Buying an SUV

“I used to have a '72 Jeep Commando. Bought it in '75 after I got orders to Alaska. Very few were ever made. Anyone else ever had one?”

“Scorchie needs a car, not a mud monster.

Is the Commando the long-body Jeep?”

“No, it's a short body with a metal hard top roof. The roof and 3 seats were easily removable with easily accesible bolts. I used to think it was cute to remove the top, all seats and drive around the back yards all hunched over. A little bit of alcohol may have been involved.”

“just bought ANOTHER jeep. liberty.Bite the bullit and git the all around best of the world. 20k loaded. Ye ha!”

“Here are all the specs and info on the RAV4.

http://www.carsmart.com/content/research/vir/index.cfm/vehicle_number_int/1016084/Action/Summary

Here is a site for pricing information:

http://www.edmunds.com/”

“OMG, YO BEAR!”

“Ah yes the last TANGO in Paris! Hey girl.”

“My 1995 Suzuki Sidekick is still going strong with 160,000 miles. I miss the great gas mileage. I think Sidekick was replaced by the Vitara.

I have a Nissan Xterra and love it. Like someone said before, it's got a truck body. I almost didn't go with Xterra because the web said it didn't come in a standard, but it does.

When I was looking for a buggy a year ago, there was a thread with a bunch of good info.

I also used a comparison guide on the web that detailed out each vehicle on the market. The only vehicle I ever test drive is the one I've already decided I'm buying before I even go to the dealership. I just use the dealer to get the buggy I want, and call ahead to make sure they have the color I want.

Good luck!
last edited: 1/23/05 11:07:56 AM”

“Overall I am pleased with my RAV. I was going to say that Wolfeyes bought one also. I'm surprised at Wolfeyes insurance. I thought by living in Gary that my rates would be higher than most. I have full coverage and pay $86/month. (Progressive)

On my RAV I went with the sport upgrade option. I know it's cosmetic, but I like the nicer looking luggage racks and the running boards.

My rear door has been damaged due to someone opening it in high wind. It bent backward too far. I haven't even looked at what it will cost to repair. Frankly, I'm afraid to. Not only was the door dent and damaged, but also the passenger side rear panel. And there are squeaks now where I never had any before.

If I remember correctly, the RAV has a car chassis, so the ride is quite smooth for an SUV. The ride could be quieter though. I've been unhappy with the paint quality. I have found that it scratches far too easily in my opinion.

I haven't gone to trailheads that are hardcore offroad, so that has not been an issue for me. As long as I live where I do, that probably won't be. The very occasional time where I will want to access that kind of TH, I will catch a ride with someone else. I have taken it down forest service dirt roads and had no problems. Just don't drive like a bat outta hell.

All in all though, a good vehicle.”

“I think the CR-V and RAV4 are too small for what I'm looking for, thus eliminating Honda and Toyota. It seems that the Escape/Tribute, Liberty, and GM's (Equinox/Vue/Rendezvous) are slightly bigger.

One of my primary objectives in getting a new truck is to get a bit higher off the ground (for those USFS forest roads, etc.). Subaru doesn't seem to make any of their cars with a higher ground clearance, so they're eliminated.

Personally, I really like the Vue (Saturn), and it has very high ratings, but alas GM does not offer any of their SUV's in 5 speed, which kinda breaks the deal for me. I get bored with an automatic.

The up and coming 2005 Xterras (Nissan) are looking really sweet, especially with the new 6-speed manual option [pause here to drool]. But unfortunately, with the base model upgraded to a gas-guzzling 6 cyllinder engine, the 2005 Xterras are now way out of my price range. And, I can't seem to find any leftover 2004s with a 5-speed and the options I want. So, alas Nissan is eliminated.

Everyone that I know that has driven some sort of Chrysler vehicle (including myself) has had it die at just over 100,000 miles, which, to me is absolutely unacceptable these days. That coupled with the fact that the Liberty looks just plain fugly, Jeep is out.

So that leaves me with Ford Escape. Am I happy about that? I'm not sure, as I've heard Fords have had similar problems to Chryslers. But my grandfather's 1995 Ford Taurus has over 150k on it and runs great, and he's never had any major repairs done. Also, the Escape is actually a Mazda Tribute from the pre-Ford days, that is just dressed up as a Ford. The rather skimpy 36/36 warranty that Ford offers is also kind of disturbing, but Ford sells extended warranties for not too expensive, which I can buy later as the car approaches 36k. However, the 2005 Escape is rated 9.2 out of ten by Edmunds, and receives a lot of praise from reviewers such as Kelly's and New Car Test Drive.com

So it looks like I'm going to be going with the Escape. Of course, that is pending that I can get enough trade-in on my car to cover the balance of the loan...

Vee shall see...”

“My Elantra has 95k on it now and it's never been in the shop...you ever consider the Santa Fe or the smaller cheaper Tucson?”

“And the $2000 rebate that Ford has on all the Escapes until the end of March had something to do with that decision, too. ”

“Birch and I both drive Jeep Cherokees. I love them, they last forever with their straight six engine. They aren't the mostenvironmentally friendly emissions wise though. They are great vehicles if you don't need alot of frills and don't mind a slightly bumpy ride.

My mom leased an escape last year and it was really nice. When it's time for me to pass my jeep down to Birch and look at a new, used car I'm thinking of an escape. Maybe even a hybrid, depending on availability of 4WD on them.”

“Here is the safety rating on the new escapes:

http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0413.htm


OVERALL EVALUATION: ACCEPTABLE

STRUCTURE/SAFETY CAGE: ACCEPTABLE There was moderate intrusion into the driver footwell area and minimal rearward movement of the instrument panel.

RESTRAINTS/DUMMY KINEMATICS: GOOD Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the B-pillar and roof rail.

INJURY MEASURES: RIGHT LEG/FOOT POOR Measures taken from the head and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions. However, forces on the right tibia and both feet indicate the likelihood of lower leg injuries and the possibility of foot injuries. Forces on the neck indicate the possibility of neck injury. Head acceleration from the B-pillar/roof rail hit was low.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES:

Rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of an impending rollover (included with optional side curtain airbags)
Antilock brakes
last edited: 1/23/05 12:05:12 PM”

“Ok, so I just looked at Hyundai Tuscon, since I apparently totally forgot about that, and here's the key comparisons I got compared to Escape:

Ground clearance is about even, so that's fine.

Escape has about 10 cu ft more cargo space in the trunk when the back seats are up, though they are both even with the seats folded.

Leg room and headroom in the seats are about even (so I don't know how Tuscon picks up those extra 10 cu ft when the seats come down).

Both offer manual transmission (5 speed) with automatic AWD systems. The Ford's 2.3 liter engine seems to have about 20 HP more power than the Tucson's 2.0 liter engine. Gas mileage is about the same.

The Escape has the capability of towing up to 1500 lbs. I don't see any kind of towing rating for the Tuscon.

The Tuscon's powertrain is covered for 120/100, while the Escape's is only 36/36

The Escape has a $2000 rebate thru the end of March; the Tuscon has no promotions at all right now.

I don't know. It's a toss-up. The Tuscon's warranty is a big player, but all the other comparisons point to the Escape...”

“Are you going to get a hybrid? If you do there is still a $2000.00 tax break. It goes onto the end of this year, then drops down to $500.00”

“I bought my Elantra soley because of the warranty...but a lot of good that did...it's never needed service ever and I doubt it will until well after 100k.”

“We have a Subaru Forester and love it...

I test-drove many different SUVs/ Pickups over a year period and wound up going with the Subaru.

I would atleast drive it and push the peddle all the way down to see how much ooomph they have!”

“No more Element huh? I gotta tell ya, as you know, I have had the Explorer Sport for about 4 years. It has gotten me through the worst of storms with no problems. Holds lots of gear, and makes a nice trail head tent as well. The extended warrenty is well worth it. I also looked at the Escape before the Explorer, but it was too small for my needs. Very nice though. Ford..Ford..Ford!”

“Another 5000 miles and my Subaru will hit 300,000. Just remember 4 wheel drive doesn't mean 4 wheel stop. During my commutes to and from work I see far more SUVs that have spun off the road than any other type of vehicle.”

“I'm still leaning toward the Ford side right now, mainly because of the $2000 rebate they're having now. That seems to be the key thing making it very affordable as compared to everything else. Of course, the whole thing is contingent on whether I can get enough trade-in on my VW to cover it's loan. Haven't talked to anyone about that yet...

I also realize that 4 wheel drive isn't 4 wheel stop, but hey, if it'll help me to keep from getting stuck in the snow/mud/whatever, then I'm all for it.”

“Oh and I looked at the hybrid, and while it looks real good, I decided against it for 2 reasons:

1. 2005 is Ford's first model year with any type of hybrid vehicles. In the past, experience has taught me to steer clear of first-generation technologies, especially from a company like Ford, who has been notorious for having QA issues in the past.

2. With a base price of over $27k, the hybrid Escape is way out of my price range. I'm looking for a truck that runs about $20k or best offer downwards. So far, I've got an Escape quote for about $17,5...”

“Scorchfire, have you decided which SUV you are getting, so you can go to the party?”

“My mother has a 2002 V-6 Escape. She already has 100,000 miles on it and has only had to change the tires. She is averaging right in the low 20's for mpg. Also she got sunroof, 6 disc in dash CD and leather all for about $24,000. Her's was a first gen for a ford. Also my sister drives a Countor with 180,000 and the door shut like it is brand new. And dispite the normal ware and tear has had little go wrong with it.

I myself went with the Explorer and its my 4th I've owned driving my past 3 well into the 100,000 mile mark with little trouble.

Basicly though any car / SUV you pick up today is pretty good and every car company can spit out a few lemons just my family has had pretty good luck with Ford's.

Also PhantomSoul you could take that $2000 rebate and get extended coverage on and Escape. I got lucky and when I got my Explorer it was 0% intrest and came with a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Good luck in whatever you choose.”

“Are they going to make a 2005 X-Terra? All I can find are 2004.”

“I am a service mgr for a chevrolet dealer and i drive a Nissan Xterra. Enough said.”

“How does the X-terra ride. Even the salesman said it was a rough ride, but I did not have time for a test drive. I will do that tomorrow.

The X-Terra engine, ground clearance, and Nissan reputation for quality are beginning to sway me.”

“It is a rough ride. quality - perfect. not 1 warranty repair in 2 years, 31,000 miles.
Take it from a guy who understands what that means. This thing doesnt let you down.
I did get different tires. the factory ones suck.”

“all SUVs have a somewhat rough ride and are noisy - never been an issue for me, as I'm looking for what my buggy can do, not how comfy the ride is. Everyone who's been in my truck loves it. It sleeps 2 or 3 with the back folded down. Holds 3 people, three sleds and winter gear for 5 days. It's higher than my last SUV so I can't exactly "throw" the kayaks on top anymore, but I manage.
AND - I didn't have to shovel the 3 ft bank at the end of my driveway today. Once in 4WD it's like a tank.”

“didn't mean to repeat myself...LOL
last edited: 1/23/05 4:54:37 PM”

“"Are they going to make a 2005 X-Terra? All I can find are 2004."
-bbw

You have to look in the "future vehicles" section of their website. It's not out yet, but the redesigned 2005 Xterras are scheduled to drop sometime next month...”

“yea, they aren't up on the website yet. i called and asked if they were making 2005s becuase i was having the same problem of not being able to find them.

Of course, that is pending that I can get enough trade-in on my car to cover the balance of the loan...

that's exactly my problem. i may wind up getting a leftover Rav4 from 2004 if i can't afford a 2005. no big deal. will be looking this weekend.”

“you can actually get some pretty good deals on 04's right now. You might actually consider sticking with an 04, as I never really trust buying the first line of a new production run. Even with all the testing they do there are bound to be design flaws that aren't appearent in the tests done. It takes months of people using and abusing the car/truck in every imaginable way for some problems to creep up. So since the 04 "version" has been around a while, they've had a chance to iron out the bugs.”

“I have to tell ya that after driving a Jeep for nearly 10 years now there has never been a single time when I could say, "Boy, good thing I have 4 wheel drive or I'd have never made it to the trailhead.". Yes, it is nice to have 4 wheel drive when the snow comes but there's only once when I would not have been able to get on the road.

Over the years the savings in gas and insurance payments would have outweighed the usefullness of 4 wheel drive.”

“I have to admit I am fond of the Element..but, until I find EXACTALLY what I want, and can afford, I will continue to drive my poor Saturn like it's a 4X4 and keep my fingers crossed..LOL..”

“That is a good point Nigal. I've seen a lot of 2-wheel drive vehicles get into places one would think that 4-wheel drive would have been necessary. I’ve also seen a lot of 4-wheel dives get stuck in the winter time that the tow truck driver basically told the own that they would have to wait until spring.”

“I use 4WD to get out of my driveway, get to the end of my road, and sometimes even to drive to work. I often use it exploring or just getting to the trailhead. But this is Maine and backwoods roads abound. And sometimes finding the trailhead is like solving a really cool puzzle.

Front wheel drive gets me out of the driveway and up my road. Rear wheel drive is useless to me. Assuming I've shovelled well (which I normally do) I still have to back down a hill and at least halfway up another to get out of my road. And it's a very well maintained public road.

Scorch if you're looking to make the most of your current vehicle, don't trade, do a private sale.”

“just read your post lumberzac - if a tow truck guy ever told me that, I'd find someone with a come along and more experience. Course, anyplace I'd be stuck with 4WD, calling a tow truck would be about impossible.”

“Ok, I've read enough about Toyotas and Hondas. Support an American Company and look closely at a Saturn Vue Scorchie.
http://www.saturn.com/saturn/index.jsp?nav=1&flashOK=yes
They come in AWD v-6's and Automatic and Manual 4 cylinders. We still actually make the 4 Cylinder here at Spring Hill and they are very strong engines. Employees also get 2 Friends and Families discounts a month and if you drop me a line I'll send you a certificate if you are serious. Help out a fellow TTer and support American made products. We have one of the highest American content made vehicles available. BTW I have family that work at Nissan and they buy our products also!”

“BTW, I drive a 2000 Chevy Blazer 4X4 2 door. I got it before we had the VUE come out. I will probably keep it till it stops. It gets decent mileage (17-19 mpg) and goes anywhere I want, fishing, hiking, hunting, etc. Currently it is away at college with my son in Louisville, KY till I find him a VUE or a regular 4X4 to get around in the snow.”

““just read your post lumberzac - if a tow truck guy ever told me that, I'd find someone with a come along and more experience. Course, anyplace I'd be stuck with 4WD, calling a tow truck would be about impossible.”
twigeater
7:34:47 PM
1/23/05
ignore this user

The tow truck guy was a family friend. He The tow truck guy was a family friend. He told us about this one call he got where someone with a 4x4 was driving way too fast for the road conditions and skidded so far of the road that the winch cable on the tow truck wouldn't reach the car. It was a good lesson demonstrating that 4-wheel drive is good at getting you unstuck, but you still have to drive carefully in winter conditions.”

“I saw the 2005 X-Terra on the web and it looks nice. It now comes with a 4 liter 6 cylinder engine.”

“I will stick with my 99 Jeep Cherokee. I have heard bad reports on its replacement the Jeep Liberty.”

“When I lived in Vermont I actually had a use for four-wheel drive.

We had a '89 Bronco and where we lived four-wheel wasn't alway enough.

I got real good at putting on and taking off chains, sometimes front and sometimes rear.

I had chains on all four wheels of the plow truck.”

“I doubt if Scorch is planning to go where some of y'all go.

She's an urban chica.”

“so why get an SUV?”

“They are roomier than small cars.

I had a Ford Escape with front drive, 2.0, five-speed.......28 mpg.

It is a decent cheap car and one of the only cars that will fit my arse comfortably......and my three six-foot-plus boys.

The few times I could have used 4WD I got along fine with chains on the front.

Otherwise, I'm an urban fool too.....and quite urbane as well...>8^P”

“They are roomier than small cars.

I disagree...I could put more in my short Dodge Colt wagon than in my small SUV. More comfortable ride and still had 4WD.”

“I found the perfect vehicle for Scorchy.



http://www.internationaldelivers.com/site_layout/severe/cxt.asp”

“twigeater dear, I'm a bit taller than you are.

I don't care where you could fit more of your stuff.

I could fit more of my arse in said car.

I should know what freakin' car I will fit into comfortably!

The Escape is roomier than the ones I tried.
It is one car where my forehead does not dang near touch the windshield.

Also, there is the matter of getting in and out of the stupid car.

Also, how the hell would you know?
last edited: 1/24/05 8:30:45 AM”