Car Shopping

[desertvixen]

When I graduate this class, and get my bonus... it's going to a new car. I don't care if I'm deploying, I am SO ready to get rid of the one I have. I'll be able to afford it.

So, anyway, the serious contender is the RAV4. A new one.

Anyone have any comments? So far all the reviews (both expert and driver) seem good.

DV

Comments

[norabombay.livejournal.com]

I had only two problems with it:

1. I found the front seats to be a little small. This is higly unlikely to be a problem for you, unless the husband is a very large/tall man, as you guys meet military weight class. Likewise, the back.

2. Resale values on Toyota's are really high. Nice if you are buying new, something to be aware of if not...

Otherwise? Terrific cars

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

Brian is in the 6'3''/6'4'' range, but definitely meets military weight class. I am planning to buy new, because I'm planning to drive into the ground.

DV

[norabombay.livejournal.com]

Depending on who plans to drive it obviously, but you may want to get a guy to be a size model for you.

I took my dad car shopping. In a large part becase he's 6'4, and if he didn't fit in the car, then the car was too small.

I'm not likely to run into any guys significantly taller, and I do a lot of carpooling.

You may want to check if there are any 1 or 2 year old Rav4's floating around. Close to new and you save a good chunck of the initial depreciation, but keep the warrenty.

[kd5mdk.livejournal.com]

It looks nice. I really would recommend waiting if you're going to be deployed, though. Or perhaps a short term lease or rental. Because really, having a nice car at home depreciating while you're elsewhere not getting any use of it sucks, especially if you are going to be straddling model years or something.

[a21ozcoldcup.livejournal.com]

Though I am a huge Toyota fan, I would honestly recommend the Ford Escape or Nissan Xterra before the Rav4. My biggest problem with the Rav4 is the power. It is definitely pushing the bare minimum on horsepower (which can be rough on highway), and puts out a little bit of engine noise that might bug you on a long drive. The seats are most definitely cramped as well (6'1" here). If you wanted to stick with Toyota, you could check their other SUVs but they might be a bit pricy. Scion's are also worth a look. But in my opinion, go with the Ford Escape (my personal favorite) or the Nissan Xterra. Or it wasn't a bad suggestion above; a year old Toyota is still a fine car.