|
Post by chang on Oct 17, 2022 20:00:31 GMT
I’m supposed to get my Jeep Wrangler 4dr this week; very excited since I’ve been waiting over six months. But we’re actually in the market for a smaller 4WD, and I’m wondering about a Renegade (Trailhawk).
Anybody got one? Anything good or bad to say about it? It’s no Wrangler, I know that, but that’s fine. We want a subcompact SUV 4x4 with automatic transmission. The Renegade looks like a soccer mom’s SUV, but I can deal with its looks.
Any feedback, TIA.
|
|
|
Post by rhythmmethod on Oct 17, 2022 20:54:58 GMT
I’m supposed to get my Jeep Wrangler 4dr this week; very excited since I’ve been waiting over six months. But we’re actually in the market for a smaller 4WD, and I’m wondering about a Renegade (Trailhawk). Anybody got one? Anything good or bad to say about it? It’s no Wrangler, I know that, but that’s fine. We want a subcompact SUV 4x4 with automatic transmission. The Renegade looks like a soccer mom’s SUV, but I can deal with its looks. Any feedback, TIA. We got this Kona Hyundai a couple years back and love it. Even the non turbo drives great. Don't know about the Trailhawk.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2022 21:53:45 GMT
Have you read reviews? I read Edmunds. They recommend upgrading to a turbo as base engine is sluggish.
|
|
|
Post by richardsok on Oct 18, 2022 0:06:30 GMT
I have to disagree with you about its looks, chang. I really like the restrained Cherokee lines; manly but not so obviously boxy as other Jeeps. I have never bought one b/c I've never been able to get past the common reliability problems. As recently as 2019 Cherokee has been getting scores like 2 out of 5, and newer than that, problems haven't fully had time to surface. Same reason I nixed the BMW X3 a while back.
I'm contrary, I guess. There's much to like in the Kona but it struck me as a little too bargain basement somehow. If I recall, I preferred the bigger engine model. (Am I remembering correctly?) Might look at it again. Thanks for reminding me. As a rule I don't generally trust turbo as I regard it as an invitation to future stress-related problems.
I'm spoiled for reliability, still clunking around in my 2001 CR-V (the old style with the spare hanging on the back). Still never a prob, except the paint is starting to peel in spots and the wife detests it. May need a new muffler and the speakers sound like a Godzilla roar on bass notes. I'm just too bored with Honda to replace it tho.
Right now I'm leaning toward the Subaru Crosstrek with the bigger 2.5l engine. I can take it into the mountains and reliability is solid. Dislike the whole 'flaring grooves and angled ridges' techno/space-travel styling like so many Toyotas & Mazdas. Their engineers are world class, but --- Is there NO decent styling school in Japan?
So it goes. ---------------------------
Come to think of it, the women in Japan have exquisite taste in all sorts of areas. Must be a sub-set of Japanese male designers with such eff-ed up twists. They should hire a couple of auto stylists from M Benz or Bentley. Heck, even VWs are nicely appointed now..
|
|
|
Post by habsui on Oct 18, 2022 4:43:39 GMT
Mazda CX5 (too small?), Subaru Forester..
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 18, 2022 5:33:21 GMT
Have you read reviews? I read Edmunds. They recommend upgrading to a turbo as base engine is sluggish. The one my dealer has on order (arriving in a month) is a Trailhawk with the 4xe plug-in hybrid engine. The engine seems pretty strong - 240hp: www.jeep.co.uk/jeep-renegade/plug-in
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 18, 2022 5:44:56 GMT
We got this Kona Hyundai a couple years back and love it. Even the non turbo drives great. Don't know about the Trailhawk. Japanese and Korean cars are reliable and a good value, but ...... the styling! I just can't swallow it. Mind you, nowadays, ALL cars look the same. Even Mercedes and BMWs look like Toyotas and Subarus. I kid you not, yesterday I walked past a Maserati and thought it was a Toyota. I don't think automobiles have actually been made with style since the 1973 Corvette. Now here's a car with style, available right here in my neighborhood: a 1973 Lincoln Town Car with the Ford 460 c.i. engine: www.buscocotxe.ad/ca/cotxe/531435/lincoln-continental-town-car-sant-julia-de-loria
|
|
|
Post by Norbert on Oct 18, 2022 5:50:20 GMT
Mazda CX5 (too small?), Subaru Forester.. We drove a Suburu Forester AWD around Colorado in July. Great off road handling, but it felt top heavy on highways at speed, especially on curves; I slowed down to avoid risk of tipping over.
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 18, 2022 5:50:57 GMT
I have to disagree with you about its looks, chang. I really like the restrained Cherokee lines; manly but not so obviously boxy as other Jeeps. I have never bought one b/c I've never been able to get past the common reliability problems. As recently as 2019 Cherokee has been getting scores like 2 out of 5, and newer than that, problems haven't fully had time to surface. Same reason I nixed the BMW X3 a while back. I'm contrary, I guess. There's much to like in the Kona but it struck me as a little too bargain basement somehow. If I recall, I preferred the bigger engine model. (Am I remembering correctly?) Might look at it again. Thanks for reminding me. As a rule I don't generally trust turbo as I regard it as an invitation to future stress-related problems. I'm spoiled for reliability, still clunking around in my 2001 CR-V (the old style with the spare hanging on the back). Still never a prob, except the paint is starting to peel in spots and the wife detests it. May need a new muffler and the speakers sound like a Godzilla roar on bass notes. I'm just too bored with Honda to replace it tho. Right now I'm leaning toward the Subaru Crosstrek with the bigger 2.5l engine. I can take it into the mountains and reliability is solid. Dislike the whole 'flaring grooves and angled ridges' techno/space-travel styling like so many Toyotas & Mazdas. Their engineers are world class, but --- Is there NO decent styling school in Japan? So it goes. --------------------------- Come to think of it, the women in Japan have exquisite taste in all sorts of areas. Must be a sub-set of Japanese male designers with such eff-ed up twists. They should hire a couple of auto stylists from M Benz or Bentley. Heck, even VWs are nicely appointed now.. Agree with you 100% about Japanese "styling". Yep, Mazdas are some of the worst. But, sadly, there would be no point hiring designers from Mercedes or Bentley -- they look just the same! See my post above to rm. Don't like VWs, they are ridiculously electronicized, with every kind of electronic driver assist gizmo you never thought of and never wanted. The only "tech" I like is the rear camera and the beeping sensors that let me know I'm just about to smack into a shopping cart or a telephone pole.
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 18, 2022 5:53:01 GMT
We drove a Suburu Forester AWD around Colorado in July. Great off road handling, but it felt top heavy on highways at speed, especially on curves; I slowed down to avoid risk of tipping over. That surprises me. All Japanese cars look long and sleek; I can hardly believe the Jeep would be any better, being high and boxy.
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 18, 2022 5:55:36 GMT
I got a kind and detailed PM from someone here who is an ex Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep engineer, so I'm pasting part of my reply to him:
"Yep, I've done some of those things (reading test reviews, etc.). I'm aware of the Renegade's shortcomings. Unfortunately, where I am, there isn't a lot of choice, both new and used. One advantage of the Renegade would be that I'll have a Wrangler (this week!), so there would be a lot of commonality in the controls, etc. The main competition would be a Mini Countryman - I've actually got one right now as a loaner - although there isn't a new Countryman S available here (I'd have to get a second hand one, of which there are many). On paper, the Mini beats the Renegade in almost every category, but somehow it just seems to "techy" for me. The wife, naturally, loves it."
|
|
|
Post by Norbert on Oct 18, 2022 10:44:36 GMT
This is the Suburu I mentioned. I think it does look great. But, I wasn't comfortable at highway speeds.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2022 12:49:23 GMT
Have you read reviews? I read Edmunds. They recommend upgrading to a turbo as base engine is sluggish. The one my dealer has on order (arriving in a month) is a Trailhawk with the 4xe plug-in hybrid engine. The engine seems pretty strong - 240hp: www.jeep.co.uk/jeep-renegade/plug-inThe hybrid sounds interesting. I've done online looking at new vehicles. I love my 2009 Forester Turbo bought and shipped from Japan. My new home is miles away from the nearest two Subaru dealers, but those of other brands are closer, including Jeep. My SIL has one that resembles a small truck with a 1941 designation. Daughter and grandson drive Crosstreks.
|
|
|
Post by richardsok on Oct 18, 2022 13:03:32 GMT
We drove a Suburu Forester AWD around Colorado in July. Great off road handling, but it felt top heavy on highways at speed, especially on curves; I slowed down to avoid risk of tipping over. That surprises me. All Japanese cars look long and sleek; I can hardly believe the Jeep would be any better, being high and boxy.
Evidently Norbert's driving instincts were spot-on ! I googled FORESTER ROLLOVER and got this: ----------------- "National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Test Results
The NHTSA provides a strong safety rating for the 2020 Subaru Forester with a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating. The vehicle gets a full 5-star rating across the board in Overall Front Star Rating and in Side Crash Star Rating, with no marks down in terms of performance. The only area of some concern is in the Rollover rating. The NHTSA only gives the Forester a 4-Star rating here. While the dynamic tip test did not result in the vehicle flipping over, they did assign a Rollover Risk of 16.9%, which is higher than others in its class." ------------- I may take a 2nd look at Forester, maybe one of the older years, but x-nay the roof rack.
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 19, 2022 6:57:15 GMT
My Minister of Home Affairs is exercising her veto power, and we’re going to the Mini dealer today to look into a new Countryman Cooper SE (plug-in hybrid) that they can get. Personally I’m not crazy about the Mini’s funkiness, but she is. It does handle very nicely (firm and sporty), and has AWD. Once she makes up her mind…
|
|
|
Post by win1177 on Oct 19, 2022 13:23:45 GMT
My Minister of Home Affairs is exercising her veto power, and we’re going to the Mini dealer today to look into a new Countryman Cooper SE (plug-in hybrid) that they can get. Personally I’m not crazy about the Mini’s funkiness, but she is. It does handle very nicely (firm and sporty), and has AWD. Once she makes up her mind… My “minister of home affairs” recently exercised her spending authority and bought a Volvo XC 60, 2019 model, used. Great car, handles well, gets pretty good gas mileage, travels well on trips with lots of storage/ luggage space, etc. I am surprisingly happy with her choice. Might be worth a look. Had a Jeep years ago (Jeep Cherokee Chief) that I loved to drive. Easy engine to maintain (inline 6 cylinder), I could do some maintenance myself, but sadly it is gone. Gave it to my youngest brother, who trashed it. Might be worth looking at the Volvo models. Win
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 19, 2022 15:51:34 GMT
win1177 I did look at the Volvo XC40, but the Mrs. had the final say, and today we put a deposit down on a Mini Cooper SE Countryman All4 Hybrid (what a mouthful). Hey, she really likes the Mini, even if I think it's the automotive version of a lava lamp.
|
|
|
Post by win1177 on Oct 19, 2022 16:31:09 GMT
win1177 I did look at the Volvo XC40, but the Mrs. had the final say, and today we put a deposit down on a Mini Cooper SE Countryman All4 Hybrid (what a mouthful). Hey, she really likes the Mini, even if I think it's the automotive version of a lava lamp. Ultimately, if she’s going to be the primary driver of the car, making her happy is most important! Like the old saying, “happy wife, happy life”! My wife loves her Volvo, she was (briefly) driving a BMW but hated the seat, could not ever get comfortable, so we turned around and sold it and she got the Volvo. She had previously driven a Subaru Outback, which was great car, but it eventually had well over 240K miles. Started having to make repair after repair. So it was traded in for the BMW, which she drove for less than two months, due to the seat issues. We sold the BMW for close to what we paid, so I am happy that she is happy! Me, I tend to drive a car until it is dead. Previously drove an older Honda Civic, now have a Lincoln MKZ hybrid, 2011 year. Like the hybrid, get around 30-33 mpg. Granted, my kids make fun of me driving an “old man’s car”, but it’s comfortable, rides well, GREAT gas mileage. I’ll drive it until it dies. To me, cars are “a wasting asset”, so I’m not too caught up in buying the latest greatest vehicle. We can buy whatever we want, but I see that as wasteful. Win
|
|
|
Post by richardsok on Oct 27, 2022 21:18:17 GMT
Pulled the trigger this morning. Bought a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with the bigger 2.5l engine. Car is just the size for wife & me w/ small dog. A rugged crossover with good reliability. 4wd with good clearance for mountain roads and trails. Not entire happy about the CVT tranny, but I have a good warranty. My problem was in choosing. Here was my choice: CAR A: sport version, 21,000 miles. Luxuries stripped down; no electric seat motors, no sunroof, but larger tires, more rugged. Better, more muted interior color scheme, with a stronger, easier-to-clean fabric. The exterior visuals are subtle, but I liked the look of this car better. Car B: the Limited version. Only 4000 miles (!) but has stuff I don't really want like motorized seats, moonroof. Dislike the pimped-out wheel design and louder interior color scheme. The prices were about equal. I'm curious; which would you have chosen?
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 28, 2022 5:06:10 GMT
Congrats richardsok. Personally I like to shell out the bucks for a brand new car, but I realize that that’s not the most intelligent approach. I like white cars, too. That looks like the “XV” which is probably the European model name. Can’t say I’m thrilled with Japanese designs, but the Subaru has an excellent reputation. I’m enjoying my new Wrangler 4xe (gray, I had no choice). And as far as the Renegade goes, as I said above, my CEO declared a nolle prosequi on that and declared we would get a Mini Countryman, so that’s now on order (also gray, no choice). So we will have bought three European cars in 2022 (if you count the Jeep as a Fiat product).
|
|
|
Post by Norbert on Oct 28, 2022 7:24:16 GMT
Be careful driving a Jeep in Iran on your next vacation in the Islamic Republic. www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/25/new-zealand-couple-detained-in-iran-for-months-leave-the-country"When they crossed the Iran border in June, Thackwray and Richwhite were initially detained and questioned by immigration officers for bringing a sanctioned vehicle into the country – they were driving a Jeep Wrangler, which is covered by Iran’s retaliatory sanctions against the US." Also, it's probably best not to display an Israeli flag on your car.
|
|
|
Post by FD1000 on Oct 30, 2022 14:56:01 GMT
We bought Hyundai Tucson about 6 months ago. Consumer Reports ranks it as the best small SUV (reliability, comfort, more) In general, we don't like SUV, but this one floored us. Great quiet ride, roomy, very comfortable, you get more options for free and it has a great look, similar to much pricier other companies. You can buy a hybrid too. You also get warranty bumper to bumper for 6 year +60K and 10 year + 100K for power-train. The one we bought is exactly ( this). Basically, you get a luxury SUV for a lot less money.
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 30, 2022 16:36:41 GMT
Be careful driving a Jeep in Iran on your next vacation in the Islamic Republic. www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/25/new-zealand-couple-detained-in-iran-for-months-leave-the-country"When they crossed the Iran border in June, Thackwray and Richwhite were initially detained and questioned by immigration officers for bringing a sanctioned vehicle into the country – they were driving a Jeep Wrangler, which is covered by Iran’s retaliatory sanctions against the US." Also, it's probably best not to display an Israeli flag on your car. So "SHALOM" on the license plate would be out?
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 30, 2022 16:40:03 GMT
We bought Hyundai Tucson about 6 months ago. Consumer Reports ranks it as the best small SUV (reliability, comfort, more) In general, we don't like SUV, but this one floored us. Great quiet ride, roomy, very comfortable, you get more options for free and it has a great look, similar to much pricier other companies. You can buy a hybrid too. You also get warranty bumper to bumper for 6 year +60K and 10 year + 100K for power-train. The one we bought is exactly ( this). Basically, you get a luxury SUV for a lot less money. I suppose Hyundai's are probably decent value, but see my post to richardsok: I can't stand the styling of Asian/Japanese cars. Zero imagination. Anyway, it's too late. We already put a deposit down on the Mini Countryman SE Hybrid. Should get it in a couple of weeks. We're driving a rented 2018 Countryman right now, and it's plenty of fun. Fast, grippy, and they have real style. The 2022 hybrid ought to blow this 2018 out of the water. Update on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe Hybrid: holy mackerel, this thing is FUN to drive! The u-u-ultimate in men's toys. No regrets whatsoever.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2022 16:59:01 GMT
News reports of 2016-2021 Hyundai-Kia thefts due to lack of an engine immoblizer. Hyundai is selling a kit for $170.00. I remember using a steering wheel cane with a keyed lock years ago on my Valiant. Probably would be effective in the current situation.
|
|
|
Post by chang on Oct 30, 2022 18:14:54 GMT
We bought Hyundai Tucson about 6 months ago. Consumer Reports ranks it as the best small SUV (reliability, comfort, more) In general, we don't like SUV, but this one floored us. Great quiet ride, roomy, very comfortable, you get more options for free and it has a great look, similar to much pricier other companies. You can buy a hybrid too. You also get warranty bumper to bumper for 6 year +60K and 10 year + 100K for power-train. The one we bought is exactly ( this). Basically, you get a luxury SUV for a lot less money. Wait a minute. I read the specs - this car is front wheel drive only. It’s not an SUV - it just *looks* like an SUV. What’s the point of a vehicle that looks like a 4x4 but is only a 4x2. I don’t get that at all. We live in snow territory, so 2 of our 3 cars have to be 4x4. 15 or so years ago I had a Suzuki Jimny 4x4, a very rare Japanese care with style and personality. It’s a bit too small, but I miss it.
|
|
|
Post by liftlock on Oct 30, 2022 18:46:37 GMT
We bought Hyundai Tucson about 6 months ago. Consumer Reports ranks it as the best small SUV (reliability, comfort, more) In general, we don't like SUV, but this one floored us. Great quiet ride, roomy, very comfortable, you get more options for free and it has a great look, similar to much pricier other companies. You can buy a hybrid too. You also get warranty bumper to bumper for 6 year +60K and 10 year + 100K for power-train. The one we bought is exactly ( this). Basically, you get a luxury SUV for a lot less money. Wait a minute. I read the specs - this car is front wheel drive only. It’s not an SUV - it just *looks* like an SUV. What’s the point of a vehicle that looks like a 4x4 but is only a 4x2. I don’t get that at all. We live in snow territory, so 2 of our 3 cars have to be 4x4. 15 or so years ago I had a Suzuki Jimny 4x4, a very rare Japanese care with style and personality. It’s a bit too small, but I miss it. In my experience, front wheel drive works quite well in the snow. Much better than rear wheel drive. However, I am not able to compare it to 4 wheel drive.
|
|
|
Post by FD1000 on Oct 30, 2022 19:42:23 GMT
We bought Hyundai Tucson about 6 months ago. Consumer Reports ranks it as the best small SUV (reliability, comfort, more) In general, we don't like SUV, but this one floored us. Great quiet ride, roomy, very comfortable, you get more options for free and it has a great look, similar to much pricier other companies. You can buy a hybrid too. You also get warranty bumper to bumper for 6 year +60K and 10 year + 100K for power-train. The one we bought is exactly ( this). Basically, you get a luxury SUV for a lot less money. Wait a minute. I read the specs - this car is front wheel drive only. It’s not an SUV - it just *looks* like an SUV. What’s the point of a vehicle that looks like a 4x4 but is only a 4x2. I don’t get that at all. We live in snow territory, so 2 of our 3 cars have to be 4x4. 15 or so years ago I had a Suzuki Jimny 4x4, a very rare Japanese care with style and personality. It’s a bit too small, but I miss it. As I said before, I don't like SUV but this one drives like a car and you sit higher. But, the Tucson comes with AWD too for about $2K more. The Hyundai HTRAC® AWD system will operate in front-wheel drive in standard conditions to promote fuel economy. When a loss of traction is detected by the sensors or you choose to use the driver-selectable modes, torque is diverted to the rear axle to improve traction and performance. ( link) "If you live on a back road that isn't plowed frequently, four-wheel drive may make more sense for your needs. Whereas, all-wheel drive may be a better choice for you if you live in a city where roads are plowed frequently but conditions are still slick." You can also get Tuscon Hybrid. I think it's the best selling Hyundai vehicle with most of the options.
|
|
|
Post by retiredat48 on Oct 31, 2022 2:39:20 GMT
News reports of 2016-2021 Hyundai-Kia thefts due to lack of an engine immoblizer. Hyundai is selling a kit for $170.00. I remember using a steering wheel cane with a keyed lock years ago on my Valiant. Probably would be effective in the current situation. I have a Genesis. In discussions at dealerships, this concern only aplied to certain Hyundai-Kia specific vehicles...of older vintage. Checkout specific vehicles you may be considering buying. R48
|
|
|
Post by habsui on Oct 31, 2022 2:49:55 GMT
News reports of 2016-2021 Hyundai-Kia thefts due to lack of an engine immoblizer. Hyundai is selling a kit for $170.00. I remember using a steering wheel cane with a keyed lock years ago on my Valiant. Probably would be effective in the current situation. People would break into the car, cut the wheel, steal the wheel cane, and leave the Hyundai..
|
|