OT Car purchase advice

If you're willing to drop the requirement that it be a new car, you might look at a Saturn SW1 or SW2.

Find one you like otherwize that comes with the low profile tires trhat you can fit smaller rims on with 70 series or even higher, tires, to fix the "boneshaker" ride.

I had simmilar requirements and ended up with a 5 year old PT Cruiser. Came with 16" rims and 60 series tires, I put 15" rims and 70 series tires on it that raise the car half an inch (tire is 1 inch taller) and it rides great

Did you try the CRV? I like mine.

jsw

Lots of those around. I chose the Rav4 even though it has a side-swinging gate. There have been a few times I wish it had a lift gate, mostly when there's one person on each side loading cargo. For quick access the swinging gate is better IMO. I'm not keen on the look of the external spare, but having a full-size one is welcome and a rarity these days.

Then it will be have to be a heavy model.

I doubt you're going to find that.

That spells lightweight which doesn't go with quiet.

The Honda CRV might be your best choice.

A mushy-riding high CG vehicle is more prone to rollover.

Then replace those with smaller wheels and softer/taller tires, run them at minimum pressure, and forget about 26 highway. Or make your best choice, wear earplugs, and reupholster the seat to make it more like a sofa as they used to have in Cadillacs. :-)

Good luck.

Wayne

Try the Chrysler Pacifica.

Tailgate spares suck. Do not back up in to a tree. The spare becomes the bumper and bends the door. Had that happen in a dark Cabina hotel in Costa Rica.

My wife drives a Toyota Venza. Supposed to get 28, we see about 24 highway, but drive at 75-80. And some road noise with the 20" rims.

Temporary spares suck more. :-)

The Rav4 has substantial under-floor storage where the 3rd row seat would be if I had one. I use that area for a toolbox and a tub of emergency stuff. In my previous vehicle those things took up a lot of space and frequently needed to be shifted to make way for other cargo. As much as I don't like the external spare, the overall package works out nicely for me.

Wayne

Ivan sez:

""Looking for a new car with the following requirements (most important first).

1. Back lift gate. (wagon or small SUV)

1. Has to be quiet with very little road noise. . . . . . . ""

Sorry Ivan but you're not likely to get adivce on RCM re. cars when the the first two attributes you quote are those of a truck.

""Looking for a new car with the following requirements (most important first).

1. Back lift gate. (wagon or small SUV)

1. Has to be quiet with very little road noise. . . . . . . ""

Honda CRV? I wouldn't call it cushy or especially quiet, though.

My wife had it and it was great in all respects. It spent 10 years outside and looked almost like new.

While it will get decent gas mileage, I wouldn't call the ride cushy.

Wes

-- "Additionally as a security officer, I carry a gun to protect government officials but my life isn't worth protecting at home in their eyes." Dick Anthony Heller

Depends on what you compare it to. SWMBO and I currently own two Saturn SL2s; the SW2 is the station wagon version of the same thing. I'd call the SL2's ride "cushy" compared to the full-size trucks and sports cars we've owned -- but not compared to the Buick Roadmaster we had right before the first Saturn, or the LeSabre that we had before that.

I'm driving a 2001 SL1 192K miles, I can feel the road underneath me in all it's michigan ill maintained glory.

I never cared for a car that isolated me from the road. After all, I'm supposed to be paying attention while driving. I hate driving floating boats.

Wes

-- "Additionally as a security officer, I carry a gun to protect government officials but my life isn't worth protecting at home in their eyes." Dick Anthony Heller

supposed to be

You don't want to be isolated from the road. But a car or truck with a lot of unsprung weight ( big tires, heavy rims, solid axels ) will let you feel every bump, ride poorly and not hold the road as well as one with a better sprung to unsprung weight ratio.

Dan

My Ranger extended cab 4x4 had a bad habit of going sideways on dirt road stutter bumps. That got a bit exciting a few times. One moment you are cruisin' along the next moment you are wondering why you are out of control.

Wes

-- "Additionally as a security officer, I carry a gun to protect government officials but my life isn't worth protecting at home in their eyes." Dick Anthony Heller

stutter bumps.

the next moment

I picked the 91 Ranger over the Nissan partly because it had so little bump steer when cornering on a rough road. The Nissan lost steering when it hit a rough transition at the state border, going in a straight line. Eventually the rough road handling deteriorated when the top of one shock broke out of the rusted spring hanger. Replacing it was an all day project, mostly getting everything apart without breaking it. This is why I need to make wrenches.

The rear wheels came loose a little too easily when it was empty and pushed hard, or on ice. I was a dirt biker and my hands regained control before my brain registered the problem. What the f... just happened???

jsw