I'm finally saying goodbye to my 98 tl 2.5.. I'm currently in the process in trading it in because the wife wants an suv this time because we have 2 children and the tl just isn't helping. I test drove about 5 cars today, and the one i liked the most was and 2003 Honda pilot. I really don't wanna spend no more than 10-12k on a car right now because that's i can afford at this time. The pilot has about 98k miles and its going for 10k. I did my research online and what you know, there's an major transmission problems with 2001 to 2005 i belive with the pilots. I also drove an 2005 chevy equinox but that has about 98k miles and for 10k..im not to big on american suvs but if i see the honda's and acura still having transmission problems then i minus well go with american..Tell me what you guys think is an good buy for a suv for under 10-12k range

 

The 5AT on that vintage Honda was a complete pile of dogshit. Unfortunately, they never completely fixed it as far as I know. They just replaced them with another 5AT that was a pile of shit in the same way.

But, that said, I agree with you about the Equinox. Not sure how good that is ...

It's not luxurious but a Nissan Xterra would probably fit in your price range and even if it has a little more mileage it should go forever.

 

what drew my attention about the pilot, is that it has second row seating and a flip down dvd player..but after doing some google search online I don't think ima get the pilot now..I do not want another headache of spending countless money on a used car. I need something affordable and dependable ya know

 

Right ... You can probably find a 2002 Xterra SE with 80k miles or so for under $10k.

 

alright ima give that a shot..thanks for the help bro

 

Honda CRV?

 

Have you checked out the Mazda Tribute? We have an 04 and let me tell you, we have had zero problem with it in 6 years. It doesn't even rattle.

 

My wife's 2003 Pilot has been trouble-free with 155K miles. Two problems, right headlight fogging over and one power window motor failed. Transmission had the counter-shaft oil bypass recall. I know plenty of 2G TL owners with 5AT failures but no Pilot owners we know none have had any transmission problems what so ever.

Overall our Pilot has one of the best vehicles we ever owned. Extremely versatile with the 2nd and 3rd row seats. Research Consumers Report for reliability but my guess is maybe the Pilot's transmission manufacturing problems were different than the Accord/TL. However they share similar designs.

 

Ford Explorer

 

should be able to get a murano in that range

 

I have a 2006 Pilot EX-L with 34k miles available for sale if interested





BUT it's nowhere close to $12k - I can offer you financing as well if that's an option at all...

 

4Runner?

 

at another dealer which offer certified pre own used vechiles, have an 06 pilot for about 15k..but once i find out on monday if i was approved for the loan, im going to do an service check on the tranny and see if the timing belt has ever been replaced. There's another dealership right across the street and they have an 07 mercury mariner for about 10k with 43k.

 

The Mariner is the upscale Escape/Tribute. They all have timing chains, ftw.

 

Wrong wrong wrong.

The transmission was not bad in the 1G Pilot.

 

I have heard good things about the Mariner. An 07' for 10K? If it's mechanically sound, that sounds like a good price.

However, I personally do not like SUV's. With 3 kids, I had a Volvo V70 (all kids fairly small). Once we moved and they grew a bit, we went with a Honda Odyssey.