Is it worth it to invest in a 8-9 yr old suv, like the one below? Asking $7900 with 120k miles. It looks good to me, but it is a V8, so gas mpg is gonna suck. Anyone have experience with these suv in that body style?

I am also considering a 08 outback LL Bean H6, asking 22k with 40k miles on it.

Which is the better investment?

 

Both of those are very different trucks.

I have never owned one so I cannot say for sure but I have read that the older Explorers are not the best for reliability as they get older. And to me that price seems high.

Do you need a V8?

I have a 2003 Pathfinder SE. Extremely solid truck. It has 103K miles on it and have had no issues with it. You can pick one of those up for about $7K-$8K. You can also look at the 4 Runners.

 

Im with ^^. There are much better, more reliable, cheaper to maintain SUVs in the same price range.

 

Well you wouldn't have the problems of an 8-9 year old SUV if you get the 08 Outback.

But if you decide to go older, I agree with the Pathfinder, 4Runner, or Forester.

 

I like Explorers. But I also have no experience with newer ones. I have a 93 5 speed.

 

I would suggest looking at reviews of this truck as well as other ones on sites like edmunds.com to see what people like and/or hate about it. Typically if you see a pattern of complaints/praises you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

On another note I wouldn't go for the 4runner if you're looking for something roomy. I've looked at those before and they seem to be pretty cramped as far as rear passenger/cargo space are concerned. At least the older ones do. I haven't looked at any later model ones. Also the prices are ridiculous IMO. You can get much more for your money if you go with something else.

 

cars are not investments, well not good ones at least.

but i digress. I'd go with the subaru if you dont need the towing capabilities of the explorer and you dont mind paying more.

 

I forgot. My aunt in NYC has a 2004. It's been mainly problem free for her. Drives it to OH & back several times a year. Been through NYC winters. Only thing to go were the brakes, lines, & the back window shattered one day. Turned out Ford had a recall for that. It's a base V6 though.

 

I would go with the Subaru. I have an 06 Mercury Mountaineer V8 and my mileage is drastically better than the 03 due to a 6-sp tranny instaed of the 5 spd. If you don't need the towing capacity of the V8, get the H6 and talk the guy down some.

 

My dad was always a Ford guy. and my brother has a 2002 Explorer SUV V6 with only 75,000ish miles. He has had no real issues with his.

I can say that some Ford's when they get older have little electrical problems. If you test drive the Ford, check out for little things like the interior lights not turning off when you get out and close the doors, etc. If well maintained, a Ford V8 could last awhile but will sound a bit louder than when it was new.

In the end, I would go with the newer Outback. It'll last you much longer and probably be more headache free, lower maintenance costs.

 

So I went and took a look at a similar outback 08 ll bean (85k miles) at a dealership. The transmission didn't shift as smooth as I would like, I didn't care much for the little instant MPG gauge on the cluster.

Also, how the heck do you change the spark plugs on these engines? At least on the H6, there seems to be no room for the spark plugs to come out? Any one with the H6 flat engine can shed some light?

Anyways, the lady with the Subaru said she would let it go for 21k. Too much?

 

Price seems high.

As for info on the Outback....just search the forums.

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/...trated-guides/

It will really help us to give you more info if you tell us what you are looking for in a truck. These are very different SUV's.

 

Looking at awd or 4x4, 4 doors and priced 15k or under but maybe higher if I really like the vehicle.

Doesn't have to be a truck, just something capable.

 

Expand your search. I would recommend looking at the Pilot or MDX. They are very nice options.

 

I would not consider either (just me).

The Ford has too many miles (most likely in problem territory). I like Subaru and the one you found is too pricey. You can find better and a Certified to boot. My girlfriend bought an 08 Certified Forester with 18k miles for $16k. I know it is an LL Bean edition but 22k????