Used SUVs...
 

I need some advice....

My sister's 2000 Grand Cherokee died this week. (My it rest in peace...or pieces :rofl:) So, now she is on the hunt for a new-to-her (aka used) SUV. She does not want anything Chrysler. She is thinking about an XC90 or 4-Runner. She'd like to spend under $20,000.

She'd like to stay away from American made, but isn't completely ruling them out. Any input or feedback on those two or advice on other options?

How big does it need to be? Cuz under $20k SUVs pretty much boils it down to SUVs from Hyundai and Kia. If she can bump it up a few thou, the Saturn Vue and Mitsubishi Outlander pop up on the radar. Otherwise you'd have to likely go used, and those used choices can vary widely depending on how much room and how much offroad she needs to go.

If she doesn't really need an SUV, there are plenty of hatchbacks out there. The Opel Astra is something from GM I'm looking forward to.

She wants used--hense the thread title :nanana:

Definitely not a Hyundai or Kia.

The 4Runner is a nice vehicle, I had one as a rental BUT It drives horrible and isn't really that high quality inside, Very comfy seats but it's not a good value next to other suv's, The Pilot is a very nice vehicle, I know several people who own them and just love them, so is it's sister car the MDX, I drove my friend Randy's as while It drives decent, it's no "Reg or X5 for sure and it has mushy brakes

The XC90 Isn't a pick of mine pre-facelift (2007) Because the interior plastics fit on a pre-2006 Ford Explorer (bleh!) and seem to peel, but again it has excellent safety features and very good comfort!

I know your anti-American, but What About an Explorer, 2006+ Their a very good all-around vehicle and has horrid resale value which equals more bang for the buck?

My Friend drives a 2007 Santa Fe and I MUST say, I color me fully impressed, that is one good all around vehicle, minus the cheap wanna-be wood

I thought about an Explorer...I'll have to mention that to her.

She needs something that can go through a corn field or cow pasture, so a small SUV, hatchback, or car is out of the question.

More bang for the buck, until you need to show up at the dealership for repairs.

I suppose a Chevy Equinox wouldn't be too bad. I had one of those (2007) as a rental and like all GM products, had some good and some glaringly bad stuff. The powertrain was adaquate enough (great 5-speed auto) and there was lots of room to haul stuff around. It was fairly well equipped, and since they depreciate moderately you can get an '07 for around $20k-ish. The bad stuff was basically my base model had terrible electric power steering, and I was spoiled by the quick-reacting xDrive in our X3. As a result, I thought their part-time AWD kicked in too late and the suspension was too soft.

Booo not an Explorer! Just not my pick.

Trailblazer maybe? I dont know about price, but Tahoe/Yukon would be good too. Mine never broke down and was a great car. Sometimes I miss that one...

Izuzu Rodeo maybe? They still make those right?

Eww The Rubbermaid I mean Trailblazer is one POS, It has the cheapest interior I've ever sat in, horrid safety rating and it's ugly! :popcorn:

Rodeo? Gurl they stopped making that a LONG time ago!

Well fine then! Just dis all my ideas! ;)

What about an '01 base 3.0. Put some 18's, off road tires, and a bull bar...it would be, as you say, hawt.

She Prolly Is worried about keeping up the cost of maintaining it

Bingo! That's why she doesn't want another Jeep. She wants something reliable that won't be in the shop all of the time.

4Runner's are tanks. We still have our 97 with almost 190k on it, runs very well.

She's more interested in reliability than performance. The interior looking "plasticy" isn't something that is going to make her look at something else. She wants something that she knows will hold up under the hood.

Yeah, I think a 4Runner is her top choice.

How about a Ford Escape? My wife had a 2003 for a 3 year lease - it worked out really well for her, even though she got stuffed on the lease payments - but - used, I can't imagine them being very expensive - and short of being domestic it seem to fit the requirements.

The ride was reasonable - and if she avoids the newer (post-hybrid) versions they are not bad looking either - though a bit agricultural maybe?

My wife didn't take care of hers - it was run on cheap oil and was driven hard - but it never had an issue.

2 Tahoe's, 0 issues. Just did normal maintenance (oil changes, air filter, etc....)

How about the Nissan Murano, reliable and pretty stylish.

+1 on 2006+ Explorer.

Trailblazer is a death trap on wheels :)

Hmmm, why not a X3? Maybe a CPO X3 2.5i?

why not very good 4x4's IMHO.

X3s arent under $20k price cap. Admittedly, $20k is a bit low for a decent SUV thesedays.

(considering your parameters) I don't think it would be a mistake if she went with any of the following:

Honda Pilot
Acura MDX (pre face lift IMO)
Volvo XC70

Stay away from all American SUVs...after 30k miles you are looking for heartaches, rattles and lots of trips to the stealer.

4-Runner is usually solid from the friends I've seen that have had them as well as the Ford Explorer. The older body style Dodge Durango is pretty good too, from what I've seen. And this is actually seeing the vehicle for years in action, not reading a case study :rofl:

Thanks all! :)

She's really leaning toward the 4Runner. I don't think anyone has ever said a bad thing about them from a reliability standpoint.

I'll let you know what she ends up with. :thumbup:

Take a note that her 2000 SUV died. So the next one must be more reliable than that. No BMW or Mercedes. The best bet is to go with
1- Toyata 4Runner
You can get a very decent used one at $20K, lets see around 2004~5 with around 30~40K on the clock.
2- Honda Pilot
Same as the 4Runner.
Remember, she might not care about performance, tell her to buy something reliable that keeps troubles away. I had the 2003 4Runner for 4 years without any issue. Not even one visit to dealer for repair except for free oil changes I got for that many years. Trust me you can't go wrong with the 4Runner.

Are you sure you know what you are talking about?
2005 or newer Toyata 4Runner
2005 or newer Honda Pilot
2003 or older Acura MDX
2007 Rav4
2002 BMW X5
To name a few. Update your facts.

She should look for an rx300....Great reliability, nice looks, and great gas mileage.

RX300 is around $16K~19K. But it looks dated. Vote for the 2004~05 4Runner.

RX, 4runner or MDX.
Try an FX35 :rofl: it would be in the range.
(Edit: i drove one the other day thats only a year old with 56k and tech pack for $23k, so the price should be right on for an 03 or 04.)

what about '08 Escape? Very nice SUV.

2003+ 4Runner is nothing to write home about. Versatile, but clunky, and drives like a truck. V8 is not worth it. V6 is hampered by 4-sp auto, but it sufficiently quick.

It's a Ford, enough said. Had an 07 Taurus rental last week, with less than 10k on the odo. Front-end literally felt like it was falling apart. Power steering suddenly surging on/off while driving.

Michelle, if your sis goes for a 03+ 4Runner, make sure she gets a Sport model. It's got hydraulically controlled anti-roll bars, that really make it handle pretty well. Btw, there are TRD (Toyota Racing Development) superchargers available for all 96+ 4Runner's. :)

dont mean to argue w/ you here Vin, but I actually would get the Limited. The sport model dosen't really feel to sporty, just harsh. No need for 4WD, it just wastes fuel. Let ESC take care of it.

(btw, Ford reliability is WAY up since the Taurus)

Limited is a fine ride too. Doesn't really matter, the entire 4Runner lineup is outstanding. Regarding 4WD, she should def get it considering where she lives. BMW's have even more traction systems, and the rwd models struggle in snow without snow-tires.

Plus, I'm pretty sure you can't get a Limited with 2WD. With the V6, you can control the 4WD. It's rwd until it detects slip, in auto mode. You can completely control the transfer case too.

As far as Ford goes, why take the risk when there are better Japanese alternatives..

:iagree: I owned a V8 Exploder and that thing was a rattle box and in the shop all the time and I babied the hell out of it.

4WD is controlled by a switch on the dash. I didn't notice a difference between running RWD and 4WD in snow except for ESC kicking in a lot. I'm saying this just because fuel economy suffers a lot. I will say, however, it is very reliable. No issues. Power is ok. Braking distance is long, but firm. Good storage room. Drives and rides like a truck. Safety is lacking (in early model years). Good passenger room, but front foot wells are painfully small. (Fuel eco (ltd V6 in 2WD) is about 16mpg. Stereo is ok. Nice truck overall, but no BMW, and fairly basic.

Can you guess what the X3 replaced? ;)

(P.s: '99 Durango is crap. '91 Explorer rolled. '97 didn't)

i hate u guyS!!!!

Not sure what is going on here but I did not write the previous comment.
The real Alpac

Someone else at your house using your PC, Alain? They were both posted from the same IP address :dunno:

Thanks Jeff, that is what I wanted to know. I know somebody who is going to be grounded for a very long time

My apology to everybody for this very stupid joke made by a bunch of stupid kids who are having a sleep over at my house tonight. I made the mistake to leave my computer on. Really sorry again.

no harm done, Alain.

no harm no foul

If this is the most mischief they could get into with a wide-open PC then you're not doing half bad... :)

:rofl: @ Alain!!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, after an 800 mile roadtrip this weekend, she is now looking at a Chevy TrailBlazer. :dunno:

Thoughts??

Ron--didn't you have one?

Anyone else??

Begin the bashing in 4.......3.......2.......1.......

:iagree: :rofl:

:popcorn:

She did say to avoid American made... :nanana:

Yes, but because many domestics have faster-than-piano-out-of-apartment-window depreciation, you can pick one up for less money!

I've been in the GMC Envoy (the Trailblazer's GMC equivalent) and I didn't like it at all. It was far too truckish and reminds me of GM back before they started improving on interior materials and overall quality. I did recommend the Equinox on like, the 2nd page, but that's a bit smaller than the huge Traillblazer.

DEATH TRAP

What about this one:
http://autoworld.szm.com/en/index.htm

She should get a new Rav 4

hmmm...."Used Suvs"....."new Rav 4"........"used"....."new"........I think the idea was to stay cheap.

I thought the budget was $20,000 +/- a new Rav will cost less to drive (better mpg) and less to maintain

Rav4 starts at $21K

2007 Toyota RAV4
4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
List$22,350
Cost$20,338

I got mine for $350 over cost, yes its a little more but when you consider cost of driving and maintenance it might be a better solution.

What did you put, nothing in it?

A little more specific please. :confused: :rofl:

Telling her "my X5 peeps say it's a death trap" won't fly.

No I got a V6 limited for about $25

Then what were you posting in #55???

Wrangler?? New or used they are always a good time!!

No Jeeps. No Chrysler. Period.

but...'then that thang aint gotta Hemi'

My bad :(

:rofl: Try and keep up, will ya! :nanana:

Your too fast, I give up :rofl:

least safe SUV on market today

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=439

Chevys, Jeeps, Cryslers (Trailblazers included) are all built the same way. Good as new cars but reliability sucks specially in the long run. I've had an 04 4runner that never gave me any problem up to the time I traded it in around 65K miles. Regular change oils, that's it. My E53 has 39K miles and I already took it to the dealer for repairs at least 11 times in the last 9 months. What's worst, my E70 has been in the dealer for electronic related problems at least 5 times in the last 6 months. Overall
+1 on the 4runner IMO

+1 on 4Runner...

my bmw dealer lent me a Trailblazer (with only 72 miles on it) as a loaner, drove it home and was convinced never to drive it again... 4Runner is the way to go...

Ask Gresh, I think he drives one.

:popcorn:

Why popcorn?

Just tell her to get a Honda Pilot. It will last very long, is reliable, and the interior is pretty nice...

She doesn't like the Pilot, Escape, mini-SUVs. She wants more of a "truck" SUV.

Its just that we have a member that has first hand experience with the Chevy, and we don't hear from him?

Maybe because I spoke to him privately about it already.

4 Runner, nuff said

Yeah, thankfully she's leaning back toward the 4Runner. She's planning on test-driving several this week.

Just for kick M, why Not Test Drive an Exploder? I'm TELLING you it's a decent car, I had one (78k miles and no real major issues) and several of my friends own them (150k, 107k and somewhere in the 80k range) Their safe, drive good, esp 2006+ and 2005+ Included RSC just like the Volvo

:iagree:

Then why didn't you say that instead of asking about popcorn?

I was supposed to know why you posted :popcorn:?? How am I to know what goes on in that crazy head of yours?

You did not need to read my head just look at the post before the popcorn.

Maybe if they were in the same post....but different posts? Come'on, blue. :tsk:

CooCoo for Cocoa Puffs

Just give the Rabbit his Trix :rofl:

Where is the Wabbit?

studying---and lurking offline :rofl:

Hmmmm last post??? http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ification.html

:hijack:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdr...runner_2-1.jpg
http://www.my-ford-truck-tour.com/2006explorer.jpg

severely.

So what did your sister end up doing?

Currently test driving 4Runners.

I have a 2007 SAAB 9-7x loaner now for my convertible. It is the most overpriced thing ever. For the model I have now, the 280hp V6 (nice engine btw) the base price is almost 40k! For that price you can have a fully loaded Trailblazer SS! It is a decent truck, comfortable and roomy, but the egonomics are messed up and the dismal safety rating is dissapointing. The 4Runner should be nice :thumbup: (just make sure she gets a model with side curtain airbags)

Yeah but STILL no Roll-Deploy!

Have you considered a five- or six-year-old Toyota LC?

Those things are pigs. I doubt she's gonna be going offroading in the jungle or needs three rows of seats. Horrid gas mileage.

i thought about a LC for colorado, but i need something with more... power :p for colorado next year. great bulletproof cars though, and an 2000 or 01 would be under 20k most likely. Crap mileage, but a great car all the same.

My local stealer has several 2006 9-7x's that are STILL for sale. They NEVER go at list, and generally become loaners. one sweet deal I have seen more than once from Saab Nashua North in NH (Super volume internet stealer) is a $8000 one pay lease for two years (and that comes with free maintenance). something to look into.

I think thats five years of car for her budget, eh? :rofl:

that being said, go for the LC or T4R. :thumbup:

UPDATE:

She now has a 2008 XC90 to drive for the next few days. I think she's going to end up with it. She loves it. :tsk:

Man, it takes me 2 minutes to find a new ride...takes your sis 2 months :rofl:

that's a pretty big price jump.....
have you had the X5 talk with her?
:D

LOL Tell me about it! :rofl:

I tried. :saad:

She didn't want to hear it. :tsk:

She'll regret it.

I tried telling her. She has he heart set on it. :tsk: :tsk: :tsk:

Print out all the negatives you can find and tell her read it and weep. :thumbup:

I'll come help you with the intervention. :lmao:
I'm so sorry :rofl:

At least she will be safe (when the engine isn't cutting out on the interstate)
PM Me if you want to know how to fry volvo ;)
Well, best of luck to her anyways :beerchug:

Oh well, if she wants the XC90, at least get the V8. And I suppose it is spacious.............

No one mentioned any Nissans? Pathfinders are bullet proof. best engine made. If she can pull away from the Volvo then have her look into it. :thumbup:

I was in the car business for 15 years and I have worked for every major carline and nissan seems to make a problem free vehicle. Sorry to chime in so late.

She bought the Volvo. :saad:

Oh well, she loves it. I guess that's all that matters.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e4/Volvo-1.jpg

Now how the hell did that happen? :rofl:

:iagree:

She didn't want to get hit on like her sister :rofl:

She changed her mind. :tsk: :rofl:

uh, you might want to read this :

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...601070335/1148

Is she a mother with 2.5 kids, that play soccer?

Trust me...I ask her that all of the time. And her boyfriend has the nerve to call my X5 a "soccer mom car." He better not anymore! :tsk: :tsk: :tsk:

Move over boys, pickups & SUVs are no longer "male" dominated - even my friend's 19 yr old daugther bought a used Durango for her 1st car