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What are you Listening To Right Now? - and more

Auto Analog said:
Good day, everyone. I'm in the decision making process about the Mazda, and have three distinct options that seem realistic. Regardless of what I choose, I am going to attempt to get the dealer in Santa Fe to repair the transient electrical issue concerning audible alerts. That said, the engine is one of the examples that "features" cylinder deactivation, and to my knowledge, no manufacturer has been able to make this feat of engineering work as well as engines that don't do this. There are already threads online about issues with the latest iteration of this system, and I'm leery about holding the bag on this one.

I can keep the Mazda and hope for the best, but only if the dealer fixes the alert issue under warranty, without fighting about it. If they don't, I'll have ample proof that I don't want to deal with them regarding more serious issues. The Mazda is also small, and several passengers have complained about it being less than comfortable. I frequently wish that it has more space. Driving to the Mt. Lindsey trailhead in the dark back in May of this year scared the crap out of me, and there were several places where I fully expected a nasty scrape, and or getting stuck. These things didn't happen, but still. There is no way I'd take it to the upper South Colony Lakes trailhead, and no way it would have cleared the final hole in the road to the Capitol Creek trailhead.

Option two involves trading the Mazda in for a 30-70K mileage RAV4. This seems like a sensible choice all around, and doesn't have a critical engine flaw built in. Avoiding '19 models is key, because they are known to have transmission issues. They're not as capable as true 4WD vehicles with a real low gear, and locking hubs, but they're good enough, and better than Mazdas with this regard.

Option three involves stretching the budget, and getting an older ('14-'19) 4-Runner with 90-120K miles. This is a larger gamble, but if I get a good one, I'll have a truly suitable vehicle for rough USFS roads, and carrying all of the things I want to comfortably, but with a fuel cost penalty. It will likely need more attention up front, and this may be expensive.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

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If your not off roading much the Honda CRV is also a good reliable option available in AWD, the Passport / Pilot are also a good choice if you need the extra power and space but the mpg on those 2 models is not great. A co-worker bought a CRV new in 07 had over 300K on it when an accident finished it off. minimal repairs and regular maintenance it was pretty trouble free.
 
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djwhy60 said:
I would take a look at this one local....mileage lower than avg....good Jeep platform....v6 so a bit more power/torque.....Just a suggestion....

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Research the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited in Taos, NM at Town and Country Chevrolet of Taos. View pictures, specs, and pricing on our huge selection of vehicles. 1C4RJFBG1LC276255
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I have to disagree sir, as my experiences with late model Jeeps have not been good- I have 2 friends with YJ's who said they wouldn't dare take them off-road- they would fall apart... I test drove a 2010 Jeep (I can't remember the model now for the life of me) when I ultimately bought my 2023 Hyundai Elantra, and it was pretty cheap looking inside (lots of hard plastic) and was really gutless... sure you can modify the hell out of them, but yeah my experiences... perhaps they are superior now? Dunno... :(
 
Auto Analog said:
Good day, everyone. I'm in the decision making process about the Mazda, and have three distinct options that seem realistic. Regardless of what I choose, I am going to attempt to get the dealer in Santa Fe to repair the transient electrical issue concerning audible alerts. That said, the engine is one of the examples that "features" cylinder deactivation, and to my knowledge, no manufacturer has been able to make this feat of engineering work as well as engines that don't do this. There are already threads online about issues with the latest iteration of this system, and I'm leery about holding the bag on this one.

I can keep the Mazda and hope for the best, but only if the dealer fixes the alert issue under warranty, without fighting about it. If they don't, I'll have ample proof that I don't want to deal with them regarding more serious issues. The Mazda is also small, and several passengers have complained about it being less than comfortable. I frequently wish that it has more space. Driving to the Mt. Lindsey trailhead in the dark back in May of this year scared the crap out of me, and there were several places where I fully expected a nasty scrape, and or getting stuck. These things didn't happen, but still. There is no way I'd take it to the upper South Colony Lakes trailhead, and no way it would have cleared the final hole in the road to the Capitol Creek trailhead.

Option two involves trading the Mazda in for a 30-70K mileage RAV4. This seems like a sensible choice all around, and doesn't have a critical engine flaw built in. Avoiding '19 models is key, because they are known to have transmission issues. They're not as capable as true 4WD vehicles with a real low gear, and locking hubs, but they're good enough, and better than Mazdas with this regard.

Option three involves stretching the budget, and getting an older ('14-'19) 4-Runner with 90-120K miles. This is a larger gamble, but if I get a good one, I'll have a truly suitable vehicle for rough USFS roads, and carrying all of the things I want to comfortably, but with a fuel cost penalty. It will likely need more attention up front, and this may be expensive.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

View attachment 3843506
Click to expand...
The RAV-4 proved to be very durable and popular in the rental car industry. People did their best to destroy them with little luck
They have a good engine and they look alright
Definitely the most popular SUV rented at Enterprise
 
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