SUV Recommendation? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

BentNotTwisted · 02-17-2004, 06:46 PM

My wife currently drives an '97 GMC Yukon. It is a decent vehicle, but the maintenance is killing us. We've been averaging close to $200 a month for the last year in repairs and maintenance. We want to get rid of this money pit and get another SUV which is more reliable. To us that translates into something foreign (non-American). We are currently considering the PathFinder, 4 Runner, Morano, or Highlander and want one 2 to 3 years old. We want to stay under $25,000. We might consider American made if we were certain the only money we would have to spend would be on regular maintenance.
Any recommendation?

DEI37 · 02-17-2004, 07:13 PM

I find it amazing that the vehicle is requiring that much maintanence. The Yukon is, in most cases, a very reliable vehicle, with a solid powertrain, and not overly complicated electronics. What kind of problems are you having?

BigGov · 02-17-2004, 07:37 PM

Don't rule out Jeeps, I known many people that have owned Jeeps and only two have had problems with them, and both of the times it was the air conditioner.

cr25ovet · 02-17-2004, 08:00 PM

dodge durango. they that start at about 26000 i believe. and have a 7 year 70000 miles warranty.

BentNotTwisted · 02-17-2004, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DEI37
I find it amazing that the vehicle is requiring that much maintanence. The Yukon is, in most cases, a very reliable vehicle, with a solid powertrain, and not overly complicated electronics. What kind of problems are you having?

Last year, replacement oil seal gasket, replaced the rubber boots around the front axle joints, had something done on the rear axle as well. That's all I can remember off hand.
The truck was reliable up until last year and we don't want to spend another year sinking money into it. I have to admit, it has been driven a lot in the last couple of years. The mileage is roughly 110,000 and I am concerned more problems will occur due to the 'high' mileage.

Edit: maybe some day I will learn how to spell

Tech · 02-18-2004, 06:47 AM

out of what you listed i'd go 4runner

Scorps · 02-18-2004, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BentNotTwisted
My wife currently drives an '97 GMC Yukon. It is a decent vehicle, but the maintenance is killing us. We've been averaging close to $200 a month for the last year in repairs and maintenance. We want to get rid of this money pit and get another SUV which is more reliable. To us that translates into something foreign (non-American). We are currently considering the PathFinder, 4 Runner, Morano, or Highlander and want one 2 to 3 years old. We want to stay under $25,000. We might consider American made if we were certain the only money we would have to spend would be on regular maintenance.
Any recommendation?

I would check out the Nissian Morano or the Mazda Tribute

dimbulb · 02-18-2004, 09:23 AM

How about the Honda Pilot?

Cynthetiq · 02-18-2004, 09:28 AM

IMHO the SUV market total cost of ownership is much higher than a regular car, especially those that are 4WD/AWD.

What's the needs to be met by the new SUV besides the maintenance? Will it ever see anything more than the gravel roads at the flea markets?

Scorps · 02-18-2004, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BentNotTwisted
My wife currently drives an '97 GMC Yukon. It is a decent vehicle, but the maintenance is killing us. We've been averaging close to $200 a month for the last year in repairs and maintenance. We want to get rid of this money pit and get another SUV which is more reliable. To us that translates into something foreign (non-American). We are currently considering the PathFinder, 4 Runner, Morano, or Highlander and want one 2 to 3 years old. We want to stay under $25,000. We might consider American made if we were certain the only money we would have to spend would be on regular maintenance.
Any recommendation?

I would check out the Nissian Moran

Gnzo · 02-18-2004, 10:44 AM

I would first decide if you need the 4x4 capability. If you aren't going to need a lower differential, then out of the vehicles you listed, I would suggest the Highlander. (you won't be able to find a 2 - 3 year old Murano, it hasn't been out that long)

If you are going to be doing some off-road, then my preference would be the 4-Runner, its off-road capabilities are better than the Pathfinder, but I don't think you could go wrong with either.

dimbulb mentioned the Honda Pilot, which would be a nice choice, but it is also new, and you wouldn't be able to find a 2 - 3 year old one.

Scorps · 02-19-2004, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dimbulb
How about the Honda Pilot?

I think that honda looks to much like a box!

and I have never liked Honda's

DEI37 · 02-19-2004, 03:56 PM

I'd look at a TrailBlazer...haven't heard of anything major on that family of SUV's. Remember that Jeeps still use CHrylser transmissions, and are more prone to failure than they should be. I would personally buy a diesel powered Ford Excursion. I don't like Fords, but I love diesels, and big vehicles.

Boo · 02-19-2004, 07:04 PM

Toyota ROCKS, 4runner or rav4. Honda 2nd. The Lexus or Range Rover are worth looking at also.

Nix the Nissan and Montero.

BentNotTwisted · 02-19-2004, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cynthetiq
IMHO the SUV market total cost of ownership is much higher than a regular car, especially those that are 4WD/AWD.

What's the needs to be met by the new SUV besides the maintenance? Will it ever see anything more than the gravel roads at the flea markets?

I have no clue why my wife wants a large SUV. I have a slight idea it has to do with feeling safe if involved in an accident. We used to do some serious off road, but now that we have a two year old we won't be doing that for a long time.

Quote:

Originally posted by Pain Train
I think that honda looks to much like a box!

I feel the same way, we haven't even considered the Pilot due to its boxy look.

Quote:

Originally posted by Boo
Toyota ROCKS, 4runner or rav4. Honda 2nd. The Lexus or Range Rover are worth looking at also.

Nix the Nissan and Montero.

Rav 4 would be way too small. We are looking seriously at a 4 Runner. We will probably test drive one this weekend and we haven't driven a PathFinder yet, so hopefully we will check out one of those as well.

Thanks for all the great input.

THGL · 02-20-2004, 06:17 AM

Consider either a Jeep Cherokee (2001 was last year I think) or a Grand Cherokee. Look for the 4.0L inline 6, it's proven to be a 200k+ mile engine.

cementor · 02-21-2004, 08:56 PM

Spent the day driving new vehicles. Your under 25 K$ may get in your way. Murano is too new and they seemed way expensive for what you get. New Pathfinders are also way out of line, Toyota is much the same to me. Jeep looks like the ticket for me, though the new Mitsubishi Endeavor is still in the running. This is the first model year for the Endeavor and that makes me nervous. Anyone have any experience there to share?

Peryn · 02-21-2004, 11:43 PM

I kinda like the Jeep idea too, but owning one im kinda biased. In the Grand's, the 4.0 is a little underpowered, just not enough for that big of a car, so teh V8 would be the way to go. If you get the Cherokee, that 4.0 is a great engine. They have been using it for a good 40 years now (slight changes to it of course), and is plenty of power for that size/weight car (and it is really light for an SUV ~3300lbs on a 4WD manual). Also will last 200k+ easily. Im at 253k now, with no engine work and still pass smog great.

cj2112 · 02-21-2004, 11:49 PM

Mitsubishi has build quality issues. Choosing from what you listed, I would go w/ a Toyota. They hold their value very well for a reason.

02-22-2004, 02:14 AM

I own a 98 pathfinder with 75000 miles. No major problems yet. knock on wood* I love it! Its very stylish for an suv. i think one of the best looking! so i recommend a pathfinder.

taylorspl · 02-22-2004, 04:45 PM

4 Runner owns you.

taylorspl · 02-22-2004, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cj2112
Mitsubishi has build quality issues. Choosing from what you listed, I would go w/ a Toyota. They hold their value very well for a reason.

Perhaps you could post a link that proves your statement?

Boo · 02-22-2004, 05:03 PM

In my experience, I would rank the vehicles on this order based on reliability, quality and my personal preference.

Toyota
Ford Escape/Explorer/Expedition
Lexus
Land Rover
Subaru (great long life family/recreation suv)

These are all over the streets in Anchorage. Remember that a bad dealer can make for a really bad experience.

firevra · 02-22-2004, 09:29 PM

Don't get a Lexus, they are ALL Toyota's with a L badge. (I'm talking about SUV's here)

Go for a 4Runner, I'm tempted quite a few of my friends with them. Awesome SUV. Lasts forever and it never goes into the shop.

cj2112 · 02-22-2004, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by taylorspl
Perhaps you could post a link that proves your statement?

sure, i probably should have googled this when i oroginally posted, but i didn't. anyhow you asked so here ya go:

http://www.mitsubishisucks.com/issues.html

http://www.mitsubishisucks.com/cars/...tero/2003.html

02-17-2004, 06:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
BentNotTwisted Optimistic Skeptic Location: Midway between a Beehive and Centennial	SUV Recommendation? My wife currently drives an '97 GMC Yukon. It is a decent vehicle, but the maintenance is killing us. We've been averaging close to $200 a month for the last year in repairs and maintenance. We want to get rid of this money pit and get another SUV which is more reliable. To us that translates into something foreign (non-American). We are currently considering the PathFinder, 4 Runner, Morano, or Highlander and want one 2 to 3 years old. We want to stay under $25,000. We might consider American made if we were certain the only money we would have to spend would be on regular maintenance. Any recommendation? __________________ IS THAT IT ???!!! Do you even know what 'it' is? When the last man dies for just words that he said... We Shall Be Free

02-17-2004, 07:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	I find it amazing that the vehicle is requiring that much maintanence. The Yukon is, in most cases, a very reliable vehicle, with a solid powertrain, and not overly complicated electronics. What kind of problems are you having? __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

02-17-2004, 07:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
BigGov WoW or Class... Location: UWW	Don't rule out Jeeps, I known many people that have owned Jeeps and only two have had problems with them, and both of the times it was the air conditioner. __________________ One day an Englishman, a Scotsman, and an Irishman walked into a pub together. They each bought a pint of Guinness. Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy beverage, three flies landed in each of their pints. The Englishman pushed his beer away in disgust. The Scotsman fished the fly out of his beer and continued drinking it, as if nothing had happened. The Irishman, too, picked the fly out of his drink but then held it out over the beer and yelled "SPIT IT OUT, SPIT IT OUT, YOU BASTARD!"

02-18-2004, 06:47 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tech Addict Location: Baltimore MD	out of what you listed i'd go 4runner __________________ -Tim- ~I swear sometimes i feel like i'm married to a child. ~You better watch who you're calling a child, Lois, cause if i'm a child than you know what that makes you? a pedophile. and i'll be damned if i'm going to stand here and be lectured by a pervert.

02-18-2004, 09:28 AM	#9 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	IMHO the SUV market total cost of ownership is much higher than a regular car, especially those that are 4WD/AWD. What's the needs to be met by the new SUV besides the maintenance? Will it ever see anything more than the gravel roads at the flea markets? __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

02-17-2004, 08:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
cr25ovet Tilted	dodge durango. they that start at about 26000 i believe. and have a 7 year 70000 miles warranty.

02-18-2004, 09:23 AM	#8 (permalink)
dimbulb Riiiiight........	How about the Honda Pilot?

02-18-2004, 10:44 AM	#11 (permalink)
Gnzo Insane	I would first decide if you need the 4x4 capability. If you aren't going to need a lower differential, then out of the vehicles you listed, I would suggest the Highlander. (you won't be able to find a 2 - 3 year old Murano, it hasn't been out that long) If you are going to be doing some off-road, then my preference would be the 4-Runner, its off-road capabilities are better than the Pathfinder, but I don't think you could go wrong with either. dimbulb mentioned the Honda Pilot, which would be a nice choice, but it is also new, and you wouldn't be able to find a 2 - 3 year old one. Last edited by Gnzo; 02-18-2004 at 12:45 PM..

02-19-2004, 03:56 PM	#13 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	I'd look at a TrailBlazer...haven't heard of anything major on that family of SUV's. Remember that Jeeps still use CHrylser transmissions, and are more prone to failure than they should be. I would personally buy a diesel powered Ford Excursion. I don't like Fords, but I love diesels, and big vehicles. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

02-19-2004, 07:04 PM	#14 (permalink)
Boo Leave me alone! Location: Alaska, USA	Toyota ROCKS, 4runner or rav4. Honda 2nd. The Lexus or Range Rover are worth looking at also. Nix the Nissan and Montero. __________________ Back button again, I must be getting old.

02-20-2004, 06:17 AM	#16 (permalink)
THGL Psycho Location: Louisville, KY	Consider either a Jeep Cherokee (2001 was last year I think) or a Grand Cherokee. Look for the 4.0L inline 6, it's proven to be a 200k+ mile engine. __________________ "The truth is merely an excuse for lack of imagination." - Garak

02-21-2004, 08:56 PM	#17 (permalink)
cementor Crazy Location: Denver	Spent the day driving new vehicles. Your under 25 K$ may get in your way. Murano is too new and they seemed way expensive for what you get. New Pathfinders are also way out of line, Toyota is much the same to me. Jeep looks like the ticket for me, though the new Mitsubishi Endeavor is still in the running. This is the first model year for the Endeavor and that makes me nervous. Anyone have any experience there to share? __________________ Cementor If I was any better I'd have to be twins!

02-21-2004, 11:43 PM	#18 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	I kinda like the Jeep idea too, but owning one im kinda biased. In the Grand's, the 4.0 is a little underpowered, just not enough for that big of a car, so teh V8 would be the way to go. If you get the Cherokee, that 4.0 is a great engine. They have been using it for a good 40 years now (slight changes to it of course), and is plenty of power for that size/weight car (and it is really light for an SUV ~3300lbs on a 4WD manual). Also will last 200k+ easily. Im at 253k now, with no engine work and still pass smog great. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.

02-21-2004, 11:49 PM	#19 (permalink)
cj2112 Unbelievable Location: Grants Pass OR	Mitsubishi has build quality issues. Choosing from what you listed, I would go w/ a Toyota. They hold their value very well for a reason.

02-22-2004, 02:14 AM	#20 (permalink)
mciprepaid Guest	I own a 98 pathfinder with 75000 miles. No major problems yet. knock on wood* I love it! Its very stylish for an suv. i think one of the best looking! so i recommend a pathfinder.

02-22-2004, 04:45 PM	#21 (permalink)
taylorspl Insane Location: Tucson, AZ	4 Runner owns you.

02-22-2004, 05:03 PM	#23 (permalink)
Boo Leave me alone! Location: Alaska, USA	In my experience, I would rank the vehicles on this order based on reliability, quality and my personal preference. Toyota Ford Escape/Explorer/Expedition Lexus Land Rover Subaru (great long life family/recreation suv) These are all over the streets in Anchorage. Remember that a bad dealer can make for a really bad experience. __________________ Back button again, I must be getting old.

02-22-2004, 09:29 PM	#24 (permalink)
firevra Upright	Don't get a Lexus, they are ALL Toyota's with a L badge. (I'm talking about SUV's here) Go for a 4Runner, I'm tempted quite a few of my friends with them. Awesome SUV. Lasts forever and it never goes into the shop.