What Car : Wife Edition

Sister had a RX400h for a couple of years. It was fine but she traded it in on a 4Runner last fall. Seemed reliable enough.

Step mother bought a RX350 last summer to replace her aging Santa Fe and while she likes it, it seems maintenance hungry. I drove both and was singularly unimpressed.

YMMV for both.

Petrolburner wrote: In reply to java230: I've not driven one, but if the reason for a small SUV is MPGs, the RX400h hybrid gets them. It isn't as big as a suburban but it's no Rav4 either. The FX35 is the same size, sooooo....I'd drive a used RX400h and let her decide. The reliability on them is spectacular. For comparison, is your 4Runner considered too big for what she wants? Do you still have the 4Runner? Is that your DD?

Yes 4runner is too big (otherwise a 5th gen would be sweet). She hates driving it. Yes still have it, its my DD.

OK here is another wrench, she doesn't like the computer controlled AWD systems.... IE the ones that are FWD/RWD until the other set starts slipping and is AWD is engaged.

SO how about ones that are full time AWD or selectable 4x4....

java230 wrote: OK here is another wrench, she doesn't like the computer controlled AWD systems.... IE the ones that are FWD/RWD until the other set starts slipping and is AWD is engaged.

That's basically all of them, even Subarus presuming Auto trans.

We just went through this as well. After driving everything in the class—and some stuff out of the class—she bought a CX-5. Personally I don't think there's anything else that even comes close to it for the money, and maybe even for a lot more money.

MCarp22 wrote:

java230 wrote: OK here is another wrench, she doesn't like the computer controlled AWD systems.... IE the ones that are FWD/RWD until the other set starts slipping and is AWD is engaged.

That's basically all of them, even Subarus presuming Auto trans.

exactly my issue...... (although i thought the subarus were full time awd)

Why in the world does she need curb clearance? Does she drive on sidewalks for a living?

She is basically down to an Xterra now if the 4Runner is too big.

yupididit wrote: Why in the world does she need curb clearance? Does she drive on sidewalks for a living?

She wants to be able to... The Audi she drives ow is the perfect height for catching parking stops and ripping the bumper cover off. I think she also thinks ground clearance = bigger tires = no more worries about curb rash.

In reply to bmw88rider:

Yeah... She said Xterra was too big too. Looks like the BMW x1 is full time AWD, and MPG's suck because of it. Wrangler is smaller than an Xterra, but I hate them. I get it it, its supposed to be utilitarian, but seriously, no door swing stop? Turning circle of a bus?!

Shes talking about trying to buy her old car back now.... I did like the car, good power, small, selectable 4x4. But its old now.... Will need a full rebuild. Maybe I should just do it....

Acura RDX? SH AWD, factory turbo...

The FJ Cruiser has proper four wheel drive. Yes it's big and the mileage and visibility suck, but it's a proper truck. I love my wife's FJ.

In reply to Petrolburner:

ever the possibility.

In reply to mazdeuce:

I have the 4runner on the same running gear. Great truck. I doubt she would do an FJ. And its not new/CPO anymore....

Oh goody, yet another unreasonable request for a vehicle that never existed or will.

Seriously. The electronic 4WD and AWD systems are so much better than they once were and make a ton more sense than the old style and if she's just using it for a commuter, then why would she need anything more than that?

Have her try one before she draws a line through them. If she won't then walk away as this will only end in tears because there is no reasoning with some people with that sort of mindset.

Is there something we're missing or is she, like so many people asking for advice on cars around here, just looking for evidence supporting the decision they've already made?

Stefan (Not Bruce) wrote: Oh goody, yet another unreasonable request for a vehicle that never existed or will. Seriously. The electronic 4WD and AWD systems are so much better than they once were and make a ton more sense than the old style and if she's just using it for a commuter, then why would she need anything more than that? Have her try one before she draws a line through them. If she won't then walk away as this will only end in tears because there is no reasoning with some people with that sort of mindset. Is there something we're missing or is she, like so many people asking for advice on cars around here, just looking for evidence supporting the decision they've already made?

I agree, and good traction controls are amazing these days, that's the #1 reason I don't like the Isuzu option. That thing went ass backwards faster than anything I have driven. We will definitely try them, but I don't think they are going to let me take it out in the snow

She has to drive over mountain passes in the snow for work a fair bit. She hates driving in the snow. I think that's why she wants the selectable 4x4/AWD/full time AWD, that way she knows it's on, makes her feel more comfortable even if it does nothing....

java230 wrote:

Stefan (Not Bruce) wrote: Oh goody, yet another unreasonable request for a vehicle that never existed or will. Seriously. The electronic 4WD and AWD systems are so much better than they once were and make a ton more sense than the old style and if she's just using it for a commuter, then why would she need anything more than that? Have her try one before she draws a line through them. If she won't then walk away as this will only end in tears because there is no reasoning with some people with that sort of mindset. Is there something we're missing or is she, like so many people asking for advice on cars around here, just looking for evidence supporting the decision they've already made?

I agree, and good traction controls are amazing these days, that's the #1 reason I don't like the Isuzu option. That thing went ass backwards faster than anything I have driven. We will definitely try them, but I don't think they are going to let me take it out in the snow She has to drive over mountain passes in the snow for work a fair bit. She hates driving in the snow. I think that's why she wants the selectable 4x4/AWD/full time AWD, that way she knows it's on, makes her feel more comfortable even if it does nothing....

A good dealer would likely let you take it up to the mountains if they want make the sale.

She needs better driver training.

See if there is a driving school nearby that has a SkidCar available and take the course at least once a year.

For example: https://www.prodrive.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=61

In reply to Stefan (Not Bruce):

She drives fine in it, just is not comfortable... She will take my truck if its really bad, but usually the audi does fine.

I did the snow driving once, that was a boat load of fun but we just used a huge snowy parking lot. Ill see if shes interested....

And the winner.....

Went back and fourth between it and the cx-3, cx-3 was great, but needs the 2.5L out of the cx-5, that would be a fun car. Didn't quite have the ground clearance the cx-5 does, and the cx-5 downshifts a bit faster on hard accel.

Said goodbye to an old friend....

In reply to java230:

Purchase a set of winter tires. The OEM tires from factory are not terrific on snow/ice.

In reply to outasite:

Thanks for the input. That was discussed with her. Will likely go with an all season (Conti DWS?), she wants the wheels painted black as well, so that would be a good time.

Good choice. . I just picked up a 13 Sport.

92dxman wrote: Good choice. . I just picked up a 13 Sport.

Yeah went back and fourth between it and the 3, drove them both a few times. First new car ever for us.

First mod done Matches the back windows nicely.

Well she took it hiking on gravel roads in the rain and got it good and dirt.... But window tint done. Heated mirrors ordered, new emblems for the rear ordered to be painted black. Wheels will come off tonight to get panted as well, after it gets a good coat of wax.

java230 wrote: In reply to outasite: Thanks for the input. That was discussed with her. Will likely go with an all season (Conti DWS?), she wants the wheels painted black as well, so that would be a good time.

Buying an AWD car to feel safe on mountain passes in the snow and turning around and putting no season tires on it makes no kind of sense at all.

In reply to Aspen:

Agreed, but we dont really get any lowland snow, its just going over a pass....

Caleb wrote: Gen 1's are getting pretty cheap, I mean it is just a VW with a porsche V8 lol

Actually, the VR6 versions are still pretty damned peppy and repairable by those of a wrenchy persuasion.

The V8 isn't related to the Audi V8, but is Porsche's own design apparently (it looks very similar, but Porsche did have their own V8 before in the 928, so its not unreasonable for them).

Then again, the VW versions are even less expensive, if a bit less capable in some ways.

Finally, tell your wife to stop driving over berkeleying curbs. Honestly, there's no need and to be honest most cars can clear a curb, just not the low slung sporty ones.