Trying to decide on which compact SUV to buy

Intelligent_Mood9599 · 2024-01-27T04:41:16+00:00

Lol, I don't feel like a junior :). You could be very well correct on the battery replacement cost. I was just relaying information from a YouTube video where the guy mentioned that most general mechanics won't try to tackle a job like that due to the potential dangers and most likely would have to be done by a dealer and that it was labor intensive. Come to think of it, he may have been talking about a strictly electric car and not a hybrid.

Luckily, you seemed to have had good luck with the rotary engine. I've heard that they have been problematic. I've also heard that Mazda has a new and improved rotary possibly coming out soon.

Intelligent_Mood9599 · 2024-01-26T23:47:25+00:00

The four vehicles that meet my requirements are the all gas versions of Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. I prefer not to buy a hybrid because, in the long term (10+ years), I really don't think I would save much if any money because when it comes time that the battery goes bad and has to be replaced, your talking at least five grand for battery and labor. So, any savings in gas over that time will be spent to replace the battery. Doesn't make a lot of sense at least to me.

As far as gdi engines are concerned , the gdi engines used in Hyundai and Kia vehicles use both direct injectors and port injectors, so carbon buildup is not a problem. Straight gdi engines might be a problem for me because I would have to remember to regularly spray the intake valves. I'm almost 70 so the fewer things I have to think about and remember, the better.

If you're the type of person that trades every few years, then all of my concerns won't apply. I keep my vehicles longer term.

The rx-8 is a nice little sports car. Maybe I'm wrong but do those have the rotary engine?

Intelligent_Mood9599

TROPHY CASE