Non Valk - Wife Wants a New Vehicle

[pais]

  The Mrs. says it's time so, it's time.
My wife Kelley is ready to retire the 2005 Honda Odyssey mini van. Kids are grown, no need for all the room and rather poor MPG. She wants a mid size SUV. 2-4yrs old, pending mileage and model. She test drove a Buick Envision "Essence" this afternoon. I had never heard of it but it had all the bells and whistles she requires. Must admit nice looking, riding vehicle. As I do my research online, there is just not much info out there on this vehicle. My main concern is reliability. Can't find info on the 2.5 4cyl motor that is in it. It is not a Turbo which makes me happy. I do know that it's made in China 
Any input would be helpful, thanx!

[Jersey mike]

Well, the Honda SUV line is very good as is the Toyota in either the full size or the next line down.

I’ve read real good things on the Hyundai as well as the Subaru vehicles.

My niece and husband bought a VW Atlas last year and they love it and every time I see it I like it a little more...it had very good reviews if I remember correctly.

[Robert]

Would not do the Buick, do a bit of research but there have been problems.

[3fan4life]

Look at the VW Tiguan and Atlas.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Buicks are made in China ?

[carolinarider09]

I got my wife a Subaru Forester.   It has been very reliable and has an excellent maintenance record. 

Don't know what bells and whistles your wife needs but it does have everything except a built in GPS, which is ok with me since updating the maps is always a pain and a portable GPS (like I have on my bike) is readily available.   

She had a 2014 Subaru Forester but she hit a deer and it was totaled.  All air bags worked (it was a hit at speed) and the only issue she has experienced was the result of the noise generated when the airbags went off. 

We purchased the 2016 because she like the 2014. 

[Rams]

Buy what she likes.
That and one other learned item.   Don't buy anything with a CVT transmission.    They may perfect them eventually but, I don't want one in my garage.

I believe most (if not all) Subaru vehicles come with a CVT transmissions.   I know some folks have good luck with them but, the vast majority of transmission issues I ever hauled home (their's, not mine) were Subaru with broke CVT trannies.

I haven't looked into which brands have CVT transmissions, I only know what I towed in the most of.

Rams

[carolinarider09]

Just in case you wanted more information on the CVT.   


https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/to-cvt-or-not-cvt.788585/page-3

[scooperhsd]

CVT's suck - I'd rather drive a regular automatic than one of them (and I'd MUCH prefer to drive a manual transmission over both of them - and yes even in big city stop and go traffic).

[cookiedough]

hyundai tucson and if those too small of an SUV go one up for a few grand more hyunda santa fe

bonus if you can find a santa fe with the 3.3L V6 vs. 2.4L engine

just as good as the toyota rav4 and honda crv and cheaper.

[Bighead]

I have a car with the CVT tranny and while it is new I have only one complaint so far. You just cant feel it shift,I am sure I will get used to it. Car gets 40 mpg on the highway and 28 around town so cant bitch about that. 

[pais]

Well, the Honda SUV line is very good as is the Toyota in either the full size or the next line down.

I’ve read real good things on the Hyundai as well as the Subaru vehicles.

My niece and husband bought a VW Atlas last year and they love it and every time I see it I like it a little more...it had very good reviews if I remember correctly.

Love the Honda CRV but their new motor has problems with gas getting into the oil. Toyota was my 2nd choice but, she doesn't like the look of the Rav4. Hyundai SanteFe was her 1st choice but I've read about too many issues with their Turbo motor.

We are not VW fans or Dodge/Jeep. Subaru was an option, she's not comfy in the Outback.

We are looking at the Ford Edge 2017 - 2019, GMC Terrain / Chevy Equinox 2018 - 2019. All these are 2.0 Turbos. Plenty of info and decent reviews.  Matter of finding right one. The Buick has been the smoothest, quietest ride. As Rams referred to, "she likes it". I do as well but too many unknowns.
We will continue looking unless her feet hit the floor today and she says she wants to buy the Buick.

[Patrick]

The Honda CRV is a good vehicle as is the Ford Escape.

[Patrick]

Buicks are made in China ?

Most GM products are now made in China. GM took the bailout money, closed most of the American plants and moved them to China and Brazil.

[Robert]

Hyundai or KIA are good and offer a good warranty.

[hubcapsc]

Buy what she likes.

 

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

Was her Honda van the only family (sort of) truck for hauling stuff?

How about a front wheel drive Promaster City.  My mom likes hers (in MI).

Front drive does pretty well in the snow, not all the bells and whistles, but good radio and back up camera, and pretty good warranty.





Class leading HP and torque in-line 4cy, with 11 speed trans. 

[cookiedough]

Well, the Honda SUV line is very good as is the Toyota in either the full size or the next line down.

I’ve read real good things on the Hyundai as well as the Subaru vehicles.

My niece and husband bought a VW Atlas last year and they love it and every time I see it I like it a little more...it had very good reviews if I remember correctly.

Love the Honda CRV but their new motor has problems with gas getting into the oil. Toyota was my 2nd choice but, she doesn't like the look of the Rav4. Hyundai SanteFe was her 1st choice but I've read about too many issues with their Turbo motor.

We are not VW fans or Dodge/Jeep. Subaru was an option, she's not comfy in the Outback.

We are looking at the Ford Edge 2017 - 2019, GMC Terrain / Chevy Equinox 2018 - 2019. All these are 2.0 Turbos. Plenty of info and decent reviews.  Matter of finding right one. The Buick has been the smoothest, quietest ride. As Rams referred to, "she likes it". I do as well but too many unknowns.
We will continue looking unless her feet hit the floor today and she says she wants to buy the Buick.

Like I said,  if she likes the santa fe,  get one with the 3.3L V6.  Agree,  the 4 banger turbo NO thanks.  Most all car mfgs. are going smaller displacement 4 banger turbos,  NO thanks.  On the hwy., our 3.3L V6 gets NO joke 26 to 29 avg mpg which is on par with their same 2.4L base engine in our hyundai tucson and 290hp vs. 185 smooooothh power is nicer.

I like the looks of Hyundai over KIA,  but the KIA sorento is same guts as the santa fe and they still offer the 3.3L V6 engine in the S model version with cloth seats and all the goodies.    If do NOT want to spend NEW on one of these out the door pricing 30K or so,  buy a used one with under 30K miles for a ton less if you can get lucky to find a 3.3L V6 in one.     They are 7 passenger and tad bit longer than a base model with 2.4L engine, but the rear seats flip flat and we rarely ever use the 7 passenger seating but a handful of times, but does come in handy that extra 10 inches or so of length in storage.  I measured our 7 passenger santa fe 3.3L V6 and is a little bit over 6 feet long from way back to the back of front seats which is almost like a full size pickup truck size to haul stuff around. 

We looked at the KIA telluride and Hyundai Palisade but not enough money in my pocket to get one since they are selling like hotcakes and NO discounts given unlike the KIA sorento and Hyunda santa fe having 4K rebate and 3250 rebate right now PLUS KIA is the ONLY one offering an extra 1500 trade in allowance something rarely ever heard of.    OFF msrp of both around 1500-1800 dealer discount as well. 

Am actively searching for mother in law and found one dealer in IL willing to go 2747 off msrp on a KIA sorento S  which is 1200 more off than any other dealer locally on the S model having a 3.3l V6 with 7 passenger seating AWD which will then be UNDER 30K out the door pricing NEW.  MOther in law is dragging her feet though since ONLY 2-3 out there in her red color preference she does not want to catch the chinese kung flu cooties but keep telling her to JUMP ON IT since she wants a large SUV without breaking the bank under 30K with V6 AWD.   Her 2006 buick rendevous is what she has only 115K miles on it but she does not think it will last another 10 or so years of her driving life so wants something more reliable long term which makes sense.  She had to last year replace suspension costing a lot as well as few weeks ago her front sway bar link which were not replace with front suspension last year snapped driving which I find very odd that happened is a large bolt.  15 year old cars start to go bad and possibly nickeling diming one to death especially since only worth 5-6K top end in very excellent shape still otherwise. 

[cookiedough]

I too dislike RAV4 not a fan even if it is Toyota and the highlander is overpriced too much for me.  CVT is not my liking either in Subaru or Honda CRV although all say both of them are reliable and functional. 

So many choices out there but for sure NON turbo is my way of thinking not reliable long term as well as CVT tranny. 

If you ever looked at car dealerships lately,  a lot around me are very very low on inventory due to shutdowns of production because of the pandemic and what sucks is the 2-3 year old used ones on the lots the dealers all think they are worth darn near new car pricing vs. say 5-8K lower than new car out the door cost to purchase new.   They take on used ones say 8K off full NEW msrp and that is bologna seeing as how on a new KIA sorento we priced out just now at several dealers can get thru rebates, dealer discounts easily 7K off full msrp pricing brand new.    Yet when I was considering to trade in our 2014 santa fe awhile back they low balled me at least 3K lower than what trade in pricing was worth on it which was BS.  Dealers are rip offs wanting a trade in super low thinking they can make 5K profit vs. say 2K should be.  If 2K profit selling it is not enough to keep their lights on,  then they all can go out of business as far as I am concerned.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Buy what she likes.

 

-Mike

(overriding her pick with advice from Valkyrie riders could be detrimental)

[pais]

hyundai tucson and if those too small of an SUV go one up for a few grand more hyunda santa fe

bonus if you can find a santa fe with the 3.3L V6 vs. 2.4L engine

just as good as the toyota rav4 and honda crv and cheaper.

Hyundai SantaFe was her 1st choice but the 4cyl motor is not reliable and the 6cyl MPG not what we want. City MPG is our focus. We live 2.5 miles from her job. 6cyl Honda van gets about 15 in the city and 12-13 mpg with "winter fuel". We want to do better. Tuscon is too small.

[Rams]

hyundai tucson and if those too small of an SUV go one up for a few grand more hyunda santa fe

bonus if you can find a santa fe with the 3.3L V6 vs. 2.4L engine

just as good as the toyota rav4 and honda crv and cheaper.

Hyundai SantaFe was her 1st choice but the 4cyl motor is not reliable and the 6cyl MPG not what we want. City MPG is our focus. We live 2.5 miles from her job. 6cyl Honda van gets about 15 in the city and 12-13 mpg with "winter fuel". We want to do better. Tuscon is too small.

Not about to suggest what she should drive, her choice.

My wife drove SUVs of different makes and models for years.   The problem was, with family and friends spread out all over this country, we (She) was always packing the SUV to the gills and traveling there (and back) with something she thought they needed or something she was bringing back home.   Being packed into her SUV like a sardine was getting old so, I talked her into (at least) test driving something with an open bed.   She wanted a Honda so, she drove a Ridgeline and two other SUVs Honda sells.   After thinking about my advice and test driving three different Hondas, she came home with the Ridgeline.   She's been a happy camper ever since then.

That only took 39 years for her to listen to my advice, now if I can only talk her into trying Mom's chili recipe, all will be good.

BTW, that Ridgeline gets about 28 mpg (depending on who is driving).   I don't drive as fast and always exceed her numbers. 

This is not to suggest anyone else should drive a Ridgeline, it all depends on your (her) use and what you (she) likes.

Rams

[Crackerborn]

The spouse destroyed her '10 Ford Escape on a forest rat and the insurance company said repair it. So we did and promptly traded it for a '16 Lincoln MKX. We looked at the MKC but the 4 bangers available were all turbo. We (she) is very happy with it. I, on the other hand, hate my government motors Silverado.

[RainMaker]

Buy what she likes.

 

-Mike

(overriding her pick with advice from Valkyrie riders could be detrimental)

I completely agree with Meathead on this.  The smart money is buying what she wants.

My wife has a Kia Niro hybrid that she really likes - low entry, great mileage and good cargo space. Good headroom and space in the back seat for 3.  She moved from a 2007 Odyssey into the Niro, so there is that similarity.  I kept the Odyssey as it is good for large groups, rides well and acts like my pickup for hauling stuff (got rid of my Acura).

[3fan4life]

Well, the Honda SUV line is very good as is the Toyota in either the full size or the next line down.

I’ve read real good things on the Hyundai as well as the Subaru vehicles.

My niece and husband bought a VW Atlas last year and they love it and every time I see it I like it a little more...it had very good reviews if I remember correctly.

We are not VW fans or Dodge/Jeep. Subaru was an option, she's not comfy in the Outback.

We are looking at the Ford Edge 2017 - 2019, GMC Terrain / Chevy Equinox 2018 - 2019. All these are 2.0 Turbos. Plenty of info and decent reviews.  Matter of finding right one. The Buick has been the smoothest, quietest ride. As Rams referred to, "she likes it". I do as well but too many unknowns.
We will continue looking unless her feet hit the floor today and she says she wants to buy the Buick.

I agree that she has to be happy.

I wouldn't buy any vehicle that was made in China.

Don't write the VW off without looking at it first.

I know several people who have an Atlas and love it.

Also it comes with a V6.

Last year when I needed a new vehicle I looked at and test drove just about everything.

I hadn't even considered a VW.

While looking at Hyundais the salesman suggested that I also check out their VW's.

Ultimately I came down to a choice between the VW Tiguan and a VW Golf Sportwagen.

I chose the Sportwagen because it was cheaper and fun to drive.

There's a lot of Fafegnugen in that car.

My wife really liked the Tiguan and  wanted me to get it.

She NEVER likes SUV'S.

[scooperhsd]

Our last car purchase was a 2015 Golf TDI - if they would have had Sportwagon TDI's available, we might have gotten that instead. Since we got to KC, and I'm now playing in a community orchestra (String Bass) - that wagon sure would be nice right now. I can fit it into the Golf - but the top of the bass neck is up between the front seats. That 18 inches longer cargo area would be so nice to have...

[pais]

Buy what she likes.

 

-Mike

(overriding her pick with advice from Valkyrie riders could be detrimental)

Oddly enough, she was the one to mention I should check with "you guys". Huge resource on here on many things not just Valkyries! Hubcap and Rams as well as yourself make a valid point............Happy wife happy life!

[Fazer]

Funny that so many are 'fraid of the CVT.  I have a 2015 CR-V and guess what??  I had to have the transmission REPLACED, IN A BRAND NEW CAR!!!! within the first 2500 miles.  I will say, that since then it has been fine.  I get about 27 mpg average.  Don't even think about it now.  I keep cars a long time, so we'll see what the future holds.

[3fan4life]

Funny that so many are 'fraid of the CVT.  I have a 2015 CR-V and guess what??  I had to have the transmission REPLACED, IN A BRAND NEW CAR!!!! within the first 2500 miles.  I will say, that since then it has been fine.  I get about 27 mpg average.  Don't even think about it now.  I keep cars a long time, so we'll see what the future holds.

I think that CVT transmissions are where Automatic transmissions were in the 1950's.

Back then automatics weren't very reliable today they're pretty much bulletproof.

CVT's will get better but they're not there yet.

I had a friend whose Nissan went through 2 CVT transmissions  in 60k miles.

When I was looking for a new vehicle I looked at the Honda HRV first.

I wrote them off after I found a used one with 50k mi that needed a new transmission.

If you do a little research you will find that every manufacturer has problems with their CVT transmissions,  some more than others.

The car I bought has a DCT transmission.

I like it, the downside is that it requires service every 40k miles.

If you look at a cutaway drawing of a CVT vs a DCT transmission the DCT is much more substantial and they are pretty equal when it comes to mpg's.

[scooperhsd]

I just hate the way CVT's "shift" - didn't know about the short life problem. Really a problem for me - I drive cars a minimum of 200K miles - and my 2000 Beetle (TDI, started as a 4 speed automatic, converted to 5 speed manual at 252,000 miles) has 374,000+ miles on it. The Golf has the 6 speed DSG automatic (really, its more of a self shifting manual than a conventional automatic).

[f6john]

I’ll throw in my 2 cents worth. Our last purchase was a 2015 Camry XLE Hybrid. Only warranty service item has been the “clock spring” on the steering column going bad making the cruise control inoperative. We have had it now for 5 1/2 years and about 58,000 miles. We paid too much but it had every bell and whistle in the book. At 32,000 miles my wife had a minor accident and the insurance company totaled the car. I didn’t want to go through the whole purchase a new car and lose $10k as I drive away so I bought it back and her brother repaired the car and it has been fine since.

The car has excellent fuel mileage. Currently average of all driving is 34.1 mpg. It will routinely get 40+ in around town driving but not at my usual 80+ mph on the freeway. It’s a great compromise between gas and all electric. The engine is a 2.5 liter four cylinder but the electric motor adds close to 100 hp when you nail it. I’m fine with the CVT’s operation at least until I have to call Ron to tow me in.  It’s just 4 seater so it can hardly compare with a suv but the WIFE loves it.

Neighbor has a Ridgeline and loves it, and I’m partial to Honda’s so I’d probably have to take a look at them too. I haven’t been shopping for a new vehicle n 5 years and a lot has changed with a lot of new models out there. I’m wondering how customers are being treated in these strange and unusual times too.

[luftkoph]

A Snow machines transmission In a 4000 lb. car,probably not a good idea, I mean really belts in a transmission this isn’t the 1900’s

[BCoy]

I am a fan of the Ford Escape, my daughter purchased a certified preowned so she didn’t take the big depreciation loss when driving it off the lot. She is in the air force and and didn’t want to go crazy with an expensive new car, and needed the reliability as well as the economic factor. Plus you can fit five (comfortably) w/o any issues, she was able to fit all of her worldly possessions in the cargo area when she left for her first duty station. This is definitely a great vehicle, she is very happy with her choice it turned out to be so much more than what she expected, she has had it for over a year now with no issues. It has all the bells and whistles, to include the GPS that you would expect, she also has what they call the vista roof (?..?) it has a sun/moon roof and the latter part of the middle section of the roof is dark glass. A very good choice for what your wife is looking for. My wife really likes it, I’m just not ready for an upgrade yet.
Ride safe,
Bill

[Farside]

  The wife wanted a SUV so sold her older LS430 for a Toyota Highlander. Great ride and plenty big enough for her with very nice features.  #1 Got to have a opeing roof. Good luck but make sure it is what she wants, speaking from experience. 

[GiG]

Vehicle testing for more than 30 years - NO WAY I would EVER by a Korean car.
VW makes some of the least reliable cars on the planet, electrics are worse than old Lucas Britbikes.  (scientific fact).

Ol Lady is looking for the same requirements you mention - she's thinking Ford Edge or Chevy Equinox, wish list is Cadillac XT5 (or SRX) or Buick Enclave.

Do your research, don't believe the hype, she has final choice.

[cookiedough]

Vehicle testing for more than 30 years - NO WAY I would EVER by a Korean car.
VW makes some of the least reliable cars on the planet, electrics are worse than old Lucas Britbikes.  (scientific fact).

Ol Lady is looking for the same requirements you mention - she's thinking Ford Edge or Chevy Equinox, wish list is Cadillac XT5 (or SRX) or Buick Enclave.

Do your research, don't believe the hype, she has final choice.

30 years ago never buy a Korean vehicle totally agree, but have you researched Hyundai/Kia since 2011?  Do the research in the past few years not in the 1990s or 2000's....   

I'd pick a santa fe anytime over a ford or chevy or buick SUV.   

[vanagon40]

My wife likes her Ford Flex. Admittedly a unique look. All wheel drive and averages about 22 mpg. (Stock photo, not our car.)

[scooperhsd]

My wife likes the Flex. In keeping with my desire for a larger vehicle to haul a string bass in, it would probably be pretty good.

[Pappy!]

Screw all those ho-hum clones above!
No kids anymore??

New Ford Bronco !!

[cookiedough]

Screw all those ho-hum clones above!
No kids anymore??

New Ford Bronco !!

I will wait until the Blazer makes a comeback much like the Bronco is attempting to do.

https://www.motor1.com/photo/5094265/chevy-blazer-renderings/

Actually looks a little like what the toyota fj cruiser was just a few years ago before they stopped making them.  Go buy a used one nowadays and forget it prices too steep.