...for around $7k to keep at a second home. I'll need towing capabilities (nothing out of the ordinary in weight) and something reliable. Obviously I am not shooting for top tier; I just want something I can count on to fire up and make the trip to the lake or grocery store from time to time.

I'm looking at older Tahoes/Yukons, 4Runners (my least favorite choice), Rodeos/Passports, and any other suggestions you all might have. Thanks!

 

Oh, and Jeeps are out of the question. I've had two and hated both!

 

1st and 2nd generation RAV4's or CRV's?

Not feature rich, pretty or high performance but cheap to operate and maintain and very dependable.

 

Pathfinder

 

Stay away from the Passports.

 

You're on the right path with 4Runner's and Tahoe's/Yukon's. Personally, I'd get the 4Runner. Forget about the Rodeo/Passport.

 

^This. Exactly.

 

The main reason I was considering the Rodeo is because I had one for 9 years and 110k miles with virtually zero problems. I like the domestics because most of those V8s are very reliable but I worry about the other parts. I don't know how reliable those vehicles are as a whole. 4Runners are okay, but very overrated in my opinion. I can't rule them out completely because they're reliable, but they are underpowered (especially for how poor their fuel economy is) and I hate the "ass sag" of the older models.

Pathfinders are an option, but how is the reliability?

 

Pathfinders are very reliable.

Very similar to a 4runner but with more power and no "ass sag"

 

And cheaper interior. I'm guessing that isn't much of a concern for your purposes.

 

or an 01-03 Infiniti QX4 (NOT the 97-00 model as the VQ35DE >>>>> VG33E).

 

you have two options: 4runner and pathfinder.

if this is for a vacation/summer home, a 4runner may be better as its larger, and the rear window rolls down. its actually a really fun cruiser.

i wouldnt bother sacrificing on size with a crv or rav4 since the pricing isnt much different, and this will be a lug-around / what-if vehicle for a second home.

damnit, those 4runners in the early 2000s were some hot rides.

 

Explorer V8. Looks nice and great at towing.

this is just an example, obviously not in your area
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

 

Sine you've had Isuzu's, how about a Trooper? A neighbor had two and both were very reliable, pretty versatile and they really cheap on the used market.

 

Pathfinder or 4Runner

 

Expedition? not a fan of domestic but i think those are pretty reliable

 

How much weight isn't 'out of the ordinary'? My neighbor had an aforementioned 01-03 Infiniti QX4 and that was a really nice truck. Interior was on par or even better than my I30, and that VQ35 engine has been on the best engines lists of many reviews, and Nissan makes some bulletproof engines and powertrains. And just in favor of the Infiniti, they towed two Sea-Doo jet-skis with this truck (with weight of the skis and trailer, was probably around 1600-1700 pounds. Truck had no problem with it). Just my

 

Pathfinder.

ive had two in the past, a 99 and an 02. loved them both and no problems with either.

 

Get an SLX.

 

Ford Explorer, the older ones are pretty darn reliable!

 

Get a 3rd gen 4runner with the TRD S/C!

 

4Runner/Pathfinder/Explorer

 

4Runner. My step dad has one (2000 or something) and he loves the thing. Its parked outside all the time and fires up with no problems all (Michigan) winter long. Absolutely nothing can kill that truck. Its not underpowered, IMO. We tow our 24' boat with it just fine along with other miscellaneous things.

 

I would recommend an earlier 1G Acura MDX or Honda Pilot but, we all know you'll be sitting in a Lee Myles waiting room before long.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

 

+1 for the Pathfinder.

I have a 2003 SE. Solid truck.

Pros:

• VQ35 is still one of the best engine out there. Good balance of hp and torque. Very responsive.
• Good towing capability. 5000 lb max. I have not towed anything in mine, but have a buddy that has towed anything from a trailer to a boat with his and had no issues. One recommendation would be to get a transmission cooler if you plan on towing a lot of weight and often.
• For a truck it is not incredibly loud. I have used it a lot for road trips and it is fairly quiet and very comfortable. It's not a car so you will hear more of the road.

Cons:

• Exhaust loves rust. They tend to rest at the flanges. I have had to replace my exhaust and the resonator. It's not difficult to do and as the truck is older the parts are no longer expensive.
• Gas hog. I get about 17-19 mpg with mine. I know that there are more fuel efficient SUVs out there. Also, the VQ35 calls for at least 91 octane. Can be a bit expensive.
• Rear suspension tends to need work. I am at the point where I need to replace the rear suspension links. I've been reading a lot on it and it seems like a lot of owners complain about the issue.

In the 5 years (50K miles) we had our Pathfinder we did the brakes once, tires once, fluids and filters, exhaust. As I mentioned, I am about to replace the rear suspension links and rear shocks. Other than that it has not needed any work.

 

Local 4WD Toyota 4Runner 167k $6,000

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=25&cardist=39

Great vehicles with the exception of some occasional electrical issues. Sounds like it is well maintained and seller has paperwork to prove it.

 

^^^^

I have also heard that they are prone to rust issues. My co-worker has one and it is rusting a lot.

 

^Not an issue on the West Coast (unless this owner lives in Santa Cruz on the beach).

 

How 'bout an Series 80 Land Cruiser...the last of the "great" Cruisers before they became loaves of bread...



It'll probably have over 200K miles for less than $7K, but it's just gettin' broken in! Way more character and off-roading ability than the 4 Runner or Pathfinder...

 

^ love those.

 

There are two within 100 miles. Both have well over 200k, one is PVT party for $4,000, the other is dealer for $6,000. I would opt for 4runner as parts/donors are easy to find.

 

my mom had a 97 4Runner until she totaled it. very reliable and we had no problems with it. hers was the 2.7 4cyl, so yes it was underpowered. the V6 is powerful enough to suit everyday needs/minor towing.

but ill admit, the ride on the 2WD is awful. get the 4WD, its like night and day. the ride was so bad at first, we thought it was an issue, so it was in and out of the dealer several time. they even replaced the shocks and it didnt help.

 

^Yep. The more I look into it the more info I find. The 3.4ltr is the one to get. Found a nice 2002 up here but it is $15,000. Hmm wonder if I could talk the wife into...nevermind. I must be dreaming.

 

I disagree. Maybe you should learn what the 4runner can do!

 

Agree. that gen pictured right there may look slim due to the pillars, but in person the LC is a big box on wheels. do you need something that size?

4runner is smaller and more nimble on the trails.

 

Are we getting off course here? OP went from needing a truck to do some mild towing and now we are picking trucks that can climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

 

 

You really can't go wrong with a 4Runner but there is a price premium. The nissan and explorer are going to be much cheaper and probably just as reliable.

 

Did anyone recommend the 2004+ Saturn Vue with the Honda J35A3 engine? Can tow 3500 pounds.