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Getting a new car.. ideas?

#41
Used Venzaaaaaahhhhhhh. All wheel drive. It holds an amazing amount of gear. In the top picture, it's on the beach at Pismo. In the bottom picture it's holding:

JBL PRX518S subs (2)
JBL PRX512M mains (2)
Glockenklang Quattro 410 cab
Glockenklang Heart-Rock in SKB 4-space rack
PA effects and monitor amp in SKB 6-space rack
Mackie 1604 VLZ mixer in case
Small suitcase full of cables
Another cable bag
Stack of loose power cables.
Microphone bag
Large accessories gig bag
Two basses in double bag
Vornado fan
Walter Woods Ultra backup amp
Four mic stands, 2 tall, 2 short
Accessories bin
Roll of gaffer's tape
Band sign

Yes sir, you need a Venza.

venza-pismo.jpg


Venza-loaded.jpg
 
#42
Subaru Outback Legacy
BMW 330d X-Drive Touring
Land Rover Discovery TDV6
Volvo XC70
Volvo V70

All of those can be had for a reasonable price used, will never break down, will laugh at adverse weather, and be able to lug around a cab and a few of your mates.
 
#43
J. Crawford said:
Not to double post, but Kwes, Ive had my Mazda for 3 years and have yet to have any of those troubles, whether it be bumps, mirrors, etc. Its still in the same shape pops gave it to me in, which was actually already used and abused.

But, Im a weirdo.. I like used basses better than new ones, and it seems like I feel the same towards cars.
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Ooooo, I thought this was gonna be your first car. As a second you'll be fine, lol. I'm actually in the same boat as you. Had my car for 3 years and no damage to it but I just have so many friends who've smacked their mirrors into mailboxes, smashed into their parent garagedoors, and bumped other cars on the road that I feel like had I been given a brand new car for my first I would've asked to take it back, lol.

Anyway, since you've got the track record it'd probably be cool :)
 
#46
Kwesi said:
Nix the Jeeps...if you plan on paying for your own gas. You WILL be sorry if you don't...
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+1 - I got rid of my Jeep Grand Cherokee over last Summer because of they way it drank gas. It had the 4.0 6-cyl (instead of the V8) and it still was averaging 15-16 miles to the gallon. I had it for 6 years, it was always maintained (fluid changes, tuneups, etc) and for whatever reason the gas mileage got really bad in the last year. Also, many friends were telling me, "Wait until you need the transmission and/or transfer case repaired. Be prepared to shell out about $2,500!" Yikes!!!
 
#47
EdHunter said:
Subaru Outback Legacy
BMW 330d X-Drive Touring
Land Rover Discovery TDV6
Volvo XC70
Volvo V70

All of those can be had for a reasonable price used, will never break down, will laugh at adverse weather, and be able to lug around a cab and a few of your mates.
Click to expand...

First thing is I'd have to dispute with you on the Land Rover for never breaking down. I have good buddy who has spent far more on major repairs in his first 100,000 then have in my Nissans first 300,000. Land Rovers are a mechanics nightmare and not cheap to repair.

The Bimmer and the Volvo will give you similar cost issues when you go to repair it. Don't get me wrong, I've owned two BMW's in my life, and years ago when they made solid simple sport sedans they were a great car for long term reliability. As of now every three series you're looking at about four grand in normal maintenance when you turn over 100,000. They just aren't a simple car to wrench on anymore.

Out of those vehicles ALL of them drink gas and are heavy except one, the Subaru. With the cost of gas skyrocketing unless you have unlimited income (even then I wouldn't due to the environmental impact of fossil fuels), or have to tow something, or have serious and common off road driving situations, the big truck based SUV's like the Discovery, Cherokee and sadly my pathfinder don't make a lot of sense. The only reason I keep mine is its paid for and I'm strapped for case.

But the way to go in gear haulers and inclement weather is small car based SUV like the Subaru, Honda CRV, Element, Accura RDX. The Vezna and the Crosstour might be worth a look, but if they're anything like the Volvo (same size class) they will drink gas. All the vehicles I'm referring to get close to or over thirty on the hwy. I suspect with a Vezna or a Crosstour you'll be closer to 22-23. If you just want a small sporty hatchback, I'd also look at a used Accura RSX or VW GTI and even the new Ford Fiesta along with the Mazda 3.
 
#52
J. Crawford said:
With graduation coming up, a good bit of guaranteed scholarship money, and a promise my dad made me years ago, a new car is in my near future.

I just honestly don't know what to research and check out. I currently drive a Mazda 3, which pops is taking after all thks goes down, but I want something bigger. Thats where my predicament comes in..

Truck? SUV? Larger car?

I'm also thinking used, solely from being a bass player.. I can get a used car I want for the price of a new car solely because its used. Hard to explain, but hopefully its understandable.

I live in Ohio, and am going to school local, so it must he decent in the snow and rough weather, able to carry all my bass gear, mountain bikes, skis, etc.

Thanks guys/girls!
J.
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pick up truck...
 
#53
PaulMacCnj said:
+1 - I got rid of my Jeep Grand Cherokee over last Summer because of they way it drank gas. It had the 4.0 6-cyl (instead of the V8) and it still was averaging 15-16 miles to the gallon. I had it for 6 years, it was always maintained (fluid changes, tuneups, etc) and for whatever reason the gas mileage got really bad in the last year. Also, many friends were telling me, "Wait until you need the transmission and/or transfer case repaired. Be prepared to shell out about $2,500!" Yikes!!!
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while i agree that Jeeps drink gas, so do most SUVs that size. you're moving a lot of weight, and once you get to that size engine displacement becomes an issue- not enough and you're wasting gas to get moving, too much and you're wasting gas all the time. the main benefit of having a Jeep is that anyone with a basic set of hand tools can fix them in a driveway. i just replaced my alternator and all i needed was a 15mm socket wrench and needle nose pliers to do the whole, which only took 20 minutes. but don't ever get a Wrangler- mine can barely carry a 4x10, head and bass. i love it, but it just can't carry everything i need it to. however the Unlimited Wranglers do have quite a lot of room and can be had with 4WD for around $10k if you look.
OP, if i were you i'd focus more on SUVs and pickup trucks with a bed cap (to protect your gear). i've never owned a Subi, but we also don't get snow down here so nobody owns one.
but the best advice i can give is to have a friend triple check everything on the prospective car and keep in mind that if you don't take care of your car, you WILL be left stranded somewhere. periodic maintenance is a must. also, avoid getting anything that is described as "just needs a little TLC". it's a lie.
 
#59
J. Crawford said:
Right now I'm thinking something like a Jeep, Chevy Tahoe or Trailblazer, or going big and getting a F series or Honda Ridgeline. I just don't know..

Or just going big time and getting a Subaru WRX7 or something.


It's a big decision.
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Tahoe eats a lot of gas, ridgeline outright sucks, trailblazer i don't know much but if it's anything like 90's blazer, it sucks. I love jeeps but new ones are going downhill a little bit, not by much though, so i dont think jeep is a bad choice, just get a real jeep, not pure-garbage like liberty...


SUV wise, i can recommend what i choose, Xterra... Awesome 4x4.
 

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