new car purchase....

[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.

[areias]

My dad has CR-V. He hasn't had a problem with it so far...it's actually in great shape. I believe it's a 2003 or 2004. We take the dogs sometimes in it, it's very roomy. I live in FL so I'm not sure about the handling in the snow...but I don't really like driving it because it feels a little top heavy. Well, I drive a Toyota Corolla so I guess it would feel different...but it's a pretty nice car.

My mom had an older CR-V, we just ended up trading it in because it started giving her problems, rattling noises and such. I don't suggest older than a 2003. I don't know much about the rest of the cars.

[pnance]

Thanks everyone for the input. I've never consider the outlander, for some reason I thought they fell into the larger SUV catagory? Thanks for the link, I'll check those out. I didn't considered the vans for the same reason, I thought they might be on the big side for what I'd be comfortable with. I'm planning to do some test drives this weekend, which I'm both dreading and looking forward to. If I could test the cars without some of the sales people I'd be much happier. No offense to anyone who sells cars I've just had some really pushy ones before who drive me nuts.

[sammy101]

Jeeps! We had a Gran Cherokee for 8 years and never had a problem with it. And now we have a Liberty.IMO,Jeeps are one of the best SUVS out there.
Out of your list,i would get the Toyota or Honda.

[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!