Lethal SUV choices

[lethal]

So my car's starting to break down and my insurance is getting cancelled on 2/15 (long story, but it wasn't due to bad driving or anything like that)...I'm tired of driving through snow and ice in a compact American coupe, so I think I want to cash out of my 401k and but a used SUV. I'm thinking of a 4Runner or Pathfinder circa 97-99...keep it in the 15K range.

What do you guys think...any positive or negative reviews of these SUVs? Or maybe there's something else that would be better for that price range?

I want something that can move people and stuff but also be comfortable as an everyday driving vehicle and that's not impossible to park. Also I was looking at a mid-size SUV, not a compact. I've heard bad things about the Passport/Rodeo.

Any thoughts (besides SUVs suck)?

[wylin]

i'd buy a mid sized sedan maybe a used 2.8 or 1.8t audi A4 Quattro (1996-1998) its AWD and has the ground clearence and functionality of the SUV w/o the fuel economy hit and can be found in sedan and wagon forms. Another good car in ur price range is a used infiniti Q45 1999 model its about 16-17k a lil high but its a big luxo sedan and has sum pimp factor cuz ur a young guy. another solid choice would be a used Toyota Camry or Accord but i'd rather swing for a Q45.

Heres a Quattro i found in socal. 1998 Audi A4 Quattro (awd model) 44k miles, pearl white, sport package, w/ a 5 speed manual, $15,000.

[537]

Cashing out one's 401k for a used SUV is (in my opinion) never a good idea.

There are a lot of different 4WD vehicles out there for sale. If ice and snow are what you need this vehicle to traverse, I would go with a Subaru (all models are AWD) or an Audi (Quattro, like wylin suggested). If you feel daring you can even go with an AWD Eclipse (GSX). I'd even look around for a 4WD Toyota pickup.

[wylin]

eclipse is junk though why spend 9k on a crank walker. I'd just get a moderate mileage 2.8 liter 1996 A4 i found them for around 12k. The problem w/ SUV's is that their awd is only useable at bellow 25mph speeds negating the safety of a true full time AWD. but if u got ur heart set on one may i suggest a nice Isuzu Rodeo/ honda pass port those things have shit resale but are relatively reliable.

[537]

I did mention if he felt daring [enough to gamble on a non-crankwalking engine] to go with an AWD [second-gen] Eclipse. But I wouldn't go far as to say the Eclipse is junk. The first-gen Eclipses also do not get plagued by crank-walk, wylin!!!

FEH!!!!11 http://www.iratenet.com/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/fuckyou.gif



:lol:

[karizma]

i have no advice to offer except...the 4runner is pimp hahaa...it looks goood =)

the inifiniti QX4 aint bad either.


http://www.infiniti.com/m/cma/i/gal/gal_qx4_lrg02.jpg

see? haha i dont think its around 15k though =/

umm...good luck?! haha

[ren28]

The SUV that just left the compactor sounds good. :lol:

How about a Subaru? Those have less weight and stop better than most SUV's would. They don't have a jacked up center of gravity. AWD too. I assume you need the room so how about these: Forester, Outback

[dru]

be a big truck drive. get a used tacoma 4x4.

[mrazntre]

Originally posted by dru@Jan 2 2003, 03:07 AM
be a big truck drive. get a used tacoma 4x4.
? tacoma 4x4 is a big truck ?

f350 duallie 4x4. raised...

now that's a big truck

[lethal]

I gotta be able to tow either a car or a trailer as well, so no sedans and no compact SUVs. Also have to be able to hold more than 2 people comfortably, so no compact pickups. I don't think I'm much of a pick-up guy...I don't need to haul stuff in the bed like mulch or topsoil...mostly carry furniture...move stuff around.

karizma: the Pathfinder is the twin of the QX4, jut not as nice.

wylin: the Passport/Rode is reliable? I've heard otherwise...was wondering if you had heard otherwise.

[wylin]

i hear their pretty reliable from honda service techs (passport) but they hate getting parts for them since their not typical honda parts.

[wylin]

Originally posted by lethalweapon@Jan 2 2003, 11:28 AM
I gotta be able to tow either a car or a trailer as well, so no sedans and no compact SUVs. Also have to be able to hold more than 2 people comfortably, so no compact pickups. I don't think I'm much of a pick-up guy...I don't need to haul stuff in the bed like mulch or topsoil...mostly carry furniture...move stuff around.

karizma: the Pathfinder is the twin of the QX4, jut not as nice.

wylin: the Passport/Rode is reliable? I've heard otherwise...was wondering if you had heard otherwise.
How bout a Jeep Grand Cherokee or our ever flipable ford exploror!

[mrazntre]

Originally posted by lethalweapon@Jan 2 2003, 07:28 PM
I gotta be able to tow either a car or a trailer as well, so no sedans and no compact SUVs. Also have to be able to hold more than 2 people comfortably, so no compact pickups. I don't think I'm much of a pick-up guy...I don't need to haul stuff in the bed like mulch or topsoil...mostly carry furniture...move stuff around.

karizma: the Pathfinder is the twin of the QX4, jut not as nice.

wylin: the Passport/Rode is reliable? I've heard otherwise...was wondering if you had heard otherwise.
suburban 2500