new car purchase....

[anna_66]

Sorry I can't give you any advice on any of those models. But we have a Dodge Durango and really like it (except for the gas milage of course) and we also have a Plymouth Grand Voyager (for the doggies!).

Good luck on car hunting, I know what a pain in the behind it can be. All I can say is test drive and do some research and see which one fits you best!

[Jessika]

Oh I LOVE Durangos! Not the newer ones, they are sooo ugly. But my parents have a 2001 and its AWESOME! Gas mileage isn't TOO bad, my uncles gets even worse though, like 14mpg! His has a problem though. On average my parents actually gets pretty high for an SUV, around 20 or so

SUVs though are very prone to flipping because they're top heavy. That's why I prefer cars because the wider wheelbase and not as tall!

[JenBKR]

I have heard bad things about Kias in general too. My friend had one when we were in college and she was in an accident (she was fine) bur her car was really bad.

[lv4dogs]

I'd read some reveiws on them somewhere on the net first.

I don't what your looking for or what not but the Rav4's are nice, they drive nice, handle nice but are not very roomy at all. I don't know how well they hold up in crashes.

I've had a few friends who had the CRV's (about 5-7 years ago when they first came out) they weren't happy with them, noone of them have that vehicle anymore. I think they didn't handle well in the snow and had some mechanical problems. I don;t know what they are like now-a-days.

I've also known someone who crashed a Kia Sportage, the people were injured (nothing real serious though) and the vehicle was totaled! The other car (a chevy something) had hardly any damage.

[Ginger's Mom]

I am going to reiterate what the others have said about the Sportage. I know someone who was rear-ended at red light. His Sportage was totalled, but he was not hurt. I have also heard that CRV's don't handle as well as some others.

[pnance]

YIKS The Kia doesn't sound like the best option. I've checked the Rav4 and CRV with my insurance, but not the Kia, I'm thinking now I should....I've read reviews on the RAV4 and CRV both are good. The tucson isn't getting as good a review, but the Kia seemed to be. anna_66 I agree I really like the Durango, but the gas would probably cost more than the car payment for me. I drive 35 mi to work 1 way and live in San Diego which basically translates into a huge gas bill even on my civic. The problem is I'm tired of trying to fit 4 big dogs into the back seat of my civic then when I have people in that same seat apologizing for all the dog hair. I think it's the pups goal in life to knock whatever sheet I put down off, so they can sit on the seats , which is why I'm aiming for a small SUV where I can put the back seats down.

[Jessika]

What about a Jimmy then lol

[anna_66]

. anna_66 I agree I really like the Durango, but the gas would probably cost more than the car payment for me. I drive 35 mi to work 1 way and live in San Diego which basically translates into a huge gas bill even on my civic. The problem is I'm tired of trying to fit 4 big dogs into the back seat of my civic then when I have people in that same seat apologizing for all the dog hair. I think it's the pups goal in life to knock whatever sheet I put down off, so they can sit on the seats , which is why I'm aiming for a small SUV where I can put the back seats down.

I can totally understand that. OK you probably don't want a van, but I've heard good things about the Honda vans...good resale value, good gas milage and they go forever! But if your wanting something like the CRV I do remember a couple people on a mastiff board I belong to having a one and seem to really like them.

[Lobodeb]

Can I add one to your list?

I drive a Mitsubishi Outlander. It's similar in price to those you mentioned. I've had mine for 2 years now with no problems whatsoever. Mitsubishi is fantastic on backing their cars. It's considered a compact SUV and I think is pretty roomy. Both me and the hubby are on the fluffier side of the weight spectrum and have driven cross country in it very comforably luggage, coolers and all.

My 2 cents.

Good luck on which ever you buy!