Social Media Shopping For a New Car
Right now I’m driving a 2006 Toyota Tundra and love it. But, the lease on it is up next September so I’m already looking for what might be our next car.
Honestly I don’t have any brand loyalty when it comes to cars. I’ve bought three new cars in my life. A Saturn SC2, a Ford Winstar and this truck. You can sort of follow my progression through life in those choices.
Now for this new vehicle I need the following:
- Room for 4 (me, wife and two kids)
- Room for our black lab Roxie
- Room for all of that AND some basic luggage for any weekend trip
Most of my driving is around town and not on the highway so a hybrid is certainly the way I want to go.
I’m definitely going to lease again because I don’t drive a whole lot and plus I want to be able to turn it in to get what I hope is much upgraded technology within three years.
On my radar right now are the Saturn Vue Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Sure, I’ve looked at some others, but nothing has really caught my attention like those two have.
Now, I’m lucky because I know Scott Monty over at Ford, so I’ve seen where their product lines are going and taken a ride in the new Ford Flex. I’d love to talk to the other car companies to find out what is going on, but I’m sure they are not even paying attention to the web to see what people are asking, but I could be totally wrong and hope that I am.
I’ve got under a year to make a decision and pick something. I’m going to be documenting my process in the hopes that others can find some solid information in what I find out.
It should be a nice little social media experiment.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9aaa62a1-702a-493f-b2ca-2447d74eefe9)
November 15th, 2008 at 10:52 pm |
I think you’re on the right track regarding the Ford Flex and the Highlander Hybrid. The Saturn Vue is relatively limited regarding interior space and I don’t believe it’s offered with a 3rd row.
I haven’t had an opportunity to drive the new Flex yet but from what I’ve heard and seen from the most recent Car & Driver magazine, it would seem to be a great utility haller for family and animals alike.
November 16th, 2008 at 12:01 am |
You think I’m giving up on one lousy ride-along? Expect to hear more, my friend.
And I actually hope that Ford’s competitors (*all* of them, not just the U.S. companies) do make a full-court press here. Ultimately, you’re going to make the decision about what’s right for you and your family based on personal preference rather than getting barraged with vehicle specs.
In the end, I hope we give you and your family enough valuable information to make your choice. And if you come away thinking more highly of Ford in the process, all the better.
Scott Monty
Global Digital Communications
Ford Motor Company
November 16th, 2008 at 9:45 am |
Check out the Volvo XC90. Nothing beats European style and quality. Plenty of room and cargo space, 7 seats (optional).
I know, it’s not a hybrid, but Volvo is a pretty green company. You get good mileage on it.
November 16th, 2008 at 11:09 pm |
Just thought you might like to see this review from DogCars.com: http://www.dogcars.com/cars/2009/Ford/Flex/
November 17th, 2008 at 1:18 am |
I drive a 2001 Subaru Forester S - bought new in the summer of 2000 and still runs great at 148,000 miles, despite recent news my catalytic converter may be faulty.
If the bulk of your driving is stop-and-go in the city and not on the highway, how about electric?
November 17th, 2008 at 8:10 am |
MOST of my driving is around town but this would also be the car we use for family stuff so an all electric isn’t an option.
The problem with the Flex Scott is that it’s not a hybrid. I’ve been told why Ford didn’t make it so, but I think it is a big missed opportunity. Anything not a hybrid goes down the list a bit.
November 17th, 2008 at 2:41 pm |
CC,
I would be remiss if I did not mention the 2009 Pilot. No, it’s not a hybrid, but it can run on 3,4 or 6 cylinders depending on the load being put on the engine. Major people mover and tons of room for camping gear!!! And it’s not as funky looking as my Ridgeline!!!
Take care,
Jon
November 19th, 2008 at 10:18 am |
I second the Honda Pilot - I LOVE mine, and you know all the people and stuff I throw in there.
Oh, and it comes with XM in it, which has the all AC/DC channel, and THAT’s all you really need when you’re driving, right?
November 20th, 2008 at 4:53 pm |
The only other auto brand I’ve seen try and do something relative to listening to consumers is Chrysler’s Consumer Advisory Board (chryslerlistens.com). But that feels more like a focus group where you decide on their ideas rather than a true back and forth exchange.