March 2012 Weddings

Car Shopping

I've started searching around for a new car. I drive a 2009 Altima, which I love, but I'm ready for an SUV. I signed a lease (because I'm an idiot) when I bought the car in 2009. It's a 3 year lease and it's up at the end of March I believe. So, we've started looking for SUVs. JP drives a Doge Nitro now, but he really misses his sports cars. Side note, he previously had 2, in addition to the Nitro, and sold them a couple years ago. Who needs 3 cars at once is beyond me, but between getting ready to turn 30 and getting married with kids shortly thereafter, I think he's going through a mini life crisis. lol Anyway, we've discussed him getting a sports car again and me driving his car. He bought the Nitro brand new in 2009 with all the extras (because he's a guy and apparently has to have the best of everything). So, I'd be more than happy to go with this option since I love his car. If not, he'll be keeping the Nitro and I'd be getting a new SUV.

So, my question is, what kind of car does everyone drive? What are your thoughts or recommendations? I am on the hunt for an SUV, but if I find a good enough deal I may be persuaded to go down the car route again.

In my fantasy world I'd want a brand new Range Rover with all the extras, but since that's clearly not a reality, I want to stick to under 20K hopefully. I don't mind getting one that's a year or two old either.
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Re: Car Shopping

  • w+c3w+c3 member
    500 Comments Second Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Well I drive a G6. Not even close to an SUV.

    However I too want my next vehicle to be an SUV. The ones I like (based more purely on looks than anything substantial): GMC Acadia, Tahoe, or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
  • I drive a 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring.

    I really enjoy driving it. I have a hard time being low to the gound anymore, so we almost always take my car! We went with the Pilot, becase it has the rear entertainment system and Navi system. Plus the drive it so smooth. The entertainment system will come in handy with the future babies, and we plan on keeping this car for a while (5-6 years). FI's brother is the sales manager at our Honda so I got my $40k car for $30k. FI has an addiction to cars, and he currently has 3!
    I test drove a ton of Acura MDX's which I loved the way they drove, but didnt have all the goodies I wanted. Maybe look at an older RDX to find one in your price range.
    You could always look at a honda CR-V too.

    I have a girlfriend who drive a Kia Sorento and loves it! I have no idea how much they are, but I know they are a more affordable SUV.

    I could keep going, but Im sure no one wants to hear it. hahahaha FI was a mechanic back in the day, and with his brother in the business, I know more than I should!
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  • I just a 2009 Honda Civic less than 2 weeks ago and love it. I drive far for work so the gas milage is what I was after.

    My FI drive a 2006 Ford Explorer and I really like it. It rides well and is comfy to travel in. Thats is what we take on all of our long trips.

    My Dad drive a Honda Pilot and I love it. It drives well and it has everything on a person could want. It has the 3rd row seats that can fold down when not in use. We took it WV this fall for our rafting trip and it was uber roomy and comfortable for us. My Dad would buy one for all us kids if he had the money.
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  • Haha, you do NOT want my car!  I drive a 2009 Toyota Yaris.  It's super teeny tiny, but that's why I love it.  40MPG highway (37 city), extremely reliable, and cute as a button!

    Back in 2009 when I was looking to trade in my 2007 Yaris I did test drive some smaller SUVs and was actually looking to get the Rav4, which my old roommate had and I loved.  In the end we couldn't get a good enough deal on the Rav4 but got an amazing deal on the new Yaris (0% down, 0% interest for the life of the loan, plus they gave me $7,500 for my old Yaris).  I basically walked off the lot with lower payment than I had before, and a newer car!

    Anyway, in the end I'm really happy I didn't get the Rav4.  I ended up leaving my ex husband about a year and we never had any kids (which was the reason for gettng the Rav4 in the first place).  

    I say get the car you need for right now.  If your FI already has a car you love, let the guy get his sport's car!  Then when the kids come you can look into getting the SUV.  Plus with safety regulations changing so quickly I'd personally rather wait until I'm already pregnant to buy the baby vehicel to ensure I'm getting the safetest car possible!  Just a sort of "don't put the cart before the horse" theory.  
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  • I work for a (very large) vehicle finance company and we do all the financing for GM & Chrysler...and some other small ones. I personally drive a little chevy right now (after I wrecked my beloved pontiac) and my next car will def be an SUV.  I really like the Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain (LOVE) and a few of the Jeeps...Can't wait til I can go car shopping again...
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  • I am fixing to get a new car too. I drove a 09 Chevy silverado. I really want a suv again. FI and are looking at getting GMC Acadia. I love those.
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_march-2012-weddings_car-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:955e4823-0be1-44ef-9ee7-99a63794e103Discussion:ed454d39-3c6e-4b7a-80ea-23760389fad0Post:6bde08a9-0fbe-4116-833c-f30b70a917cf">Re: Car Shopping</a>:
    [QUOTE]I am fixing to get a new car too. I drove a 09 Chevy silverado. I really want a suv again. FI and are looking at getting <strong>GMC Acadia</strong>. I love those.
    Posted by Carykay[/QUOTE]

    My mom had a 2008 Acadia and just turned that in for a 2011. She loves the Acadia's and I do too! It's a little pricey for me, but it is an awesome SUV and a great ride.
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  • Thanks girls!!

    Yeah, I'd totally be content with taking over the Dodge Nitro. It's an SUV, has all the goodies, nav, leather seats, amazing system, etc. and still looks brand new. Then, JP would be happy to have a sports car again. The one down with the sports car is we'd either have to get rid of it when babies arrive OR buy another car/suv. He'll want a fancy little two-seater sports car, which would clearly be an issue with children (I'm gone, he's home, emergency arises, can't leave...yeah, that's not going to work).

    However, if I DO get a new SUV and he continues driving the Nitro, I LOVE the Honda Pilot aenordan! We could totally afford it now without a problem, however, with me wanting to stay home at least part time in the coming years, I'm trying to be somewhat economically sustainable by going with the lower budget. Ugh, decisions, decisions! Knowing me, I'll probably find something I love, fall for their games and gimmicks, and end up getting something brand new and totally out of budget knowing we'd be fine, but temporarily fogetting that I want to start staying home soon! lol
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