Hello all.

My wife and I are on the hunt for a single vehicle to replace the two we have now. Currently, we have an '02 Mazda Tribute with 200+K miles and a Chevy Aveo that just turned over to 100K miles. We are looking at replacing both with preferably a small SUV, a crossover or a decent sedan. We've looked at Toyotas, Mazdas, Nissans, Kias, Hyundais, etc. Anyone have any suggestions on what constitutes a "good" investment these days? As always, answers are always appreciated and considered.

I would suggest a car dealership, Chris. You seem to have a lot of things on the go right now. We are very versatile here but you are jumping around to a lot of different topics, renovations, a more powerful telescope, newer vehicles, etc. did you just win a lottery LOL...

Check a Subaru Forester, RAV4 or CRV. We have an 05 CRV, 136,000 miles, 3 sets of front pads,last at 135,500 and 1 rear, 1 serpentine belt. Can't get much better that.

My younger son has been shopping for the same type of vehicle. He visited many used car lots, checked Edmund's and Consumer Reports, has test driven many vehicles, and was most impressed by the Suburu Forester. He also likes the RAV-4. He has a 2000 Toyota Camry. We're waiting with bated breath to see what he ends up with.

I would suggest a car dealership, Chris. You seem to have a lot of things on the go right now. We are very versatile here but you are jumping around to a lot of different topics, renovations, a more powerful telescope, newer vehicles, etc. did you just win a lottery LOL...

LOL! No, no lottery wins unfortunately. I guess I AM asking a lot of questions, but that's only because I never knew a forum like this existed before; a place where I could ask questions and get answers from people with real world knowledge and no attitude of "no, you can't do that."

The he bathroom renovation has been in the works for quite some time, probably since last fall, just been scraping together materials and the all important ca$h to get it done.

I wasn't actually asking for a MORE powerful telescope, just what a good kind would be for starting out. It's an interest I've had for awhile, but have never nurtured.

As for my question here regarding vehicles, I'm just trying to get other people's opinions to see what manufacturer/manufacturers they think are reliable and which ones to steer clear of.

In this day and age most manufacturer are pumping out reasonable quality. 15 years ago I would NEVER buy a Kia, but I am looking at one right now.

There is an old rule that *I* have found still applies:
The higher the initial price of the vehicle, the lower the maintenance cost later. A honda is an expensive car, but you will not spend a lot on repairs, where a ford will be cheaper but have more repairs sooner.

This is important if you're buying used because you're getting towards the expensive repair stage at that point...

I like Nissan, I have a 2000 xterra that is running good. I like fords and saturns. I don't like the Chrysler family. I would look at the japanese vehicles.

Are there are specific requirements? Specific options required? Shop around and read around. Just remember that more people will recall their negative reactions and expirences rather then their positive. So you will get an idea of what CAN go wrong, but you might get a skewed perception of how likely it will go wrong.

Last note, if you go chev, keep an eye on their v6 3.0L Engine, it can have a bad manifold gasket that could lead to SERIOUS issues. It is a known issue.

In this day and age most manufacturer are pumping out reasonable quality. 15 years ago I would NEVER buy a Kia, but I am looking at one right now.

There is an old rule that *I* have found still applies:
The higher the initial price of the vehicle, the lower the maintenance cost later. A honda is an expensive car, but you will not spend a lot on repairs, where a ford will be cheaper but have more repairs sooner.

This is important if you're buying used because you're getting towards the expensive repair stage at that point...

I like Nissan, I have a 2000 xterra that is running good. I like fords and saturns. I don't like the Chrysler family. I would look at the japanese vehicles.

Are there are specific requirements? Specific options required? Shop around and read around. Just remember that more people will recall their negative reactions and expirences rather then their positive. So you will get an idea of what CAN go wrong, but you might get a skewed perception of how likely it will go wrong.

Last note, if you go chev, keep an eye on their v6 3.0L Engine, it can have a bad manifold gasket that could lead to SERIOUS issues. It is a known issue.

Thanks for the input, Craven, lots of food for though there. I've looked at a few Fords (I had two Focuses that I dearly loved), but find that the newer models seem to built with people with smaller builds in mind as they have a tendency to feel a bit cramped. I do like the new Escapes, but I hate their price tags!

I know that Toyotas are reliable cars; I had an '81 Celica I literally drove until it died. I think it had close to 450K miles on it before it gave up the ghost.

Never been impressed with any Chrysler I've looked at or driven and, even though I have a Chevy now (the Aveo), I would likely not buy another; I've had way too many issues with it.

I have a Nissan Rogue and absolutely swear by it. Best car I have every had, but then at my last tune up they had a 2011 black Ford pick up with five on the floor that I fell in love with and said NO NO NO only because I need my reliable Nissan for work. But then I dream about driving that five on the floor black pick up truck ! Go figure. If I find I cant do with it, then who knows...

Once upon a time I almost drove a Subaru Outback station wagon into the ground, it would have kept on going for sure but I couldnt risk it and drive it for work. Apparently some young student bought it, drove it out west, and last I heard, he is still driving it.

I have a Nissan Rogue and absolutely swear by it. Best car I have every had, but then at my last tune up they had a 2011 black Ford pick up with five on the floor that I fell in love with and said NO NO NO only because I need my reliable Nissan for work. But then I dream about driving that five on the floor black pick up truck ! Go figure. If I find I cant do with it, then who knows...

Once upon a time I almost drove a Subaru Outback station wagon into the ground, it would have kept on going for sure but I couldnt risk it and drive it for work. Apparently some young student bought it, drove it out west, and last I heard, he is still driving it.

I actually had a black Ford Ranger a few years back that I loved. Had nice custom wheels, great stereo, sunroof, cold air and five on the floor. Would likely still be driving it today had my neighbor across the street not totaled it by plowing into it on the way home from a party.