Shopping for cars... can use some input - Page 3 - Dallas Cowboys Forum

ethiostar · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoofbite

Maybe OT but you should get your loan from a credit union or elsewhere and walk in with money in hand.

Yeah, we've already been pre-approved by our bank, USAA.

ethiostar · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverbear

I never had that issue when driving either my Subaru, or my late Mom's...

The new Subaru, at least the 2012 Imreza, has a 2.0 L box engine instead of the usual 2.5. They did it to increase fuel efficiency but, according to one reviewer, it means 13% less power.

67CowboysFan · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelWinicki

I would have stuck with the Fusion.

Listen to this man, he knows what he is talking about.

Aikmaniac · 07-09-2012

I've had my Subaru Impreza STi for 8 years now with not one issue. Obviously, gas mileage wasn't a concern, but, as previously mentioned, the Impreza RS would be my choice.

It looks like you're wanting the best of both worlds (plenty of space/high mpg).

I'm guessing a used hybrid SUV would be the way to go. I'm just not sold on the benefit of hybrid vehicles (beyond the environment-friendly argument). I've always wanted that kick in the pants power at my control so I doubt I'm the best adviser on this topic.

My opinion: Honda Accord. Yeah, they're boring like Camry's but dependable as the day is long, plenty of trunk space, safe, and the mpg on the LX is mid to upper 20's I believe.

Questfor6 · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethiostar

I'm actually in WV right now, have been for about 3 years. However, I don't think we'll be here much longer and TX is our most likely destination.

I enjoyed driving the Subaru but I read that it struggles a bit going uphill. That won't be an issue in TX but it may be annoying while we're still in WV.

I'm looking forward to test-driving the Passat.

Where are you at in WV? I'm in Ripley. As for the car I'd go for the Passat, too many Camry's running around here.

visionary · 07-10-2012

for mid range cars (price wise), go with japanese and never look back. stick with the camry (though the subaru is pretty good too) and it will take care of you for the next 8-10 years without a major hiccup

when going higher end, consider german (BMW or Benz)

just my .02

ethiostar · 07-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Questfor6

Where are you at in WV? I'm in Ripley. As for the car I'd go for the Passat, too many Camry's running around here.

Thanks. I'm in Charleston.

davidyee · 07-10-2012

[quote=ethiostar;4615218]
4) Dependability

QUOTE]

...in manufacturing and way back when I worked for the auto industry in Michigan as a designer.

If point #4 is something you are trying to understand I suggest you look at TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for the following cars you have selected.

If you search the internet you can find many sites which show these. The TSBs is where the mechanics and dealers get their information on the repairs instructed or apporved by the manufacturer.

It's a good resource to determine if the vehicle you are looking to buy has run into any service problems with the units out in the marketplace.

Anotehr good genreal indicator is JD Power. They do as good a job as anyone in the industry being a watchdog over the quality metrics of the car manufacturers.

Right the gold standard is Lexus at 78 defects per 100 cars. I not sure where the three manufacturers you have have selected sit, but you can definitely check on the net.

Inside a industry coalition we do have tours and rate certain plants. I know some of the car plants and production lines are rated for their perfomance.

Just my personal professional experience. All of us, and I mean all of us aspire to the manufacturing record that Toyota has developed.

Despite what you have been hearing in the papers about the "brakes" problem you won't find a single ME, Op Mgr in the circles I run who doesn't work to reach the Toyota pinnacle.

A car is a huge investment that rapidly depreciates. There is no worse large purchase in life that is as much a dud as buying a vehicle.

The biggest revenue pipeline for car dealerships is not the sale of the vehicles, but rather the repairs. Choose wisely.

ethiostar · 07-10-2012

Well, the wife and I have been talking it over and it looks like we want to get something bigger than what we have, which is a 4-door sedan. This will mean we'll have to compromise on fuel efficiency but with two kids we feel we need more cargo space and a little versatility.

So, I've been looking at SUV/Crossover types for around 25k with very good safety rating, decent MPG, plenty of rear leg room, and cargo space. I've narrowed it down to 4.

2012 Chevrolet Equinox
2012 GMC Terrain
2012 Honda CR-V
2013 Mazda CX-5

The first three give around 22/32 mpg and the Mazda is slightly better with 26/35 for the base model but with considerably less HP and torque. They are all between 22k-25k.

We'll test-drive all of them by the end of the week.

Any suggestions out of the 4 or perhaps another I should consider?

ethiostar · 07-10-2012

[quote=davidyee;4616234]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethiostar

4) Dependability

QUOTE]

...in manufacturing and way back when I worked for the auto industry in Michigan as a designer.

If point #4 is something you are trying to understand I suggest you look at TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for the following cars you have selected.

If you search the internet you can find many sites which show these. The TSBs is where the mechanics and dealers get their information on the repairs instructed or apporved by the manufacturer.

It's a good resource to determine if the vehicle you are looking to buy has run into any service problems with the units out in the marketplace.

Anotehr good genreal indicator is JD Power. They do as good a job as anyone in the industry being a watchdog over the quality metrics of the car manufacturers.

[View Full Quote]

Lots of great stuff man, thank you very much.

Chocolate Lab · 07-10-2012

Said it before, but I'd go with the Mazda. I personally wouldn't buy a GM SUV, and from everything I've read, Honda's quality has dropped a lot in the last few years. (Still good, just not as bulletproof as before.) The Mazda will get the great MPG and have some fun factor, too.

ChldsPlay · 07-10-2012

Wait til August/September for when all the 2013 models start coming out and the remaining 2012's go a lot cheaper.

Duane · 07-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocolate Lab

Said it before, but I'd go with the Mazda. I personally wouldn't buy a GM SUV, and from everything I've read, Honda's quality has dropped a lot in the last few years. (Still good, just not as bulletproof as before.) The Mazda will get the great MPG and have some fun factor, too.

The two best cars I've ever owned have been Mazdas. I had an 82 RX7 in high school that I bought for $1,200 and ran until I sold it. And right now I'm driving a 99 Miata that I've owned since I drove it off the lot in 98.

The only issues I've ever heard with Mazdas is that their automatic transmissions aren't great. I wouldn't know because I've always owned standards.

Duane · 07-10-2012

If I was looking for a new vehicle I'd check into a Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3, Volkswagen GTI, or Subaru Impreza.

All these cars have room, performance, safety and decent gas mileage.

Chocolate Lab · 07-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane

The two best cars I've ever owned have been Mazdas. I had an 82 RX7 in high school that I bought for $1,200 and ran until I sold it. And right now I'm driving a 99 Miata that I've owned since I drove it off the lot in 98.

Very good to know... I've actually been considering one myself lately.

My second car was an RX7 in 1990 or so... I almost forget about that. Good times.

Quote:

The only issues I've ever heard with Mazdas is that their automatic transmissions aren't great. I wouldn't know because I've always owned standards.

Same here. I knew you were an okay dude.