Comments on: Looking to Buy a New Car

By: Ziomio

Ziomio — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:25:23 +0000

I’ve done lots of comparison between CRV RAV4 and FORESTER, so far the best of all is the forester in terms of safety standard (best in it’s class), the symmetrical 4WD system great for the winter season, and cargo space.
I am not sure if the cost on the long run to maintain a Subaru will be higher, depreciation bigger and due to the 4×4 kicking in all the time, gas consumption will be higher…
I heard the parts are more expensive as well. Honda and Toyota have the best reliability, resale value and consumption.
I don’t want to shovel snow to get my car out of the driveway. Subaru drives better and is more stable on the road than Crv and Rav4

By: Intelligent Speculator | Financial Ramblings

Intelligent Speculator | Financial Ramblings — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:58:30 +0000

[...] The Financial Blogger presents Looking to buy a new car [...]

By: DAvid

DAvid — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:22:50 +0000

I suggest being a bit less quick to discount the minivan, and have a closer look at the advantages:

sliding doors & tailgate (auto available) make it easier to enter, fasten seatbelts, etc.
seating
floor height
storage?
entertainment systems?

The minivan is also easier for the grandparents to enter & exit should you be traveling with them as well.

Good quality winter tires add far more advantage than four wheel drive, especially on a front wheel drive. The reduction in stopping distance, and increase in manoeuvreability is far more important the the apparent increase in acceleration the 4×4 gives.

As your kids grow, and you are transporting them all around to events, you may find the minivan even more advantageous.

DAvid
(not a mini van owner)

By: The Financial Blogger

The Financial Blogger — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:11:30 +0000

Traciatim,
The fact is that Mazda is offering 6 years financing at 0.9% (which would be 0.4% for me since I’m a Mazda owner). Ford only offer 5 year financing at 0%… that makes a great difference in the payment…

By: Traciatim

Traciatim — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:22:31 +0000

Hmmm, I went to Mazda.ca and Ford.ca and ended up with similar equipment (V6 AWD, no accessories) that the Ford was about a grand cheaper than the Mazda. I suppose it depends on what options you pick though.

By: Canadian Finance

Canadian Finance — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:35:03 +0000

The Rav4 is always ranked high with Consumer Reports.

By: Jay Profeit

Jay Profeit — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:21:57 +0000

My buddy just bought a Toyota Rav4 and is in love with it. I really like it too, almost no downside on this thing.

By: Jerry Hung

Jerry Hung — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:07:16 +0000

FB, you spelled “3rd angel” as “3rd angle”

I’d agree, why rule out Ford Escape
Toyota Venza?

heck, you could even wait for the new Honda Insight hybrid, although it still is a sedan with a hatchback style

By: The Financial Blogger

The Financial Blogger — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:40:42 +0000

Traciatim,
SMV… that’s a great one Actually, my wife will drive the car most of the time as I’m taking the bus to work.

looking for a SUV because I want 4wd (we have a lot of snow in Quebec during winter ).

As for the Ford Escape, it’s exactly the same thing as the Tribute but it seems more expensive when I went on their website. I don’t say I won’t try it though…

MDJ;
do you think I can fit 3 baby/child seats in the CRV? I’ll try in the Tribute and if it works, I’ll go see the CRV as well

This is going to be a long shopping adventure!

By: MillionDollarJourney

MillionDollarJourney — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:18:22 +0000

You should also through the CRV into the mix. I believe that they currently have a manufacturers rebate… around $4k.