Well, life has once again changed and I think I'm ready to change our vehicles too.

I am now working from home full time and probably drive my car about 20 miles a week if that. Actually, I drive my fiance's car (2006 Maxima SE) and she drives mine (2007 Yukon SLT).

She got a new job doing home health as she is a RN. She drives a lot now and the Yukon isn't the best. Also, She wants to lower our payments on both vehicles.

I was thinking about trading them both in- the Yukon for a base Sonata 24mo lease for myself and the Maxima for a loaded Veracruz. Of course, this all depends on what we can get for trade and how far upside down I am.

I've been doing research on the Veracruz and I think it would make a fine vehicle for her. First of all, she wants an SUV because she drives through mud roads a lot to get to patients homes. Also, our driveway is steep as hell and just about all cars drag. Second, she wants it to be able to seat 7. Third, she wants to keep all the luxury she is used to.

I mentioned the Hyundai Veracruz to her and she looked at me like I was retarded. She said Hyundais are ghetto. Anyways, I'm going to drag her along to look at one next week but I was wondering if anyone had any other input. As far as the Veracruz is concerned, I think I could get one fairly loaded for 31K or so.

Other options are the Rav4, Highlander, what else? She hates the Pilot and CRV and I agree.

 

Do yourself a favor, and before you make a purchase, drive the Mazda CX-9. My wife and I purchased an CX-9 AWD GT in April, and we could not be happier with our purchase. It is a fantastic vehicle. We have put 10,000 miles on it since April, and let me say that there is really something to this ZOOM-ZOOM thing.

The CX-9 was just named MotorTrend's SUV of the year. Here is the article

http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/...008_mazda_cx_9

Believe me when I say that you will be suprised at how nice it drives, how nice it looks in person, and how much value you get for your money. It seats 7 comfortably, drives like a sports sedan, and has all the latest techno gagets.

 

I was test driving SUV's about three months ago,and I happened to walk across the new VeraCruz,so here is my humble opinion of it.First of all, I thought that design-wise it was the best looking new car from Hyundai.I was equally impressed by the fit and finish, the materials,the ergonomics of the interior and mostly the engine performance.The two things that really surprised me were the ride comfort and the agility.The ride comfort is very close if not equal to the one on our 07MDX.The new Highlander is another worthy contender,but I highly doubt you'll get one at the price of a similarly equipped VeraCruz.
I think that the reliability will be very good in the long end.I really had a good drive and would buy one for sure.You might want to consider a Mazda CX-9 as well.

I know you didn't ask opinions on the sonata you were thinking of, but here are my .I have nothing against the Sonata, but personally, I would keep the Maxima.If you absolutely want another car, then look into a 3G or 06 AV6EX.You deserve driving something better.hese two cars are more inspired towards luxury and performance much more than a base sonata.Look into a used luxury sport sedan.Keep us updated and good luck

 

We'll take a look at the CX-9 as well but I'm not sure how willing Mazda is to barter with. A fully loaded CX-9 is about 40K. I'm pretty sure I could get the veracruz for 32K fully loaded.

 

The Maxima is legally her car and she doesn't like it very much. She would be trading this in for the SUV.

 

The new Veracruz's are beautiful. I don't know much about them but they seem like a hell of a car. Absolutely check it out.

My buddy also just bought a loaded up Sonata. He took me for a ride in it this summer right after he got it and I can say that the craftmanship is up to par with many of its competitors. I was very very impressed and it offered a great ride! I say well done on making a well informed decision!

 

haven't driven the veracruz so i apologize in that i can't give a well-informed opinion.

but having sat in one, i was pleasantly surprised to see how well the interior was made. it may not be the most luxurious and fancy looking, but it looked very clean. same with the exterior.

 

Thanks guys...

All you car people here and nobody has driven one???

 

I'd get the new Highlander if I needed something that big. Can't really go wrong with standard backup camera.

 

mdx or rdx

 

alot depends on budget.
I'm not hip on Korean cars. I view them as a poor man's Honda or Toyota.

their coming along however it will be 10-15 years before their "on par" with an Accord or Camry.

if your looking at money only your Korean makers will probably win.

if you got the money check out a X3 or X5 BMW.
the X5 diesel coming i heard it will get like mid 20s in highway mileage plus have like 0-60 time in high 6s low 7s.

 

My life changed too and I think I have made the right decision. And leasing them is just not expensive.

Volvo

|
|
|
\/

 

I like Volvo's but leasing is not an option. She can be driving up to 300 miles a day. With the Hyundai, at least she won't feel bad about driving it into the ground.

 

Great price, great interior, great warranty. Can't go wrong in my view.

MT liked it enough to choose it over a RX350 so it must be pretty decent.

 

its a damned fine car. The price is just icing on the cake.

 

5 year / 60k mile bumper to bumper warranty + 5 year roadside assistance. I think that is one of the best options out there. Go for it.

 

Hyundai is the new HONDA...not really but at least its cheap so go for it

 

x3

I personally think it looks very good, especially coming from a car manufacturer that's relatively new to the market. It's probably one of the better looking non-premium brand SUV's out there.

Plus, you can't beat the warranty.

Judging by the recent designs, I think Hyundai's future is more promising than Honda's

 

Sorry, I don't know jack shit about the Veracruz. But as far as other options go, have you looked into the Subaru Tribeca at all? Sounds like it meets all of your criteria.

 

We went by the dealship Sunday morning and although they were closed, my women got to see the veracruz up close and personal. One of the Limiteds was even unlocked so we sat in it for a while and talked. I think she is really starting to like it although she told a friend or two and is already being given shit for considering a Hyundai. Of well, I guess they can see it when we get it and that should shut them up!

As soon as we can get rid of the kids for a little while we can go test drive and run some numbers.