Ok so the CL is gone as of 2/21 and I'm in the market for a good sized SUV in the 10-13K range - I've been looking at Explorers but am open to other ones,they need to have a decent sized trunk (which is the reason im looking at explorers) - Does anyone have any recommendations for me as far as which is a good/reliable SUV? I can't afford to be fixing it all the time - So I figured atleast some of you guys have first hand knowledge with SUVs and could help me out so give me some advice because I am carless and currently have to drive a mini-van

Thanks!

 

$10-$13K is limiting for a decent suv, are you sure you can't cough up a lil more mel?


and how come u sold your CL?

 

Toyota 4Runners are good, Nissan Pathfinders are good. You could probably find a 95-98 for around that amount.

 

it was originally gonna be what i got for the CL so i did bump it up a little im still in college so i dont want to get in over my head

i sold the CL cause i got a black lab puppy acouple months ago and she is currently 6 months old ad weighs 65lbs so I needed something that she could get into easily and something that would allow me to bring her crate up to my parents summer house


ive been trying to find a 4runner to drive but there doesnt seem to be many used around my house


I miss the Cl but i need to make a couple adjustments for the puppy, although it was sad to see it drive away sat. knowing it was no longer mine

 

The Pathfinder is good, but when something does go, it's $$ to fix. My uncle has a 94 I think, over 150K miles on it. No problems untill recently needed a tranny rebuild. Labor was over $1K cause it's a 4wd.
I had a 94 explorer it was a good truck did what I needed. Just don't get a 5 speed. I needed a new one at 75K miles. The auto's are fine though. Most Toyota's are reliable just a bit expensive. I'd stay away from teh older GMC/Chevy ones. Not very reliable.

 

I don't really want to offend anybody but Explores are shit. Actually, all fords are pretty much shit. Have you driven a Ford lately? Yes, and they were shitty. It's the rare Ford that doesn't have problems! I speak from experience, I've been a Ford guy all my life, I just thought every car needed to be worked on at least once a month! Stupid me! Just so you don't think I'm speaking out of my ass, I've owned the following Fords:

78 Ford Fiesta (My first car)
72 Ford Pinto
78 Ford Pinto wagon
85 Ford Mustang Convert.
93 Ford Ranger
95 Ford Bronco

Talk to your friends that drive Fords, see what kind of problems they've had. Remember, Friends don't let friends drive fords.

You'd me better off looking at a Montero or a Trooper. I know the trooper had issues with rolling over but as long as you don't drive it like a maniac, you should be fine. Anyway, that's my

 

Cars yes, Trucks NO! I've had all trucks, & an Explorer.

 

there is a reason the toyota's are a little more expensive...

wait and find a 4runner or pathfinder/qx4

sometimes the infiniti's can be good deals so keep your eyes peeled

do not buy an american suv that is over 5 years old...that is asking for hidden repair costs

 

Look at the Toyota Highlander. There were a few 01s at the local dealer with 15-16K on them. Prob can bargain a bit. Otherwise, the 4Runner is a great choice. Don't get below 96 tho.

 

98 QX4...excellent truck weak motor, but you won't experience many problems.

I owned one before getting the rattleship gallactica(01ClS). 110,000 troublefree miles.

 

I'd try and find a used Pathfinder in that range. A great car.

 

subaru forester or a used odyssey

both will handle better than an SUV that can carry cargo

 

you sold your cl for a dog?....must be one hell of a dog

 

Forester doesn't have enough cargo room and I'm turning 21 next week so i cant quite see myself in a mini van yet


and njtls2 she is

 

I've been looking for a while and I've noticed that 97-98 4runners go anywhere between $7000-8000. Remember though, that they come with either v6 or i4 engines. I've asked some 4runner owners and they recommended it and edmunds.com had lots of 9s for its rating.

 

its looking like its gonna be a 98 pathfinder....the more i thought about it the more i couldnt bring myself to get a ford, they seem like great trucks but if something goes wrong i dont have the money to fix it so ill play the odds and go with the more reliable one

 

Hey that was my fist car. I was rocking the Champagne fully loaded SE model. Awesome car.

Congrats.

 

get a close to new CR-V.
They just redid the CR-V as of 02 put in the current Accord motor. Unless your going to pull a large boat, or serious off roading I'd look at a late model CR-V. make sure it's a 02,or newer because the older ones(like my sister has a 01) have no balls.
I've rode in the newer styled ones they have enough power for that size of SUV plus it does pretty good on gas

 

I actually gave up my '99 CR-V to get the CL

It was a great small suv but over the summer of '01 i had ACL and meniscus reconstruction and the angle that my leg needed to be at to drive that car killed my knee. I needed something with much more leg room so i got the CL from my mom and she took the CRV

 

Vehicross... one of the coolest looking suv...