Need new car; no clue on what to buy

**disneysteve** · 02-11-2011, 07:42 PM

I'd buy an Odyssey before I considered an Element, especially if there are lots of people and stuff to haul around. Personally, I'm a Toyota guy so I'd get a Sienna (we have one, in fact).

**LuckyRobin** · 02-11-2011, 08:18 PM

I would also reccommend a Toyota Sienna. They are very comfortable and roomy and get decent gas mileage. They seat up to seven people.

**Scanner** · 02-12-2011, 05:05 AM

I'll consider one. . .they can be hard to find one used though b/c of the Toyota/Honda cult loyalty. I like minivans for versatility but they seem to be on the way out.

**disneysteve** · 02-12-2011, 07:22 AM

Originally posted by Scanner View Post

I like minivans for versatility but they seem to be on the way out.

I think they are less popular than they once were because of all of the lemmings buying SUVs but I don't think they are going away. In fact, I think the Odyssey was just remodeled this year or last year so Honda is still putting money into maintaining the model line.

Until something comes along to replace them, I think minivans will stay. We've had one since 1996 and will continue to drive one for the foreseeable future. I don't ever want an SUV. There are some crossovers that might rival the space and convenience of a minivan but I don't know enough about them to say for sure.

**maat55** · 02-12-2011, 07:45 AM

Not the most popular option for a women, but A Ford Exployer Sport Trac is a very versatile option.

You can haul a family of 5 in comfort, while hauling everything from groceries to trees.

**cypher1** · 02-12-2011, 08:36 AM

Originally posted by Scanner View Post

I was thinking a Honda Element. Everyone says, "Ewwww. They're ugly" but I don't really care at this point. I want somethign versatile so I could hault something occasionally.

I was pretty sold on the Element until I saw for a 4 cyl. it gets 20 mpg city and 25 Highway, thot it would be better.

I would say the first generation Element is ugly, but the later models are debatable. As for the 4cyl area, the K24 series engine is one of Honda's current best for reliability. That same series is used in the CRV, Accord, and TSX (slightly upgraded). While I agree under powered for the size, yes, but very practical hauling items. As for gas mileage, 4WD/weight, thats not surprising. I am not an SUV advocate, but I have to admit my 00 CRV was a great replacement to a hatchback for hauling things. Less maintenance than on a v6, 4WD, even though I only get 26 mpg on it. So I sacrificed power for practicality. I wouldn't remove a 4cyl just yet.

Originally posted by disneysteve View Post

I think they are less popular than they once were because of all of the lemmings buying SUVs but I don't think they are going away. In fact, I think the Odyssey was just remodeled this year or last year so Honda is still putting money into maintaining the model line.

Until something comes along to replace them, I think minivans will stay. We've had one since 1996 and will continue to drive one for the foreseeable future. I don't ever want an SUV. There are some crossovers that might rival the space and convenience of a minivan but I don't know enough about them to say for sure.

Agreed, minivans won't go away. Also SUVS are overrated. You don't know how many times I have to be reminded that my co workers' Murano, RX300/330, RAV4, Pilot, MDX are the best cars EVER. While Odyssey and Sienna are two of the best lines out there. Backseats flip back on both, latest bells and whistles, same for safety. Personally I'm not a big of any of Honda's V6 line which I consider those gas hogs. And besides SUVS, there are other vehicles to compete. For size and practicality, hatchbacks (not very family orientated), and sports wagons are still on the rise for convenience.

Do you already have a price range in mind? You mentioned having 3 kids, but where do you see yourself within a few years? Besides factoring you're current g/f situation (depending on how serious), one your boys will be old enough to drive. Just another note to consider.

**Scanner** · 02-12-2011, 09:59 AM

I guess it's hard to comprehend but they actually list the Element under a SUV. . .I think of it more like a station wagon if anything (a square one).

26K highway isn't bad. . .not teh worst. . .and I do travel a lot of empty backroads to work so the mpg will hopefully be on the higher side of the range if I keep tires inflated.

I'd like to probably drop about 15K on a car at this point, probably finance about 10K. . .so I am thinking a used Element. I am not sure what I can really get in the minivan range for that money.

**cjscully** · 02-12-2011, 10:56 AM

Based on the number of people you might be hauling around (you & your kids plus gf & her kids) I'd suggest going the minivan route as well. They're better than SUVs in terms of handling that kind of passenger load. As for brand, I don't have much of a suggestion. Fuel economy would be my first consideration. One thing to keep in mind is that your actual mileage may vary significantly depending on how many people you're transporting on a daily basis.

**Scanner** · 02-12-2011, 11:20 AM

You know. . .maybe I have been using the wrong website. . .I like autotrader dot com. . .but I noticed when I looked on yahoo auto, I got a lot of listings for Toyota Sienna so there seems to be more out there than on superficial examination. Maybe I could minivan it.

I like minivans. . .I was kind of digging the idea of an Element tho. . .

**mdcrim** · 02-12-2011, 03:34 PM

I'd get a Toyota Highlander. They have a 3rd row seat that folds flat and a removable center console in the second row. They are very nice...

**snafu** · 02-12-2011, 03:38 PM

Toyota & Honda minivans seem to have premium pricing as they are 'preferred.' I'd recommend a 3 y/o Hyundai Tuscon or Santa Fe which are cheaper and without cachet. These vehicles have a good warranty and these are transferable without cost if you press the issue. The write-ups look good on the opinion sites. I know Phil Edmunds [Lemon Aid] drives these. Mileage is similar to other mini vans, the seats fold easily for hauling BUT interior bins could be more efficient.

The price of a car is what a willing buyer will pay to the seller. Whatever brand you choose, you need to do some research so that you get something that does the things you need without spending for extras that mean little to you. Some folks feel they must have a particular color or leather seats or a seat warmer or factory installed DVD player.

**cschin4** · 02-13-2011, 01:54 AM

How about the Ford Edge or Explorer? Or a Suburban or Tahoe if you are going to have a pile of kids to haul. But, maybe you should wait to see where the relationship goes first.

**cschin4** · 02-13-2011, 01:57 AM

If getting a minivan, consider getting a new one. The used ones are usually ridden pretty hard! So, get a new one, you get new tires, new breaks, new engine, full warranty and also with kids, you want to make sure you have side impact airbags as well. I used to only buy used cars but then when I wanted a van, I wanted a Toyota Sienna and could not find a decent used one. I also wanted side airbags as well. So, buying new as great and we bought in 05 and plan to have it several more years. Has long been paid off. There are valid reasons to purchase new.

**bones72** · 02-13-2011, 08:05 AM

Consider this, the price of a good used Sienna, Odyssey, or other import Minivan or SUV is pretty high. How much would you save in hard dollars by giving up some fuel mileage for a cheaper unit? Look at your insurance and property taxes very closely too. Bear in mind that I AM a career car dealer.

Need new car; no clue on what to buy