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Post by PEAcan pie on May 3, 2021 2:51:12 GMT
Let me just say...I am not a vehicle person at.all. I was perfectly happy with my Dodge caravan for the last 10 years. I would get another but thinking I should find something for less money that is better in snow (MI). I will seriously cry because so many good family memories with my van and I LOVE the room, sliding doors and 7 passengers. Does not make real sense to get another 17 (driving) ,12 and 9 year old.
With that said what would you buy? My heart is not in it at all. I thought about an explorer or Bronco because we can get the A plan.
Any other vehicles you would like to recommend? I.hate.shopping for vehicles!
What do you love and why? Why is this so hard for me?
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Post by iteach3rdgrade on May 3, 2021 3:44:41 GMT
I loved my minivan, too! The sliding doors were the best, as well as the amount of things it could carry on a trip. My son was 2 when we bought it and it's filled with memories of so many trips. I've had it for 12 years and I think it's getting it's last repair under the lifetime warranty, but I ended up with a new vehicle because the process for repairs has taken over a month. I was going to get an Outback, but dh talked me into looking at the Telluride. The catch was trying to find one to test drive because most on the lots were sold. We happened to find one on the lot to drive and left with it. Not my first choice in color. It's a mid-sized SUV and I fell in love with it. It met my must haves in a vehicle. I'm not missing the sliding doors yet, however, I do miss the deep storage in the rear. I also miss the armrests. The safety features of the newer vehicles are amazing! I don't miss my van as much as I expected. Once you start looking, you might surprise yourself!
My must haves were: seat length for leg support (some extenders suck) and good stereo/speakers since I drive a lot. Those were non-negotiable.
I considered two:
Highlander- very smooth ride, great turn radius, horrible view about the back window, mediocre stereo. Not sure they showed me the top package. I don't think they had seat extenders in most models. The height difference on the door and middle console was bothersome for us when resting our arms.
Outback- it's my second choice and it had the seat extender. Stereo was good. Dealer located farther away, like my van was and it wasn't so convenient.
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Post by PEAcan pie on May 3, 2021 3:52:47 GMT
I loved my minivan, too! The sliding doors were the best, as well as the amount of things it could carry on a trip. My son was 2 when we bought it and it's filled with memories of so many trips. I've had it for 12 years and I think it's getting it's last repair under the lifetime warranty, but I ended up with a new vehicle because the process for repairs has taken over a month. I was going to get an Outback, but dh talked me into looking at the Telluride. The catch was trying to find one to test drive because most on the lots were sold. We happened to find one on the lot to drive and left with it. Not my first choice in color. It's a mid-sized SUV and I fell in love with it. It met my must haves in a vehicle. I'm not missing the sliding doors yet, however, I do miss the deep storage in the rear. The safety features of the newer vehicles are amazing! I don't miss my van as much as I expected. Once you start looking, you might surprise yourself! Thank you... you get me:) I read about Outbacks on a facebook page and I was going to look it up, I am so clueless on cars I do not even know who manufactures them lol. I start to have a bit of anxiety when I sit in a more compact car after driving minivans for 25 years. I agree the safety features is one thing I am looking forward too. I just have to get used to the idea of change. The other thing that is bumming me out...is we were considering trading in our boat but now that is off the table with the new vehicle. I hate that I am not happy about a new vehicle, I feel forced and it is bumming me out. I would have drove my Minivan a few more years and been perfectly happy.
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Post by crazy4scraps on May 3, 2021 4:00:12 GMT
If money was no object, I would get a Honda Pilot. My friend had a couple of them and we took her vehicle on many road trips. It’s not too big, not too small, seats fold down flat to haul a ton of stuff. I think it also seats 7-8 depending, if you leave the third row of seats in it.
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Post by iteach3rdgrade on May 3, 2021 4:03:13 GMT
I loved my minivan, too! The sliding doors were the best, as well as the amount of things it could carry on a trip. My son was 2 when we bought it and it's filled with memories of so many trips. I've had it for 12 years and I think it's getting it's last repair under the lifetime warranty, but I ended up with a new vehicle because the process for repairs has taken over a month. I was going to get an Outback, but dh talked me into looking at the Telluride. The catch was trying to find one to test drive because most on the lots were sold. We happened to find one on the lot to drive and left with it. Not my first choice in color. It's a mid-sized SUV and I fell in love with it. It met my must haves in a vehicle. I'm not missing the sliding doors yet, however, I do miss the deep storage in the rear. The safety features of the newer vehicles are amazing! I don't miss my van as much as I expected. Once you start looking, you might surprise yourself! Thank you... you get me:) I read about Outbacks on a facebook page and I was going to look it up, I am so clueless on cars I do not even know who manufactures them lol. I start to have a bit of anxiety when I sit in a more compact car after driving minivans for 25 years. I agree the safety features is one thing I am looking forward too. I just have to get used to the idea of change. The other thing that is bumming me out...is we were considering trading in our boat but now that is off the table with the new vehicle. I hate that I am not happy about a new vehicle, I feel forced and it is bumming me out. I would have drove my Minivan a few more years and been perfectly happy.
I refused to look at vehicles until it was a possibility and I had done research for about 4 months after my last deer encounter thinking it'd be totaled. We looked for a couple of weekends knowing we didn't have to get one then. It made it less stressful. I hate car shopping with a passion.
We had a couple of options for purchasing and the day I found one to test drive was the day we weren't looking for me. Ha. The situation with a Telluride is the demand is high and they go for sticker price. Someone will buy it tomorrow if you don't. It sucks cost wise, but it did make the process so much easier knowing we skipped the worst part.
I'll be afraid to drive a car without these safety features now! Good luck with the search!
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Post by ntsf on May 3, 2021 4:06:47 GMT
I love our subaru outback.. and it is so good in snow. have had no problems with it in 5 yrs. and the back seat is doable for 3.
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Post by Skellinton on May 3, 2021 4:27:45 GMT
I have a Subaru Forester which is bigger then the outback and I love it. It is supposedly great in the snow, but we hardly ever get any so I can't speak to that myself. Very roomy and so many safety features come standard. I couldn't be happier with it.
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Post by PEAcan pie on May 3, 2021 4:41:38 GMT
If money was no object, I would get a Honda Pilot. My friend had a couple of them and we took her vehicle on many road trips. It’s not too big, not too small, seats fold down flat to haul a ton of stuff. I think it also seats 7-8 depending, if you leave the third row of seats in it. This sounds great off to check it out!
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tincin
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,378
Jul 25, 2014 4:55:32 GMT
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Post by tincin on May 3, 2021 5:15:03 GMT
I love my GMC Terrain but really only 4 adults can fit in comfortably. My brother who has a larger family loves his Chevy Tahoe because it’s bigger.
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on May 3, 2021 8:03:10 GMT
If you’re interested in the Kia Telluride also consider the Hyundai Pallisade. They’re almost identical vehicles, and have the same issue of selling really quickly so it’s hard to find one, but the comfort, space, safety features, and warranty are worth looking at.
I have been researching the GMC Acadia, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe as well. They fit your criteria.
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Post by compeateropeator on May 3, 2021 8:06:57 GMT
I am another that hates car buying with a passion. On Wednesday I just traded in my 2016 Subaru Forester for a 2021 Forester. This was the youngest car I ever traded. 😃. I usually keep them for about 10 years. A big pro with Subarus are they really retain their value. So this is the first time I ever got something for my car. Hahaha.
I loved my previous Subaru and have had a little bit of buyers remorse for getting rid of it. I get attached to my cars for some reason. I do not like the console/front of my new one as much as my old...but I am getting use to it and there are a lot of great safety features. I am in New England and Subarus are the best car I have had with winter driving. IMO it is not the quietest car but it is a work horse.
That being said - I do think it would only really be comfortable with 4 adults but 5 if that included children. It is considered a small SUV and is smaller (and less expensive) than the outback. The cargo space is not bad, especially with the seats down but I am not sure that it is as much as a minivan.
All of that being said, I would highly recommend the Subaru Forester, if it fits your family - size wise. It is a good bang for your buck. For just under 30,000 you can get a car that has a lot of great features and a great safety record. I do think you need to drive it and stick your whole family in it to make sure it is something that will accommodate everyone and that it checks off all your boxes.
Good luck from someone who would rather stick 1000 needles in my eye than go car shopping. At least now I don’t have to think about it for another 5 or 6 years. 😉😀
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Post by monklady123 on May 3, 2021 9:18:33 GMT
If you want a van you can't go wrong with a Honda Odyssey. Well, you can't go wrong with a Honda, period. We have always driven Hondas and we have a wonderful group of guys (and one gal!) at the service center of our close-by dealership. We still drive a van even though one kid lives in Georgia (with his Honda CRV) and the other kid is an adult here (with her Honda Accord). We like the space it offers for going on trips, for hauling stuff, for the dog, etc. This is the second Odyssey we've owned... We bought the first one new in 2002 and kept that thing for 13 years until it finally died with repairs needed that weren't worth it given its age. We donated it to Habitat for Humanity, and the day they came to haul it away was so sad. I was actually surprised at my reaction since it was just a plain van. But that van took us all over the States, it drove football players and swimmers and dancers, it provided tailgate space, etc. We bought another Odyssey but this one was a few years old. But wow, it was like going from the Stone Age to the Space Age... SO many buttons and electronic things... The doors slide open, and it starts without a key, and the back opens with just a touch, and it took me 20 minutes and the manual to figure out how to change the clock... hahaha That was a few years ago and I've grown to love the sliding side doors and easy-open back. And even the keyless start which was a steeper learning curve.
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Post by Basket1lady on May 3, 2021 10:37:36 GMT
With a 12 YO and 9 YO, I'd get another van. I used the heck out of my van up until the kids left for school. In fact, DS is still driving it.
Even up to their senior year, I was hauling theatre stuff, football gear, and still plenty of kids. I didn't allow either of my kids to drive friends until they had had their license for a full year and even then it was only one other friend that I knew and trusted. Also, we did a lot of driving trips and it was nice to have room for everyone's luggage plus the dog ( a big lab). So I vote for another Caravan or Town and Country. I switched from a Grand Caravan to a XL Town and Country and was very happy. It's essentially the same vehicle, but we bought it used and there was a T&C available with leather seats and a back up camera. We buy the top models of used cars with low mileage because it usually comes with better safety features and other perks.
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Post by jeremysgirl on May 3, 2021 10:40:33 GMT
If you want to stick with a Chevy for the APlan, I think a Blazer might be right for you. It's an amazing car. I don't have any children riding in my car anymore and I prefer smaller. I just bought myself a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer and I absolutely love it. I treated myself to the top of the line one too. It's got a ton of safety features (my insurance went down despite it being a far more expensive car) and it's got a sunroof and is AWD. Which I'm looking forward to in Michigan. I just drove from Michigan to Gulf Shores, Alabama and back and I have to say I love this car. And look how pretty!
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Post by refugeepea on May 3, 2021 12:01:50 GMT
I drive a 2005 Dodge mini van and it still works. It has not sounded great for a while, but I'm waiting for it to totally die. I'm glad you started this thread. I really don't want to replace it with a car.
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,227
Jun 25, 2014 21:44:13 GMT
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Post by naby64 on May 3, 2021 12:05:36 GMT
I have a Subaru Forester which is bigger then the outback and I love it. It is supposedly great in the snow, but we hardly ever get any so I can't speak to that myself. Very roomy and so many safety features come standard. I couldn't be happier with it. As a southerner that finally got 18 inches of snow in February, I'll attest to the snow handling. I almost didn't have a reason to not go in to work.😁 I love my Forester! It is the Sport model. Which just means I have orange accents. It just looks sportier than the others. Moon roof, black out wheels, heated seats and all the safety features. I admit to being one of those people than buy based on looks. ODS bought the Outback 3 Mos before I got my vehicle and he sung the praises of the car. That sold me on mine.
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Post by Bridget in MD on May 3, 2021 12:22:53 GMT
I just traded in my Honda minivan. I loved that car and had so many memories of hauling Girl and Boy Scouts and friends to different places. With DD graduating, I just don't need that kind of car anymore, but it still hurts!
DH wanted to look at the Outback, but we don;t have a subaru dealershp near us. WE don't have a honda dealership either, so any warrenty/maintence was 45min-1hr away and that was a pain. So I refuse to buy a car that doesnt have a local dealershp to us anymore.
We just bought a toyota highlander. I love it but there is so much to get used to!
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Post by cmhs on May 3, 2021 12:30:19 GMT
I replaced my 17 year old Toyota Sienna with a Subaru Outback and I'm beyond happy with it. I'm not a car person either so the fact that I love my Outback so much really says a lot. Good luck with your search!
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,891
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on May 3, 2021 12:39:24 GMT
I love our subaru outback.. and it is so good in snow. have had no problems with it in 5 yrs. and the back seat is doable for 3. My last 3 cars have been 1. Outback (current car); 2. Acura MDX; 3. Audi Q7. BY FAR, the Outback is the best car. If it's under consideration, take a test drive.
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Post by whipea on May 3, 2021 12:53:17 GMT
I just got a car Saturday, a 2021 Volvo XC90 SUV. It seats seven if you use the third row. Great technology, nice ride and it is peppy since it is a turbo. Nice high quality interior, comfortable and intuitive. This car replaced a Lexus RX350L SUV, also seats seven. Another very nice but floaty ride, not peppy but will get you to where you need to go. It was like riding in a living room, silent, plush and extremely comfortable with very high quality finish work. I traded because wanted something peppier and the Lexus did not have navigation.
Have you considered the Subaru Ascent? They seem very nice and can't beat Subaru's reliability. A few people I know have them and are very happy.
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Post by whipea on May 3, 2021 12:58:09 GMT
If you want to stick with a Chevy for the APlan, I think a Blazer might be right for you. It's an amazing car. I don't have any children riding in my car anymore and I prefer smaller. I just bought myself a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer and I absolutely love it. I treated myself to the top of the line one too. It's got a ton of safety features (my insurance went down despite it being a far more expensive car) and it's got a sunroof and is AWD. Which I'm looking forward to in Michigan. I just drove from Michigan to Gulf Shores, Alabama and back and I have to say I love this car. And look how pretty! Your car is totally you!
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Post by Basket1lady on May 3, 2021 13:11:32 GMT
If you want to stick with a Chevy for the APlan, I think a Blazer might be right for you. It's an amazing car. I don't have any children riding in my car anymore and I prefer smaller. I just bought myself a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer and I absolutely love it. I treated myself to the top of the line one too. It's got a ton of safety features (my insurance went down despite it being a far more expensive car) and it's got a sunroof and is AWD. Which I'm looking forward to in Michigan. I just drove from Michigan to Gulf Shores, Alabama and back and I have to say I love this car. And look how pretty! This would make me smile every time I saw you drive by. I love the color and what a great photo!
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Post by myboysnme on May 3, 2021 13:24:08 GMT
Toyota Highlander or Sienna.
If I wanted an American mfg I would choose a Chrysler Pacifica
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Post by guzismom on May 3, 2021 13:41:35 GMT
I only buy Hondas...so, I'd go down to the local dealer and take a look at what they have.
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Post by beepdave on May 3, 2021 13:56:22 GMT
Toyota Highlander or Sienna. If I wanted an American mfg I would choose a Chrysler Pacifica My Highlander was my absolute favorite vehicle to drive in MI. They are out of our price range now, but I still miss it! ;-)
That being said, we had to get a new second vehicle and it has taken us five months to find what we wanted. We finally got a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder on Thursday! I love it! I had been driving my Toyota RAV4 and DH was looking at other RAV4s and I suggested he take over mine (2014-he drives four blocks to work) and we'll get a newer family vehicle! I saw the Pathfinder and remembered that we had driven one in Houston for a day and I loved how smooth and easy it was! I love it!
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Post by Monica* on May 3, 2021 14:17:26 GMT
I drove my Honda Odyssey for over 18 years. Yep. That's right. I loved my van. I called it the "Couch on Wheels" because it was so comfortable I felt like I was driving my coach down the street. Loved the little side table for my snacks and the massive cargo room, especially with the third row folded down. I did feel, though, that I was on borrowed time and I was afraid to take it on long trips, so we ended up giving it to a friend. Still looked pretty good and had only 140k miles on it. My stage of life is different now, so I opted for a new Nissan Murano. Took a little getting used to, but I am loving it for its style and zippiness. The second row folds down for more cargo space, but it's not as tall as the cargo in my van, so I can't haul big pieces of furniture anymore. But I'm getting older, so that's probably a good thing. Just wanted to share the van love because they are often maligned and I get you also! I was sad when my van drove away for the last time. Good luck in your search!
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Post by danalz on May 3, 2021 15:04:06 GMT
we are trading in our 2008 Equinox as the frame is rusting out. It's my husband's winter car and it sits in the driveway from May to October while he drives his Mustang. We want an AWD, living in WI. DH is 6'8" and DS (15) is 6'5" so we had to look for something that they both fit comfortably in.
Even though it's just the 3 of us, we decided on a Hyundai Palisade. they are hard to find on the lots (hot sellers, apparently) but one came in a few weeks ago and we were able to test drive. We fell in love with it and DS and DH fit comfortably in the front or back seats. The 3rd row folds down for tons of storage in the back. We ended up ordering from the factory because we wanted the burgundy color and all the dealers in the area just had gray, black or white. If I'm paying that much for a new car, I want the color I want. It's a 90 day build so we will have it by July or August. No huge rush for us as the trade in isn't usually driven during summer anyway.
I recommend looking at the Palisade or the Kia Telluride (our other test drive but the dealer wasn't willing to work with us on getting the color we wanted).
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Post by cmpeter on May 3, 2021 16:10:45 GMT
We aren’t buying gas powered vehicles any more. DH’s car is ready to be replaced (176K miles on it). We’ve ordered the Mustang Mach-E. I’m not sure what we’ll replace my Acura with yet...it’s at 120K miles and still going strong though. But, it will be electric.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,983
Jun 25, 2014 21:50:33 GMT
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Post by The Great Carpezio on May 3, 2021 16:26:48 GMT
ETA: We prefer used cars that are loaded. We want as many features as possible...so we do buy with that in mind.
For price point and comfort (and similar to a van in the ride), the Kia Sorento is a good option. We, unfortunately, had a weird engine issue (2016), but it has third seat and we can still get my son's hockey goalie bag in (plus with the third seat down). We had a Town and Country van for 10 years before we bought the Kian 3 years ago..
We also just bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. I really like it, but it does ride more like a traditional SUV--higher up and it is smaller (but can still get goalie bag in easily since it is only two rows).
You can get a lot of space and bang for your buck with Kia....even though we had issues, our mechanic said they are good vehicles--be he prefers the Jeep and drives them himself.)
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Post by peano on May 3, 2021 16:40:25 GMT
I’ve had 4 Hondas spanning my adult life. My last 2 have been CRVs—the first used, the second new. I found it to be a good size down from my Odyssey, my third Honda. They have all been super reliable and a pleasure to drive. I get them serviced at the dealership and they have always treated me with respect, and don’t push unnecessary services, which I found with other independent garages prior to owning Hondas. They are AWD so have good snow traction.
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