I've been looking for a nice, used, reliable SUV for a while now. I need one that can tow 3,500 lbs. comfortably, and without any drama. Also, I don't want overkill, so I think most 6's can handle that.

I'm not sure on whether I want AWD, 4WD, or 2WD. I wanted 2WD for the simplicity and less problematic. But here latley, I have found 4WD/AWD vehicles with very high mileage and seeming to have no problems.

I know that a mid-sized 6 Cylinder SUV isn't going to get 30 mpg, but I'm expecting atleast 20 on the highway.

-Reliable
-Able to tow 3,500 lbs.
-6 Cylinder
-Relatively good gas mileage
-Relatively low price (<11K if possible)

Here lately, I have been looking at 01-04 Jeep Grand Cherokees. I'm leaning towards a 4WD model, and the Inline-6. I found a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD with 82,XXX miles for 9K. Price seemed a little high, but it was workable. It was Silver, with Black interior. Power Leather Seats, Sunroof, PW, PL, PM, MPG Meter, CD-Player, etc. It was also equipped with Quadra-Trac II. I'm not familiar with the Jeep 4WD Systems, so if anyone knows more than me, feel free to share.

I'm just looking for some feedback on this SUV. They are pretty popular, so someone on here has had to have some experience with them. They seem pretty durable, and a couple on the search I did had really high miles. 201K, 182K, 157K, 149K, 120K, etc.

They were asking 9K for the one I looked at, and KBB said Retail with it in Excellent Condition was 11K.

Thanks to anyone who can help! Other SUV recomendations are welcome!

 

Murano?

 

Right on the nose too ... 2009 Murano Specs ... Though older ones may not be able to tow that.

 

The quadra-trac system is basically like an awd. Transfers power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip sort of thing. You can put them in full time 4x4, but they are not very reliable 4x4 systems. The transfer cases are known for needing replacement with as little as 70k miles. The tranny on them is not the best in the world either. Jeeps are nice vehicles, I have had three different jeeps. But they are a victim of technology. The rugged dependability has been replaced with technology. I personally would look elsewhere if you are planning on towing that kinda weight on a regular basis. I just dont think the tranny and transfer case in a quadratrac system would stand it for long.

 

What about the Pilot, MDX, or the new GMC vehicles?

 

you will love a jeep is you get the v8

 

I have a 94 Landcruiser, it won't get near 20 (16 is as good as it gets unloaded) but it has 185k virtually trouble free miles, will go anywhere a wheeled vehicle can reasonably be expected to go and has effortlessly pulled 5k pounds without any issues.

I also have a full time 4x CR-V It gets 30 on the freeway and I have towed 3k.

Jeeps are at heart Chrysler vehicles and imho should be avoided. FWIW the new consumer report car issue says 0% of Chrysler vehicles are recommended.

 

4Runner

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...3A1|240%3A1308

 

This one said Quadra-Trac II. From what I've read, it stays in the 4HI position. It powers the rear wheels, until slip is detected, then power is shifted to the front wheels. It also has a 4LO. This locks all the wheels, and sends equal power to each. So I guess its AWD, but if slip is never detected, its RWD. I never drive hard enough for the wheels to slip. If I do venture off-road, it would be in 4LO. The toughest off-roading it would ever see would be a low traction area. Like, pulling up a wet boat ramp, driving through the yard after a rain, etc. I don't off-road like driving it through thick mud or anthing. It would never get over tire-side-wall-deep. So, I don't think the 4WD system would ever be over-stressed.

The only thing I'll be towing is a 1,500 lb. Jetski. If not towing that, it would be a 6x9 utility trailer with max weight being 3,000 lbs. I don't think my weak numbers will over-stress the transmission or drivetrain at all.

As far as Murano's, I love them. I drove an 04 and it was a beautiful car. It had nice power, starts were kind of sluggish with the CVT though. Which is another thing that worries me. They will not repair a CVT, they replace it as a whole. Also, if you try to go up a steep hill, the CVT locks up to prevent damage. Not a big deal, but the lake we go to, it gets steep going up the mountain. I wouldn't want the extra 1,500 lbs. to trigger the CVT to shut down mid-way up. Also, I can't find one for under 11K with under 80,000 miles. Let alone one in the color I want, along with leather upholstery.

I also looked at an 01 Toyota Highlander. It was a 3.0L V6 and 4A/T. It drove excellent and was really clean. Loaded the way I wanted it, but wasn't sure about the towing. I don't know if the 3.0L could handle the occasional 3,000 lbs. And every one that I see around doing very light towing, is squatting. I hate that.

The Highlander may be the best choice for me in the long run. But its just something about a Jeep Grand Cherokee that I like. It looks tough, unlike the Highlander.

 

Pathfinder or 4Runner?

 

both the first and second generation Murano have a 3,500lb tow capacity.

 

Honda Pilot

 

A Hemi V8 Dodge Magnum probably goes for less than $11K, will be really new, has a rear hatch access like an SUV, and definitely tow more than 3,500-pounds. Although, it may not have the prestige of MDX...

 

The Magnum does not have the prestige of the Honda Pilot neither.

 

The lower the price, the better. But I do want something reliable, but having no payment is great!

I found a 96? GMC Yukon XL. It has like 100,000K on it, but its 4WD with a big winch on the front. Old man had it, used it to tow his camper. Its really clean, and two-tone Silver and Black. Didn't drive it or anything, just looked at the outside. If I can get it for like $2,000, I might just do that. Then get something newer later and keep the Yukon for a work truck.

But, the man passed away, and his wife doesn't know if she wants to sell it or give it to her son. So, I'm still looking in the mean time.

Also, I found a 2005 Nissan Murano S that was selling for like $5,000. It said low-mileage, but was kind of scared because of the low price. It was gone in no time. Then, I found a 2005 Volvo XC90 2.5T selling for like $4,800. Again, I was scared because of the really low cost. The Volvo had 55,000K on it, and was loaded with all of the options.

So, here is my quick list of prospect SUV's.

1. 01-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4
2. 03-05 Nissan Murano 2WD
3. 01-03 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD
4. 01-02 Toyota 4Runner Limited
5. Any others?

Also, this is the reason I need a SUV. I used to pull my jetski with this Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4WD, but I sold it. I liked the truck, but gas mileage sucked for a V6 that was slow and underpowered. Like the best average was 17.

 

I have never really liked the Pilot. I don't like the looks, don't like the interior, I just don't like it. It looks

 

Here are some better pictures. Small pictures FTL.

 

I would love to have this in my driveway:

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

A little more than I wanted to pay, but the mileage is lower. I really wanted leather, because the seats don't get stained. The sunroof is an added bonus because it was number 2 on my options priority list.

Now, if I could get it for 12K......

 

I wish I had the Murano GT-C. Be that as it may, we just returned our Murano to Nissan (lease expiration) and in hindsight (after 42 months), it was the best car we've ever "owned." Quite simply it does EVERYTHING just right.

 

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1100033837.html

This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for if I get a Jeep GC. I don't have time to drive to Dallas this week... It will be gone after 3 days.

 

I had a Jeep Cherokee then a Grand Cherokee, they both sucked. The ride is crap, they are really small inside and the gas mileage is awful with the six, equal with the v8. I think I got 12-14 around town. The build quality is poor and the realiability is nothing to write home about. It may run for a long time, just not very well. They are however good looking.

Do some research before you buy based on looks and price. There are good reasons why jeeps are so cheap. as already mentioned, Consumer Reports does not recommend one Chrysler product. Let us know what you decide.

 

how about a 4 door Chevy/GMC s-10?

 

cherokee

 

Wifey drives a 04 Highlander Ltd w/ 3.3l 6- It'll tow 3,500 lbs but I imagine it will squat pretty heavily - we've used it to tow a jetski, no problems whatsover. Its pretty boring, but to this day, w/ 60,000 miles on it we have had zero problems- as a matter of fact the only issue ever has been when I knocked a piece of trim off, which just popped back on.

It gets reasonable mileage, looks good, has decent pickup and works as it should. the only issue is that all the local toyota dealers are useless, but since we don't need to see them often, its not an issue. I'd buy another in a heartbeat

 

Used to have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited fully loaded with the nice H.O V8 (265hp, 325lbs tq)

 

I looked at some more Highlanders, but they are all expensive with high miles.

I also found another Toyota I liked... 2001 4Runner SR-5 2WD. It had all the normals, like PW, PL, etc. It also had a sunroof, which was a plus, just didn't have leather. I can live without it for the right price. I know these 4Runners last forever. My mom had one in like 2000 and it was a great truck. I don't know about the gas mileage though... 64,000 miles, selling for $7,800. I thought it was a good deal.

Another Toyota product I liked, Lexus RX300. They have a unique look, but with a few small mods they look great. I hate the two-tone paint that is on almost every one I find. Same goes for the greenish looking window tint. I'm assuming its window tint? That would have to be removed ASAP. Same 3.0L, 4A/T that was in the early Highlanders. Towing capacity is 3,500lbs. which is good. The only thing is they look kind of small. Back seat looks plenty big, but rear cargo capacity suffers. Dash layout is nice, with nice materials. Reliability on them according to CR is excellent and was a "best bet."

Anyone have any input on RX300s?

 

The RX is a good, reliable truck. But the storage space is seriously lacking. If you can get something under book, you'll be in good shape. But also consider if you will go off road with it. If not, then it's fine.

If off road prowess is needed, then a Jeep Grand Cherokee may be what you need.

 

Pathfinder. Murano is nice but you won't get one at less than $11K

My Pathfinder has about 77K miles on it, it's worth less than $10K. Leather seats and sunroof. You can definitely find good deals on them. Towing capacity is up to 5000 lbs.

 

If this really is a concern, I'd strike the Jeep from the list. I've known several people with Jeeps (different models, different years), and not one of them has ever had anything resembling reliability from them.

Stick with the imports (Highlander, Pathfinder, Murano, Pilot, 4Runner)

 

I think the only ones in the price range are the 4-Runner and Pathfinder.

 

Q5/7? Gorgeous SUV's.

 

Yep....they are beautiful. But the price tag is around $11K.

 

yes, I didnt see the 11K price limit. Used Toureg? They are also mint lookin SUV's.

 

I like them, but I think the upkeep is a lot and they are still too expensive.

 

Well it is a european auto.... They tend to be more pricey but you tend to get more out of em too.

 

I'd stay away from the Jeep. Chrysler transmissions are not very reliable.

 

The 5 speeds are bulletproof. Its only the auto's that tend to have problems.

 

Yeah, I am going by experience with the autos.

 

Audi Q5!!!