Hello research_help-ga:
It was a pleasure to answer your question. I am providing you a list
of top ten automobiles that will fit your requirements. In selecting
these cars, I carried out research on the internet and used my own
first hand experience.
It is to be noticed that I didn?t randomly pick the automobiles but
used the process of elimination. First, I selected those cars that fit
your required criteria. Than, I picked up those automobiles that had
better specifications. Lastly, I selected only the top ten autos.
I primarily used Automobile Magazine?s 2003 and 2004 editions for
brief reviews. I also used Consumer Guide for the reliability ratings.
But these are not the only two sources that helped me as we just
cannot rely on the verdict of any one guide.
I will provide you a very brief summary of the autos and than direct
you to the pages of Consumer Reports to look for extensive
specifications. Also, notice that my intention of directing you to
Consumer Reports is not that I am recommending you this guide, rather
because I think this is one of the best places to find and review
summaries of automobiles in an easy and nicely laid out format.
MY TOP TEN RECOMMENDED AUTOS (2004 Models)
(The list is random and autos on top are not preferred over others).
Honda Odyssey
$24000-$30000
7 passengers
20 gal/mile
89 to 146 cubic feet of cargo space.
Anti-lock and traction control is standard.
Very reliable
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37585
Toyota Sienna
$22000-$37000 (2004)
$23000-$28000 (2003)
7 passengers
21 gal/mile
78 to 133 cubic feet of cargo space.
Anti-lock standard and stability control optional
Very reliable
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/23345
Chevrolet Venture
$21000-$33000
7 or 8 passengers
20/25 gal per mile
85 to 141 cubic feet of cargo space.
4 wheel drive, Anti-lock standard, traction control optional
Very Reliable
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37526
Dodge Caravan
$21000-$32000
5 or 7 passengers
20 gal/mile
45 to 169 cubic feet of cargo space.
4 wheel drive, anti lock standard, traction control standard on some models.
Very Reliable
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37533
Mercury Sable (Wagon) LS or GS versions
$21000-$24000
7 or 8 passengers
18 gal/mile
81.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Anti-lock and traction control optional
Reliable
http://comp.autosite.com/2002autosuite/clients/Autosite/Landing.asp?AS3_Vehicle1=6572&AS3_VehicleUID1=10764&AS3_Numvehicles=1
Nissan Quest
$24000-$32000
7 passengers
20 gal/mile
33 to 128 cubic feet of cargo space.
Anti-lock standard and traction control optional
Very Reliable
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37455
Pontiac Montana
$23000-$30000
6, 7 or 8 passengers
20/25 gal per mile
85 to 141 feet of cargo space.
4 wheel drive, Anti lock standard, traction control optional
Reliable
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37630
Honda Pilot
$27000-$32000
7 passengers
20 gal/mile
Avg. 90 cubic feet of cargo space
4 wheel drive, Anti lock standard.
Reliable
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37586
Toyota Highlander
$24000-$31000
7 passengers
20 gal/mile
Avg. 81 cubic feet of cargo space
4 wheel drive, Anti lock standard, traction control standard
Reliable
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37562
Mazda MPV
$23000-$28000
7 passengers
20 gal/mile
Avg. 127 cubic feet of cargo space
Anti-lock standard, traction control optional
Very Reliable
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/37677
Major Search Strategy
Automobile Magazine 2003 & 2004 Editions
Consumer Guide Online
I hope this helps. Please clarify, if you are not satisfied and I will
try to serve your needs.
Sincerely,
Leader-ga. |
Clarification of Answer by
leader-ga
on
27 Jan 2004 17:59 PST
I am sorry. In the fourth paragraph, I should have written Consumer
Guide instead of Consumer Reports.
Accept my apologies.
Sincerely,
leader-ga.
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
research_help-ga
on
28 Jan 2004 06:33 PST
I have a question regarding your answer. One of my parameters was
that the auto cost 29,000 or less. Eight of the 10 cars you recommend
have price ranges that go over that figure. Can you confirm that
these autos can be purchased with antilock brakes and traction control
for the 29,000? This would mean that the auto meets criteria C and D
of my original question.
Also, what are your prices based on? My original question asked about
real world purchase prices, not invoice or sticker.
Thank you for your reply.
|
Clarification of Answer by
leader-ga
on
28 Jan 2004 08:41 PST
Thank you for your reply.
Yes you are right that the prices of eight vehicles go beyong $29000.
Actually, it is to cover the price range of all the models. Take for
example the price of Toyota Highlander that has a price of $24000 to
$31000. Only the (limited) edition of this auto comes with a $31000
price tag. Most people don't need that. Its model that is 4 wheel
drive and equipped with a V-6 engine comes with a price tage of
$27000. Now, if you consider that every model has a standard traction
control and a standard anti-lock brakes and that the model just
mentioned is a 4WD, you may easily add additional luxury features.
I took into account your inquiry that you don't need an invoice price
tag. The prices that I have provided are 'MSRP'. Be assured, they are
not the invoice or sticker prices. That is why I chose Consumer Guide
(please read on.......
They actually provide you the price ranges for MSRP and Invoice prices
so you know before you go to buy an auto. Also note that this guide
provides you all the details of every model and gives you MSRP and
Invoice prices of additional features. After consulting this guide you
will certainly notice that you can buy the autos that I mentioned in
the price range of under $29000 with all the features that you asked
(AND THAT IS MSRP NOT THE INVOICE).
I am very glad that you clarified. Please ask if you have further
questions. I understand your concerns because buying an auto is a big
decision.
By the way, my brother owns a Toyota Sienna 2003 and it is just out of
this world. I have driven it many a times.
Sincerely,
leader-ga.
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
research_help-ga
on
28 Jan 2004 08:52 PST
Thank you for your clarification, but I am confused about your
terminology. You write
"The prices that I have provided are 'MSRP'. Be assured, they are
not the invoice or sticker prices. That is why I chose Consumer Guide
They actually provide you the price ranges for MSRP and Invoice prices
so you know before you go to buy an auto."
How can the prices you provided be MSRP, but are not the sticker
price? MSRP _IS_ the sticker price. Your clarification seems to imply
that MSRP is the "real world" price. However MSRP stands for
manufacturers suggested retail price, which is the sticker, which is
typically higher than what you can actually buy a car for.
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
research_help-ga
on
28 Jan 2004 09:07 PST
Just as an example to the clarification I just posted, I clicked on
the link you provided for the Chevrolet Venture. The information you
provided is similar but does not match the information provided on the
site. And in regards to price, the all wheel drive model has an
invoice price of over 30,000 and sticker/MSRP price of 33,000 which
means that there is no way to buy a Chevy Venture with these features
for 29,000 or less.
|
Clarification of Answer by
leader-ga
on
28 Jan 2004 14:48 PST
Thanks again.
First, lets talk about the Chevrolet Venture. It is only the AWD
edition that has a price of around $30000. As far as the LS model is
concerned, it comes standard with traction control and antilock brakes
(2 of the options that you required). And the LS model costs around
$26000. The 4WD option in the summary was only to specify that this
model provides a 4WD version.
Yes, I must confess that I stated MSRP which is the sticker price. As
you yourself said, "MSRP stands for manufacturers suggested retail
price, which is the sticker, which is typically higher than what you
can actually buy a car for", I think MSRP can serve as a reference
(although you didn't require that).
As for the real world price, I am still confused. As far as I am
assuming, nobody can tell a real world price of an auto. It all varies
from dealer to dealer, state to state and other factors. Please let me
know if my assumption of the real world price is wrong.
I will be happy to assist you further. Critique always helps a researcher like me.
Thank you again for the inquiry.
leader-ga.
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
research_help-ga
on
29 Jan 2004 05:58 PST
Thank you for your reply. Yes, of course prices vary from state to
state and dealer to dealer. However, their are guides out there which
give average real world prices. For example, the Kelly Blue Book
www.kbb.com gives the average real world price for a used car and has
started giving similar Blue Book figures for new cars. I have also
seen other services that show the average price that people are
actually paying. For the Kelly Blue Book, they do ask for zip code, so
this question may have required a clarification that I am in 18951.
|
Clarification of Answer by
leader-ga
on
29 Jan 2004 07:21 PST
Thank you once again. I have started looking into your inquiry. I will
answer in a timely manner.
Sincerely,
leader-ga.
|
Clarification of Answer by
leader-ga
on
29 Jan 2004 09:47 PST
Hello research_help-ga:
I have found two valuable tools regarding your inquiry. The first is
Edmunds.com at http://www.edmunds.com. It provides you with a TVM
price by your zip code. The TVM is a true market value price that
tells a prospective buyer, what other are paying in your area? It also
provides an Invoice and MSRP price along with TVM. Here is how to
check:
1. Log onto http://www.edmunds.com
2. Click on ?New car prices Reviews & Info?
3. Select the type of auto (e.g. minivan, wagon, SUV etc)
4. Select an auto by the price range or size.
5. Pick an auto. For example a ?2004 Chevrolet Venture from mid-size
category of Minivans?. (Or pick one that you require).
6. Pick a model (LS, LT etc)
It will provide you MSRP and an Invoice Price at this stage.
7. Click on price with options and select a color and a zip code (required)
8. Click on TVM pricing report.
It will provide you a TVM pricing along with MSRP and Invoice in your zip code.
Another good website is Auto Trader at http://www.autotrader.com. It
will provide the dealer price from some of the dealers in your area.
The rest of the dealers will have a MSRP price. You can compare their
prices and see who is competitive. Here is how to check:
1. Log onto http://www.autotrader.com
2. Click on ?Research and Compare?
3. Click on ?New?
4. Select a make and your zip code from ?Price a new car? on the upper
right hand side and than click on ?Find new cars?.
5. Select a year and model of your car along with the distance of the
dealer and click ?Search Auto Trader? (I recommend selecting 25 miles
just to check and than you may change).
6. It will show you the number of cars and dealers it found. Click ?Show me?.
You will get the pricing from many dealers. (The prices are in
descending order; therefore you will first get the highest prices and
so on). You might be interested in a dealer price. Check to see if the
MSRP price is followed by ?Price?. This is the dealer?s price.
Although, they are few but they do exist.
I hope this will help. Please let me know, if I may be of further assistance.
I greatly appreciate your feedbacks.
Sincerely,
Leader-ga.
|
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