New SUV needed, ya think?

[brandon]

Just a thought, and I guess me and melissa are weird like this.  But I dont like the seats on some of the foreign vehicles, it sounds silly, but after test driving a few vehicles like the nissan pathfinder, our backs were hurting. We went with a Chrysler product for the ammenities and the wonderfully comfortable seats.  Resale lower/ more maintenance.. sure , but I don't care, ANY car/truck is a poor investment.  You lose money on anything you buy, so get something you enjoy is my thought.

I know American vehicles may be more maintenance prone, or at least thats what the experts say, but if you have to buy parts for a honda/toyota.. big big ouchie.  Compare the price of a honda element starter with a chevy suburban starter, big difference.  I work on my own vehicles, so maintenance is no big deal to me, but parts costs are a bigger for some of the foreign cars.  I can buy parts for my project jag cheaper than they are for some cars.

[Leah-n-boy-os]

Just to weigh in on the whole value argument....

Someone mentioned earlier that cars are an investment?? I'm an accountant by profession. Cars are *not* an investment. They are a consumable. Investments, as a rule, (there are always exceptions!) appreciate. Cars do not appreciate, they lose value. (Unless you're a Barrett-Jackson shopper, but how likely is that?)

It doesn't matter whether you buy American, Forgien, or alien....your car *will* depreciate.

Trade-In value...that's a whole 'nother ballgame. Yes, certain brands have a better trade-in / re-sale value, but that also relies on how good you are in upkeep. We all own big dogs. Big dogs are "harder" on vehicles. (wear and tear-wise) Regular maintnenace is a biggie too, as well as milage.

I guess what my ramble here is trying to get to is, you would be foolhardy to base the purchase of a vehicle on an "investment" approach. Take a hard look at what your lifestyle is, and what would be the best fit in those terms.

And beyond all that....HAVE FUN, 'CAUSE YOU GET A NEW CAR!!!!

[cuttles/sadieMay]

Take a hard look at what your lifestyle is, and what would be the best fit in those terms.

And beyond all that....HAVE FUN, 'CAUSE YOU GET A NEW CAR!!!!

first of all, Thank goodness you are both ok!
And I dont have any recomendations but I think that Leah-n-boy-os has the right idea. Take your time if you can and have fun.
Carole

[aggghgmom]

OK I am about the most non-confrontational person you will meet (most days anyway) but I think you are over critical of the American car.  After my 2 horrible american mini-vans I decided to go Toyota (I have had them and liked them) Then I was walking thru the mall and found my Yukon (my most expensive mall purchase ever).  However, I did drive the Toyota Forerunner and really did like it but it simply doesn't have the space.  To actually compare large trucks you would be looking at the Toyota Sequoiua (definately spelled wrong) and that was alot more money!!!

Anyway, American, Foreign whatever! you get the best car for you!!!!

[paharts]

Anyway, American, Foreign whatever! you get the best car for you!!!!

Here Here!

[Nicole]

Just a thought, and I guess me and melissa are weird like this.�  But I dont like the seats on some of the foreign vehicles, it sounds silly, but after test driving a few vehicles like the nissan pathfinder, our backs were hurting. We went with a Chrysler product for the ammenities and the wonderfully comfortable seats.�  Resale lower/ more maintenance.. sure , but I don't care, ANY car/truck is a poor investment.�  You lose money on anything you buy, so get something you enjoy is my thought.

That's cuz American seats are made for big fat American butts!

[DixieSugarBear]

I have taken my hubby Jeep for now.  I think I need to take my time and check them all out.

Lisa

[pitas]

Wow Lisa!

Thank goodness all of you are ok!  I hope you are both feeling better very soon.  As far as a vehicle, we have a Honda Odessey Mini van.  We weren't too thrilled with the mini van idea at first but, it has been wonderful.  It seats 7 humans if needed but, one of the best things is the 3rd row fits into the floor, no lifting in and out.  The other great thing is because it is a mini van it is lower to the ground for our 3 Newfies to jump in and out.  So if we need to carry humans that 3rd row just pops right back out of the floor.  The second row of seats are like the front 2 seats, captain's type chairs that can come out individually too.  It does get pretty good gas mileage which is an added bonus.

Hope you guys are on the mend!

Hugs from the Newf troop from NJ