new suv for growing family - Page 3

[PassionateWriter]

Originally Posted by lifeguard

You asked about diesel. My DH is a HUGE fan of diesel. Goes on & on about it. This is what I have gleaned from my half paying attention: diesel usually works out cheaper 'cause you tend to get better mileage plus it is not rising at the same rate as gas. You can use alternative fuels easier. Diesel is more stable than gas. So if you ever purchase fuel to have as backup diesel can sit around for an extended period of time. You cannot do that with gas.

Why the hate on for minivans if they are the more practical vehicle for your needs? Just curious?

plus diesels last forever!

Originally Posted by BlessedOne

thanks for the info on diesel!

...but I feel we should drive something that makes us feel good about ourselves.....

im 40 and still dont like minivans.

[HRC121799]

Originally Posted by BlessedOne

I have thought about suburbans....but outside of gas mileage, they are so huge!!! I am not sure I would want to manuever one! But I am sure they are nice. I like the denali or even the cadi version, but they all are so huge!
I do like the extra space though

Oh I agree, the giant SUV's look soo nice, but I would be afraid to drive one,lol. The Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT is easier to park than my minivan was! Turns a lot better and is slightly "thinner" but we don't feel like we're in a smaller space. I hear you on the gas thing too, dh drives a Saturn wagon for work and to school (30 min. away), so the Trailblazer gets much lighter use, and it's worth it for us for how we're using it. Good luck deciding on a vehicle!!!

[jeca]

HAven't read all the thread but if I'm not mistaken don't you have to buy premium fuel with the Mazda, with gas already so high that's something to think about.
I very recently went from an SUV to a minivan. Dh was heartbroken but I had to be practical gas was just too much and you know I never really wanted this particular SUV he did but I was the one stuck with all the kids driving. I can admit it sucked big time on gas plus we've had it a very long time and it was starting to need too many repairs. I bought a Honda Odyssey which is GREAT on resale as I couldn't even find a used one with the specs I wanted in a lower price range. And the new ones have a Ton of trunk space.
Dh wanted an Outlook. It was nice but the seats reminded me of carpet but if you are looking for used good luck, couldn't find a used one of those either. Oh and the third row getting into it isn't all that great. Maybe it's just where I live. My vote would be try a highlander, they get pretty good gas and still have a third row, or a toyota RAV4.

[BlessedOne]

from what I have read many vehicles say to put premium in but basically the article said it was not needed for the most part....even if it said premium only

we had a premium only vehicle and dh would only put premium in and it still was horrible sounding and running.