we used to have a '99 Rodeo... it made a bunch of noise after a couple of years, parts came loose and stuff.. it had a decent ride, but the rattling and noises didn't make it enjoyable. we have a 4-runner now... very nice... very nice.
Based on my experience, if you are going to pay that kind of money, you will be much happier with a Nissan Pathfinder over a Rodeo, Explorer or Grand Cherokee. The Pathfinder is far superior to all of those IMO and about the same price.
Yeah but I need one with under 30,000 miles. Havent been able to find a Pathfinder under $18,000 that is a 2000 or newer.....
Hey Drewdog, How about a nice extended cab truck? I have a 2001 Ford F-150 SuperCrew, and I love it. It's as roomy as a SUV, it has four doors for easy passenger access. It has the bed so you can lug a bunch of **** around. Seriously, if you are shopping around, you'd do yourself a disservice not to look at a Supercrew. Also, if you notice, trucks rarely change styles from year to year, my 2001 looks like the 2003.
I would highly recommend the Pathfinder - rugged, reliable, powerful, looks good, and did I mention reliable? You could probably get a VERY nice used one for 18K. We've also had Tahoes. While they are powerful, they are definitely not reliable & too big for most everyday uses. Like most American cars they start getting squeaky & rickety very quickly. Like the Expedition, Explorer, Cherokee, etc. it feels very "plastic." Just a suggestion, you might want to check out a used Land Rover Discovery. Look at dealer lots so you can get a certifed/warrantied one. They are unmatched offroad, have pimp-ass interiors, & are cheaper than you think. Again, just make sure it's still warrantied.
It drives like a truck because it's built on a truck chasis. I own an Xterra with a 3" lift and 33" tires. Imagine what my ride is like, even with stiffer shocks, etc. I've gotten used to the ride though, it handles excellent while off roading, and I haven't had one single problem in the 2 1/2 years I've owned it. After owning two Fords, including one Saleen, both of which had numerous problems, I'm very happy with Nissan. The 13 miles a gallon city driving does suck though. If you're looking for an SUV just to cruIse around in, and for everyday driving that does not include driving off road, I'd definetely look for something else besides the X.
I was looking in to purchasing a new Disco this past year but thankfully didn't. I found through researching, that the majority of them have numerous problems, and since it's a British made vehicle, the parts are very expensive and they take a lot longer to receive since they're shipped from the UK. You'd be very lucky to find a used Disco for under $20,000 anyways, unless it has well over 100,000 miles on the engine.
Pure Genius A-Train! Can you name the truck with four wheel drive, Smells like a steak, and seats thirty five? Canyonero! Canyonero! Well, it goes real slow with the hammer down It's the country-fried truck endorsed by a clown Canyonero! Canyonero! Hey, hey! Twelve yards long, two lanes wide, Sixty five tons of American pride! Canyonero! Canyonero! Top of the line in utility sports, Unexplained fires are a matter for the courts! Canyonero! Canyonero! She blinds everybody with her super high beams She's a squirrel-squashin', deer-smackin' drivin' machine Canyonero! Canyonero! Canyonero! Whoa, Canyonero! Whoa! MP3
I would admit that the old Tahoes might be that way, but my wife's 2001 is FAR, FAR superior to ANY Pathfinder I've ever been in. Before we got married, her roomate had a loaded 2000 Pathfinder, and funny enough, I thought the same thing of it: squeaky and rickety....and most all, uncomfortable. The car my wife traded in on her Tahoe was a loaded 2000 Nissan Maxima. She's gone through many cars, and she'll tell you that was the worst car she's ever had; I don't understand this BBS's love affair with Nissan......but like someone said, different people have different experiences. I have two good friends with new Tahoes, and three different relatives on both sides of the family with new Suburbans....They all say the same thing: best vehicles they've ever had. I have a Ford F-250 Diesel. I AM a Ford Man. (well, I'm a bit of a Toyota/Lexus guy too). But Chevy even has me convinced.
One quick question Drewdog, with your new job, are you an employee or contract? Or more precisely, will your wages be W2 or 1099?
Even though I started a car thread recently, I have discovered that getting people's opinions about cars is pretty much useless. For every bad experience, there's a good one. Find one you enjoy, see if you can afford it, and have fun!
anyone have any guidance on AWD cars? I know audi makes AWD cars, but to get a decent engine i feel like i have to spend more than its worth ($35-37). i know subaru makes AWD cars, but...they're funny lookin. i don't like trucks, but i love the handling of an AWD automobile. any other models to look at?
FT Employee. Im getting a $500/month car allowance, but wanted to save the money rather than go all out on something extravagant. W2 wages
Are you talking all wheel drive (AWD) or all wheel steering. AWD shouldn't effect the handling that much unless you are on snow or off-road, or unless you have front wheel drive and a very powerful engine you are using. Most AWD vehicles, especially those with truck frames, handle poorly compared with passenger cars. As for AWD in cars, Subaru is the leader, certainly so if you want to stay under 30K, VW, Volvo & Audi I think are the choices for under 40K. Not sure what other car AWD options there are--some hybrid car-based SUVs that don't drive like trucks, not sure what else.
I was asking because if you were 1099, there's a tax advantage to vehicle built on a truck frame....as long as it's of a certain size. But with you being W2, it's not relevant.
Actually since Ford bought LR & made it part of it's Luxury Group, parts a a lot cheaper & the Rover's are more reliable than people think. The major probs were w/ the 1997 era Disco I. We're now on the Disco 3's.
I just got a new Consumer Reports which evaluates all cars-- including SUVs. It deals with new models, but you should see some patterns.
Anyone know what the chances are of being able to get a 350Z...?(Yeah I know, not a SUV, but saw no use in starting a new thread). Either my mom or I am getting a new car. If she gets a new one, I get hers('99 Mercedes ML 320), or I get a new car. I'm somewhere in the 24,000-28,000 price range, and am pretty much looking at a few select sports cars and midsize SUV's...Any suggestions?
