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Comments
Bob
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103462
Bob
At some point I may have to give up on the 2 seat Miata and get some drop-top that can seat 4. I don't think it's my style but I'd give it a look. Sebring and Avalon are too dull. The hardtops in the G6, C70, and VW Eos might push prices up too high.
Diesels - in Europe, Honda puts that same engine in the Accord and the CR-V. But they hint it would be a V6 for bigger trucks.
Pilot is now offered in 2WD with VCM, though I'm not sure what mileage it's supposed to get. In the Ody EPA is 20/28, that would be amazing for a mid-size SUV.
-juice
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0510/27/C01-362825.htm
Bob
Forester made the list.
-juice
"Asian vehicles rank low in survey
Reliability is issue for Nissan, Toyota"
Sure, Asian vehicles ranked low in the survey. So did Korean, American and European vehicles. Asian vehicles also ranked higher in the survey than any of the others. And to say reliability is an "issue" for Toyota because they had one vehicle (Avalon) rated average is just a ridiculous bending of the facts. Anyone who glances at those headlines and doesn't read the story is gonna think the Asian brands really stink.
Along with Forester, it was nice to see Impreza listed near the top. Wish I knew more about how many vehicles they tested and, specifically, what Subaru models. Doesn't seem really fair to base some vehicles' ratings on 3 years of statistics and some on less than one
Also from the article:
"But Asian nameplates still dominated the most-reliable list. Of the 31 cars that earned a top reliability rating, 29 were Japanese and two were domestic models. No European cars earned a top ranking."
:rolleyes: at editor who created that headline
~Colin
Remember, it's the Detroit Free Press.
"Asian vehicles rank low in survey" means they only got 29 of the top 31, instead of the usual 30.
-juice
I was ready to sign the papers (they offered me $20,800- $500 below invoice along with $2K in rebates) when as I was driving the car back, the check engine light went on. I pulled over, checked the gas cap, started the car, and then the car died when I shifted into gear. Tried a few more times, and got the car to "limp" back in 3rd gear to the dealer.
They were quite apologetic, of course. I haven't seen that these new Hyundais have been having a lot of problems in the Hyundai boards.
What do you guys think? Is it likely to be a one off problem? All this talk about Asian reliability, I'm not really sure where Hyundai fits in. As of now, I am inclined to wait and see, and maybe just buy a Camry or Accord.
Anyway, any thoughts would be appreciated!
BTW, I'm thinking about buying my wife a Highlander as a minivan replacement. Or perhaps a Pilot.
tom
tom
Are you looking at an '06? If so, that's a v1.0.
CR said the 04 Sonata was the most reliable car in their survey, bar none. But the new one is substantially revised, new engine and chassis, so it may or may not do as well.
They do seem like they're really trying to accomodate you, and a dealer willing to do that can compensate quite a bit.
Tough call.
-juice
If you're still looking for a smaller vehicle to help your wife's parking lot tendencies, I would definitely not put the Pilot or Highlander on the list!! They are not very far off from their minivan siblings Odyssey and Sienna.
Craig
~Colin
My minivan is 204" long. 77.6" wide. We're talking full sized SUV here. Almost anything is smaller! I was hoping she could look out better in a sedan also. I have thought about replacing the van with the Highlander or Pilot, although I think the Pilot is too large too (I agree Craig, but the Highlander is reasonably sized) I don't know what the view out the Highlander is like.
I basically need a car that can haul 7 pax, half children. I'm looking for the smallest most functional vehicle I can. Which rules out these "mini" vans from Toyota, Honda, and my Nissan.
BTW, I looked at the Tribeca. I just can't get over the nose!
tom
-juice
I think I'm more nervous about a V1.0 Mazda than the Hyundai. At least the Hyundai has a really long warranty!
tom
After 9 months ownership, I'd say the Highlander is a pretty viable proposition for haling 7 around. the rear seats are fairly commodious and are fought over by the younger kids. the only real downside is that there is not a uge storage area when the rear seats are in use. However, the variable rake rear seats and the fact that the middle row slides forward mean there is lots of space for all travellers. the width of the vehicle also means there is good space for all three second seat passengers.
At least with a Toyota, you have a reasonable certainty of build quanilty. The worst I can complain of is an occassional damp smell from pooled water in the air conditioner - not what I'd call a major issue.
My sister has two Hyundais and has been happy with both. Not really my cup of tea though
Cheers
Graham
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=107785#4
Seats 7, and get a load of the starting price: $38k! That's gotta be some vehicle to start there. Makes me a little nervous for top-of-the-line Tribecas, though. Will they compete? And if the styling's like the CX-7, it'll certainly be a looker.
http://content.subaru.com/sub/adAsia/index.html
Bob
My wife likes the Pilot and thinks she can handle it. We'll see. I'm either going to have an aftermarket backup camera or sonar installed. The Honda dealer wants $900 for the backup sonar!
I've decided to pass on the Hyundai for now. It seems like a really good deal, but I think I'll wait another year or two. But it is a very nice car for the price.
BTW Craig, an S2000 was sitting in the showroom calling out my name!
It's too bad my wife couldn't hear the calling.
Anyway, we'll see how much I can get a 2006 Pilot for. They seemed kinda reluctant to budge much on the price.
tom
When you get a chance, could you drop me an email? I tried sending one to the address in your profile, but it bounced. Click on my name for my address.
Thanks!
Jeff - Mazda is being quite ambitious. They're going to cancel the MPV and Tribute, two products that start under $20k stree price, and replacing them with the CX7 and CX9 (?) with prices that are much higher.
I don't know how they are going to get people to pay almost double overnight. The customers going to Mazda dealers simply aren't in that price range at all. $38k?
-juice
Sounds familiar doesn't it??
Think about it, they're saying the CX9 (that's what I'll call it until they give it a name) will start at $38k, well above the starting point for the Tribeca. Not to mention the Legacy and Outback line were already higher in price than the Mazda6.
It's a big stretch. It was a stretch for Subaru, sure, but even bigger for Mazda.
-juice
In fact, this is the type of environment where you introduce something better that costs less.
-juice
v1.0 Mazda would be fine too, based on my experience... As long as it wasn't a Ford clone like the Tribute. I've heard mixed reviews on long term issues with newer Honda's.
They gave me $700 over invoice plus 3.9% for 60 months. I bought an EX-L with the tow package. I also bought a gps tracking system that will tell me where the car is at all times and how fast it's going. Cool, huh? It will call me if the car exceeds a pre-programmed speed.
The car has a bit of road noise- why can't they make quiet Hondas? I'm hoping undercoating helps with that a little.
Thanks for your help guys, and I still have my Subie!!!!
tom
-juice
Bob
Craig
Craig- yeah, I know the undercoating is useless for protection, but it does make the car a little quieter, which is the real reason I'm getting it done. These Honda's are have so much road noise- I don't understand why they can't just get better sound insulation.
Anyway, I'm thinking about putting in some dynamat too. One of these aftermarket places in having a sale on the stuff.
tom
-juice
tom
Check back issues of C&D, they measure noise levels at idle, 70 coasting, and 70 cruising. That might give you some useful info.
-juice
I test drove an MDX and didn't notice a difference, but then again it's not like I tested them back to back on the same roads. They did a mild redesign of the Pilot this year and supposedly it's quieter now. I'm just not impressed. But maybe I'm just thinking Lexus quiet.
Do you guys know much about Dynamat? Is it worth $750? (I know, tough question)
tom
Nothing like first-hand experience.
-juice
tom
Craig
John
Yeah, that "honk, honk" is annoying!
tom
And I don't want my secretary keeping a tally of how many Edmunds "breaks" I take :shades:
John
At the bottom of your Message Center page, look for a check box labelled "Honk when my subscriptions have new messages", turn it off then press the "Change Settings" button.