The sit in and out test is the best idea. I tried every model. Sat in and drove them and nothing felt good until i sat down in MY CAR. Without even test driving it first as soon as i sat down in said this is it! The test drive just sealed the deal.
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I have a 2019 Hyundai Tucson with the Ultimate package. Here’s what I like best; birdseye view on the camera, you could back up for miles! The engine is a little bigger, also has sport and eco mode. The ride is like a car (many crossovers ride more like a truck/suv). Has all wheel drive that you can lock into 4 wheel drive. Safety features galore (lane warnings, steers back into lanes, “corrects” driving around curves, slide control traction, etc.) And heated seats are a must have imho. When I have done a lot of gardening I switch between heating and cooling to help prevent some backaches.
The one thing I don’t like? The turning radius sucks! I need 3 lanes for a u turn. I kid you not.
I have great respect for Toyota, drove them for years!! But the road noise and teeth rattling as they aged drove me to consider ride as a deciding factor. I was also looking for a vehicle that I could drive for hours on a long trip without discomfort. I test drove Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Ford, and a couple others in the crossover models. Hyundai beat them all.
What ever you decide to get, exam the safety features. Good luck. I hate car shopping (I’m a buyer, not a shopper), but made myself do it. I was surprised at my result.
The one thing I don’t like? The turning radius sucks! I need 3 lanes for a u turn. I kid you not.
I have great respect for Toyota, drove them for years!! But the road noise and teeth rattling as they aged drove me to consider ride as a deciding factor. I was also looking for a vehicle that I could drive for hours on a long trip without discomfort. I test drove Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Ford, and a couple others in the crossover models. Hyundai beat them all.
What ever you decide to get, exam the safety features. Good luck. I hate car shopping (I’m a buyer, not a shopper), but made myself do it. I was surprised at my result.
Toyota.
Except for the Prius. They are too low to the road, not fun in winter in alleys that have not been plowed.
Except for the Prius. They are too low to the road, not fun in winter in alleys that have not been plowed.
Honda or Toyota. I drove a 2005 Honda Pilot before our family outgrew it and I LOVED it. Hoping to get another one for shopping trips when I don't have the whole gang with me. Parking a 15-passenger van is not an easy task! My parents drive Toyotas and are very pleased with them.
Edited to add we have never purchased or driven a new vehicle due to finances. I hope you find something you love!
Edited to add we have never purchased or driven a new vehicle due to finances. I hope you find something you love!
I am a Hyundai girl through and through. My IX35 (precursor to the Tucson) is still pretty peppy at 124,000kms on the clock. Due for an upgrade soon (when I get enough money) and I'm going for another Hyundai - a small SUV called Kona. My husband drives one and it's fabulous. I would love a Tucson, but it uses too much petrol and now I live out of town the commuting is starting to cost too much.
I wonder if it's just the ones in the US that are having such terrible problems. Or maybe, like Subarus, the older ones were better?
In any event, for those considering purchasing a Hyundai or Kia today, you might want to read this article. The list of years and models covered by the class action settlement is quite broad.
I am jealous. Really wanted a heated steering wheel but we bought during the chip shortage and that wasn’t an option at the time. Maybe when we buy again in 10 years.
Sorry to get off topic. In general, we drive our cars into the ground. We currently have a Pontiac Vibe (twin of a Toyota Matrix) 2005. My employer prefers we rent cars for out-of-town travel and I love driving all the new models, especially the safety features. Like the light on the side-view mirrors that a vehicle is in your blind spot. And keeping me 3 car lengths away from the next car. Mrs. Zing says, so it's like having me ride along with you.I am jealous. Really wanted a heated steering wheel but we bought during the chip shortage and that wasn’t an option at the time. Maybe when we buy again in 10 years.
AND HEATED STEERING WHEELS and seats, especially in this Minnesotan weather!
Our oldest just bought his first car and wanted my advice. I told him to purchase the most recent model that was in his budget because safety features improve over time. I told him I remember finally buying our first used vehicle that had airbags. He said, wait, what now, cars didn't have airbags?! I said, um, airbags had to be invented. And then to really blow his mind, I said that I remember cars that had no seat belts!
I would love to be able to turn on my car from inside the house so that the ac or heater already has the temp right when I get in. My car currently can't do that. I fully intend on buying one that can do that next time.
FFLinOhio
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We have a 2011 Honda CRV with 127,000 miles on it and love it. It however is a bit noisy on the roads, but we have the EX-L model which has very comfortable heated leather front seats. Only have had to repair one minor thing(an oxygen sensor) and one AC repair (which was $700) in the last 9 years we've had it.
My in-laws have a 2015 Toyota RAV4 and are very happy with it as well. It has remote start and a back-up camera.
My mother has a 2012 Kia Sportage that drives great but is notorious for being stolen. So I can't recommend that model unless you go with a different model. We do like Kias, it's my mom's 2nd Kia and it's hard to beat Kia/Hyundai's 10 year warranties.
My in-laws have a 2015 Toyota RAV4 and are very happy with it as well. It has remote start and a back-up camera.
My mother has a 2012 Kia Sportage that drives great but is notorious for being stolen. So I can't recommend that model unless you go with a different model. We do like Kias, it's my mom's 2nd Kia and it's hard to beat Kia/Hyundai's 10 year warranties.
The article is helpful for any Hyundai owner or if you are shopping for a used car. Fortunately for me, I have a different engine type, and I feel fortunate. Perhaps one other word of caution is make sure you have a push button start if considering a used models. Super easy to steal and honestly, I don’t think the company was “on it” as quickly as they could have been. You might have heard of the Kia Boys.I wonder if it's just the ones in the US that are having such terrible problems. Or maybe, like Subarus, the older ones were better?
In any event, for those considering purchasing a Hyundai or Kia today, you might want to read this article. The list of years and models covered by the class action settlement is quite broad.
That’s hilarious about your son! Really blow his mind and tell him we have a 65 mustang that STILL doesn’t have seatbelts, and of course, no airbags.Sorry to get off topic. In general, we drive our cars into the ground. We currently have a Pontiac Vibe (twin of a Toyota Matrix) 2005. My employer prefers we rent cars for out-of-town travel and I love driving all the new models, especially the safety features. Like the light on the side-view mirrors that a vehicle is in your blind spot. And keeping me 3 car lengths away from the next car. Mrs. Zing says, so it's like having me ride along with you.
AND HEATED STEERING WHEELS and seats, especially in this Minnesotan weather!
Our oldest just bought his first car and wanted my advice. I told him to purchase the most recent model that was in his budget because safety features improve over time. I told him I remember finally buying our first used vehicle that had airbags. He said, wait, what now, cars didn't have airbags?! I said, um, airbags had to be invented. And then to really blow his mind, I said that I remember cars that had no seat belts!
One of our trucks is a 2016 and one is a 2023. It is amazing how much nicer the features are on the new truck. If it had a heated steering wheel it would be perfect. I probably said that about the older truck too.
I agree that the light in the side mirror is a great feature.
One more bit that may be helpful, whatever you are thinking of buying, check to see if there are any major changes in that year or the previous 2-3 years. Often a manufacturer will make a major change, new engine/transmission design and reliability takes a hit. Sometimes they will issue a recall, often warranties will cover the issues but when the warranty runs out you are on your own. If you are considering used, check reliability for the specific year vehicle you are looking at.
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