is it can be a "pickup," when need be; and it can be an "SUV, when need be. It's a "compromise" vehicle, and like all compromises, it's not perfect. However, it does seem to work for a lot of people.
Get this - the Saturn Ion will offer leopard skin fabric, and matching ... roof rails! Are they serious?
Also, residuals on the BMW 7-series have been set much lower than for the S class. After a 3 year lease, the Benz holds 55% of its value, while the Bimmer holds just 48% (projected).
It is not just an Asian thing - for years we did it here also. I remember many a ride in my neighbors wagons of the mid/late '60's packed till the tailgate dragged on the pavement! And remember riding in the open bed of a pickup? Could fit a whole Boy Scout troop in if you packed us right!
BTW, there are companies that make aftermarket third seats for SUV and wagons.
Check out www.littlepassengerseats.com or www.mpoineer.com for more details.
I got home from work last night, and was surprised to find that my Dad had bought a new toy!
It just has 200+ miles on it so no serious playing yet. Plus it has the CVT auto, so I didn't know how well it shifts. He does have the MINI version of the Tiptronic, but they recommend not using it until break-in is complete. Still, it was fun, and I took some pretty tight turns through the sub-divisions, and it does stay as flat as a go kart! Can't wait until he gets it well worn in and I can play a little more. They live in an area with lots of two lane twisty back country roads, but are three hours away. :-(
Used. Under $20k. Priorities: RWD or AWD, manual transmission, decent speed (0-60 in 7s or less, 15s quarter mile or less.), 4 seats. 4 seats is last because if it's got 'em great, if not oh well. under 75k miles.
I'm thinking hard about a E36 (1995-2001) M3 or 328, anyone have any other ideas? Also considering a Supra turbo or 93-95 RX7 and yes I know about the RX7's well-deserved reputation. A while ago I was considering an older 911, and you can get into 993s for 30k now (or less sometimes) but that's more than I want to spend so I'm not going to settle for 86-88 Carrera. I might like a 944/968 but it would have to be perfect, and very few of them are.
If you click on the link (inside this link), you will see some photos, and comments. There's one photo at the end (of the discussion topic forum on the VW Touareg) that shows an interesting "pass-through" on the front passenger seat. I've never seen this done before.
an iced mocchacino...bought and set up a Huffy basketball hoop for Michael this weekend...what a miserable job that was!...when it comes time to move, I'll tell the moving company to just throw it in the truck! At least he likes it...for a short kid, he's pretty good at it.
240SX: probably not quick enough, but cheap Supra: F&F made values shoot up RX7: sweet, most likely my choice 3 series: nice, but a dime a dozen 3000GT/Stealth: heavy, though 300ZX: sweet, pricey? Monster Miata: just kidding! SVX: auto only and not as quick as you want Starion/Conquest: electrical gremlins 944/968: front-engined Porsche is an oxymoron
Tauoeaereg (too many vowels I'm sure) looks better than the spy photos implied, ended up looking like a Passat Wagon, Outback style. I bet the price will be at a premium, though.
paisan: I know you're not-so-subtle hints are aimed at me. ;-)
Once the wife has her car, maybe I'll replace the Miata with a WRX or something, and set the Forester up for some fun.
I realize I'm dreaming. While I'm at it, how about a 2003 SVX 2 seat roadster based on the WRX with 10" shorter wheelbase and no more weight?
is likely to get a name change. Apparently the name is linked to slave traders from the Sahara. Not exactly the image one wants to be associated with...
Also, AutoWeek mentioned it had a 112" wheelbase, short overhangs, and has (up to) 12" ground clearance. I believe it will be available with a height-adjustable suspension. They also mention that it was water-tested for a 23" wading depth. So, it sounds like it will be a pretty good off-roader, as well as on-road. I believe it will come with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed tip-tronic, and with high and low range. Here's the AW link:
I like this new fuzzy math they are doing with ground clearances. That would put my Trooper at "up to 20" of ground clearance" depending on where you measured it! What happened to the minimum of X" of clearance?
they're referring to the fact that the suspension is adjustable. So at maximum extension, the clearance is 12." They didn't mention what the normal highway setting is.
After I posted I search around and had noticed that Supra values are way up. Geez. ($25k for a 1995 with 80k-100k miles? Yeah right!)
I actually am considering the 240SX as a sensible alternative to a return to ponycars. (A camaro or mustang.) The 240 is nowhere near as fast, but handles well and is far better built. Plus I could get ahold of a wide array of Nissan powerplants that would make it plenty fast. Not sure if I want to go down that road, though...
I don't care that the E36 is a dime-a-dozen, that actually works to my advantage trying to find a good one for the money. :-D
I've seen a lot of "max clearance" referring to the highest spot under the vehcile, for instance the new Explorer has a much larger than expected clearance, but that is cause they measure it at the rear pumpkin which is tucked way up high, meanwhile there are other items that hang lower than it that would whack on things beforehands. So I'm trying to get a handle on the "Fuzzy Math" of the new SUV breeds.
It certainly looks much better than the Cayenne. The Passat styling translates much better to a tall form than the Boxster's.
By pricey I meant way out of my price range. I bet it'll cost more than Pilot and Highlander, too.
Uh-oh, paisan, that means air bladders. I rode in a Venture this weekend and the self-leveling suspension's air bladders were going. The owner almost passed out when I warned him it might cost $400 per corner.
PS Subaru uses that fuzzy math. My Forester had about 6.8" of clearance with stock tires, even at the middle section. The rear diffy is way higher than 7.5", so I have no idea where they came up with that imaginary number.
Yes & no. It needed new valve seals and thermostat ($1,300), but we've still got an oil leak somewhere. We're still debating what to do. Right now our daughter has our Forester at school. She's getting ready for finals and will be home in about a week and a half. Sometime between now and mid-summer we'll decide what to do. I'm hoping to get her a new Outback Sport, but that's by no means certain yet. We just don't want to send her back to school (450 miles away) with a car that's somewhat iffy in terms of reliability. If her school were closer to home, that would be a different story.
How mechanically in inclined is she? Do you think she'd check the oil level regularly? Oil is cheap, and you could probably milk it for a while. Besides, it would be hard to sell like that.
I bet you'd love to know what changes will be on the 2003 OBS, then.
Remind me - the 2003 Legacy had different rims, chrome trim rings on the speedo, different grille, and VTD+shiftronic on the automatic, right? Plus leather and heated seats.
While I like that combination, it's going to cost what a GT Limited costs now. She's sort of leaning towards a regular GT or even an L.
When we got the car back, the mechanic wasn't absolutely certain as to whether it was fixed (burning oil or leaking oil) when I picked it up, so I reset the trip odometer, so as to check oil consumption. Well I had to put in oil at 350 miles, because the check engine light came back on. I put in a 1/2 quart, and that seemed to fix it (for now).
It's rumored that it may(?) take a more back-to-basics approach, like that of the Xterra, as the Highlander now covers the "love-that-leather" crowd. I think that would be wise if Toyota at least offered a model that would compete price-wise (and capability-wise) with the Xterra. Current 4Runners are way too expensive.
USA won't get the 6 speed on the Tour-Egg (he he). $35-50k also, ouch. It'll make the Pilot, Highlander, and Murano seem like bargains.
Again I think Piech is out of his mind. Originally VW was going to go for luxury, and leave the sporty segments to Audi, but I heard the Passat W8 will get a SIX speed manual option soon. Talk about overlap.
Kudos to GM for the brilliant "steal" of the Colorado name. VW effed up, big time.
Ford should update the engines for the Expedition. Even the smaller Aviator gets a more interesting power plant.
Bob: I bet that 4Runner will be a GX470 clone, and that's a good thing.
will be much more capable than the Pilot and Highlander. It will have a V8 option, 6-speed tip-tronic, much better towing and very good off-road capability. Because of the price, I see it more aimed at the 4Runner/GX470, Pathfinder/QX45, ML320, X-5, Grand Cherokee, etc.; not the Pilot or Highlander.
always a market for premium vehicles, no matter what market niche they're in. I think it will do well—if it's screwed together properly. If it turns out to be a reliability nightmare, like many VWs have been, then that's a different story altogether.
If I were in the market for a $40K SUV, this would be on my short list, for sure. But since I can't afford one in the first place, I guess it doesn't make much difference...
Comments
As to costs, I'm not sure. The Avalanches I've seen were in the upper $30-$40K range. You found one for $24K? That doesn't sound right.
Bob
The backseat interestingly is bigger than a Suburban's. Doesn't have the 3rd of course...
-Colin
'burbans are $33k to $39k, so there is some overlap but not much.
I imagine the Avalance will appeal more to handy home-owning men, while the Suburban will continue to rule among soccer moms.
-juice
Bob
I guess you can with the Avalanche, but it's not nearly as tall when closed.
-juice
Also, residuals on the BMW 7-series have been set much lower than for the S class. After a 3 year lease, the Benz holds 55% of its value, while the Bimmer holds just 48% (projected).
It's that ugly hunchback. And I-drive too.
-juice
It is not just an Asian thing - for years we did it here also. I remember many a ride in my neighbors wagons of the mid/late '60's packed till the tailgate dragged on the pavement! And remember riding in the open bed of a pickup? Could fit a whole Boy Scout troop in if you packed us right!
BTW, there are companies that make aftermarket third seats for SUV and wagons.
Check out www.littlepassengerseats.com or www.mpoineer.com for more details.
Steve
I got home from work last night, and was surprised to find that my Dad had bought a new toy!
It just has 200+ miles on it so no serious playing yet. Plus it has the CVT auto, so I didn't know how well it shifts. He does have the MINI version of the Tiptronic, but they recommend not using it until break-in is complete. Still, it was fun, and I took some pretty tight turns through the sub-divisions, and it does stay as flat as a go kart! Can't wait until he gets it well worn in and I can play a little more. They live in an area with lots of two lane twisty back country roads, but are three hours away. :-(
Steve
Wow, you get to play with all the toys! You lucky bum, you! I like that driveway picture -- got cars on them that I want. :-)
Ken
I'm thinking hard about a E36 (1995-2001) M3 or 328, anyone have any other ideas? Also considering a Supra turbo or 93-95 RX7 and yes I know about the RX7's well-deserved reputation. A while ago I was considering an older 911, and you can get into 993s for 30k now (or less sometimes) but that's more than I want to spend so I'm not going to settle for 86-88 Carrera. I might like a 944/968 but it would have to be perfect, and very few of them are.
-Colin
Bob
sswxy "VW Touareg SUV" Apr 28, 2002 9:31pm
http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/unf-04-26-02/
-mike
Colin: wait 2 years and get a G35? ;-)
My take:
240SX: probably not quick enough, but cheap
Supra: F&F made values shoot up
RX7: sweet, most likely my choice
3 series: nice, but a dime a dozen
3000GT/Stealth: heavy, though
300ZX: sweet, pricey?
Monster Miata: just kidding!
SVX: auto only and not as quick as you want
Starion/Conquest: electrical gremlins
944/968: front-engined Porsche is an oxymoron
Yeah, I'd go with an RX7 given your criteria.
-juice
paisan: I know you're not-so-subtle hints are aimed at me. ;-)
Once the wife has her car, maybe I'll replace the Miata with a WRX or something, and set the Forester up for some fun.
I realize I'm dreaming. While I'm at it, how about a 2003 SVX 2 seat roadster based on the WRX with 10" shorter wheelbase and no more weight?
-juice
Also, AutoWeek mentioned it had a 112" wheelbase, short overhangs, and has (up to) 12" ground clearance. I believe it will be available with a height-adjustable suspension. They also mention that it was water-tested for a 23" wading depth. So, it sounds like it will be a pretty good off-roader, as well as on-road. I believe it will come with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed tip-tronic, and with high and low range. Here's the AW link:
http://www.AutoWeek.com/
Yeah, it will be pricey, although no where near its sister, the Cayanne. BTW, I do like this much better than the Cayanne.
Bob
-mike
Bob
After I posted I search around and had noticed that Supra values are way up. Geez. ($25k for a 1995 with 80k-100k miles? Yeah right!)
I actually am considering the 240SX as a sensible alternative to a return to ponycars. (A camaro or mustang.) The 240 is nowhere near as fast, but handles well and is far better built. Plus I could get ahold of a wide array of Nissan powerplants that would make it plenty fast. Not sure if I want to go down that road, though...
I don't care that the E36 is a dime-a-dozen, that actually works to my advantage trying to find a good one for the money. :-D
-Colin
-mike
By pricey I meant way out of my price range. I bet it'll cost more than Pilot and Highlander, too.
Uh-oh, paisan, that means air bladders. I rode in a Venture this weekend and the self-leveling suspension's air bladders were going. The owner almost passed out when I warned him it might cost $400 per corner.
-juice
-mike
-juice
Bob
On another note, did you fix the Prelude? How'd that go?
-juice
Bob
-Colin
(now seriously digging for info on a 240sx...)
I bet you'd love to know what changes will be on the 2003 OBS, then.
Remind me - the 2003 Legacy had different rims, chrome trim rings on the speedo, different grille, and VTD+shiftronic on the automatic, right? Plus leather and heated seats.
While I like that combination, it's going to cost what a GT Limited costs now. She's sort of leaning towards a regular GT or even an L.
-juice
-juice
When we got the car back, the mechanic wasn't absolutely certain as to whether it was fixed (burning oil or leaking oil) when I picked it up, so I reset the trip odometer, so as to check oil consumption. Well I had to put in oil at 350 miles, because the check engine light came back on. I put in a 1/2 quart, and that seemed to fix it (for now).
Bob
I'd put it up on ramps, and put some newspaper under the engine bay, to help out.
Or join me on Wednesday and we'll try to get a bulk discount on Subies. :-)
-juice
Bob
Meanwhile, I can take advantage of incentives on the Legacy, which are either $500 or $750 as far as I can tell.
-juice
http://www.forbes.com/2002/04/30/0430ebbersmini.html
The Big Cheese is gone (thank goodness!)..maybe things will get better around here.
-The Only Serge-
http://TheCarConnection.com/index.asp?article=4859&sid=175&n=156
S-10
http://TheCarConnection.com/index.asp?article=4858&sid=178&n=156
'03 Expedition review
http://TheCarConnection.com/index.asp?article=4854&sid=181&n=157
Bob
Bob
peter78 "Toyota 4Runner" Apr 30, 2002 8:30am
Again I think Piech is out of his mind. Originally VW was going to go for luxury, and leave the sporty segments to Audi, but I heard the Passat W8 will get a SIX speed manual option soon. Talk about overlap.
Kudos to GM for the brilliant "steal" of the Colorado name. VW effed up, big time.
Ford should update the engines for the Expedition. Even the smaller Aviator gets a more interesting power plant.
Bob: I bet that 4Runner will be a GX470 clone, and that's a good thing.
-juice
-mike
-mike
-juice
Bob
Then again, they may offer both. Wasn't their crossover concept called the Magellan?
-juice
If I were in the market for a $40K SUV, this would be on my short list, for sure. But since I can't afford one in the first place, I guess it doesn't make much difference...
Bob