Tips on Buying Cars: buying a new vehicle, mini suvs, gas mileage

Question
Dear Ray,
In December I made my last payment on my 1999 Ford Explorer and now it has engine issues.  Since I have 118,000 miles on it, I don't think it is best to invest more money into either repairing it or replacing it.  Therefore I have been looking at new vehicles and have a few questions that maybe you can help with.  First,I have made my mind up that I will buy an import.  Second, I do not feel comfortable driving a small, coupe car so I have been comparing sedans and mini suvs.  I am impressed with the warrenty offered by Hyundai and am now comparing the sonata, the tucson and the GS350L.  Honestly, I love the drive and feel of the GS350L but I know that they will no longer be making this model. In reading reviews by customers, they seemed very pleased and the ratings were high, so it leads me to wonder why Hyundai will not be making more of this particular model.  Do you have any input on this?  And like everyone, I am concerned about gas mileage.  I have been driving and SUV for the past 12 years and this is my husband's choice - the tucson.  Also, we live in Wisconsin, so driving in snow and rain can be a concern.  Does front wheel drive do the job on highway roads?  I am used to the 4-wheel drive, but find it unnecessary and think that 2-wheel would be sufficient.  Please share your thoughts-at this point I don't know what to do.  I have been checking out the ratings, reports, reviews, cost of ownerships, and so forth to make a better educated decision, but the information given doesn't point to one best choice.  Can you?


Answer
Hi lauree
I am impressed like you with Hyundai's warranty's they have come a long way...there was a time in the 80's and up to mid- 90's i thought the worse car to buy would be a Hyundai...korea has come a long way since then

As for you having a Ford Explorer, anything else same size or less will get better gas mileage

As for Mfg's stopping making certain models, dont give it a second thought, it would take to long to explain, it has to do with marketing world wide...your only concern should be parts available...and it wont be an issue

SUMMARY
On a budget i like Hyundai and suzuki and if the size and comfort fits my needs i would choose Suzuki, but hey Lauree,talk to 10 Diff people and you will get many diff answers
My expertise is really you getting fair value for your trade and how to negotiate if your interested go to my website  http://usedcartips.bravehost.com/  

Have a great day
  Regards
    Ray