What vehicle to buy?

Joined
Mar 17, 2013
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right now we have a 99 suburban and its KILLING ME on gas...its just to big...got 3 kids. 6,3,1 I want something smaller and better on gas but sticking with suv or truck. I would LOVE something with a 3rd seat in case we need it right now we rarely use it,which is why I bought the suburban figured 3 kids would use the back seat at some time...but not really just somewhere for them to throw there stuff. Trying to keep it under 5k yes I know that's low but its all I got. Would love to get at least a 2000 model maybe up to 2005? So what choices do I have? Prefer 3rd seat but not required,must get at least 16 mpg in the city! big must there.
 
I have an 05 4Runner...about 20 mpg, fits 5 adults comfortably, room in the back. Nice car to drive and ride.

4-Runner with 20mpg. The 2012 Tacoma doesn't even get that and they are lighter and have a smaller engine. I have personally owned two. Toyota hasn't improved mileage on it's trucks in almost 15 years.

Never owned a 4-Runner. I did love the Tacoma's but was surprised it gets the same mpg as my 09' F-150.
 
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Some of the newer crossovers like the crv have great reviews. Probably need at least 10k for a used one tho.
 
Don't listen to the HondaToyotaHyundai hype. Find out for yourself. When I was in the market for a new vehicle, I rented several different models. Gave me a chance for an honest appraisal of the cars. I kept the Ford the most, so that is the one I bought. Best car I ever had.
 
Is your Suburban paid for? How does it run? What is its current worth? How many miles are you driving? All these factors are important to consider prior to replacing a vehicle for the gas expense. Often times it is cheaper to pay the extra gas than the extra costs associated with a new vehicle such as payment, insurance, taxes. We own a 4wd Yukon that gets up to 25mpg on a trip and around 17 in the city.
 
I believe a Toyota 4Runner would come close. Close.
Never thought about that thanks for the suggestion...I intend to look around for a while this time.

Volvo wagons have proven their worth..
Good idea..I like volvo's never owned one though.
I have an 05 4Runner...about 20 mpg, fits 5 adults comfortably, room in the back. Nice car to drive and ride.
Thanks for the information! That sounds like what I want
Is your Suburban paid for? How does it run? What is its current worth? How many miles are you driving? All these factors are important to consider prior to replacing a vehicle for the gas expense. Often times it is cheaper to pay the extra gas than the extra costs associated with a new vehicle such as payment, insurance, taxes. We own a 4wd Yukon that gets up to 25mpg on a trip and around 17 in the city.
Yes paid for have title loan out on it right now but vehicle is mine,title loan will be paid off in February.Runs great no problems,title company has its worth at 3600$ which is more than I paid for it.I maybe drive 30 miles all over town each day...wife's work is 4 miles from house now maybe a few times a month making trip that's about 20 miles there and 20 back. We had a yukon before I sold it for the suburban because wife had 3rd baby and I thought we would need it but seems the kids all sit in the one back seat more than we use the 3rd seat. Its got a 42 gallon tank and its just massive...I only put 75$ in it every week and some weeks it covers us some weeks not...now that things are caught up I can probably bump that up to 100$ a week in gas.
 
I recently got a VW Jetta TDI Sportwagon and get 45MPG city driving. I was surprised when parked next to a new Honda CR-V how very similar bodywise these newer "SUV's" are now to just 4X4 wagon. Very similar to Pacifica and Outback too.
 
Good idea..I like volvo's never owned one though.

Do yourself a favor and drive one before making your decision..

30+ years ago I swore never to own a "jap" car and up until 11 years ago I never owned a foreign car, a family member let me drive his 850R wagon and I was hooked!
 
I need a new motor for my Isuzu Trooper. One of the very best vehicles I have ever owned.
4WD,, and 22 mpg. It is a beast.

If you can find one for sale,, get it.
 
I recently got a VW Jetta TDI Sportwagon and get 45MPG city driving. I was surprised when parked next to a new Honda CR-V how very similar bodywise these newer "SUV's" are now to just 4X4 wagon. Very similar to Pacifica and Outback too.

I violated every principle I had and bought one as well.

Same thing, 42-45 MPG and fun to drive.

No OnStar or Big Brother boxes either:

The FedCoats wrote rules for compliance IF you installed them, but, as of now, have not yet mandated their installation.

Whoo Hoo!

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Some of the newer crossovers like the crv have great reviews. Probably need at least 10k for a used one tho.

The CRV is good, but expensive. I used to drive that thing all around the country every night delivering newspapers. Handles beautifully. Some good times in that vehicle but I'm guessing the OP can't afford it.
 
Subaru Forester or another wagon with a 4 cylinder

I own a Forester and can attest to it. It's a very safe car with plenty of room for passengers and stuff. You might be able to get it in that price range, too. I would recommend it. It's not a CRV, but it's a tough car that does quite well on gas mileage. Last I calculated mine got 28-30 mpg even with AWD.
 
Subaru Forester or Outback. The Outback has more backseat room and the Forester has a bit higher roof.

You can get a nice example of either for $5k. Don't let high miles scare you, they last forever.
 
I recently got a VW Jetta TDI Sportwagon and get 45MPG city driving. I was surprised when parked next to a new Honda CR-V how very similar bodywise these newer "SUV's" are now to just 4X4 wagon. Very similar to Pacifica and Outback too.
are those sportswagons 4x4?
 
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