Recommend me your vehicle.

[cookie]

We are looking into getting a new car for me. I drive a Nissan Murano right now and I'm ready for something new. We aren't in a huge rush but are definitely starting to scope out our options.

So what do you drive? Do you like it or not?

I've always driven a suv but am willing to look at other options.

Also does anyone lease? Likes? Dislikes?

TIA!

[kbeazly]

I drive a Chevy Equinox. I LURVE it. I'm not a big car person so might be easy to please.

[London]

We only bought our first car in 2014. Before that we rented cars every weekend, so I have driven a LOT of different makes and models.

My favourite was the Ford Escape. It handles like a dream. It's interior is spacious and sleek. It is functional but feels like a higher end vehicle inside. It's well priced.

On the fancier end of things, I loved driving my parents Audi Q5. Super spacious seating but a smaller trunk/storage space in the back. Also handles beautifully.



Edit to add- I drive a Chevy Cruz and like it, but find it a bit small now that we are contending with car seats and strollers. I do like Chevy/GM cars generally, more so than a lot of Asain makers I have driven. We bought ours second hand, we looked at leasing but were worried about km limits. It was also really nice to pay it off and not have yet another bill every month.

[mowkey]

I have a company car - ford fusion. It fits the two kids and I get free gas, so we squeeze all our stuff in there for some of our longer trips. But being that it is free is the only reason I like it.

My H has a Land Rover Discovery and I love it. It has every extra you can think of. Heated/cooling seats, navigation, cameras all around, voice activated everything, seat memory seetings, a huge sun roof that doesnt get hot inside when opened, eco features that make it more fuel efficient. It has a ton of room in the back and the trunk without feeling like a huge SUV at all. It looks really nice. I drive it around whenever I can because it's fantastic. The only downside is there is something in the windshield, so it doesnt take our easy pass at the toll booths. I have to hold it up above my head so it hits through the sun roof. I think it's the feature that defrosts the windows. Which is an awesome feature to have in the freezing northeast.

[trackgirl]

I drive a 2013 Ford Explorer. I love it. Big trunk, but optional third row seating. Middle row has space for rear and forward facing car seats. Gas isn't too bad, and it's cute lol

[emejay]

I drive a Subaru Forester and I absolutely love it. It's a smaller SUV which is working great for us with one kid.

I chose it especially because of winter driving which is definitely not your concern haha. It parks like a dream since it's not too wide.

I test drove a lot of smaller SUV and his was by far my favourite.

My mom has a RAV4 and I hate it.

[uclameghan]

May 26, 2016 13:44:42 GMT -5 emejay said:

I drive a Subaru Forester and I absolutely love it. It's a smaller SUV which is working great for us with one kid.

I chose it especially because of winter driving which is definitely not your concern haha. It parks like a dream since it's not too wide.

I test drove a lot of smaller SUV and his was by far my favourite.

My mom has a RAV4 and I hate it.

+1 to all of this.  We have been treated so well by the car and by our local dealership.  I never felt like I had to wipe the slime off of me when we dealt with them.

[keen]

2015 GMC Acadia. Roomy second and third rows, like a minivan. We got the bench seats, but I wish now that we would have gotten the captain chairs. Still love it to death. Every time I see it I think it's the most beautiful car I've every seen

It's important to note that the 2016 model is the last one in the current style. The 2017 model is smaller and hideous.

[uclameghan]

May 26, 2016 13:47:02 GMT -5 uclameghan said:

May 26, 2016 13:44:42 GMT -5 emejay said:

I drive a Subaru Forester and I absolutely love it. It's a smaller SUV which is working great for us with one kid.

I chose it especially because of winter driving which is definitely not your concern haha. It parks like a dream since it's not too wide.

I test drove a lot of smaller SUV and his was by far my favourite.

My mom has a RAV4 and I hate it.

+1 to all of this.  We have been treated so well by the car and by our local dealership.  I never felt like I had to wipe the slime off of me when we dealt with them.

Quoting myself to add that I was not a Subaru owner prior to this vehicle - I had always had Hondas or Toyotas and THOUGHT I was dead set on one of those (RAV4 or CRV).  I'm so glad I ended up with the Forester.  When MH gets his new car, he wants either a Forester or an Outback - that's how much we love them.

[emejay]

May 26, 2016 13:47:02 GMT -5 uclameghan said:

May 26, 2016 13:44:42 GMT -5 emejay said:

I drive a Subaru Forester and I absolutely love it. It's a smaller SUV which is working great for us with one kid.

I chose it especially because of winter driving which is definitely not your concern haha. It parks like a dream since it's not too wide.

I test drove a lot of smaller SUV and his was by far my favourite.

My mom has a RAV4 and I hate it.

+1 to all of this.  We have been treated so well by the car and by our local dealership.  I never felt like I had to wipe the slime off of me when we dealt with them.

SO is on his fourth Subaru, his brother on his third and 3 of his friends drive them too.

It's kinda *special* when we all get together haha

[txshep]

I lease a BMW 328 and DH leases a Ford F-150 FX 2. Our leases are both up in a year so we've been browsing the car market. I adore my 3 series, but need more backseat space. I'm hoping to switch to a BMW X5 for my next lease. DH will be getting rid of his truck, and adopting a longer commute, so he'll probably be switching to a sedan, most likely a 3 series like I have now.

Disclaimer: DH works for BMW, but I swear they are amazing cars and fantastic to drive. I would recommend them regardless. Just don't ever buy one, lease only! When you're out of warranty the cost of repairs can get out of control. (Hourly labor rate for service is like $150-175/hour). With a lease, that won't be a concern. DH tells his customers the same thing.

Other awesome SUV's I considered include the Audi Q5 and Range Rover.

[trackgirl]

May 26, 2016 13:55:18 GMT -5 txshep said:

I lease a BMW 328 and DH leases a Ford F-150 FX 2. Our leases are both up in a year so we've been browsing the car market. I adore my 3 series, but need more backseat space. I'm hoping to switch to a BMW X5 for my next lease. DH will be getting rid of his truck, and adopting a longer commute, so he'll probably be switching to a sedan, most likely a 3 series like I have now.

Disclaimer: DH works for BMW, but I swear they are amazing cars and fantastic to drive. I would recommend them regardless. Just don't ever buy one, lease only! When you're out of warranty the cost of repairs can get out of control. (Hourly labor rate for service is like $150-175/hour). With a lease, that won't be a concern. DH tells his customers the same thing.

Other awesome SUV's I considered include the Audi Q5 and Range Rover.

I agree with all of this. If you can get a BMW, do it. They are so nice. But yeah, if you buy, beware of repair costs! My first car was a 3 series and I spent sooooo much money on repairs when it had issues (I bought used). But it is my favorite car I've owned and I can't wait to get another. Jelaous of you txshep if you get an X5, I love them!

[eliza040502]

We have the Subaru outback. I think it was consumer reports top pick. We got it for the winter driving high ratings for safety.

I also have a mini cooper which I love. Not child friendly though.

[txshep]

May 26, 2016 14:01:26 GMT -5 trackgirl said:

I agree with all of this. If you can get a BMW, do it. They are so nice. But yeah, if you buy, beware of repair costs! My first car was a 3 series and I spent sooooo much money on repairs when it had issues (I bought used). But it is my favorite car I've owned and I can't wait to get another. Jelaous of you txshep if you get an X5, I love them!

I just had an X5 for a few days and it was amazing. The X3 is fantastic too. I had one of those about a month ago. DH hooks me up so I can test drive their loaners... now he just needs to let me keep them.

[txshep]

May 26, 2016 14:11:15 GMT -5 eliza040502 said:

We have the Subaru outback. I think it was consumer reports top pick. We got it for the winter driving high ratings for safety.

I also have a mini cooper which I love. Not child friendly though.

I had 3 MINI's and they are SO fun!! Definitely not what you want if you're looking for space though. One of mine was their "SUV" style Countryman, but even that is quite small.

[obie1680]

I'm no help I drive the same car you currently own & I love my Murano!

If I didn't get a Murano I was going with a ford Explorer.

[minionkeeper]

May 26, 2016 13:55:18 GMT -5 txshep said:

I lease a BMW 328 and DH leases a Ford F-150 FX 2. Our leases are both up in a year so we've been browsing the car market. I adore my 3 series, but need more backseat space. I'm hoping to switch to a BMW X5 for my next lease. DH will be getting rid of his truck, and adopting a longer commute, so he'll probably be switching to a sedan, most likely a 3 series like I have now.

Disclaimer: DH works for BMW, but I swear they are amazing cars and fantastic to drive. I would recommend them regardless. Just don't ever buy one, lease only! When you're out of warranty the cost of repairs can get out of control. (Hourly labor rate for service is like $150-175/hour). With a lease, that won't be a concern. DH tells his customers the same thing.

Other awesome SUV's I considered include the Audi Q5 and Range Rover.

I have an X5 and adore it. Has all the features. But I own mine but DH is certified BMW mechanic and runs an auto parts store so I get it all much cheaper! My next one will be leased in a year or so.
I use to have a 3 series in college and my bf at the time has a Z4 and a bmw bike so I inherited the appreciation. But 3 series was getting too small as my boys grew.

[mrsb1008]

I lease a 2014 CRV and I love it. However, from home to DC is maybe a 20 mile round trip, work is even closer at 15. If you have a long commute, leading is not a good option.

But I love my car and we plan to buy it after the lease is up next year. We looked at the same year Ford Escape, but for me there was too many buttons on the dash area. I felt it was overwhelming. But I liked the car itself. That one thing just bugged me.

[ProfEDD]

+4 to the Subaru Outback. It's a great car, but for the next one I might look at Foresters b/c they're roomier.

Edit spelling

[cookie]

May 26, 2016 13:16:38 GMT -5 trackgirl said:

I drive a 2013 Ford Explorer. I love it. Big trunk, but optional third row seating. Middle row has space for rear and forward facing car seats. Gas isn't too bad, and it's cute lol

The explorer is one of our front runners right now. Roomy, looks nice and the price isn't too bad. Glad to hear you love yours!

[beane]

Leasing a CX-5 and very happy with it.

[nomnom]

I loved my RAV4. I'm only selling it now because it doesn't fit two Diono Radians in the back and my nearly 6-foot-tall husband in the front.

We just bought a Chevy Suburban last week and so far we like it a lot too. It is very comfortable.

[beane]

May 26, 2016 20:31:37 GMT -5 nomnom said:

I loved my RAV4. I'm only selling it now because it doesn't fit two Diono Radians in the back and my nearly 6-foot-tall husband in the front.

We just bought a Chevy Suburban last week and so far we like it a lot too. It is very comfortable.

Just saw who you are. I was all "who is this nomnom chick who didn't intro?"

[kbeazly]

May 26, 2016 13:48:15 GMT -5 keen said:

2015 GMC Acadia. Roomy second and third rows, like a minivan. We got the bench seats, but I wish now that we would have gotten the captain chairs. Still love it to death. Every time I see it I think it's the most beautiful car I've every seen

It's important to note that the 2016 model is the last one in the current style. The 2017 model is smaller and hideous.

Bummer. I heart the look of the GMC Acadia (up to now) and had my eye on it as next vehicle

[beane]

May 26, 2016 23:11:07 GMT -5 pineapplesmoothie said:

I drive a 1992 Honda Accord wagon. Sad trombone?

I love having a wagon though and wish they were still being made new. I think prius has one.

VW too

[jujubee]

We have a 2010 Volvo V50 (wagon). I love the size and convenience of having a wagon but maintenance and repairs are expensive (similar to what txshep was saying about BMWs). Our next car will probably be a Japanese minivan.

[southernpeach89]

I drive a 2010 Honda Odessy, I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. Most convenient car ever. It's a mini van and the gas sucks but it has all the space for all my stuff.

H drives a 2007 Honda Pilot. It has turned out to be a great car despite how much it was used prior to use buying it. He likes it but we don't expect it to last us as long as the van.

[cowplanet]

Santa Fe Sport: We have a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and it's MY PRECIOUS... but we're coming from smaller, older vehicles when we got this. However, we test drove A LOT of small SUVs. I believe the regular Santa Fe would be the same class as the Murano, the Sport would be similar to the Rogue. My old car (now H's) is a 2004 Hyundai Elantra that while just a base econobox, has performed well, especially how much we haul with it. So, I had a lot of faith with Hyundai going in. We didn't get the AWD version, but it felt like a huge upgrade from H's old two-door Acura CL and the Elantra. I also love that you can choose driving modes, depending on how tight you like your steering or if you're on windy roads vs. long, straight highway.

Forester: We were seriously considering the Forester, as we've really enjoyed it when borrowing from the ILs. Definitely has the most haul capacity out of compact SUVs and best visibility. Plus, winter driving! It's funny, MIL says the Forester is awful in the snow, but when H drove it back to her house, he said is was "effing awesome." I think MIL just doesn't know how to drive in the snow. Our reasons for not getting the Forester: affordability/availability in our area for the trim and engine MH wanted. H wanted more under the hood, and the Sport gave us that, brand new and within our price range. We have two Subaru dealerships in the area, but anything lightly used goes fast and we couldn't afford brand new. ILs have two Foresters, it's all they'll buy now.

[London]

+1 to the Santa Fe actually, I rented that one a few times are enjoyed it.

[andtheheartbreakers]

2015 Chevy Traverse - we got the model with the two captains chairs and a third row bench. It's basically a minivan interior but looks like an SUV. It's amazing.