Prius? CR-V? What kind of car do I need?

Question

I am currently driving a 2000 Ford Focus with 125,000 miles on it. I love the fact that it's paid for, I hate the fact that it's been paid for TWICE in repairs. I plan to buy my next car (slightly used, '07) sometime in the next 6-9 months. My husband and I take one vehicle to work anyway, so we could do with only one car for a while. We live in Oklahoma (nothing is close to anything) and commute about 20 miles 1-way to work. Two years from now, I will be commuting about 40 miles 1-way to work on my doctorate (this is why we live where we do -- it's in between good jobs to the north, and school the south). Fuel efficiency is obviously important. We have two large dogs. Kids may be in the plans in the next 3-6 years. Some of my freelance work also requires hauling a lot of equipment and/or product (and my focus has often been too small). We're looking at the Prius and the CR-V. Thoughts? I just don't know how to balance all of our needs in one vehicle. Thanks!

Answer 1

Prius and CRV are great options, but also consider the Ford Escape hybrid, and the Saturn Aura hybrid.



Being a big VW fan, I would suggest a clean diesel VW...but they won't be here until next year. Your choices sounds solid to me.

Answer 2

First let me say that I own a 2003 Rav4. I have a large 90 pound black lab. I'm already looking for something bigger because by the time we pack us, the dog, and all our stuff, the SUV is getting too small already. I can't imagine adding kids to that mix, and we're planning on having two kids in the future.



So definately, I think you'll find the Pruis and the CRV are going to be too small with multiple kids/dogs.



Personally, I've been looking at the 07 Rav4, which is bigger than mine and has 3 rows - which I figure, could be for my dog - and you could fit two dogs back there nicely, and then you could have up to three kids in the 2nd row.



I've always been looking at the Trailblazer - but the new ones don't have the 3rd row option. And I'm weary about the reliability of Chevys.



The toyota sienna is another good option if you don't mind minivans.



The toyota highlander is bigger than the rav4 - and it also comes in a Hybrid model, if you want to save on gas and help the environment.



Hope this helps!

Answer 3

i would totally take te prius. i mean what cn beat 60 mpg in the city and 51 on the freeway at $23,000 with great reliability. the prius is more spacious too for a family that you might have in the future. but i would have to say the best choice for a famiy would be the cr-v because it's an suv. if you want an suv that competes with the cr-v and gets better mpg, get the 2008 ford escape hybrid. it is supposed to have great reliability and 36 mpg in the city and 30 mp on the freeway which is a combined 34 mpg, with lots of space for a familiy. the ford escape has been the best selling small suv in america since 2001. you can also get the regular escape which still has good gas mileage, 22 in the city and 28 on the freeway, and you will get more of a truck with more power that way.

Answer 4

Well the Prius should be good on gas, but I have a CR-V and love it. There is plenty of space in the back to haul equipment and/or kids (the back seats can be folded down for more room.) Mine has over 145,000 miles on it and it's still going strong. I've been told by many mechanics that this car should last till 300,00 miles or more as long as regular maintenance is performed. The CR-V doesn't use as much gas as most other SUVs, and if you need space for equipment, the CR-V will give you the space you need.

Answer 5

I am an auto broker and own a car dealership however what I am going to say may shock you since I make a profit selling vehicles. You have to look at your entire circumstances. If you own your vehicle and have no payments regardless of the poor gas mileage, once you buy a new vehicle you now have monthly payments and possibly higher insurance. How much gas can you buy for the amount of money it will cost you to buy a new vehicle. Even if you have payments on your Yukon, is the trade in going to cover that balance owed? It may be a smart deal to trade it in but, first look at your entire costs first not only the cost at the gas pumps. I had a guy trading a 1998 durango he said he was looking to buy a dodge neon for the better fuel mileage. After I showed him the comparison of costs he not only left with his 1998 durango he also bought the new neon. Good Luck I'm not a dodge dealer it is only coincidental both vehicles are dodges I am CHEVY fan