As some know, my wife's having a very hard time physically right now. She has 5 fractured discs in her back and severe neck/back pain. We were in an accident in the Mustang December 10th and she's still having problems. She's trying to get herself out of the neck brace slowly - started physical therapy yesterday and is dying of pain today... we need a small SUV or crossover.. it's so hard for her to get in and out of the Mustang/Tib and the ride quality isn't great. Every bump/dip/pothole sends pain throughout her body.

The wife and I went shopping today. I decided I'd post our thoughts:

Honda CR-V: Good gas mileage, decent features. Very comfortable leather seats.
Biggest Dislike - It's freakin' ugly!! I hate the front end, the rest of the car is okay. I'd have to get it in black to help hide the ugly front

Hyundai Santa Fe: I was surprised at how roomy it was, I imagined it'd be smaller. The leather seats were comfortable, not a lot of features, but good for the price. The CR-V offered more options for the price, but the Santa Fe was more comfortable. Bad gas mileage.

We didn't test drive the Santa Fe, we decided to test drive the Hyundai Veracruz instead.

'07 Hyundai Veracruz (same as '08): Bigger than the Santa Fe, much more comfortable than the CR-V or Santa Fe. Power lifting hatch from remote, keyless start, very comfortable and roomy, great interior looks/feel/compartments, center console had a "cool" feature to keep things like bottled water cool (air conditioned). Dual climate controls, nav. system. VERY comfortable with great back/neck/head support. Plenty of back-seat leg room.

Problems: Felt a little top heavy, like I was driving a bigger SUV (Expedition). Didn't have GREAT acceleration, but it wasn't bad. Bad gas mileage.

G35 Sedan: We've test driven the Sport model before, but today we just sat in it. Too stiff and uncomfortable for my wife, also too low and hard for her to get in and out of. The Journey seats were much better, more comfortable, good support, but the car is just too low - need a small SUV.

Sat in the Infiniti FX and EX: The FX seats were way too stiff, uncomfortable, and the price tag just wasn't worth the vehicle. The EX was WAY too small (not to mention ugly). NO room in the back seat, no room behind the back seat. Just weird... not an option.

Test drove a Nissan Murano SL.... by far our Number one pick. Same price as Veracruz, same price as G35 Journey, but regardless of price it has the most comfortable seats of all vehicles, great ride, good pick-up on the interstate, CVT tranny, Navigation system, rear-view monitor, rear-hatch opens by remote or by button next to steering wheel, rear seats (second row) fold down from rear hatch area OR from button at driver's seat, DUAL Sunroof (power sliding cover on both, only the front opens and/or tilts), keyless push-button start, technology package with 9GB 'music box'.

I was surprised the Murano had MANUAL tilt and telescoping steering wheel.. maybe it can be upgraded to power. Not an issue though.

Results from our day of shopping:

1. Nissan Murano
2. Infiniti G35 Journey (not an option for her since it's so low, but it'd be my first choice - I want a sporty car)
3. Hyundai Veracruz (or Santa Fe to save some money)
4. Honda CR-V (plenty of options for a low price, but small and ugly)

100. Infiniti FX or EX - just not my style, nor very comfortable. Way too pricey for what you get.

I need to save up some cash for a down payment so I can afford the monthly cost, but I think it's going to have to be the Murano hands down. I was hoping to buy something after my raise/bonus/tax returns, but my wife needs something better than the Mustang or Tib.

I've hated the way the '07 Murano looks.... but the '09 looks like a great change (minor changes, but makes it look much better)

 

Thats some shopping you were doing lol. Good luck with the future purchase.

 

I'm hoping I can get a Nissan employee discount... since they moved their headquarters to Nashville and they have a production plant here, it seems like everyone knows someone who works at Nissan. Maybe I can get a few thousand off

 

When you're shopping around you should also consider maintenence as a factor.. All Muranos come with AT LEAST 18" wheels from the factory. They're not cheap. I'm pretty sure you can still get the Hyundai SUVs w/ 16" wheels on 'em. My guess is the Infinity will come with 20's in the majority of their trim levels.

It's getting ridiculous right now in terms of the tire market. being where i work, i'm seeing more and more vehicles coming with bigger and bigger tires. Toyota Sienna's with 17" wheels. Nissan Maximas having 18's. A Cadillac Escalade came thru our doors with a blow out. 22" stock wheels. he expected us to carry a tire that size. I just laughed.

I'm just sayin that you should think about regular maintence as well wink1.gif

 

They told me I never have to have the tranny fluid changes unless I use it to tow. Infiniti says you don't need any major maintenance (aside from oil changes and spark plugs) until 120,000 miles.

No 60,000 mile services.

Yes, the Murano comes with 18" wheels

 

I'm kinda surprised you didn't go check out the Kia Sorento man, it's a GREAT SUV. We are going to trade in our 2004 for a 2008/2009 next year. It's a bit bigger than the OLD Santa Fe, very comfortable, has the 3.8L engine, and a great interior.

Go check it out.

The Rondo sucks balls, comes with the 2.7 or 2.4L.

The Tuscon and the Sportage are identical, and come with the 2 or 2.4L I think.

When I went and did all of the same shopping a few years ago, I loved the Santa Fe (The older one was smaller), but the Sorento has much more cargo room and a 5 star crash test rating. We also get VERY good gas milage in it, and the one accident we were in, we came out best out of everyone in it.

After looking at the newer Santa Fe's and Veracruz's (Limited), I like them both, but neither look like something I'd take out into the desert, like I do with my Sorento on a regular basis.

Go find and check out a fully loaded 2008 Sorento my man.