Any opinions/experience? I've narrowed it down to the two of those because I can get them fully loaded with all the features I want and stay within the budget my husband feels comfortable with. I drove the RAV4 on Sunday and loved it. I plan to test drive the Santa Fe this weekend.

Sorry if this is a repeat. The search function is a b*tch on TA (as you well know).

An Aggie's Wife and Babymomma-in-the-making - c/o 2033

i like the santa fe - although compared to hyundai's newest offerings it looks a bit dated. i think a new one is due next model year?

Sante Fe looks better IMO, but RAV4 might hold up resell value better.

Sante Fe has better warranty.

Hard to beat the value of the Santa Fe.

If you plan on keeping it forever, I'd get the 10yr Hyundai warranty. Short term of ownership I'd get the Toyota for greater resale.

I'm planning on doing a 3 year lease. I really want a Highlander but I also want leather, navi, etc.

Highlander + wife's desired options > hubby's budget comfort zone.



An Aggie's Wife and Babymomma-in-the-making - c/o 2033

Are you personally paying for a lease? Or is the job paying?

If you are paying, cue CanyonAg77 to give you a lecture!

My car has been paid off for years. We were thinking lease because:

a) this might be too small as our family grows
b) i really would like to get a new car more often (although i've never kept one for less than 6 years)
c) this would get the monthly payment lower
d) i work from home and average 7-10K miles/year

An Aggie's Wife and Babymomma-in-the-making - c/o 2033

quote:

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Highlander + wife's desired options > hubby's budget comfort zone.

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My 2 cents.

If it is out of your hubby's comfort zone you shouldn't buy it. If you want all the bells and whistles, then buy 'gently' used.....and pay 30-40% less. Also consider do you really need all those toys on a vehicle? You drive very few miles and those options really bump up the price of a car.

A Sante Fe/Tucson should handle 2 kids and work for you for several years. And it is much cheaper than a Toyota plus a longer warranty. Obviously a 3rd kid will change your needs, but you can react when the time comes. FYI: 10-year warranty is NOT transferrable when sold.

A Toyota costs $$$ up front, but you will recoup a greater percent on resale--especially with very low miles that you will put on the vehicle. Search private party used or may CPO.

SIGNATURE AINT ALLOWED ON AUTO BOARD BECAUSE THEY ARE FRIGGIN ANNOYING! like all caps

Perhaps you should look into Exlax or something.

[This message has been edited by prisschris (edited 11/9/2010 6:57p).]

quote:

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If it is out of your hubby's comfort zone you shouldn't buy it.

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If they are comfortable with the lease payment, then I say they should go for it. A V6 Limited RAV is going to be hard to find, especially if she is looking for specific equipment.

My daughter has the KIA 06 Sportage V6, loaded (everything but not 4wheel) not 1 repair or warrantee claim and she's at 70k. Lot's of headroom and the seats fold flat to allow a lot of room.
my only complaint is the flat tourgue curve. It just doesn't have any gut. Of course I drive an 02 Q45 so I'm spoiled.
All and all it was worth the 21k we paid.