Getting a newer used car...

[catkins522]

I decided to trade my 99 Olds Cutlass for a newer car/SUV. I am interested in 3 cars. What I am wondering where to put my trade and cash.

The choices are:

2009 (or 2006) Chevy HHR
2007 Ford Escape
2006 Saturn VUE

Any opinions? I know I am taking to my mechanic to get the final word...

Charles Atkins

[Tubaryan12]

If those are the only 3 choices and all have similar mileage, I would choose the Vue.

If you want more room and comfort, get a 2007 Kia Rondo.

[catkins522]

Based on the models on your list I've brought another strong model to the fore:

The Pontiac Vibe IS a Toyota Matrix. I would tend to put it above the other three, and with a manual transmission for fun/economy. The engine is the "Celica" engine.

Bloke...it was a great choice. However, I have a stroke and can't use the right arm. So, all manuals is out.
Sorry.

Charles

[Tubaryan12]

Based on the models on your list I've brought another strong model to the fore:

The Pontiac Vibe IS a Toyota Matrix. I would tend to put it above the other three, and with a manual transmission for fun/economy. The engine is the "Celica" engine.

Bloke...it was a great choice. However, I have a stroke and can't use the right arm. So, all manuals is out.
Sorry.

Charles

' understood. The automatic versions are just fine. I believe the automatic version will still average in the high 20's city/highway.

If you go the automatic route in this vintage of Pontiac Vibe / Toyota Matrx, make sure the ECM has been replaced under the recall.

[catkins522]

What about the Jeep Compass?

Charles Atkins

[bisontuba]

Hi-
My car died on Saturday, and I spent today going to several dealers and finally bought a newer used car--but dealing with car dealer sales folks....AGHHHHHHH....just remember to not be afraid to get up and walk out if they start playing games...

mark

[TUBAD83]

From a big guy's view:

Having driven both the escape and the hhr for out-of-town trips, I thought the escape provided better handling, had more room, and was a smoother ride.
I have seen the vue on a car lot and knew right away it was way too small for me.

So I would choose the escape.

JJ

[TUBAD83]

From a big guy's view:

Having driven both the escape and the hhr for out-of-town trips, I thought the escape provided better handling, had more room, and was a smoother ride.
I have seen the vue on a car lot and knew right away it was way too small for me.

So I would choose the escape.

JJ

[tubaguy9]

Try a Mitsubishi. Yeah, hard name, otherwise, I love them. I drive a '98 Mitsubishi Montero Sport currently, and it is a tank. I tipped it and other things in snow and bad winter weather, and it runs great, but is a little sluggish. The SUV from them I'd recommend is the Outlander. They have a good warranty, and the cars that we've had from them have been nothing but excellent.

[bort]

I know exactly which car I'd like to buy when I'm due for a new one. But I'm hoping and praying that my car will last me through my time here in New York. No way am I buying a new car here:

1) paying around ~9% tax is just too much
2) worried the just-plain-terrible drivers here will crash into me
3) I just don't drive enough to justify the cost

[tubaguy9]

Hey bort! You think 9% tax is bad, try 10%! That single percent makes it way more noticeable

[bort]

Yuck! I moved here from a 5% tax state, so I'm still in sticker shock. Those days are gone...

[ZNC Dandy]

Subaru Outback.AWD. Will go absolutely anywhere. Bulletproof reliability for the 6 cyl, and the 4 cyl. Fun to drive, and you can get a tuba in it.

[catkins522]

I pulled my old car and bought.... drum roll please....

2008 Ford Edge SEL!!! I will put up some pix as soon as I get detailed.

Charles Atkins

[tclements]

How about one of these:

[ken k]

I like those new Jukes by Nissan. It is a bit of a funky looker but it has a turbocharged 1.8 liter four cylinder (that gets 180 hp!) so it still should get decent gas mileage (if you keep your foot out of the turbo) and it has a hatchback so it should still have enough room (at least with the rear seat down) to pass the tuba test...

http://www.nissanusa.com/juke/?next=hea ... or-photos/" target="_blank

ken k

[catkins522]

I like those new Jukes by Nissan. It is a bit of a funky looker but it has a turbocharged 1.8 liter four cylinder (that gets 180 hp!) so it still should get decent gas mileage (if you keep your foot out of the turbo) and it has a hatchback so it should still have enough room (at least with the rear seat down) to pass the tuba test...

http://www.nissanusa.com/juke/?next=hea ... or-photos/" target="_blank" target="_blank

ken k

I was looking at it. However, the "trunk" was very small, but everything else was "funky". I was going to buy it, but it was too late.

Charles