(James Y. Yang) wrote in message . com...
we're looking for a second car, and i'd like to get something that can
go onto the beaches here in nc (and elsewhere). i'm a longtime pier
fisher, but will be new to the beach and surf. it *is* necessary to
get a good 4x4 as a fisherman in nc, isn't it? i've heard there are
good parks to go camping at also, where you need 4x4 capability?


Be wary of the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape twins (they are mechanically
identical, built by Ford). They are good vehicles on paper, but have
fairly poor reliability and resale value.

The Jeep Liberty also has shown poor reliability and resale. It is
more capable off road than the Tribute/Escape but rides rougher,
doesn't drive as nice, is less roomy and gets poorer fuel economy.

A well used Toyota 4-runner would be a better vehicle than either the
Escape/Tribute or the Liberty are new. But it is probably more than
what you need.

Take a long look at a Subaru Outback or Forester. Also a Honda CRV
and Toyota RAV4 would probably meet your needs. The CRV is especially
nice for kids as it has a minivan-like passthough to the back seats.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is also a nice vehicle and comes with a great
warranty. Do your research and be sure to look at total cost of
ownership, including resale value and maintenence costs. You will
find Ford, GM, and Chrysler products really struggle there, while
Honda is typically the best.

Check out this article:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...carcosts_x.htm

The "cute-utes" are not real off road vehicles only if you plan to
rock hop with the Jeeps. They should do fine for what you described.
If you had any heavy towing to do I would say differently. It would
be silly to get a more capable 4x4 you would rarely if ever need, and
you may get annoyed with the "truckyness" that comes with the bigger
4x4s. I sure do. Then again, I really don't know how serious your
off-road plans are. But I'm guessing not as serious as you think.
When I was in high school, my dad had a 2-wheel drive 4-cylinder
Ranger. You may be surprised where I took that thing. It made a fine
hunting vehicle.

I can tell you with absolute certainty to stay away from Ford
Explorers. I have one and it is the biggest piece of junk I have ever
owned. And it doesn't even have 60,000 miles on it yet. The initial
price made it seem like a good value. But it's been anything but.

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