I need to buy a new car. My job requires me to put about 2,000 miles a month on my car and it depreciates the value so quickly. I am a young woman, unmarried with no children but I make a lot of deliveries and need the space. So I am needing a larger car or a smaller SUV. I really liked the design of the Suzuki Grand Vitara but have read mixed reviews on it. I need something reliable and something that gets great gas milage. I also live in mountain country and will occasionally be doing some climbing in the new car.
So I need some advice. What car/suv fits my needs? I know so little about cars that I am afraid that I will pick one based on looks alone. I want to make a smart decision about this.
Currently I drive a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am Coupe 2.4L engine (4 cyl). I want something newer, with four doors, with better trunck space and that still rivals my great gas milage I get currently.
I have about $12,000 to spend...
Thanks in advace for any insight.........
2007-04-09 03:52:59 · 11 answers · asked by hmmmmmmm 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
I agree that a good quality preowned car is probably the way to go. First of all, someone else has already taken the depreciation so you don't take as big a hit. Secondly, you'll get more car for your $12,000 than you would going with new. Check sites like carmax.com, vehix.com, autotrader.com and some of your local dealerships that will offer a decent warranty. I know that most people think that working with a dealer is rough (I know because I used to be one) but it's actually where you'll get the best care after the sale as long as they're a reputable dealer.
As far as what vehicle to choose, I'd suggest either a Toyota Rav4 or the Honda Element ( a little ugly but VERY dependable). My personal opinion about Nissans is not good. I've seen enough of them go bad to just pass on 'em.
2007-04-09 04:21:57 · answer #1 · answered by gtrman06708 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are endless numbers of cars to pick from. I bought a used Dodge Grand Caravan Sport about one year ago. I have only had to change oil and put in gas in all that time.
It is a very useful vehicle. Plenty of room to carry 7 people and versatile to carry lots of cargo. Average gas milage is 18 mpg.
I suggest you consider buying a slightly used Dodge Grand Caravan. They depreciate rapidly in the first few years. So you will have a useful vehicle and won't take the big hit on depreciation.
My vehicle is fully equiped. The heater, A/C and radio work well. Finally, the coffee cup holder is in a good location.
2007-04-09 04:01:58 · answer #2 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you my want to consider a smaller gently used four door type pick up. The smaller Japanese made trucks have bullet-proof motors. I know that Nissan makes a four door mid size pick up with a 4 foot bed )which you can put a bed cover over to protect your "deliveries" from the weather, plus it has four doors for extra interior space. You will get good MPG plus save on your insurance (over an SUV not a sedan). These trucks tend to be more affordable than a lot of SUV's. Plus, with your terrain I think this truck would handle it with out a problem. Go 1-2 years old. You skip the "drive off the lot" depreciation and you still get a great automobile. This is just my opinion. I have owned these truck in the past and own one now. I put 180,000 miles on my Isuzu, 150,000 on my Nissan and almost 200,00 on my toyota. Great mid sized trucks.
2007-04-09 04:09:13 · answer #3 · answered by Rob K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should Buy a Toyota Great dependable cars or if you want a cheap but good gas mileage Suv I would recommend A hyundai Santa fe or a Tucson. Toyota Rav fours are nice. Or perhaps you can get a Saturn Vue a pontiac torrent or a chevy equinox. They give pretty good gas mileage and you know what they say about Chevy like a rock.
2007-04-09 03:59:44 · answer #4 · answered by camarocoupe 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You sound like a good canidate for a Subaru. Good on gas, AWD, come in car and Wagons. Suzuki makes better bikes than cars. A Chevy HHR might be a option as well.
2007-04-09 04:05:44 · answer #5 · answered by lana_sands 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get a Ford Escort: Station Wagon. With a Five Speed manual trans.
Plenty of room and real good milage. Parts are real cheep and can be found anywhere.
2007-04-09 03:58:26 · answer #6 · answered by Groovio 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 454 bored .30 over to equivalent a 427 engine. good pistons 9-a million compression. Com cam and is derived prof. product balancer. 160cc oval port heads Edelbrock overall performance RPM intake with 750 cfm overall performance carburetor.
2016-10-02 10:19:22 · answer #7 · answered by faim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look into a pontiac vibe, or a toyota matrix
great gas mileage and lots of space as they are both sporty wagons
2007-04-09 03:56:20 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. Takafushi 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hyundai has some good hybrid SUV's. Check them out.
2007-04-09 03:55:34 · answer #9 · answered by nunnayo b 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How about a Saturn Wagon?
2007-04-09 03:56:08 · answer #10 · answered by tumbleweed1954 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋