Forester vs. Vue vs. ???

[inco]

Of all the ones in the list the one that is the best and hands down winner has to be the Highlander.

I like the Forester and our 03 is a much better one than the 99 it replaced, but the Highlander would have been my choice if I was the one driving it most of the time.

It's bigger and roomier, but it is also very smooth in everything it does and doesn't punish the wallet at the pump or when resale time comes around.

In fact IIRC last week I saw some numbers that suggests the HL retains 57% of it's value after three or four years from numbers published by Automotive Leasing Guide which is one of the bibles used to determine resids.

[inco]

AW - I don't recall which Vue comes with the Honda driveline, but that would be the only Vue to appeal to me.

I don't know if the one you drove was it. I think it's the Red Line version that has Honda power and to me that would be my choice. Vue has it's merits and it isn't that bad looking.

[random006]

AW,
I drove the Pilot and found it was a bit "off" as well.  It handled like a minivan (i.e. like a beached whale) and I could not find a comfortable position in the driver's seat.

I have not tried a Highlander but the size certainly looked right for me.  The problem was cost.  The Subaru certainly has a lot going for it but I've always found them too narrow to actually hold 3 people beyond small kiddie size in the back seat.  Same goes for the Vue, Honda engine or no.

BTW, I understand completely your complaint about getting in and out of car like vehicles such as the Outback.  Even though I'm not a giant by any means, I've always felt like I need to be a contortionist to get in and out of cars.  With SUVs and minivans, it has always been easier.

But therein lies the rub doesn't it?  You don't need a big hauler yet the more civilized crossover vehicles are difficult in other ways.

Other issues you mentioned: size, gas mileage.

I would question the Highlander on size for you if you are looking at a Vue or Forrester.  My impression of the Highlander is that it is the midsize classs while the others are more compact.

Fuel economy will vary with these AWD or 4WD beasts.  My impression is that the best are the FWD/AWD vehicles such as the CRV.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.  The worst are the heavier true 4WD or RWD/4WD systems like the Sorento.

In short, I would try to find a crossover wagon type vehicle that you can fit as it would offer the best of AWD and civility.  Failing that, however, it sounds like the new Forrester or the Honda CRV (is it bigger now?) or even the Honda powered Vue (Red Line) might do it for you.

Here is a curveball:  Have you considered the smaller Vibe / Matrix?

[awebber]

Just time for a quick reply, first thanks for the answers.

All 6cyl Vues have the Honda 3.5L.  What confuses people (including many auto journalists, not particularly difficult I suspect) is that it's often quoted as _standard_ on the RedLine.  Which really means RedLine only comes in 6cyl, while the others (FWD and AWD) come in both.  But the only 6cyl in 04 and 05 Vues is the Honda.

I did try the Matrix (rented one).  I rather liked it, although it was a base FWD model with no options.  If I were trying to save pennies I'd take that (but with AWD) over the Aerio (which I also liked, but mostly for the price).  Still I think I'd prefer to spoil myself, I did that with the Explorer back in 1990 and it's turned out well.

I find anything minivan-ish just not to my liking.  That was one of the things with the Equinox, and in fact the 04 Explorer (but not the 04 Jimmy 4dr).  Don't know exactly what it is (I'm sure there are specific things if one analyzed it).  I may drive the Highlander again, thanks!

=aw


(Message edited by awebber on October 03, 2004)

[Mdxtasy]

I rather like my MDX.  I liked the MDX/Pilot's versatility in cargo and passenger capacity but the luxury bits won me over.  I also liked the Highlander and RX330 from Toyota but they were smaller and a little less versatile.  Plus it was a lot more expensive.  These vehicles are a bit on the soft wallowy side when it comes to handling.  But my MDX is soft, cushy, and very comfortable.  It soaks up the bumps and transfers very little of the road imperfections to the cabin.  If I were looking for a good handling SUV, I would have bought an X5 or a Cayenne.  Otherwise, stick to the smaller crossover wagons.

[Hags]

If the MDX within your budget you should consider this one too, very nice veicle, RX330 too is a very nice one in any way. There are some rumors abot X5, and which I know some people preffered RX 330 over X5. At the other hand VW Toureg should be considered over Cayenne bc. of the price. They are almost same exact body and lux... but lot of price diff., a friend of mine preffered VW after debating between too. He got the balck ext. with salmon/black Porsche like interior. "Beatiffule". But It is a gas guzzler!

(Message edited by hags on October 03, 2004)

[saint_satan]

Being a cheap bugger, I would go for the Pilot and save $10K + the cost of premium gas.  I'm probably the only person who likes the styling of the Pilot better than the MDX (sorry).  Both great vehicles.  For an even cheaper alternative, consider the '05 CR-V.  Rumour has it there will be a different AWD system.  I will be watching this one closely.

[Hags]

If Honda CRV comes with a new advanced AWD system and can correct the car pulling to right all the time and especially on acceleration (" they still could not fix this proble on my friend's car, and finally they claimed this is normal for CRV's, he also test drow other CRV's to see if they are the same, and they were "I don't think this is normal bc. X-Trail and other similar cars don't have it.) Than CRV can be considerd.
By the way 10K+ is a good reason to go for Pilot but MDX is a very nice vehicle!

[awebber]

I went back to Subaru on Saturday to think again about the interior space.  Put on my winter coat to sit in it.  Also measured the back area, since it claims to be bigger than the Vue.  Actually at the back it's 51" wide, 36" between the wheels, and about 64" front-to-back.  Not as big as my Explorer but still pretty good.

While I was talking to the salesman, the sales manager came out of his office and said "I'd just had a flash broadcast on the computer, on all 2005 Forester..." and I thought here goes, he's going to tell me prices are about to go up or something, which would be totally out of character based on what I've seen so far.

In fact he said, "...purchase financing is 1.8% for up to 60 months."  Is this probably across the board for Canada, or unique to Ottawa, or ...?  I have to admit my second reponse (after "I can earn slightly more than that investing my money") was that it should mean greater incentives offered to pay cash.

Bmorton, I also looked at the mirror and it's definitely adjustible.  In fact, I looked at the Camry's and it's exactly the same!  The pivot at the window end is strictly up-and-down, and the one at the mirror end is more flexible.  Thanks for the lead on that, the GF likes her Camry's mirror higher now, although my setting is probably a bit too high for her.

=aw

[Mdxtasy]

We hummed and hawed over the 10K+ we had to shell out for the MDX over a Pilot.  I didn't like the Pilot's too plasticky interior, the column shifter, the cheaper leather, the non-availability of a sunroof, navigation system, rear DVD (now avaiable), side curtain airbags, VSA, and back up camera.  The Pilot drove differently too.  The Pilot is nice and you can't go wrong with it...I just liked the MDX that much more.  Is it worth the extra 10K?  It was to me.  And I'm as cheap as they come.

As for the VW vs. Porsche?  Porsche hands down.  Different drivetrain/engine choices.  Interior of both is nice so you really can't lose on either one....just the VW service will really you off when you shell out 80K for a car and the service department starts to nicel and dime you.  

(Message edited by mdxtasy on October 03, 2004)

[saint_satan]

Rear DVD and back up camera!?

Does it come with a gas fireplace?

I doubt I would ever spring for a sunroof.  But hey, if there was value in it for you - cool.  Compared to the Cherokee (which rides and sounds like a Panzer) these are both pretty sweet rides.  The Pilot looks like a 1st gen. CR-V on steroids.

[Mdxtasy]

The gas fireplace was an option but we had to get rid of the rear DVD system to get it...so we had to choose between the two.  They threw in a 2 disc DVD set of fireplaces from around the world so we could have the best of both worlds.  

[inco]

I'm holding out until they add the hot tub. I'm fussy.

[Snowman]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/041001-2.htm

[bmorton]

Based on the ads I saw in the weekend papers, it looks like the 1.8%/60 financing deal on 2005 Foresters is a national campaign. Sales of the Forester have been off substantially the last 3-4 months (coinciding with the arrival of the new Legacy/Outback) so I suspect that's the reason for the offer.

[Hags]

AW; I thought I was a hard and fussy decision maker, just buy one. It seems you like the Subaru, go for it! And the deal is tremendous, 2005 for 1.8% financing is SUPER! Sounds like they are desperate! Take advantage!

By the way Snowy; that article was posted previously, I replied “they did not include the X-Trail bc. they don’t have it in USA.� But yet RAV4 is really a very nice small SUV, just loosing bc. of the size. “To me�.

[safristi]

Md if you "hummed & hawed" no wunner you got the
deal of a lifetime....I'm a little backed up today..does it show on your rear DVD???

[Snowman]

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=34&article_id=7808&page_numbe r=3

[Drivesideways]

Hmmmm...this just might be the best way to lug the DSW clan to the montagnes.  

[awebber]

quote:

AW; I thought I was a hard and fussy decision maker, just buy one.

Thanks for the encouragement.  Yes I over-engineer these things but then it's not a decision I plan to live with for only a year.

...we haven't even begun to discuss colour yet!

Seriously though, I know silver is the practical colour (hides stains, dust, doesn't show minor dents) but darker colours are nice too (but I'd have to wash more often).  Any thoughts?  One minor reason for going dark is that it would make the hood scoop even more stealth (I think) as the black opening would be less obvious than on silver or white.