Used Car idea's?

[Tmiller72]

I drive a Ridgeline. It's a good truck. Great in the snow, I live on top of a mountain and have had no problems getting home. I've passed people that got stuck trying to make it up. The in-bed trunk is a great secure place to store your clubs. The back seats fold up with great storage space under them. Gas mileage is decent. The truck does look a little plain IMO without any accessories. Looks much better with running boards, brush/grille guard and a roof rack. I've had no mechanical problems outside the usual maintenance.

[sharks25]

Thanks for the offerings guys, I've looked at the TL and i've also looked at the Honda Ridgeline. Any more information on the older FJ cruisers?

I love mine! What do you wanna know about them?

What is the gas mileage and ride like? are they very reliable? what would the insurance be like on one for a college freshman, using to get from the course and back.

So before I lifted it and put the larger tires on I was getting around 19 mpg. After, im getting around 15. The ride was softer, but responsive with no lift. With the lift you can customize it by getting different brands of coilovers.

Very reliable. I havent had a single problem with mine. They're surprisingly powerful as well.

I cant help you much with insurance costs, as mine is registered under my dads name.

[ladahl]

blacked-out Ridgeline would be a sweet, yet practical choice.

[BuckeyePaul01]

Thanks for the offerings guys, I've looked at the TL and i've also looked at the Honda Ridgeline. Any more information on the older FJ cruisers?

I love mine! What do you wanna know about them?

What is the gas mileage and ride like? are they very reliable? what would the insurance be like on one for a college freshman, using to get from the course and back.

So before I lifted it and put the larger tires on I was getting around 19 mpg. After, im getting around 15.

Damn....I have a Challenger with a HEMI and it gets 24mpg on the highway.

[SilverBullets]

[quote name='gmetcalf18' timestamp='1348864491' post='5713475']
No one else has mentioned it so I'll put in my two cents, check out some Audi's if you want an import, quick, reliable, and luxury all in one. I have an 07 A4 I got 18 months ago for 19,999 with 30k miles on it. Brand new shape, and it's certified so if you need any repairs there is a chance of it being covered. To date I've spent $600 on maintnence in the last 18 months and that was only because I just rolled 55k miles and had their suggested 55k mile tune up. New spark plugs, new filters, new fluids, fresh oil, electronic and mechanical testing etc all done in 4 hours, and I got to drive a 2012 A4 as the loaner for the day. They make most of their cars in quattro so you get the AWD if you need it, or you can look at their FWD models and save even more money
[/quote]

I would highly recommend a A4. I have a 2008 and love it. That said, using the word Reliable in the same sentence with Audi A4 kind of discredits the entire post. Mine has 70k on it, I bought it new. For the first 3 years it was in every 6 months due to check engine light. It has been ok over the past year or so, but, last time it was in (maybe 2 months ago) they had to replace 2 parts under manufacturer warranty.

I love the car to death, and certainly will buy another Audi. My next car will likely be a S4. But, you have to keep up with the maintenance on these things. At this point, I refuse to own a Audi with over 100k on it due to issues with carbon build up and turbos wearing out. If you are looking for cheap service, Audi is also not the route to go. I believe I paid $500-$600 at 55k for the 'normal' service. My prior car (Acura RSX Type s) I think I spent $600 on service total for the 110,000 I owned the car for.

For what you are looking for, I would look at the Acura TL (2008 or so), Nissan Maxima or Altima (lot of car for the money). You can get a lot more car for the money than SUV.

My buddy has a FJ Cruiser. While they are cool, they get hideous gas mileage and have a horrible ride on long trips. If you plan on driving it longer than a hour or two I would rethink that idea. They ride like a tank.

[iH83Putting]

I would stay away from BMW, Audi and Mercedes just for the mere fact that replacement parts and service are very pricy.

[Love2Slice]

FJ Cruiser looks sick.. Only if you lift it to at least 33's and have nice wheels.

[moegolfer11]

Right now I'm looking at the toyota more and more, just loving the looks of it. Now I just have to find one at the right price!

[sharks25]

[quote name='J_D' timestamp='1349230611' post='5741591']
FJ Cruiser looks sick.. Only if you lift it to at least 33's and have nice wheels.
[/quote]
I really hate the front bumpers. I took mine off and threw on a Demello bumper as soon as i could afford it. It completely changes the look of the car, even at stock height.
OP: if you find one, throw on a spacer lift from toytec. They're small enough to not make the stick tires look goofy yet tall enough to let you clear 34"s if your wheel has the right backspacing and offset.
Let me know if you have any questions about anything, I've compiled a bit of knowledge on them due to all the research i did

[sharks25]

[quote name='BuckeyePaul01' timestamp='1349070133' post='5728883']
Damn....I have a Challenger with a HEMI and it gets 24mpg on the highway.
[/quote]
You sir are blessed to have a car that doesn't have the aerodynamics of an elephant. :b

[Olson12]

Thanks for the offerings guys, I've looked at the TL and i've also looked at the Honda Ridgeline. Any more information on the older FJ cruisers?

I love mine! What do you wanna know about them?

 

What is the gas mileage and ride like? are they very reliable? what would the insurance be like on one for a college freshman, using to get from the course and back.

 

Im guessing that since you are a freshman in college and are looking to spend 20k on a car that your parents are buying the car for you. if you are the one buying the car a word of advice from someone who made the mistake of going into debt at an early age. DON'T DO IT. Save your money and buy a car cash.

 

If your parents are buying you the car I wouldn't discount VW's Diesel options. They are great cars, reliable, and get good gas mileage with the diesel engine.

[BuckeyePaul01]

I am at a total loss why people suggest "diesel" as an economic alternative. Yes, you may get 2-3mpg more, but diesel fuel costs about $0.50 more per gallon too........more than offsetting any efficiency gains.

[RookieBlue7]

Find yourself a Jetta TDI (the wagon one). You might not love the look but they're incredibly efficient and have tons of room.