Hey guys,

My girlfriend (some of you met her at the Performance Nissan Meet, she won the remote controll Z in the raffle) is ready to buy a new car.

She is on a fairly low budet, around 10k, but wants a SUV or a little mini SUV.

Right now she is thinking about a used KIA Sporatge, I have heard KIAs fall apart.

Do an of you guys know any good place, for cheap used (or new) or maybe some one is selling? Souther OC if possible, but totally not neccessary.

She REALLY REALLY wants an Element, but they are just to much for her.

Any help would be killer.

 

I've heard the same on the Kia's. For a nice reliable & used SUV I'd say either a Honda CRV or a Nissan Xterra. The Nissan is a little more rugged & has a stiffer ride. My daughter has a CRV & loves it. It gets fairly good gas mileage & she's had absolutely no trouble with it.

If your GF wants a sports car though, I'm thinking of selling my Z32. It's a 91 2+2, AT & only has 67k miles on it. I've yet to list it anywhere yet cause I'm really in no hurry to sell it. High book is 10.9 but I'd probably let her go for 10. You'll have to come up here to get it though.

You may want to look at autotrader.com and/or vehix.com as well. Just stay away from the dealer listings.

Good luck!

 

Oh god she wants an Element?!?

Sorry, just had to mini-flame that one. . . I would highly resist buying a Kia as well, I mean even their brand name is Killed In Action. . . Its just no good. Its like buying Sony Xplod -- the last thing I want my stereo to be named after is the last thing I want to happen to it...

I would really recommend looking at these models (used):

- Toyota Matrix (almost a SUV but more car-drivable)
- RAV-4
- CRV
- Jeep Cherokee (They were still produced up until a couple years ago)
- PT Cruiser (good capabilities and finally coming around the used market)

I'm sure the list goes on and on... Good luck!

 

I have looked at most of those cars for her.

Only problem is even used most are like 16 to 18k. That is just a bit out of her price range.

I did see a few used PT Cruisers for like 11k, and she kind of likes them.

She does like the CR-V but they are a bit to much for her. I havent looked at the Matrix yet, I will do that.

 

The Pontiac Vibe is essentially the same vehicle as the Matrix, and may be a bit cheaper, especially used.

You may also check out the Mazda Protege5 and the Subaru Outback Sport/2.5 TS/Forester if you like the Matrix/Vibe. Of course there's always the Scion xB.

 

I say you at least look into Bixby's Z32. No other way you're going to find a car anywhere to even touch the Z32 2+2 overall for that much money. Does she like Z32s?

 

She needs some thing with a lot of cargo space. She is an artist, and she needs to carry large pictures and paintings in it.

She does love the Scion xB (dont ask me why).

The ones she likes best in order are:

Element
Scion xB
CR-V
Rav-4

But those are all to expensive for her. We might be able to find her a new Scion xB, but they still seem to run about $14.5k base.

I think the best bet is a used PT Cruiser, but she really would like some thing a bit more SUVish.

Hey Jeff or Jason, you guys have any cheap Xterras at Performance Nissan? If you do, I might just have to come up there and get some stuff for my Z also.

 

The Z32 has lots of cargo space when you fold the back seats down. Plug, plug.

 

Dude,

I would lead her to get the xB. I like i too.

 

Oh thats how you do it....

Cheers Amy -

 

Ok, heres an update.

My girlfriend got an Element. Not the best deal, but she has the car she really wanted.

She got it on a Lease, for $220 a month for 60 months, with a $8k buyout and $1200 down. Not great, but livable.

So, if you guys see a Element madly trying to keep up with a Z. Thats us.

 

I do remember your gf; she's the one that took my RC Z!!! J/K.

Great! Got the element, huh? I like that car.

I personally like "boxy" if we are talkin SUV's.... so Scion xB is one of my favorite "one-box" car. (In Japan, those boxy SUV's are called "one-box"). Besides, there are many parts available for this car if she decided to customize it. Now, if Nissan decides to bring over the "Cube", another one-box car offerred in Japan from Nissan, that would have been another choice too.

 

Speaking of that RC "Z" man that thing is slow. I think its avarage speed is like 1.5 MPH.

Sheesh.

She loves it though. If you ever end up at my place for some reason, watch out for your ankles.

 

Ahhhhhh!!! OH NO SHE GOT THE ELEMENT!!! AHHHHHHH!!!

He he he sorry, I just had to... If she enjoys it then I guess all is well... Have fun!