buying a suv or crossover

[Amby 490]

I want to purchase a SUV to drive every once in awhile. Due to a washed out gravel road with massive holes and a very steep 2 mile (gravel) hill my very low rwd vehicle will not make it up to the fam's land. I need a car I can drive there and not worry about ruining it.

I like these but can't decide what to get and not even sure if I will get something new or used since I won't drive it more than once a week (if that)

Jeep Compass

Jeep Commander (kinda big though)

Suggestions please!

[Ban Hammer 14,678]

just get a 4 wheel drive pickup truck and be done with it.

[rebeccajo 14]

Those are a little fancy for a 'spare' vehicle that doesn't get driven a lot and is gonna get real dirty when it does.

I'd just go for something incredibly cheap and used that has four-wheel or all-wheel drive.

[mawilson 2,133]

Ooh I like the Commander!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The Commander looks sweet. Go for it.

[peejay 327]

I have been driving my Subaru Forester for a while and it can handle all the tasks of the usual SUV and still gets 28 mpg on the highway. There are lots of pseudo-SUV's out there, but when it comes to towing the manufacturer doesn't recommend it. No problem with the Forester. It's a good all around AWD SUV that can handle the rough stuff. It can definitely handle the boonies.

[Amby 490]

Ooh I like the Commander!

me too! not sure if I like the $30-45k for a second car that i won't drive that much.

The Commander looks sweet. Go for it.

I know...but the price for a second car. I don't know if I can convince myself it's a good idea since cars depreciate so quick.

I have been driving my Subaru Forester for a while and it can handle all the tasks of the usual SUV and still gets 28 mpg on the highway. There are lots of pseudo-SUV's out there, but when it comes to towing the manufacturer doesn't recommend it. No problem with the Forester. It's a good all around AWD SUV that can handle the rough stuff. It can definitely handle the boonies.

so if I wanted to hook a trailer up to it and pull my 4 wheelers it wouldn't be a problem?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I don't know if I can convince myself it's a good idea since cars depreciate so quick.

Cars don't depreciate.

Repeat that until you sorta believe it, or at least till your disbelief is somewhat dissipated.

Then go and BUY BUY BUY.

[Amby 490]

god that guy annoys me

[peejay 327]

I have been driving my Subaru Forester for a while and it can handle all the tasks of the usual SUV and still gets 28 mpg on the highway. There are lots of pseudo-SUV's out there, but when it comes to towing the manufacturer doesn't recommend it. No problem with the Forester. It's a good all around AWD SUV that can handle the rough stuff. It can definitely handle the boonies.

so if I wanted to hook a trailer up to it and pull my 4 wheelers it wouldn't be a problem?

I tow a boat with the Forester and it doesn't even faze it. No problemo.

I don't know anything about the Jeep Commander, but if it is a front wheel drive SUV then towing could be a problem. Even if the Commander is AWD, what kind of mileage does it get? It's hard to beat the Subaru's 28 mpg hwy mileage. That is what sold me on it.

[Ling Ling 22]

I can't think of any good reason to buy a new vehicle, especially if you're only going to use it less than 52 times per year.

Go used...at least 1 to 3 years old. You'll get more car for your money.

If you were thinking about $40K for a new Jeep, maybe consider $25k to $30K for something used, but with more engine or amenities or style or whatever floats your boat.

If you spend $40K for new, it'll probably be worth $30K or less next year. If you pay $25K for used, it'll probably worth $23K next year.

Obviously I'm speaking in broad terms, but you get the idea. How much do you want to spend to drive the car for a year?

[LaL 418]

I don't know if I can convince myself it's a good idea since cars depreciate so quick.

Cars don't depreciate.

Repeat that until you sorta believe it, or at least till your disbelief is somewhat dissipated.

Then go and BUY BUY BUY.

You go with your bad lil economic stimulation cheerleader self. The US economy thanks you for your support.

Edited December 5, 2008 by LaL

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I don't know if I can convince myself it's a good idea since cars depreciate so quick.

Cars don't depreciate.

Repeat that until you sorta believe it, or at least till your disbelief is somewhat dissipated.

Then go and BUY BUY BUY.

You go with your bad lil economic stimulation cheerleader self. The US economy thanks you for your support.

That goes for you too. Get thee to Circuit City and Sharper Image NOW!

[LaL 418]

I don't know if I can convince myself it's a good idea since cars depreciate so quick.

Cars don't depreciate.

Repeat that until you sorta believe it, or at least till your disbelief is somewhat dissipated.

Then go and BUY BUY BUY.

You go with your bad lil economic stimulation cheerleader self. The US economy thanks you for your support.

That goes for you too. Get thee to Circuit City and Sharper Image NOW!

I got the USB owl in the mail today from think geek. I am doing my part

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Good job.

I spent 30 minutes on a tech support call for an audio conference that went bad. She lady on the other end was clearly an American of limited education. I did my part, someone got paid for a 1/2 hour because of me!

Edited December 5, 2008 by A.J.