Damnfinn

My friend wants to buy a mid sized SUV later this year.
She will have to buy used, and will keep it for 7-10 years.
She is very good on maintaining maintenence and such.
What would be her best buy in your opinion for the dollar.
Resell is not a major concern. Comfort, power options (windows, cruise, air and such are) as she will be using it for business travel about 20,000 miles a year.
Okay let's hear all you gear heads sound off.
Thanks all.

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Redlemon

These don't sound like things that would draw me towards an SUV. What are the elements of an SUV that she requires that she couldn't get out of a car?

Peryn

If shes gonna be travelling a lot, i would NOT reccommend an SUV. She will undoubtedly like decent mileage for lots of travelling, which an SUV isn't gonna give her. What kind of price range is she looking at? Does she want 4WD? How important IS mileage? Does she want to be able to tow her house behind her, or does she not mind taking forever to get up to freeway speed?

Now, the way i see it, if you take good care of your car, like it sounds like she will, there is no reason at all for it not to last you 7-10 years. 200k shouldn't be too hard on a modern car, and longer isn't that difficult if you take good care of it. Now, the Jeep Grand Cherokee...its a tad expensive, but its pretty darn comfortable, and decent enough power. Not the best mileage, and kinda expensive though. Also look at Honda Passport, Nissan Xterra, GMC Jimmy/Blazer maybe? Again, not quite sure what all shes looking for in it.

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Damnfinn

Mileage is a moderate factor.
Prefers to climb up in a vehicle rather than up out of a car.
long roar trips with friends and a dog, so needs room

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DEI37

I'd look at the Chev TrailBlazer. It's a solid vehicle, and with the straight six, gets respectable fuel mileage, yet offers decent power. From what little I know of them, they've been fairly reliable. They've got a good assortment of critter comforts as well.

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Vaultboy

Subaru Legacy Outback. It might just be a raised-body stationwagon, but its got the performance of a car, plus given the AWD its not shy to go soft-roading and is superb in wet-weather.

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leftturn109

tell her to find a beater pre 76 suburban with a 350. the 350 is bullit proof and if it does brake its only about $800 for a long block

irseg

My dad has owned '94 and '98 Grand Cherokees. They're nice, and easy to find for pretty cheap used. Both of them only got like 18 mph highway though, and they were 6 cylinders.

Also, if she gets an SUV with a gross vehicle weight of 6000 pounds or more, she'd be able to write off the entire purchase price if it's used for business purposes. In that case a Suburban would be a good pick.

wondash

Since she's buying used, I assume that she's not looking to spend a lot. Since she's keeping it for 7 to 10 years, I'm guessing that reliability would be important. Since she's using it for business travel, comfort and good millage would help. Tough to get all this in a SUV. The only think that comes to mind would be a Subaru Forester. It's not exactly the most "Trucky" looking SUV, but it will meet all those requirements. Another good choice would be a Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4-Runner, but both will be more expensive than a Forester.

powerclown

Leather interior (or cloth), rooooomy, sunroof, cruise, heated seats, reliable, 4 wheel drive, power everything, as comfortable as your living room couch. Look around and youll find a decent price as they are popular.

If its too big, look at the Jeep Liberty . Same thing only smaller.

>> More Pics <<

Cycler

My advice would be a 1993-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser. Straight six motor, All wheel drive, good brakes, roomy with an option for third row seating. I am looking for one of these currently so I feel good about recomending them to thers. Also my Dad has a 1994 4-Runner solid as well, just not as big.

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Damnfinn

Thanks all, It's her pick and I'll let read the suggestions, then go look at the options you've supplied.

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Scorps

Ever sense they brought that back I have always wanted one. My buddies GF owns one, and she got it brand-new in 2002 and it still runs like a beauty.

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cr25ovet

ford excursion diesel.

Scorps

This is a woman driving this thing, I just don't see a woman pumping diesel!

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JohnnyRoyale

Toyota 4-Runner. Good gas milage (For an SUV), well built, and if youget all the interior goodies, pretty comfortable too.

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cr25ovet

NOT!!!
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...gm_recall_dc_2

Scorps

Ya well most Ford catch fire, thats not half bad!


and they cought the problem!

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theblackmax455

Hands down Honda Pilot.........My parents have one...........quietest ride of the group, great gas mileage, all the amenities, reliable, easy to maintain.........I test drove a TrailBlazer, Envoy, Pilot, Sequoia, Explorer, and a Grand Cherokee in their hunt, and all three of us were most impressed by the pilot by far.........plus it has a five speed auto tranny, something none of the others have, and a full independent front and rear suspension, so it rides car like, and quietly. Lastly, it is front wheel drive by default, so its much easier to handle than most SUVS when they are in Rear Wheel Drive mode in the snow........trust me

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Qazwsxedc

what about a used MDX.. those things look beautiful outside and in.

DEI37

Seeing as how that story is dated TODAY, and I posted a while back AND stated "what little I knew" I still stand by what I said. I've not heard nor seen anything about the problem. It's apparently fairly minor, and GM is doing things right.

__________________
Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

MSD

Subaru Forester STi

I don't have anything to back this statement up other than something someone told me (seems dubious,) bu tI've been told it can outdo a baseline 911 in 0-60. Not sure when it's coming out, but sounds worth considering.

jay-g

Best bang for your buck? I like the GMC Yukon Denali. Thats my choice.

BoomTruck

It's sort of humorous watching some women trying to hold a fuel nozzle with as few fingers as possible so they don't get diesel on their hands. You'll notice that women (and usually men) who drive diesels on a regular basis have a pair of old work gloves for that purpose.

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Scorps

yup

my dad was a trucker and when we used to go and get fuel every one wears the gloves!

Diesel gets on you it doesn't go away after one shower!

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A.K.A. PainTrain

theblackmax455

Im telling ya if its a woman driving it, the pilot will by far the best......it drives like a car (thanks to fully independent suspension), has the room of an SUV, along with an ample amount of power out of a smaller motor than the others (better gas mileage!!) also, more reliable from what i can tell........its a wonderful car to drive, trust me on this one

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theblackmax455

another useful link would be this one, which is a link to the recall search for all cars from the NHTSA......the Pilot has only one which was fixed for the 2004 model year, while the trailblazer and envoy arent looking so swell........check it out for yourself:

Trailblazer & Envoy (have identical recalls):

Make : CHEVROLET Model : TRAILBLAZER Year : 2003
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 02V222000 Recall Date : AUG 09, 2002
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 133221
Summary:
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Consequence:
PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 02032. ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make : CHEVROLET Model : TRAILBLAZER Year : 2003
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 03V051000 Recall Date : FEB 13, 2003
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL: DRIVER SIDE INFLATOR MODULE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 130
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.
Consequence:
THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 03008. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make : CHEVROLET Model : TRAILBLAZER Year : 2003
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 03V151000 Recall Date : APR 15, 2003
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 44653
Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A LEFT-FRONT BRAKE PIPE WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL SCORE AT A RANDOM LOCATION ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE PIPE AS THE RESULT OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF THE BRAKE PIPE PARTIALLY OR FULLY FRACTURED, BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WOULD IMMEDIATELY INCREASE AND FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE WOULD BE REDUCED.
Consequence:
IF BRAKING PERFORMANCE IS REDUCED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT-FRONT BRAKE PIPE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-8006.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 03025. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make : CHEVROLET Model : TRAILBLAZER Year : 2003
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V046000 Recall Date : FEB 02, 2004
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 581394
Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHER CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR CAN LEAD TO THE CORROSION OF COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MODULE.
Consequence:
DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AND BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 04005. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make : CHEVROLET Model : TRAILBLAZER Year : 2003
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 03V075000 Recall Date : FEB 25, 2003
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 511167
Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, “THEFT PROTECTION.” THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.
Consequence:
THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 03012. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make : CHEVROLET Model : TRAILBLAZER Year : 2003
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 03V250000 Recall Date : JUL 15, 2003
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1707825
Summary:
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, “CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.” THE OWNER’S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
Consequence:
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER’S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 03039. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Honda:

Results : 1 | All records displayed
Make : HONDA Model : PILOT Year : 2003
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 02V226000 Recall Date : AUG 21, 2002
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 17551
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
Consequence:
IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Notes:
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).


You be the judge:

These were pasted directly from the NHTSA website, and i think it seems the Chevy and GMC have safety and reliability probs..........just my two cents

__________________
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amonkie

I'm gonna second a vote for the Suburbans- especially the older. From my experience, the engines just will not die. They're a bit wider and it may take some looking to find one that's been well kept, but the quality of building is in there.

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fnaqzna

I bought an Xterra three years ago. I still love it, but I wouldn't classify it as a mid-size SUV. It's smaller. Same goes for the PassPort (it's an Isuzu Rodeo).

Boo

In Alaska, women pump diesel all the time. Its all geography, weather and personal need.


I suggest a Subaru. Good fuel economy, 4 wd, great ride and dependable. They are used up here to haul dogs too! 2nd choice is a Toyota 4-runner.

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Kurant

It's not called the STi though, I think it's called the Forester S or somthing like that.

It's the STi motor slightly de-tuned and put into a forester. Not quite a baseline 911 0-60, but it's probably pretty close. 0-60 baseline 911 is around 5 seconds, this should be just a smidge higher.

I don't know what kind of prices your talking, but my wife and I just traded in our Silverado for a VW Touareg 2 weeks ago, and let me tell you, this thing is absolutley sweet. I love it. We have a small boat that the V8 pulls just as good as the truck. Air-ride is sweet, interior is awsome. IMO, every bit as nice as the ML350 we looked at, and the X5 is ass IMO compared to this thing.

They have lower priced ones, but I think they start around 32k. Not really sure.

Vaultboy

I'd go for a Subaru as well. You get all the performance of a sportscar, with enough "soft-roading" ability to boot. But as the lady will use it for "Business travel" more than anything else, I'd go for a Legacy Outback. The Outback is a good enough "soft-roader", in case she wants to do a bit of off-roading. No hardcore 4x4 allowed, though.

__________________
"Failing tastes of bile and dog vomit. Pity any man that gets used to that taste."

shakran

if she wants a lot of room and is travelling with a dog, I think she's end up not liking an SUV. They don't have as much room as their size would indicate. Why not look at a conversion van? You can get 'em cheaper than most SUV's, they're much nicer inside, and they have a LOT more room. If you get a ford with the V6 option, you'll get around 600 miles per tank. They're perfect for the long trips.

If she insists on an SUV, I'd look at the Acura MDX.

MrGone

Well here's my experience...

My Dad has an earily 1998 Dodge Durango, bought before any of the local lots had them (had to go out of state and was built for us by the factory). We have zero problems whatso ever with it. We have about 110,000 miles on it, my Dad generally puts alot of miles on cars, but he hasn't been driving it for the last 1.5 years (otherwise it would probably have more like 140-150,000 on it). We could not be happier with it, then again we do a fair ammount of hauling and recreational activities with it. My parents are Divorced and generally at the most its just my sister and I with my dad in it, but having the rear back seat comes in very handy when we bring friends on vacations or events/etc, and when my Dad had his girlfriend and her son. We also bought it because it is based upon a truck frame and drivetrain and that was very important to us because of our recreational activities. However people do claim its a gas guzzler, personally I dont think its that bad, and for the torque we could not be happier (I've pulled out plenty of friends who get stuck off road.... normally I can get away with just using 2wd).

Now my stepdad has a 1999 GMC Surburban. Now IMHO I think a conversion van would have been a better choice since this is pretty much strictly a family hauler. Then again I can understand him not wanting a Van as a daily driver. When we go out as a family its nice because we can all fit in it comfortably (although I like the durango more, I could see my 2 step sisters (younger), or my sister and I getting restless in the back seat. It has decent power, is a gas guzzler, but what do you expect pushing a vechical weighing that much around. IMHO its fun and easy to drive, however you know driving it that your not driving a sports car (the durango does have much better handling characteristics and such). My mom doesn't mind driving the surburban, she doesnt have any problems driving it, but prefers not to just because of its size and such. The reason why I say it would have been better to get a conversion van is because in reality its pretty much the same as teh surburban with out the off-road capability. All of our cars/trucks see plenty of time in the snow, but the surburban never really leaves the streets and such, ie. no 4wheeling. Plus the doors and sheer room a conversion van offers would make long trips abit more fun.

My Mom drives a 1998 Subaru Outback, she loves the thing and it is a good car for her. It's nice because its a good all around car, but sometimes I wish it had more power. Still its great for what it does, sometimes we wish it had a taller 5th gear though on those long trips. It gets good gas mileage, AWD is perfect for ski trips, we've never had to use cables although she always keeps them in the back of the car (lol, even during the summer). The scooby is nice because it does have better than average ground clearance so those deep pothole filled parking lots at the ski slopes arent really ever a problem, and it overall has good control. Would I ever take it off-roading? no, but that isnt why she bought it.


IMHO, if you really arent ever going to be towing trailers or pulling people out, go for a V6 based SUV. Nissan has some really nice ones out, they get good mileage and the reliability is bar none, the engines are awesome (the older VG engine is bullet proof with a huge racing back ground, and the new VQ engine has been on the Wards top 10 engines list for the past 10 years (no other engine has done that IIRC). Both engines are very torquey and offer plenty of power).

I would also stay away from truck frame based SUV's if your mainly looking for a family hauler. It's just overbuilt for your needs. The truck frame based ones are generally stiffer and heavier, meaning longer braking distances, poorer gas mileage, and dont handle as well when compared to their smaller 'car based' counterparts.

Personally I love the Durango, but it might not be the best match for your needs.

__________________
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1968 Mustang Coupe 289ci Auto- Awaits 331 Stroker/T-56/Full Discs/and more.