looking for a good 23K midsized SUV - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

dtheriault · 04-01-2005, 12:31 AM

1st- why the SUV?
me: i miss sitting up high in traffic. i had a vw bus forever.
her: wants something to haul stuff (gardening/furniture) and to be safe, i know SUVs aren't safer handling, but everyone has a large SUV or truck where we live and the thought of an Escalade plowing into my kid and wife in her 96 civic make me shudder.

Neither of us want a truck or minivan: and yes we won't be 4 wheeling much. We tend to keep our cars forever- i'm currently driving a 1987 mercedes 300.

I don't want to buy american nor do i want a RAV4 or CRV. my wife really wants the honda pilot, but I want something that will handle well and perhaps be fun to drive. here's our 4 choices.

2003 Pilot
2002 Pathfinder (i like that i can find one for around 18k)
2005 Xterra (would love to try that new 265hp engine)
2001 Lexus

We would both like to buy the new Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but 35K is a bit much for us. (I teach and she only works 1/2 time)

nowthen · 04-01-2005, 07:39 AM

ive got a 2000 pathfinder which i have had for a year, my friend also has had a 2004 model for the last year. they have both been excellent vehicles. recommended. no problems whatsoever, very good ride (almost car like) on the highway, but can also handle the rough stuff if needed.

TheOtherDave™ · 04-04-2005, 04:39 PM

The Pathfinder is switching to an all new platform this year. You may be able to find discounts on the outgoing model at the dealer.

Otherwise, the Pilot gets my recommendation. It's big enough to do jobs the RAV4 and CR-V can't, but at the same time, it is a reasonable size, resonable weight and moderate displacement. And being a Honda, you can bank on its reliability.

04-01-2005, 12:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
dtheriault Psycho Location: maybe utah	looking for a good 23K midsized SUV 1st- why the SUV? me: i miss sitting up high in traffic. i had a vw bus forever. her: wants something to haul stuff (gardening/furniture) and to be safe, i know SUVs aren't safer handling, but everyone has a large SUV or truck where we live and the thought of an Escalade plowing into my kid and wife in her 96 civic make me shudder. Neither of us want a truck or minivan: and yes we won't be 4 wheeling much. We tend to keep our cars forever- i'm currently driving a 1987 mercedes 300. I don't want to buy american nor do i want a RAV4 or CRV. my wife really wants the honda pilot, but I want something that will handle well and perhaps be fun to drive. here's our 4 choices. 2003 Pilot 2002 Pathfinder (i like that i can find one for around 18k) 2005 Xterra (would love to try that new 265hp engine) 2001 Lexus We would both like to buy the new Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but 35K is a bit much for us. (I teach and she only works 1/2 time) __________________ "Remember, it takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen." -Homer Unless you are the freakin Highlander, what is the point in learning how to fight with a sword?

04-01-2005, 07:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
nowthen Insane Location: Republic of Panama	ive got a 2000 pathfinder which i have had for a year, my friend also has had a 2004 model for the last year. they have both been excellent vehicles. recommended. no problems whatsoever, very good ride (almost car like) on the highway, but can also handle the rough stuff if needed. __________________ "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them." George Bernard Shaw

04-04-2005, 04:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
TheOtherDave™ Upright Location: The Left Lane	The Pathfinder is switching to an all new platform this year. You may be able to find discounts on the outgoing model at the dealer. Otherwise, the Pilot gets my recommendation. It's big enough to do jobs the RAV4 and CR-V can't, but at the same time, it is a reasonable size, resonable weight and moderate displacement. And being a Honda, you can bank on its reliability.