Triumphrat

mm1ut1 · 07-04-2009

Time to retire the old car and get a new one. I was sure on a Ford Escape, but at the dealership I saw that they sold Kia Sportage for a lot less. My brother than shows up with his Ford Edge, which I also like. So now the final list is New Escape(2wd), new Kia Sportage(4WD ans loaded) or a low milage used Ford Edge. Any comments appreciated.

BonnFire63 · 07-04-2009

I currently drive a 2006 Jeep Liberty (brakes went doa @ 20K miles) & the wife drives a 2007 Nissan 350Z. I was looking to buy a new veh this or next year & If I were to buy another American vehicle it would be a Ford, due to the fact that they didn't take/need any bailout money. I was looking at the Hyundai Santa Fe & Tuscon (same as Kia Sportage). The 2010 Tuscon is redesigned & I saw some spy photos on the web. They have seemed to come a long way & their vehicles run good. Don't get me wrong, I still love American 4x4's but the whole bailout/mis-manangement thing irks the hell out of me.

jimballard · 07-04-2009

I'm driving SWMBO'S '95 Subaru Legacy, and we bought a 2005 LL Bean Outback in late '04.........good cars. The older one has needed some repairs in the last couple of years, but it's "old" (I've needed some as well because I'm err, ahh, umm...........). Up here in snow country the all wheel drive is a Godsend, and they're built in Indiana.....guess that makes them "American" cars.

Don't rule out the Subaru unless you need the cargo room of a bigger vehicle: Jim

Catenaccio · 07-05-2009

Of those mentioned I like the Escape. Why? Easy to drive and a little higher seating than an Edge. Can't speak to the Kia.

JimVonBaden · 07-05-2009

I just got a Nissan Rogue, and while I purchassed the SL AWD with Premium Package, the base S has power everything, cruise, CD, tire pressure monitors and ABS, and goes for $16,900 on sale!

This is the one I have.

Great car, with lots of room in it.

Jim

Nickwiz · 07-06-2009

My Mum and Dad drive a Kia Sportage. Seems pretty good to me. Certainly built OK. I like the simplicity of it. It doesn't have stupid sat navs and hundreds of buttons on the dash like its trying to emulate Concord or something. Its just a big honest simple Chunky vehicle. They Tow a caravan so I excuse them for their ridiculous oversized 4WD monstrosity ownership.

Do you need a big SUV? Thats what you really need to ask yourself.

Thatch · 07-06-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickwiz

...Kia Sportage... ridiculous oversized 4WD monstrosity.

Having lived in the UK I at least understand where you are coming from, but from an 'merican's perspective I found that pretty funny. A sportage is equivalent of a ford ka here (though they don't sell kas here) Hell, I'd have to get into one like I get into a wetsuit, (with the help of two friends and lots of lube... hmm, maybe I will get one)

We do have some silly big vehicles for no real good reason that is for sure, but I've just never heard a sportage being called 'oversized' or a 'monstrosity'.

Alright, back to the real discussion.

Baltobonneville · 07-06-2009

Yes, the Europeans are used to smaller cars. My European friends and relatives, when they visit here, always notice the huge cars and huge people.

My Honda Civic is a "mid-size" car.

Sofiaspin · 07-06-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thatch

Having lived in the UK I at least understand where you are coming from, but from an 'merican's perspective I found that pretty funny. A sportage is equivalent of a ford ka here (though they don't sell kas here) Hell, I'd have to get into one like I get into a wetsuit, (with the help of two friends and lots of lube... hmm, maybe I will get one)

We do have some silly big vehicles for no real good reason that is for sure, but I've just never heard a sportage being called 'oversized' or a 'monstrosity'.

Alright, back to the real discussion.

In the UK and Europe we appreciate style.
In the US? Well I can only assume from the cars being mentioned and pics being posted that it is sheer scale and grossness that wins?
Or is that grossly unfair?

Thatch · 07-06-2009

Considering the number of Fiat Multiplas I had the displeasure of viewing during my time in the UK...

I'm not sure I'm ready to embrace that famous 'appreciation of style' you refer to. There are some tragically ugly European cars, so yes, grossly unfair.

That being said, this is our most recent equivalent to the Multiplas.

The Pontiac Aztec, now mercifully out of production.