YACT: Help me on choosing a new vehicle...

[malbojah]

SO the time has come to retire my Satty (THANK GOD!!!!) as the repairs this time around just aren't worth it to me (brakes, radiator, exhaust piping, possible engine oil leak).

Anyways, I'm going to be getting a small SUV so I can throw all my imaginary junk in the back. That and AWD/4x4 in the winter would be handy for my job.

My choices at the moment are:

2004 Chevrolet Blazer 2dr 4x4 LS for $24,393

2003 Honda Element All-wheel Drive EX (hey, it has removable seats which is great for me) for $21,310
--I did test drive it last week, the acceleration was decent to lackluster. All the controls except for the hazard lights felt just right. And all the nooks and storage spaces are real handy. I jst wish there was an option to color match the body panels. Hell, I'd even pay up to $400 to have it done right. Reminds me of the Avalache for some reason...


2004 Saturn VUE All-wheel Drive V6 (with the Honda engine) for $25,060
- -The Saturn has almost no chance due to my past experience, and I also know that whats in my toliet can look better than it's interior setup

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe All-wheel for $24,942
I really like the warranty on it, I just haven't had a chance to test drive it yet (local stealer was a little wary of letting me out for a test drive), but the front seat feels a little cramped.

2003 Isuzu Rodeo 4x4 S 3.2L V6 for $22,515
-- I think that this is the best combo for the price and warranty, but the interior looks a little dated to me

2004 Jeep Liberty 4x4 Limited Edition for $24,893
-- Can't say anything about this yet


UPDATE

Retested the Element today, as well as the CR-V and the 04 Saturn Vue with the Honda engine (anybody see a pattern?? ).

Looking through my notes (I took alot ), other than the 4 cylinder engine and the plastic panels, I can't fault the Element for much. HOWEVER, the Saturn just screwed everything up because it was fun to drive, had LOTS of power, and a little bit more storage in the back. The only bad thing is that the Vue has small climate controls, a weak base radio package, and pddly placed power window controls. It also costs about $4k than the Element (some of that 4k would be going to their upgraded stero package).

Now I have to start all over again

 

[nan0bug]

Get the blazer. Avoid the Jeep (costly if anything goes wrong, and believe me it will)

 

[Flyermax2k3]

I never thought I'd see the day I would choose a Chevy over any other vehicles (especially that many!). Pretty poor selection there if I may say so.

 

[DrumminBoy]

What about Honda CR-V?

 

[kevinthenerd]

Crap! I was in a hurry and accidently voted for the Element! I meant to vote for the VUE!

Can a mod change that or something?

 

[malbojah]

Originally posted by: Flyermax2k3
I never thought I'd see the day I would choose a Chevy over any other vehicles (especially that many!). Pretty poor selection there if I may say so.

I thought about adding the Ford Escape/ Mazada Tribute, but then I thought of all the different stuff Ford stood for then I thought, "Nahhh"

 

[Evadman]

you get bonus points for listing only vehicles that send power to all 4 wheels.

If I had to choose, I would get the Element, because I was looking ot buy one; or the Blazer because it has more power and a real 4 wheel drive system.

I assumed you are just posting list costs, since the Element can be had in the same trim level for 18,500 around here in Chicago.

Originally posted by: kevinthenerd
Crap! I was in a hurry and accidently voted for the Element! I meant to vote for the VUE! Can a mod change that or something?

Unfortunately, no.

 

[malbojah]

Originally posted by: DrumminBoy
What about Honda CR-V?

Possible, but it's gotta have an auto tranny and a sunroof this time around

 

[malbojah]

Originally posted by: Evadman
you get bonus points for listing only vehicles that send power to all 4 wheels.

If I had to choose, I would get the Element, because I was looking ot buy one; or the Blazer because it has more power and a real 4 wheel drive system.

I assumed you are just posting list costs, since the Element can be had in the same trim level for 18,500 around here in Chicago.

Actually, I was using the pricing selection from carsdirect.com

 

[malbojah]

Bump for the morning crowd and some more opinions

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: nan0bug
Get the blazer. Avoid the Jeep (costly if anything goes wrong, and believe me it will)

are you on crack? Parts are not expensive for Jeeps. I bought a nearly new tansfer case for $100. I got a new transmission installed and upgraded for $1200.

 

[StageLeft]

Wow, I can't choose the lesser of the evils because in reality I hate all of those, and I'm not saying this to be a dick. I really detest all of those vehicles.

I never thought I'd see the day I would choose a Chevy over any other vehicles (especially that many!). Pretty poor selection there if I may say so.

That's what i'm sayin! Add a "results" button, so that I cna see what others voted.

 

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Wow, I can't choose the lesser of the evils because in reality I hate all of those, and I'm not saying this to be a dick. I really detest all of those vehicles.

I never thought I'd see the day I would choose a Chevy over any other vehicles (especially that many!). Pretty poor selection there if I may say so.

That's what i'm sayin! Add a "results" button, so that I cna see what others voted.

As do i, are these all that you will be considering?

 

[amdskip]

2004 Chevrolet Blazer 2dr 4x4 LS

 

[vi edit]

Don't get the 2 door blazer.

I have one.

It's greatly outclassed by many other vehicles. It's based on a nearly 10 year old platform, is basically on it's deathbed awaiting the axe from GM, it sucks gas worse than any of the others, only having two doors kills any sort of major functionality an SUV would normally provide. It's depreciation will drop like a rock (READ: 50%) as soon as you drive it off the lot.

Basically, just don't buy it.

I'd look at a Mazda Tribute...regardless of the Ford rep it's a quality vehicle. Good power, good options, decent milage, good room, quite comfortable, yadda yadda yadda.

I'd also consider a Subaru Forester.

 

[vi edit]

For $25,000 you could get into a Forester 2.5XT which is smoking fast for this class of vehicle. Very well appointed as well. Gets good milage, and has Subaru's rock solid reliability behind it.

Better resale than any of the vehicles on your original list short of the Element.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
For $25,000 you could get into a Forester 2.5XT which is smoking fast for this class of vehicle. Very well appointed as well. Gets good milage, and has Subaru's rock solid reliability behind it.

Better resale than any of the vehicles on your original list short of the Element.

"The force-fed flat-four's combination of torque, gearing, and weight will get you a blazing 0-to-60 time of 5.3 seconds and a quarter-mile of 13.8 seconds at 97 mph, just 0.3 second slower than an $89,665 Porsche Cayenne Turbo (see page 62)." That about says it.

Btw seriously how the fvck can a 3300 lb vehicle with only 210 HP do 0-60 in 5.3?

 

[malbojah]

Results option added.

Here my thing, I don't need fast. I have my motorcycle for that. Which is thankfully running compared to my coworkers (blown engine, hahaha). I think that the Subarus are just a little too low for me.

 

[vi edit]

I think that the Subarus are just a little too low for me.

Low as in ground clearance? Or low as "OH MY GOD! It's a fricken Subaru low?"

If it's the former, then discount the Honda and the Hyundai as they have less clearance, and the Saturn and the Chevy only have an extra .5" on the Soobie.
If it's the later then I'm out of here because frankly, there's no point in even discussing any more with you.

 

[malbojah]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

I think that the Subarus are just a little too low for me.

Low as in ground clearance? Or low as "OH MY GOD! It's a fricken Subaru low?"

If it's the former, then discount the Honda and the Hyundai as they have less clearance, and the Saturn and the Chevy only have an extra .5" on the Soobie.
If it's the later then I'm out of here because frankly, there's no point in even discussing any more with you.

Seating height low. But then again, I haven't had a chance to test drive anything beyond the Element yet. As soon as my laundry is dry, I'm off to drive the Element again and write down everything I hate about it. Nice thing is, the Subi dealers is a couple of miles away from them. And the Jeep dealer is right around the corner from them

Edit: I'll probably do up another poll in a month with all the new vehicles (Tribute, Subaru if I like it)

 

[vi edit]

Ah gotcha. If you want a high seating height, give the CR-V a shot. It's got great captains chairs up front.

 

[Vette73]

Don't know if someone esle said it yet, but the 2004 Saturn VUE All-wheel Drive V6 is the one that GM and Honda worked together on. GM does all the body and Honda does the drivettrain.



But the 2004 Chevrolet Blazer 2dr 4x4 LS is a great choice. Lots of cash back and low % offers.

 

[Aharami]

i chose results cuz id never choose a SUV. those vehicles are the devil's advocate. get a hatchback.... a lot more fun to drive!

 

[Zebo]

2004 Dodge Ram Hemi reg cab short bed silver with 20's and limo tint. Only 20K if you shop and better than all those.

 

[Eli]

Element hands down.

Edit:

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: vi_edit
For $25,000 you could get into a Forester 2.5XT which is smoking fast for this class of vehicle. Very well appointed as well. Gets good milage, and has Subaru's rock solid reliability behind it.

Better resale than any of the vehicles on your original list short of the Element.

"The force-fed flat-four's combination of torque, gearing, and weight will get you a blazing 0-to-60 time of 5.3 seconds and a quarter-mile of 13.8 seconds at 97 mph, just 0.3 second slower than an $89,665 Porsche Cayenne Turbo (see page 62)." That about says it.
Btw seriously how the fvck can a 3300 lb vehicle with only 210 HP do 0-60 in 5.3?

One word: Torque.

Anyway, I like this option even better.