazine that comes out each fall (I think). If you can't find these publications at newsstands, check out the website, consummerreports.org. You have to pay for membership to view some of the info, but it's worth it. they provide not only reliability info, but comfort and style info. granted it's just one opinion, but it's a well-researched one. good luck. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3349
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 7:41 pm: |
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We are very happy with our Hummer H2. It is especially useful when we have something to tow such as our 105mm Howitzer. |
duncanrogers
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 698
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 8:08 pm: |
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Subaru Legacy Outback. Better on the road than the Forrester. More leg room, ironically than its SUV counterpart. And just as much cargo. |
Jackie Day
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 89
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 8:40 pm: |
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I just got a 2003 Honda CRV. Small SUV but gets great gas mileage, better than that of the 2001 Honda Odyssey minivan I traded in. Five-star safety rating; great reliability; famed Honda resale value. It's quite small for an SUV, but I don't like the big ones and it has plenty of room for what I need. My model came standard with a sunroof and 6-disc CD in dash. I love it. I didn't finance it so can't comment on that, but it's not too expensive. I think it starts at $22K. I added a few extras like roofrack, foglights and running boards (for my little kids to get in) on top of that but it still wasn't too bad.
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Phil
Citizen
Username: Barleyrooty
Post Number: 694
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 1, 2003 - 6:20 am: |
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Hi Michele,
Second vote here for the Subaru Legacy Outback - we compared with the Forester and liked it better (more space). We had the wagon first and it saved my wife's life (but not it's own) and now have the VDC Sedan. Both great cars and stick to the road like glue.
We also have the Acura MDX - despite not wanting an SUV. (It's really closer to a minivan underneath) which we're really happy with too. Size-wise it works perfectly for our one-kid family, and the 3rd seat row is very useful.
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C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 1531
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 1, 2003 - 8:01 am: |
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I'm not sure the Outback has the quiet interior feature you're looking for, Michele, unless perhaps at the more expensive end of the 6 levels available. But, the heated seats are available and truly a blessing in the winter. It also rides a little higher which turns out to be nice in traffic around suvs. Several friends who have the Forrester absolutely sing its praises, even after several years of ownership. Turns out the cargo space is not any greater than the Legacy Outback, just configured differently.
I've been thinking about the Prius, or something similar in the future, for when our older car bites the dust. But since my commute just shifted to the truck route of 1 & 9 I feel like I want more weight and a higher view rather than less and lower. Supposedly hybrid suvs are on their way which would make them way more attractive to those of us concerned about both the environment and fuel economy.
Cathy |
OK, it's Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 429
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 - 4:03 pm: |
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My car ideas seem to be rather radical. Unless you are paid to impress, such as a salesperson, buying almost always beats leasing, dollar for dollar. And I always buy used cars. Let someone else handle the bulk of the depreciation.
And I am on my third Saab so far. I like Saabs a lot. They have much more passenger and cargo room than the exterior size would suggest. The size and safety are the same as for a large Volvo. And they cost less. And they come with manual transmissions. And they have hatchbacks! They're also very hard to break into.
I like the handling of Saabs, too. It's very good, but honestly, Volkswagens are better in that department.
Most SUV's don't give you a lot of interior space for all their bulk and weight. I don't see their appeal. But it's a matter of taste.
I do like the idea of those hybrid engines. I don't know much about them.
Tom Reingold
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sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 495
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 - 4:24 pm: |
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In our previous life we had a honda Civic two door hatchback and we loved it. It was an automatic but was still quite peppy.
I also think its a great idea to purchased a slightly used car, especially if you'd like to own something a little expensive. Two of the three cars we own were purchased used, a 1998 Audi A4 and an '02 911 and both were great deals. The other car we have is an 03 pathfinder but we financed that because of the low .9% interest rate.
I have friends that have the Passaat and the Jetta and both are very happy with them. Check out the Hondas they are great cars. |
1-2many
Citizen
Username: Wbg69
Post Number: 288
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 - 5:29 pm: |
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Hondas and Acuras kick ass. these are what I buy. There's a great Acura dealer in Montclair - go in there and find out your options. Ask for Jonathan McLean if looking for a new car. When I was there a month ago, they had the most beautiful car, I think it was a TSX. really, really nice, and at $28k not bad. at all considering what it compares with. As for Honda I've heard good things about Madison Honda, had a not good experience with them dealer-wise, but highly recommend their service department. |
xavier67
Citizen
Username: Xavier67
Post Number: 244
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 - 6:39 pm: |
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Tom:
I have 2 used cars...for sale for the right price.
1988 Honda Accord LX, in great running condition, with only 199,680 miles.
If you're looking for a car with less miles, I also have 1983 Toyota Corolla station wagon, with 118,460 miles. It's in such a good condition that the last time I drove it through Jersey City, a teenager yelled in admiration, "That sh*t is mint!"
Seriously, if Toyota offered the new Prius as a station wagon I would buy it in a second. Imagine a car that gets better mileage in town than on the highway! Perfect for runs to the train station, Home Despot, and the recycling center. |
michelezembow
Citizen
Username: Michelezembow
Post Number: 32
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 - 9:19 pm: |
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Thanks for some great ideas. I also like the concept of getting a used car, but if I'm going to go for the Prius (or Honda Civic hybrid) it's unlikely that I'd find much of a selection since they've been out in only small numbers for a relatively short time. With gas prices inching their way to $2/gallon, I feel more strongly about the wisdom of the hybrids. So far it looks like the 2004 Prius won't be out in September as I'd hoped (my lease is up), leaving me with only the 2003s to choose from...and they're already in short supply. I'm going to look at those and the Civic hybrid as well before the week is out. Thanks for the dealer recommendations...I used Madison Honda when I owned my last Civic. They're service is excellent and you get a loaner when you need one. Who knows what else I'll look at (Saab, Acura, S. Legacy) if the hybrid doesn't pan out. Anyway, thanks a lot for your thoughts...Michele |
ashear
Citizen
Username: Ashear
Post Number: 683
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 - 11:45 am: |
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We bought a used Outback a few years ago. Got the high end model (yup, heated seats) that we could not have afforded new and we've found it to be a great car. We also looked at the forester, and my father-in-law has one. If you are thin and tall its great as it has more head room but less hip room. The cargo area is also higher but not as deep. I think you really have to drive both for yourself to pick. |
crazyguggenheim
Citizen
Username: Crazyguggenheim
Post Number: 429
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 - 12:30 pm: |
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Call me crazy, but like bobk, love the Hummer. It's terrific when pulling left turns into those angled spots on Maplewood Ave (Hit a pedestrian? 10 points). This is what I think is meant by sport in this particular SUV.
Call me crazy
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michelezembow
Citizen
Username: Michelezembow
Post Number: 35
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 - 11:40 pm: |
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Call me crazy as well, crazy. I thought bobk was kidding until I read your post! Oops...  |
Nohero
Citizen
Username: Nohero
Post Number: 2048
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 - 11:45 pm: |
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Michele - If you want to hold out for the new Prius (which is supposed to show up here late October or November), you can always talk to your leasing company about extending the lease on a month-to-month basis. That's the situation I'm in right now, waiting for a car just beyond the end period of my lease. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3368
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2003 - 10:03 am: |
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Michele, would I kid you? Whata you think, I am Joe Isuzu or somethin"? 
I evict widows and orphans for a living and use the 105mm Howitzer to "persuade" folks to move out peacefully. Works everytime!! |
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