SUV/Crossover Choice - Venza vs Edge vs Santa Fe

[rnakra]

Hey Guys

I am contemplating buying a new car in the next coming months and cause my job is now out in a slightly rural area I think an AWD SUV would suit my needs now and even in the future - I hope to keep this car at least 5 years possibly more at this point

I have yet to test drive the venza but was wondering if people had an opinion on the car, resale value, reliability etc etc. I understand from a reliability and resale value its very likely the venza would be ahead - but from a price point of view the Santa Fe has a longer finance term which makes even their fully loaded Santa Fe within my budget.

I will be financing for sure - but will put some amount down possibly maybe between 10 to 15K, I know a lot of people say that if it is 0% you rather save your money and put nothing down - so I might even take that option but still need to decide on that

Any pricing or discounts info would also go a long way - its likely the Santa Fe would win from a pricing point of view and especially for what you can get - but any thoughts would be helpful

Thanks!

[RCGA]

Why an SUV and not something like an Impreza?

[rnakra]

I thought of a sedan awd - even the new ford fusion was on the list for a little while - it had everything looks and even the awd option - but I think I am more partial to an SUV right now - not saying I still wouldn't consider the sedan awd though

[Inphinity]

I was about to recommend you wait till fall for the 2013 Santa Fe, but you never know with first new generation model year, it's very hit or miss with them. Who knows, with the new model coming out you could possibly get a really good price on a 2012 when they start to make space for the 2013's. Although that 2013 is a good looking machine IMO....

But that's beside the point. As for the Venza I'd steer clear of it as it has topped many lists for the most stolen vehicle. So insurance could be a little bit high relatively.

I can't really say anything for the edge sadly, I'm neutral.

[izzyzz]

I was about to recommend you wait till fall for the 2013 Santa De, but you never know with first new generation model year, it's very hit or miss with them. Who knows, with the new model coming out you could possibly get a really good price on a 2012 when they start to make space for the 2013's. Although that 2013 is a good looking machine IMO....

But that's beside the point. As for the Venza I'd steer clear of it as it has topped many lists for the most stolen vehicle. So insurance could be a little bit high relatively.

I can't really say anything for the edge sadly, I'm neutral.

2008/2009 Venza is on the most stolen lists, not the latest models and the insurance is on par with other crossovers.

[poedua]

Hey Guys

I am contemplating buying a new car in the next coming months and cause my job is now out in a slightly rural area I think an AWD SUV would suit my needs now and even in the future - I hope to keep this car at least 5 years possibly more at this point

I have yet to test drive the venza but was wondering if people had an opinion on the car, resale value, reliability etc etc. I understand from a reliability and resale value its very likely the venza would be ahead - but from a price point of view the Santa Fe has a longer finance term which makes even their fully loaded Santa Fe within my budget.

I will be financing for sure - but will put some amount down possibly maybe between 10 to 15K, I know a lot of people say that if it is 0% you rather save your money and put nothing down - so I might even take that option but still need to decide on that

Any pricing or discounts info would also go a long way - its likely the Santa Fe would win from a pricing point of view and especially for what you can get - but any thoughts would be helpful

Thanks!

That depends....not sure what your budget is, but you may want to at least look at a Ford Edge as well....for comparison sake if nothing else.

It went through major ' refresh ' in 2011 ( improved HP, fuel economy, brakes, totally new interior cabin, SYNC technology etc. )

[IndusVally]

The top trim Venza and Edge carpet bombs the competition stylistically. I'd pick the Venza.

[poedua]

The top trim Venza and Edge carpet bombs the competition stylistically. I'd pick the Venza.

Though the Edge has a certain appealing SUV exterior ' style ' about it as well IMO...obviously, completely different from the ' wagon ' look of the Venza.

http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/ford/edge/2013/oem/2013_ford_edge_4dr-suv_limited_fq_oem_1_500.jpg

I tend to like the Edge's interior a bit more vs. the Venza's

Edge:

http://autocarsdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/2013-Ford-Edge-Interior-_wallpaper-2.jpg


Venza;

http://newautocarz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2013-Toyota-Venza-Interior.jpg

[SoroSuub1]

Usually the Outback is the go-to car for something of that size with AWD and 9 inches of ground clearance.

Normally, the comparison (size-shape-wise) is Venza vs. Subaru Outback vs. Honda Accord Crosstour (all 3 have been updated for 2013)

In the normal mid-size crossover battle, it includes the Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge, etc.

[DrXenon]

Is the new Santa Fe likely to be a good vehicle? Not sure I care for the styling, but I think they are reliable. Hard to believe this is the same company that made the Pony back in the day.

[bertden]

For what's it's worth, I'm also considering an SUV in the next few months. And I'm currently favoring the new escape (with ecoboost) and the new Santa Fe. The new Escape is now in the dealerships, so if you do go for a test drive let us know. I'd be interested in opinions.

[Pete_Coach]

While I own a Kia, it is not the reason I suggest you look at a Sorrento. I have a good friend who just bought one and he was in the same dilemma as you.
Which SUV to get. When it came down to the dollars and cents of it all, the Sorrento was the hands down winner.
If you list all the options you want and then shop for the vehicle, it will probably come out as the clear winner. They also compared the Ford, Hyundai and Equinox. Dollar for dollar when all options were added up the Sorrento came in way cheaper and, in his opinion, the quality, styling and build was as good as any of the others but, the warranty was better. He did not make his decision lightly, he is kinda cheap so, I am confident he made hos choice based on equal factors and money.

[rnakra]

Thank you everyone for your advice - kind of a follow up question with regards to my trade in - I have small small scratches over the rear right side tire and a little bit on the front side of the car - just minor wear and paint scratches. Is it worth me repairing it or taking the hit on the trade in value which way is normally the better way to go?

Thanks!

[poedua]

Thank you everyone for your advice - kind of a follow up question with regards to my trade in - I have small small scratches over the rear right side tire and a little bit on the front side of the car - just minor wear and paint scratches. Is it worth me repairing it or taking the hit on the trade in value which way is normally the better way to go?

Thanks!

FWIW....a body with 1 - 3 small dings ( only after close inspection ) & paint with 1 - 3 small scratches no greater than a credit card in size and that can be only noticed upon close inspection AND that can easily be polished out is considered to be in GOOD / AVERAGE ...ABOVE AVERAGE condition.

So, I'd wouldn't do any repair...perhaps only get a good exterior detailing ( i.e high speed polish ) done before you consider showing it to a dealer as a potential trade in.