[FjFHQLJQ]

Santeno! You've reduced it to 3 choices, but itys really difficult to decide!
I mean, red is cool and sporty, and will really highlight that zoom-zoom feeling. Blue however really highlights the beauty of the Mazda and makes it looks striking. But then the silver one can look really clean and will go with anything!
You've deffinitely narrowed it down well though, because the black one is too hot in summer and too cold in winter - and not as safe as white cars
I'd say go the blue one!

Sorry, I just think the CX is what you need, and it seems to be what you want. Happy shopping and post up the piccies as soon as you pick it up!

[orison]

Hey guys I need you to chime in with well thought out pro and con opinions on the following cars I'm thinking of getting. First, do consider that I live in New York City and that roads here are little better than ruts bumps and pot-holes (so a good suspension and large diameter wheels+tires are preferable). Also traffic is heavy and parking is tight, and the preferred form of parking is parallel (which means that it is common to get your bumpers bumped). I am taking into account the following three cars:
1. Mazda CX-7 (new) :

this is my favorite choice. I love the styling and the fact that the car is not that big, which means that it will be practical to use and park. It is probably the most expensive of the bunch, and I would hate to have my brand new car bumped.
2. Nissan Murano (used):

I pretty much get everything I get with the mazda, but in a more trucklike package. Similar dimensions, but I'm not as thrilled with the styling (though it is attractive). The instrument binnacle bugs me, but I can live with it. There are tons of these on the road, so getting parts and a good price should not be difficult. Also the bumpers are partially clad in rubber, so bumping them is not as big of an issue.
3. Chrysler Pacifica (used):

The wife loves it. Her sister bought a 2-year old top of the line one for $15,000 and many great deals can be had. The car is loaded with every bell and whistle you can think of, and as a plus, insurance rates it as a minivan (I don't know about the other two). It is also the cheapest deal of the bunch (considering what you get). The car is also HUGE, which can make parking here a pain. I'm also concerned about future repair and maintenance considering the shaky ground chrysler is currently in and their uncertain future.
So I would like you guys to help me out with this one. Please chime in with arguments for one or another and please take into consideration the conditions of where I live. Thanks for the input.

[orbidewa]

you should also consider a CRV too. theyre pretty nice looking in darker colors and you can get 2wd for relatively cheaper than a 4wd (its like 22k before options for a 2wd). i think theres a multivehicle accessory that you can buy in honda dealers that you attach to the bumpers to prevent dents in your situation. the 2wd ex models have the black plastic bumpers over the body colored ones if that helps any

[FjFHQLJQ]

Santeno, I dont know why, but I have always pictured you in a CX7 - no kidding. I didn't know whether I should be surprised, freaked out, or fully expect that you put it as your first option!
If it were my choice, I'd go the Mazda. Firstly, because it's dynamically superior from what I have read and seen. It's trully a semi-iconic vehicle, combining the styling of a sporty wagon/hatch with the extra clearancce and practicality without being a freak show.
The Nissan is a great vehicle too, but I feel the styling was a bit unfortunate - a personal thing. It just looks out of place and awkward. Additionally, the CVT is apparently slow and the steering - apparently - unresponsive. Unfortunately I haven't driven it to confirm, but what does appear to be clear is that the CX is superior in terms of driving pleasure and dynamics.
I dont know if you are a Turbo kinda person, or you prefer the cubes, but that would obviously be something to consider.
I can't comment on the Pacifica, because I know little about them. But all I can say is that, as a car guy, I'd probably go the Mazda, just because it gives you that extra bit of a heart warming feeling - but thats obviously something personal.
I'll throw in a couple more options, see what you think. That said, of them all, I'd still go the Mazda - but you may differ. Am I right in thinking you're looking for a dynamic drive as well as a conveniant package?
You could go for the value-for-money specialist, Santafe, or with a Rav4. Both seem to be great - and throw an Outlander in for good measure, if you get them. Also, have you considered a Subaru? They're actually really good because they're as good as a car on good roads but very compliant on dirt roads and poor roads with potholes and so on. And those Legacy's and Outbacks dont look half bad, I reckon.
Either way, just throwing more options in. Best luck purchasing. If it were me I'd go the Sube or the Mazda in your position. But the main part of car purchasing is getting whatever warms your heart more. Good luck, and hope you get what you want (Convinced the wife yet about that TVR? )

[TeksPaisimi]

from your own descriptions you seem to have eliminated the Murano

[Maymayfor]

Looks like between the three, you are ready for you new CX-7 Fantastic choice I would say
One of the downsides of the CX-7 - it eats premium, which harpens espeically in the city, where there is a lot of stop-and-go.
If you do decide to go with the new car route, have you considered any others in the class?

[ClapekDodki]

Ford Edge may be a good choice.
Or you could find a used Escape Hybrid. Since you live in the City, the Hybrid would help.

[ayWCZ7VT]

I've heard the Murano has a good ride and the CX-7 suffers in that dep't b/c as result of good handling. Turning radius might be an important factor for you, but they're the same for both cars: 18.7 feet and 19.9 for the Pacifica. And for what its worth... Murano has 1mpg more than the CX-7 and 2 more than the Pacifica in the city according to EPA estimates. Same mpg for highway on all three cars.
The only thing the Pacifica has on the others is the price, but with that taken out of account it really doesn't sound like it's what you want.
That said, a test drive is always good b/c you can compare things like visibility, seats, etc.
I for instance hate all Honda/Acura seats except the ones in the TSX :/

[orison]

Quote, originally posted by Naga Royal Guard »from your own descriptions you seem to have eliminated the Murano
Not at all. It is actually the one I picked as the most viable middle ground that will satisfy me and my wife. I considered the Hyundai Santa Fe as well, but we seem to like the Murano better.
As for the other suggestions (CR-V, Rav-4, Subaru, and Ford edge & Escape) I've already looked into them but they are really not what I'm looking for. I don't like the way subarus feel or age plus they have smallish tires and normal suspensions (bad to handle NYC's pot holes). CRV and RAV4 are smaller than I want, and I just don't like them stylistically. As for the ford edge, I prefer it's asian brother (the Mazda). and as for the escape, We looked at them and the wife doesn't like them (too truck-like), plus I refuse to pay the premium for the bogus "benefits" of a hybrid.

So do you guys have any more advice on the three choices?

[orbidewa]

well i think you eliminated the pacifica already by saying the size was pretty big and for you and the wife what do you need all that space for? i guess in your case the only upside would be the cheap price of a used one.

[orison]

Quote, originally posted by against the wall »well i think you eliminated the pacifica already by saying the size was pretty big and for you and the wife what do you need all that space for?
Did I forget to say that. Oops. The space is needed for a new Baby girl which will be joining us this fall.
I may not care for the Pacifica, but the wife loves it, and her opinion (or should I say desires) go a long way. I will admit that it is a nice highway cruiser (provided there aren't many bumps or curves).

[sauppyshurb]

Murano has been getting terrific reviews even in Europe - while CX-7 is being bashed for its cheap interior plastics. I'd take the Murano...

[orbidewa]

hey a baby santeno! congratulations!

[iDzcs7TU]

I think the Murano would be a great choice, and used are very easy to find most of them loaded with great features like rear-view monitor, sunroof, leather, HID's, power seats etc, so this would be a great choice plus its V6 is very refined and has won awards right? The Santa Fe would be my #2, i think it looks great and you get more than what you pay for. I actually like the Pacifica, i like the many amenities and features it has, but when you tap that "wood" with your nail and look at the old gen Dodge/Chrysler stereo unit, it turned me way down.
Now since you are going to have such a significant addition to your family, look for the best safety as well, like crash ratings, airbags, all the systems such as ABS, EBD, TCS, etc...
Congratulations on your upcoming baby girl man...

[TeksPaisimi]

depending on who drives it the most; should be their choice
personally, I think if your going to get an SUV then it should be truck based - otherwise just get a car or station wagon

[Wezfyowk]

Santeno what happened to your BMW 3er?

[buIf6yoW]

We have a cx-7 and its a great car, its the perfect size, rear visibility is excellent, I haven't found any blindspots in it (yet) and the engine have amazing acceleration and is absolutely fun to drive, plus its the newest one on your list, meaning it would be around the longest... Which model are you looking at Sport/Touring/Grand Touring? FWD/AWD?
Even if you get the base model, its well worth the money because its the same engine and everything, just minus leather, and cooler speedometer, automatic climate control, no big deal.
The CX-7 is also a real head turner, numerous murano owners have asked my dad 'what is that?'... and only murano owners lol.
ive rode in a murano before and the interior definitely isnt as much fun up front ... the ride on the murano is stiffer as well.

[Glipseagrilia]

The Pacifica is not that good at potholes and stuff like that but it's the best ride out there as performance in the highway. It's also the safest with a crap load of airbags. It also has less chance of flipping over vs. a Toyota Eco. It's also the cheapest on insurance. I have a 2004 Pacifica with the only problem was the tailgate door not closing right. I also have a 2007 Pathfinder and I hate it. The insurance is way more expensive. Noisy motor, crappy HVAC.
The Pacifica has a better HVAC and it's wayyy easier to control with more features. Example: Dual mode is via button on Pacifica on/off. You have to go though the auto mode cycle to get out of dual mode then go back to manual mode if you never wanted auto mode to begin with on the Nissan. Sucks ass. Electronics sucks on the Nissan. Why can't I control windows when the master window lock button is engaged? My Pacifica lets me control all windows even when I lock passengers windows switches. Little things like that gets to me that shows the Pacifica is better thought out.
Be careful of where you park your Nissan. They like to pop the driver's cylinder. It shuts off the factory alarm, unlocks your doors and even rolls down your front windows. They will go through your car looking for the valet key as most dealers just leave them in the glove box.
Pop out the window switch panel on the drivers door and cut the red and blue wire. This will prevent the cylinder from even shutting of your factory alarm and roll down the windows.

[Lhiistyssdds]

CX7 is the most logical choice. Buy new. Get the warranty. Drive in peace.
A used Murano? As soon a Nissan restyles it, the value of the vehicle will drop even more than the new-to-used depreciation.
A used Pacifica? I'd lease a Chrysler for the term of its warranty but then I'd kick it to the curb. I've run across too many people with FWD DC products that belch transmissions right around 75k miles.

[Brewpralgar]

I'd buy the CX-7, best choice.
They're all good cars, just keep thinking on how its going to be used, it normally helps.