Doing some car shopping...

[soonerhubs]

and your feedback/expertise would be appreciated.

We're looking at some of the cross-over, "wagon" types.

TIA

The cars we are test driving/planning to test drive are the following:

Dodge Caliber (We test drove this, and it rode very well. Smaller than the other cars, but seems practical enough.)

Kia Rondo (We test drove this, and found it to be nice with good power, but it's still a Kia.)

Honda CR-V (We test drove this. It's extremely comfortable and by far the nicest we drove of the night, but the price was quite high for a grad student budget.)

We also want to test drive a Toyota Matrix, Rav4, a Saturn Vue, and a few others.

We've also heard that Ford crossovers may be a way to go.

Finally. Any feedback on the Chevy HHR would be appreciated. It looks to have the space and room of the CR-V, but it looks to be lower to the ground.


Thanks again for your input.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

I've heard from multiple sources that the HHR is a gigantic piece of shiite. Likewise on the RAV4.

The best thing I've heard about in crossover/small SUVs has been the Honda Pilot. Everyone I've talked to that has one or knows someone that does absolutely loves 'em.

[yermom]

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2009/Subaru/2009.subaru.impreza.20242987-E.jpg

;)

ok, maybe not that one, but you should at least drive an Impreza Wagon :)

[soonerhubs]

I've heard from multiple sources that the HHR is a gigantic piece of shiite. Likewise on the RAV4.

The best thing I've heard about in crossover/small SUVs has been the Honda Pilot. Everyone I've talked to that has one or knows someone that does absolutely loves 'em.

We may look into the Pilot. Thanks for the feedback.


http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2009/Subaru/2009.subaru.impreza.20242987-E.jpg

;)

ok, maybe not that one, but you should at least drive an Impreza Wagon :)

Never thought of an Impreza. We may have to go look at one. Thanks!

[OUHOMER]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/27/crossover/index.html

[OUHOMER]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4220226.html

[OUHOMER]

http://www.edmunds.com/crossover/index.html

[OUHOMER]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/08q4/2009_honda_pilot_vs._ford_flex_and_four_other_cros sovers-comparison_tests

[OUHOMER]

good luck a lot of choices

[12]

I can't believe you even asked...

http://www.smoothharold.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img1.jpg

[soonerhubs]

I can't believe you even asked...

http://www.smoothharold.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img1.jpg

Love it! We went up and personally took pictures of that atrocity.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5388/1069/320/106_1351.jpg

[soonerhubs]

Thanks OUHomer! Those reviews are very helpful.

[Boarder]

I have driven an HHR for a year and a hlaf and love it. You have room to haul stuff but it drives like a small car. Before the HHR, I drove a crew cab 4x4 2500HD and it took me no time to get used to the HHR. The only problem I had is that the battery in the keyless remote stopped working so they gave me a new one at the dealership.

It's perfect, to me.

[nmsoonergirl]

I have a 2003 Subaru Forester with about 100K miles on it and I've been very happy with it. For me, it's really nice having AWD. I've taken it on a lot of hairy forest service roads, and been in lots of weather with it and never had a problem. I wish the gas mileage was a little better, but I've not had any mechanical problems.
I know Subaru wasn't on your list, but thought I throw it out there.

Oh, and two of my friends have 05 RAV4s and love them as well.

[GottaHavePride]

You might look at the Scion xB or xD, also. Maybe the Honda Element. They're a bit more weird-looking, but I know a lot of people that love them.

[trwxxa]

I bought a Ford Flex in March when the dealers were desperate to move inventory and love the heck out of it. It rides like a car but has a ton of room. I can haul all of my tailgating gear with no problems. It can seat 7, but the third row is better suited for those with short legs. I have gotten about 25MPG on my highway road trips.

One of the other reasons I bought it was to get the red with the white top. Stylish. :D

[Zbird]

My bride loves her CRV and its lots cheaper than a Pilot. I was impressed with Subaru's too. Subie 4WD is a better system than CRV, but the LX CRV with FWD will take you most places the 4WD will, and it's cheaper than the 4WD.

[Boarder]

The 4wd or AWD thing would be nice, for sure.

[StoopTroup]

Don't skimp on safety...:D

http://www.marketingshift.com/images/internationalSUV-7300cxt.gif

[OUDoc]

My dad had an HHR and he liked it and it was well put together, but a little small to me. He got great gas mileage. From what I've read, most reviews give it generally good comments as well.
Dodge Caliber is supposedly a POS.
Don't know about the rest.

[soonerhubs]

Don't skimp on safety...:D

http://www.marketingshift.com/images/internationalSUV-7300cxt.gif

Heh! We'd be safe, but I can't speak for the poor fools who cut us off if'n we drive that thing!

[sooneron]

My wife has an edge at the moment. It seems pretty decently built, but the transmission is very truck like. By that, I mean that you can feel it shifting through the gears. Other than that, it drives pretty well.

[sooneron]

And I hate the styling of the new Pilots. I would rather have a CRV for less money. I don't know where fireman got the info on the Rav4, but they are highly recommended in their class by CR. In fact, their reliability of the last 4 years has been exemplary. Plus, they're a lot larger than they used to be. I test drove one last month and it was pretty damn nice.
I also test drove a Q5, RDX, MDX, Venza, CRv, and X3.
The Venza may be the most car for the buck, as far as extras and space are concerned.

[OUDoc]

Yeah, the Ford Edge is supposed to be very good as well.

[OUWxGuesser]

I have a Caliber... it is what it is... a cheap fairly fuel efficient vehicle. Expect rattles in a few years. My biggest complaint is the cheap feeling of the suspension. Best comparison I can make is a utility version of the neon. You can fold all the seats flat and can fit a surprising amount of junk in it.

It's actually in the shop right now for a blown hose to the transmission. It was due for a fluid change in 10k anyway, so whatever. We'll see how it's doing in another 50k when I turn over 100!

[NormanPride]

Am I a bad person for even looking at the smart cars? I know they're not relevant to this thread, but I keep staring at the cost/fuel efficiency...

[yermom]

when i look at the cost/fuel efficiency they don't seem that... smart

ok, looking again it looks like they have a cheaper base model now, so it's better. still not sure it's worth all the lost space inside though

[sooneron]

Am I a bad person for even looking at the smart cars? I know they're not relevant to this thread, but I keep staring at the cost/fuel efficiency...

You might as well get a Cooper and have something that can really drive.

[StoopTroup]

You might as well get a Cooper and have something that can really drive.

Especially if you like to rewire stuff.

[Boarder]

Am I a bad person for even looking at the smart cars? I know they're not relevant to this thread, but I keep staring at the cost/fuel efficiency...
If you're looking at those, just hang on a couple of months until Wheego gets its full speed electric on the market. They end up being super cheap with all of the incentives and they look almost exactly like Smart.

[NormanPride]

Yeah, I'm not looking for a new car, but I like keeping up with new technologies. Wheego, eh? I'll look them up.

[NormanPride]

Okay, just glancing at Wheego, they sound like glorified golf carts. That's not really a "car" to me... It needs to be something I can take on the turnpike and get to/from OKC easily enough.

[yermom]

If you're looking at those, just hang on a couple of months until Wheego gets its full speed electric on the market. They end up being super cheap with all of the incentives and they look almost exactly like Smart.

you got a link to the new one? all i see is the 25-35mph stuff...

once that's in the 45-50 range, i think i could live with it around town. preferably ~60

[Boarder]

The ones they have now are the Neighborhood vehicles that are only good to go on streets of 35(?) mph. Supposedly, by the second quarter of 2010, the full speed version with around a 100-150 mile range and 70 mph will be available. They're doing the crash testing now, from what I have been able to see.

[Boarder]

They're doing a trade-up thing that's kind of neat, too:

http://wheego.net/more/2009/10/19/wheego-electric-cars-announces-trade-up-program/

[Veritas]

You're going to spend about $22K. You can get a 2005/6 BMW X3 with less than 60K for that price, and it's a much better car than any of the vehicles you've mentioned.

[stunandun]

How bout a Murano...Gets around 20 mpg, can't feel it shift and will last forever. I have one with 100k on it and never raised the hood except to change oil. I am biased and have bought Nissan's since 85. Can get a good used one for around 15k.

[soonerhubs]

Getting a 2005 Matrix, Clean CarFax, 64,000miles, power everything, sunroof, for 8900 bucks.

I think it's a rather good deal based on all the research we've conducted.

[yermom]

i drove the Pontiac version a few years back and liked it other than the automatic and the lack of power

[sooneron]

The wife was just swapped into the GMC Acadia at work (she gets a new car every 6-9 months). Nice amenities, but it drives very truck-like. For a vehicle that is trying to copy the Lexus Rx, they better put some more true road suspension and handling. Of course, what am I saying? That company needed my tax $ to save its ***. They'll never figure it out...

[soonerhubs]

i drove the Pontiac version a few years back and liked it other than the automatic and the lack of power

After driving a Corolla and Tercel for the past 10 years, it's the norm in our family.

[sooneron]

I like the looks of the Matrix, fwiw.

[soonerhubs]

I like the looks of the Matrix, fwiw.

Thanks. We just want it to get us through Grad School and a little more and we'll be happy.

[SunnySooner]

Another vote for the Nissan Murano. Basically stole my mom's during Tgiving and it was allsome. Drove it on the interstate to make an airport run, and then all over town, very roomy inside and really tricked out. My next door neighbor has one too that he loves, no service problems.

[Spartan(Sooner at Heart)]

I don't want to sound like a homer (Car Aggie), but my family is thrilled with the Flex. It has more room than the mid-size SUVs that we've always driven. The bells and whistles are nice (awd, sync, refrigerated rear console, moon roof for each kid). We only have 8500 miles on it, so I can't comment on the service record. Gas mileage is better than expected. After driving ours for a weekend, my in-laws traded in their Odyssey and got one.

[Boarder]

The other day I had to haul a bunch of my music equipment and only had the HHR. Here's what all fit:
http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/44397/2057310610062315930S600x600Q85.jpg

It's a full size 88-key keyboard in a case, one large and one small rack case, a stool, snowboard case, keyboard stand, large amp, amp stand, bag, car seat, music stand, and I had to drive. It was an impressive stacking.

[sooneron]

I have issues buying from a company that needed my $ to bail their asses out of decades of bad decisions.

[StoopTroup]

Is that a Sex Stool?