I've started looking at cars lately. I'll be buying one within two weeks of returning to the States and then driving it from Florida to Texas. I'm not quite sure what I want though. Do I want a small SUV? A wagon/SUV combo (sport wagon)? A four door? A hybrid? No idea. I know what I do NOT want - a Hummer, an H2, or that boxey Honda ...thing. Ick.
Some cars that have peaked my interest:
Ford Five Hundred
Ford Freestyle
Misubishi Outlander
Misubishi Galant
Honda Civic Hybrid
Of course, they never quite look the same in person as on the website. And I have no idea how they drive or feel inside, but I've asked Bill & my parents to take the above cars for test drives so I can get some second hand opinions. And of course, I'll take them for test drives myself when I get there.
Any other suggestions? Comments on the above models? Any info on waiting lists for hybrids and how they ride?
Updated (7.5.2005 10:30pm):
I want to thank all of you for your suggestions! I thought about replying individually, but then I thought it would just be better here in the entry.
When the Toyota Prius came out, I loved it. I never saw one (except in that ridiculous German directed Day after Tomorrow), but I loved the concept. But, I've been here with no Auto, so I just thought about it. And when I started thinking about buying a new car now, I didn't really consider it because I knew that it has a waiting list. However, all your comments re-invigorated my interest, so the Prius is a hot contender right now. Only problem is I have to put a down payment on one and order it about 6 weeks ahead of time, so I have to be really sure I want it. This is crazy - it's like buying a car blind. On the other hand, the German Toyota website lists it as an available model here in Germany, so I might be able to find a dealer in the area with one. And convince a friend to do a "Probefahrt" (test drive) for me. I'm, um, not legal to drive here.
JCS tries to steer me away from SUV's and big sedan's in the comments, and while in theory I agree with him - bad gas mileage, etc. - I have to take my lifestyle into account too. I like to travel. I love going places. My family lives great distances away from me. So it's a given that my car will put a lot of miles on it. And will need to haul some stuff on those trips. And I don't like sitting down low too much. Oh, and I'm going to be a step-mom, so I'll definitely have a teenager in the backseat occasionally. Gotta make room for a growing boy. ;)
I'm trying to balance out fuel economy (50+ mpg on the Prius, 40+ on the Civic Hybrid) and cool technology with low emissions with ease of buying and ride comfort. Cost isn't too much of a factor, but I'd like to stay at or under $25K, so that knocks BMW's out right away. I love how BMW's look, but I can't justify the cost, or rather cost of repairs, in the USA. If I was staying here and buying a car, I'd definitely look at a BMW, but not for the States.
At the moment the Prius is at the top of my list, but I have to see it in person, or get glowing test drive reviews from Bill & the 'rents before I actually persue ordering one with a down payment.
I'll keep you updated! :)
Posted by Jinglelady at May 4, 2005 10:13 PM | TrackBackHi Anna, I have a 2002 Toyata Prius (hybrid) and I do so love it, LOVE it! The newer models have more horsepower (the lack of which I notice from time to time in mine, but not horribly) and a nifty hatchback (and you can put the seats down in the back). The ride is smooth and quiet. I haven't had to change any driving habits for the hybrid, except for getting used to better gas mileage (har har). It's getting about 40 mpg in city driving, better when the outside temps are hotter. There's my testimonial. Viel Glück für Auto kaufen!
Posted by: Amy at May 5, 2005 01:35 AMThat would be, ToyOta Prius. Yeah.
Posted by: Amy at May 5, 2005 01:36 AMAnna,
I've seen ratings and heard the Toyota Prius is the best rated of all the hybrids. It has a three month waiting period from what I read. I've seen a few on the street and they are awesome looking.
It doesn't show on their website but Readymade Magazine had an excellent article and comparison on hybrids. Here's a link to that issue, don't know if you can order it. http://www.readymademag.com/toc16.php
Hope that helps, and your blog is one of my favorites. I only write in my own every few months so I really don't consider myself a blogger,
Amy
Posted by: echoamy at May 5, 2005 04:45 AMPrius' are very difficult to get. And not within two weeks for sure. Check out the Scion tC. It's amazingly well crafted and very inexpensive. Plus as a Toyota, it'll be reliable and hold it's value.
If you want an SUV, try the Toyota Highlander before the Mitsu.
Posted by: Dave at May 5, 2005 01:59 PMOh and the Highlander will also be available as a hybrid.
Posted by: Dave at May 5, 2005 02:01 PMI'm German and have been a supporter of environmental issues for a long time. I'm also a penny-pincher. So I'm very biased.
Don't buy a 4x4/an SUV. It's way too large (unless you need to transport a lot of cargo or passengers over long distances) and the petrol consumption will put a nice dent into your pocket. If you really feel that you need 4WD/AWD, there are other options. Many saloons/sedans offer 4WD/AWD (Subaru, VWs with 4Motion, Audi Quattro etc.).
A Ford 500 is also a pretty pretty big car for someone who doesn't have two teenagers to chauffeur around (yet). Again, the petrol consumption will be fairly high with this car.
I would take a closer look at Japanese Hybrids and their regular models. If money is not much of an issue I'd testdrive a BMW 3series, too. A VW Jetta may also be an option. The new model just came out. If you're moving to an urban area, I'd try a Mini just for fun (although this car has an almost non-existing boot/trunk).
JCS
Posted by: at May 5, 2005 02:08 PMIf for no other reason than the gas prices, I would stay away from an SUV!! My dad got a Prius, and it just "sips" at the fuel tank.
I, however, have my heart set on a MINI. :)
May I *HIGHGLY* recommend a Saturn. :)
The customer service I've receieved from both buying a car from them, and then going in for a routine oil change (yes, to a DEALER for an oil change). I got a complete oil change (the change, filter, a car wash, and they even cleaned a spot of chocolate Dad left on my car seat when he was down here last month) for $19.95 and a tire balance and rotation for $19.95. Granted, both of these were sale prices, but the $20 oil change (which I got in Cassleberry when I was visiting Ealish last weekend) sales price is what Saturn of Brandon charges for its regular price.
I saw the Saturn Ion SUV in their showroom and I don't think I ever wanted a car so bad in my life. Maybe because it had a tent that attached to the back of the car that allows the liftgate to open into the tent.
Posted by: Amanda at May 6, 2005 04:39 AMMay I highly recomend a Subaru? I've had mine since 1997. I got an Outback Sport. A little cargo station wagon, but fun, zippy sporty, handles great, tough as nails and great gas mileage. I WILL buy another Subaru when I get back to the US. So much fun to drive. I friggin' HATE SUV's, but I do like practical hatchbacks, and the Subarus are sporty and inexpensive to maintain. I can't say enough good things about them.
Posted by: Karla at May 7, 2005 04:40 PMHi Anna,
Brett & I were at the M.I. Mall today getting her all gussied up for prom tonight, saw a Ford Freestyle.....NICE!! Not too big, not too small, just right as Goldilicks w/say!! Looks like a cross between a small wagon & a Mini Van. Rear Seats were folded down, leather interior all the bells & whistles. Definately one to check into.
Hve you considered a Saturn Vue? I love mine. They look fairly cool (though you can't get orange anymore), they get some of the best gas milage for a small SUV, and buying one is so very much not a hassle!
Posted by: Jessica at May 8, 2005 12:31 AMI feel the need to point out that an SUV seats 5. A Honda Accord also seats 5. Nearly all sedans seat...5. So people who say they need an SUV to drive lots of people around drive me nuts. An SUV does not seat any more people than a more fuel-efficient sedan. If you have that much gear to haul around, the Subaru Outback is an excellent choice. If you love to travel you will seriously regret your SUV because of the gas prices. Yes, they're nothing compared to what they are in Germany, but it seriously adds up when you're doing a lot of driving.
Do not underestimate the cargo room of a more fuel-efficient sedan, particularly one with fold-down seats. I can fit a full-sized roller bag, a full backpack, and a computer bag in the trunk of my MIATA (no fold down seats there). If I can fit all of those items in THERE, you'll be amazed to see what a sedan can fit. You don't need an SUV to get adequate cargo space or comfortable legroom in the back. I would seriously discourage you from buying an SUV. Although I predict they're going to be REAL cheap in the US in the next coming years as everyone ditches them for more fuel-efficient cars, since our gas prices don't seem to be going down any.
Clearly I'm anti-SUV. We've test-driven a Prius and it's amazing. That will be our next car, once the Ford Contour (a sedan that holds as much as my SIL's Lexus SUV does) dies.
Posted by: Shelby at May 8, 2005 09:24 AMAbout waiting for a Prius - after placing our order for one, and without me ever actually driving it, my Man and I waited 6 months for ours. Another comment: The closeness of the doors/sides to the humans inside took a little getting used to (2002 model, don't know about the current one) - I could reach my arm between the seat and the doorframe to the backseat area in my beloved VW Fox - not done now. But then the Prius actually feels much more roomy than the old boxy Foxy. (not difficult to do, probably)
Posted by: Amy at May 9, 2005 02:21 AM