new car purchase....

[Logan]

I don't consider oil changes, new tires, new brakes, etc as "repair" items. They are regular maintenance items in my opinion.

I think you're going to get tons of different opinions when you ask a question like this, just like you have! Everyone has had a bad experience with one manufacturer or another. I have never owned a car that was not made in the US. Never purposely avoided the foreign made cars, just never found one that captured my interest the way the American made ones did. Of course with gas costing more these days, I may change my mind, having driven pretty big, gas guzzlers for many years now (dog and kid hauling cars).

I wish you lots of luck with your decision. You know, whatever makes you the most comfortable, driving, expense wise, insurance wise, etc, is what you should get! I also like to look at the warranty situation, especially when buying a brand new car. Good luck and have fun!

[K9karen]

I have a 1997 Rav 4. When I go back to work, I'm getting another. I love it. It's just big enough for me. It is 4 cylinder so sometimes the pickup isn't great, but I've never had a single problem with it. I feel safe in it, it has lots of room for my needs (the back trunk part is Logan's). . I was considering an Element, because they're square and ugly but in a cute way. I wanted to be different, but I'm so happy with my Rav that I'm sticking to it. I heard the same stories about Kia and Hundai. I had a '68 Mustang which I loved, but I couldn't always drive it in the huge snow storms we had. Man! it sure was a Beaute!

[Lillycat]

i agree w/karen on all points regarding the honda crv......mine is a 2001.....i have never had any kind of problem w/it.....i just love it!