Please, introduce yourself (Newcomers, start here)!

stever

Hi Desk, welcome to Edmunds. Since you've found the comparison discussion already, you're off to a good start. Check out the Subaru Forester discussion too.

Steve, Host

bhappy666

Hi all. Just bought a 05 Burban. It's great. Just need to get a video system. I have been looking around the forums, but no luck yet.

tidester

Have you tried DVD/Entertainment Systems? Feel free to browse through the archived Audio Video System for New Suburban discussion as well.

Good luck!

tidester, host

hektorviktor

Hello, I'm new to this forum. I currently own a 1991 4 runner and have had a great time with it. But gas and small age problems with the 4 runner has us looking for a newer car. Right now it is between the Jeep liberty and the Forester. I think that we would get the Forester flat out but we go on offroad trails maybe three times a year and also have a cabin in the mountains(snowy roads). I wonder about the foresters offroad abilities. We never do any rock crawling mainly moderate jeep trails(southern AZ). So would the Forester handle moderate to hard offroad trails? Would the Turbo help? In the end both cars would be driven in town for the most part. A big concern for us is gas costs, on the specs for each car they are about the same but I've read many messages that complain about the Liberty's gas guzzling. Coming from a '91 4 runner just about anything will be better. Any comments or help would be great, Thanks.

stever

Hi Hektorviktor, welcome to Edmunds.

There is a comparison topic that may help you narrow your decision:

Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Santa Fe vs Jeep Liberty vs Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute vs Saturn Vue

Have fun shopping!

Steve, Host

hektorviktor

I went yesterday and looked at the Forester. While checking it out the dealer pointed out the Outback. Slightly bigger and higher ground clearence plus better mpg. We really liked it. We test drove the turbo model- very nice but I don't think its needed with the cost of gas. Its off to test out the Jeep liberty today. I'll telll you the outback does look nice!

choclatevixen

Just here to see if i can get some tips on a few options for cars that i intend on buying. I am in between an Envoy, a Trailblazer, and a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

tidester

You might want to drop in on Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Santa Fe vs Jeep Liberty vs Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute vs Saturn Vue and Jeep Liberty.

tidester, host

tidester

Welcome aboard!

Have you visited Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada and Jeep Grand Cherokee?

tidester, host

jeeps4life

I'm interested in leasing a 2005 Grand Cherokee. I figure now is as good of time as any with employee pricing. I'm wondering if I am getting a good price. The current offer is for the base model laredo, 4x4, 6 cyl, cloth seats, no frills, etc.

The price is $1497 down plus $700 bank fee at $97/mo for 24 months with 12K miles a year. This price is derived as follows:
MSRP $28,920
Employee Price $25,874
Less Factory Disc $2500
Less Dealer Disc $1397
Less Trade-in Disc $2000
Price $19,977

Is this a good price? I consider the $2000 Trade-in Disc a necessary item for me to trade in my old jeep. They'll probably offer $6000 for my trade in, but I could probably sell it for $9000. When you add in the $2000, plus the tax savings from netting the trade in against the new car and I get closer to $9000.

I've never leased a car before and it's hard for me to decipher how they determine the price.

Also, is there a website (carsdirect.com does not do leases) that offers nationally low prices on leases?

Any suggestions on negotiating a lease?

Thanks

tidester

I would check the Jeep Cherokee (All): Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion to find out what others are paying and Jeep Grand Cherokee to find out what owners think about the vehicle. You may also be interested in Lease Questions - Ask Here.

tidester, host

burgle

I appreciate any help i can get here. Middle class used car owner here, who, while mechanically adept, knows way more about computers than automobiles. Live in Las Vegas NV, a place where, without a car you barely exist. Help me pleeeeease!

stever

Welcome! There's a new discussion that may help:

Looking for suggestions

Otherwise, I'd look at the comparison topics.

Steve, Host

rachelg

I'm in the market for a new car and want to know if there are any SUV's that can accomodate 3 carseats in the second row (carpool). I'm not a minivan kind of person, so only considering SUV's (but don't want a huge one).
Any suggestions?

suvsearching

I am in the market for a new SUV and have narrowed my list to the following vehicles:

Lexus RX 330
Volvo XC90(2.5)
Subaru Tribeca(7 seater)
Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander

I have test driven the first three but not the Pilot or Highlander. I own a Camry and a Civic now. I love Honda and Toyota but I am keeping my options open.

This site and this forum have already given me tons of food for thought.

tidester

I would start by browsing through our Buying Guide Index to get an idea of what's out there then visiting the various topical discussions in the forums about the vehicles that catch your attention.

tidester, host

tidester

That's quite a list you have. I think you're going to have a lot of fun shopping! Enjoy.

tidester, host

tidester

Hi, Dennis! Welcome to the Town Hall.

You've found the right place to consort with other motor heads! Enjoy.

tidester
Host
SUVs

dillondawg

Greetings all. I just signed up a couple nights ago after stumbling across the website while searching for resolution to an A/C problem on our 03 Chev. Trailblazer EXT. Great info contained herein for my wife's Trailblazer and my daughter's 98 S-10 4WD Blazer. Found loads of posts for both vehicles.

About me: Home is on the west coast of this great country of ours an hour north of San Francisco in the wine country. (5th Generation and raising Generation #6 so we've been here awhile)

Vehicles: 03 Trailblazer LT EXT (Black)
98 S-10 Blazer
86 Ford F-250 4WD XLT supercab monster diesel
1918 Packard 2 ton truck (not my daily driver but runs just fine)
2005 John Deere 4WD tractor (45 HP) for the chores.
3 horses as diesel has hit a high of $3.39.9/10 here following Katrina.

Just for fun: Love to grow monster100+lbs. pumpkins for the kids in our extended family. Biggest ever was 280 but could not move it.

Take care all. Dillondawg.

tidester

Welcome aboard, Dillon! You've got quite a fleet there and we're looking forward to seeing you in the Forums!

tidester, host

lilharleygirl1

My name is Kimberly and I am looking for some information regarding suspensions on a 2001 Explorer XLT 4WD. In October of 2003, the right front required new tie-rods and ball joints. (This occurred at 35M miles, and the repair was originally covered under the Mfg's warranty.) Almost exactly 2 years to the day and now 69M miles on my Explorer, the same problem has occurred. The dealer is refusing to stand behind their work and wants to charge $1300 for the repair. Can anyone tell me what the average life expectancy is for these parts under normal use? (I occassionally drive the expressway and typically drive 6-15 miles per day to and from work, grocery, etc.) My father has a late 90's Explorer all-wheel drive with over 100M miles and has never experienced these issues. Thanks in advance for your reply! Kimberly

stever

Hi Kimberly, welcome to Edmunds.

Try posting in the Ford Explorer: Problems & Solutions discussion for advice from other owners.

Steve, Host

89blazer

Hello I'm new and just found this site today and thought I give it try trying to found info on my blazer.

tidester

Welcome aboard!

Good places to start are the Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy and Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada discussions where you'll meet a lot of Blazer enthusiasts.

tidester, host

89blazer

I did but everyone has got replies but me is there anywhere else that will help him on the site right now he has his back window taped up...

stever

Well, that's a bit of an unusual question about the tailgate - replacement glass should be easy to find at a glass company but you'd have to search the auto salvage yards to find a used one.

Someone at a body shop might know about swapping tailgates, but that's probably a pretty rare procedure. Maybe there's a pro reading the Paint and Body Maintenance & Repair discussion who could help, but I bet your best bet is just to fix the glass.

Steve, Host

oztuck

G'day from outback Australia. I run a '93 Landcruiser 75 series and a '92 80 Series (Turbo-diesel)
I'm buying a Tucson for the missus and I'm keen to know if it's performance can be enhanced.

We live in Kalgoorlie, 400miles NE of Perth, capital of Western Australia.

tidester

Welcome aboard!

I see you have already found the Hyundai Tucson discussion. You may want to take a look at Technical Advice for Mods/Tuning: Ask it or Give It Here.

tidester, host

nascarqueen24

Hi Everyone:

I am just learning to navigate the site, sorry if I wander in the wrong direction.

I am considering a Cadillac SRX in the next year - so I found this board.

I am learning alot about vehicles in general and the issues regarding specific models. The internet is one great tool to empower consumers. Certainly takes the power away from the manufacturer and the dealers - Which is a good thing

A bit about me:

* Live in Toronto, Canada - home of the "yuppie in the BMW/Audi/Benz" or the "family in the mini wagon"
* Love Nascar, you can tell from my handle I am a Jeff Gordon fan
* I am a "mink" - multiple income, no kids
* I am a daughter of a mechanic - my dad is 78 today and fixes cars 6 days per week - he is totally accredited and still takes courses - WOW
* I drive a 1988 Mazda MX 6 5 speed (yeh) and a 2000 Pontiac Montanna (love it) - but now having a mid life crisis and need a new set of wheels!

Thanks to everyone who helps me in the future

Regards

NascarQueen24

stever

Welcome NascarQueen24, you seem to be navigating around just fine!

Steve, Host

rebeccao

Hi Everyone,

Just found this site today, I'm hoping I can get some help on the many issues I'm having with my Grand Cherokee (98). I need some decent guidance - there are so many problems, and I'm really worried I'm going to have to remortgage my house to fix it.

I've been exploring the discussion boards - hopefully there's someone that can help!!!!

tidester

Welcome aboard! I see you have already found the Jeep Grand Cherokee: Problems & Solutions discussion. Good luck!

tidester, host

weisguy

Just joined this morning. I own a 98 Tacoma and a 03 Tundra. Reluctantly I just got rid of a 99 CRV earlier this year (I posted already to the CRV vs Escape thread). I'm loyal to these two makers, but love to hear arguments supporting the big three and other makers.

I've been reading a lot and posting a little on different forums discussing the upcoming Toyota FJ cruiser. I must say I am in love. I plan to get one mid to late next year, after the fuss dies and any bugs can be worked out. maybe they'll offer additional paint schemes and options by then. I'd love to hear what anyone else has to say on this model.

tidester

If you haven't already visited you may want to take a look at 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4X4.

tidester, host

desertrat5

As a long time member of Edmunds, I value the input of all. I was just recently transferred from Phx to Colorado Springs and am now looking for a SUV. The list of candidates include

Mercury Mariner
Nissan Murano
Toyota Highlander
Toyota RAV4 (new 2006 w/ V6)
Subaru Outback Turbo with auto
Subaru Forrester Turbo with auto

I welcome your experience with any of these vehicles as well as with the Colorado Springs dealers of the same.

Thanks much

Bob

stever

Hi Bob, thanks for the post (you've been here forever!). Don't forget the Prices Paid & Buying Experiences discussions as you narrow your search.

Steve, Host

chili4x4

Hello thanks for hosting a place we can find info etc .. I drive a 2002 Jeep Liberty with the Selectrack t-case 3.7 l V-6 and the auto trans (only because that is all avail in Feb 02 when I bought it) I also have a '94 Mustang GT Convertible that has a few go fast goodies installed. Finally, I ride a '05 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe. Die hard ICS chili cook (took 3rd place in the Verde category at the world's chili championship in Vegas in '04). I hope I can contribute as much as I take away from the discussions..

stever

We eat elk chili here in Idaho. :-)

Check out the Jeep Liberty discussion as well as the Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier) discussion.

And welcome!

Steve, Host

jules469

So far, I have read and gained a lot of insight from the discussion boards here! I look forward to the many topics and helpful tips from other Durango owners. I own a 2003 Silver SXT Durango, and look forward to many years of travel with it.

melissam3

Hi
I'm looking for an SUV. I have 3 kids, two of which are teenagers. I dont often have more than 4 in my car but every so often I do have 5-7 total.(I really don't want a van,but I'm open to it) So I would like to hava a car with the option of carrying more. Although if others have experienced my situation and found having the extra passenger space not really worth it for "every now and then". I do a lot of camping and would like lots of cargo space. I'm looking for the most room, reliability, safety, etc for my $. I'm thinking of going with used and would like to stick to a price range around 12,000. I have not a clue where to start, so I'm hoping for some good recomendations.
Thanks!
Melissa

stever

Hi Jules469, welcome to Edmunds.

So you drive a "silver" bullet in B'ham - shouldn't that be a steel one? Enjoy the ride!

Steve, Host

stever

Hi Melissa, check out the SUV vs. Minivans discussion for ideas on narrowing down your model search.

And welcome!

Steve, Host

fairway2

Any thoughts about how to increase driver leg room? Can seat rails be moved 1 or 2 inches? Can a second set be welded onto the original ones but slightly aft? In particular the new RAV4.

tidester

You can find out whether other RAV4 owners have solved the problem in Toyota RAV4.

tidester, host

shuttlecraft

Just joining the discussion. Thinking of moving up to a Denalea. I bought a brand new GMC van in '99. The trans went out at 53,000 :lemon: . Has GM improved in this area?

eewwjr

stever

Hi Shuttlecraft, welcome to Edmunds!

Meet the other owners in the GMC Yukon / Yukon Denali discussion.

There is more general "how is GM doing" talk over in the Automotive News discussions, like the GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda..:Who will sell you your next car? one.

Steve, Host

matthattan1587

Hey I am new to these discussions and have so far found out a lot of information! Currently I am looking for a small/midsize SUV with no 3rd row and a V6 engine. I have tested the Nissan Xterra and like it very much, but I feel like there is more out there? (Rav4, Highlander etc?)Im looking for answers to where to look besides Nissan! Any help will be great and I look forward to discussing many things about new SUVS here on Edmunds forums!

-MM

stever

Hi MM - looks like you are finding your way around the discussions and getting lots of responses to your posts already. Welcome!

I'm not sure if you've found these to skim:

BMW X3 vs Subaru Forester/XT vs Infiniti FX 35 vs Toyota RAV4

06 Suzuki Grand Vitara VS 06 Toyota RAV 4

CX-7 v. RAV4

Nissan Murano vs Toyota Highlander vs Subaru B9 Tribeca vs Honda Pilot

Have fun shopping!

Steve, Host

detour

Hi there,

I'm hoping to buy my first 4wd vehicle sometime this summer. I've done some reading on Edmunds, and I'm thinking mainly about considering toyotas and subarus. In particular, I'm thinking about the Toyota RAV4, the Toyota FJ-Cruiser, and the Subaru Outback and Forester. I haven't ruled out all other makes and models at this point, but based on what I've learned so far, I think those are probably the best for me.

Based on what I've learned at this point, I'd put the RAV4 in the front of the pack, but I have a few reservations. First, I live in Nevada, where many of the state's most interesting places are only accessible via unpaved roads. While the RAV4 could probably handle the well-travelled (gravel and such) unpaved roads just fine, I know it's not really meant for serious off-road driving. And that's where the FJ Cruiser would have an advantage over both the RAV4 and the Subaru models. The trouble is that I don't know how much off-roading I'll actually be doing, and the RAV4 and the Subarus get better mileage than the FJ. The vast majority of the driving I do currently is in town.

I'll check out the discussions and the forums, but I just figured I would post my general area of interest here first to see what general advice people might have for me.

stever

Hey Detour, I thought I replied the other day but I must have forgotten to click Post after drafting my message.

Welcome to Edmunds - Tidester and I both are just north of you up in Idaho so we know a few of your interesting roads too!

Steve, Host