View Poll Results: Which SUV do you recommend
Honda Pilot
16
30.19%
Infiniti QX4
12
22.64%
Nissan Pathfinder
6
11.32%
Other
19
35.85%
Voters: 53. You may not vote on this poll
So I'm looking at SUV's
06-12-2006, 02:24 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
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So I'm looking at SUV's
Dispite the rising prices of gas these days, I'm thinking about making the switch to an SUV. Reason being my wife and I are about to have our first kid any day now, and we're hoping to still travel a fair amount. I think that the SUV would be a better bet for trips. And I'll probably get a car for the commute next year.
Here are the options:
1. Honda Pilot
2. Infiniti QX4
3. Nissan Pathfinder.
I also like the Jeep Cherokee.
I'm looking used and want to keep the cost below $25K, closer to $20K. Hopefully with less than 36K miles and the olderst being a 2003.
Here are the options:
1. Honda Pilot
2. Infiniti QX4
3. Nissan Pathfinder.
I also like the Jeep Cherokee.
I'm looking used and want to keep the cost below $25K, closer to $20K. Hopefully with less than 36K miles and the olderst being a 2003.
Last edited by RaviNJCLs; 06-12-2006 at 02:26 PM.
06-12-2006, 02:49 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
SUV is definately roomier than a mid-size car and more comfy when travelling. We used to have 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and we travelled everywhere with it. We use Acura TLS for commuting to work (car pool). We have just upgraded from Grand Cherokee to Nissan Armada and we still drive the SUV everywhere on our trips. 
I sat in my friend's 2002 Pathfinder and I felt the cabin space is smaller than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Pathfinder and QX4 are pretty much similar except QX4 is $10 more for the badges.
Honda Pilot? Have not closely looked at one.... so no comment. But if you could a Pilot/MDX with Navi, it would be a nice one. Honda/Acura has the best factory NAVI among the car industries.
You provided 4 choices. I would go with Other since I still like Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not the new body sytle but the body style from years 1999-2004.
Just my $0.02.
I sat in my friend's 2002 Pathfinder and I felt the cabin space is smaller than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Pathfinder and QX4 are pretty much similar except QX4 is $10 more for the badges.
Honda Pilot? Have not closely looked at one.... so no comment. But if you could a Pilot/MDX with Navi, it would be a nice one. Honda/Acura has the best factory NAVI among the car industries.
You provided 4 choices. I would go with Other since I still like Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not the new body sytle but the body style from years 1999-2004.
Just my $0.02.
06-12-2006, 03:06 PM
#4
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by RaviNJCLs
Dispite the rising prices of gas these days, I'm thinking about making the switch to an SUV. Reason being my wife and I are about to have our first kid any day now, and we're hoping to still travel a fair amount. I think that the SUV would be a better bet for trips. And I'll probably get a car for the commute next year.
Here are the options:
1. Honda Pilot
2. Infiniti QX4
3. Nissan Pathfinder.
I also like the Jeep Cherokee.
I'm looking used and want to keep the cost below $25K, closer to $20K. Hopefully with less than 36K miles and the olderst being a 2003.
Here are the options:
1. Honda Pilot
2. Infiniti QX4
3. Nissan Pathfinder.
I also like the Jeep Cherokee.
I'm looking used and want to keep the cost below $25K, closer to $20K. Hopefully with less than 36K miles and the olderst being a 2003.
I drove the last gen Pathfinder back-to-back with an 04 Murano SE and the difference was night and day.
The wife and I H A T E D the Pathfinder but loved the Murano....which is why we now have an 05 Murano SL AWD w/Touring pkg. 
Not to mention, the Murano has a limousine-like back seat (although you cannot tell from the outside) which is great for a firsttime mother who needs manuevering room in the backseat to tend to the baby. 
Admittedly, it does not have the cargo space (subjective) of the Pathfinder/QX4 (or Pilot) but it makes up for it in just about every other area. That said, the Murano's cargo area was enough to accomodate the luggage for me, the wife and two teenaged kids for a one week trip to Florida.
Acme Nissan in Monmouth Jct (Rt 130) has a couple of used 05 Muranos (S AWD) for sale both for $25,999 with 27k and 25k. I bought my last 3 cars from Acme and they will deal.
06-12-2006, 03:08 PM
#5
I have a Grand Cherokee and can comment that there is not a lot of room for the backseat passengers.
06-12-2006, 03:10 PM
#6
Tristate ViP Crew
Ravi , I agree with F23A4 . I wouldn't even consider the Pathfinder. Like I told you when we met up out those choices I would go with the Infiniti even though it's technically a beefed up Pathfinder. It all depends what year Pilot also because they have the same glass tranny we do. The Murano is a nice truck too if it's in your price range I would jump on that over any on your list.
06-12-2006, 03:18 PM
#7
Team Owner
Thread Starter
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Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
Truthfully, get a minivan. Find a used Odyssey. Good gas mileage, tons more room than an SUV.
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06-12-2006, 03:46 PM
#11
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Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
Truthfully, get a minivan. Find a used Odyssey. Good gas mileage, tons more room than an SUV.
or if you can afford the new odyssey go with that. It's got a lot of power and very very roomy on the inside.
My parents have an '05 touring. I love that driving that thing. I just wish they took better care of it.
06-12-2006, 10:12 PM
#12
I love cars!
Originally Posted by CL Platano
Ravi , I agree with F23A4 . I wouldn't even consider the Pathfinder. Like I told you when we met up out those choices I would go with the Infiniti even though it's technically a beefed up Pathfinder. It all depends what year Pilot also because they have the same glass tranny we do. The Murano is a nice truck too if it's in your price range I would jump on that over any on your list.
06-12-2006, 10:21 PM
#13
A Commuter
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can't ignore the new Hyunda Santa Fe thats coming out this month~
3.3-Liter V6 Santa Fe SE and Limited
Type Hyundai Lambda DOHC V6 (transverse mounted)
Materials Aluminum block/aluminum cylinder heads
Bore and Stroke 92.0mm x 83.8mm
Displacement 3.3 liters
Horsepower 242 6,000rpm
Compression Ratio 10:4:1
Torque 226lb-ft 4,500rpm
Valves per cylinder 4
check out http://www.allnewsantafe.com/
3.3-Liter V6 Santa Fe SE and Limited
Type Hyundai Lambda DOHC V6 (transverse mounted)
Materials Aluminum block/aluminum cylinder heads
Bore and Stroke 92.0mm x 83.8mm
Displacement 3.3 liters
Horsepower 242 6,000rpm
Compression Ratio 10:4:1
Torque 226lb-ft 4,500rpm
Valves per cylinder 4
check out http://www.allnewsantafe.com/
06-12-2006, 10:57 PM
#15
The sizzle in the Steak
Odyssey.
Better mileage than an SUV...and will outhandle them all on the road.
Better mileage than an SUV...and will outhandle them all on the road.
06-13-2006, 05:09 AM
#16
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by fast-tl
You guys are talking about the LAST GEN PAthfinder, not the new 7-passenger version. Let's at least be fair when talking him out of it. The current one is MUCH better than the previous, and a worthy alternate.
While it is MUCH better than the last generation with favorable pricing for a 7 pax SUV, I would much rather have a higher mileage slightly older MDX over a lesser mileaged new Pathfinder. IMHO, there is no better mid-sized 7 pax SUV than the MDX.
I spend a good share of time checking out the Nissans at my local dealer.
As such, I like most Nissans but I am still not into Pathfinder and Xterra SUVs. They are OK in their own rite but IMHO they lack style.
06-13-2006, 05:11 AM
#17
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
Odyssey.
Better mileage than an SUV...and will outhandle them all on the road.
Better mileage than an SUV...and will outhandle them all on the road.
06-13-2006, 10:58 AM
#18
Suzuka Master
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06-13-2006, 11:15 AM
#19
Originally Posted by KCPreki11
06-13-2006, 11:30 AM
#20
Suzuka Master
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06-13-2006, 01:47 PM
#24
Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
Truthfully, get a minivan. Find a used Odyssey. Good gas mileage, tons more room than an SUV.
We traded our Yukon for a used 04 Odyssey. I drove it and could not have been more impressed. It getts approx 23 mpg around town and 27 on the highway. It has tons of room and the rear seat folds flat. This allows you to pack the kid gear in and still have room to take people to dinner once you reach your destination. When we visit people out of town, this comes in handy.
One more though---Take your stroller to the dealership. Put a 20lb bag of potatos in your wife's arm. Now have her place the stroller in the SUV and the van. This was a big factor with my wife. It is also easier to get the kid in and out of. The power doors are great as well
06-13-2006, 01:57 PM
#25
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by JWhite1301
We traded our Yukon for a used 04 Odyssey. I drove it and could not have been more impressed. It getts approx 23 mpg around town and 27 on the highway. It has tons of room and the rear seat folds flat. This allows you to pack the kid gear in and still have room to take people to dinner once you reach your destination. When we visit people out of town, this comes in handy.
One more though---Take your stroller to the dealership. Put a 20lb bag of potatos in your wife's arm. Now have her place the stroller in the SUV and the van. This was a big factor with my wife. It is also easier to get the kid in and out of. The power doors are great as well
One more though---Take your stroller to the dealership. Put a 20lb bag of potatos in your wife's arm. Now have her place the stroller in the SUV and the van. This was a big factor with my wife. It is also easier to get the kid in and out of. The power doors are great as well
06-13-2006, 01:59 PM
#26
F1 cart racer
i'm going to say go with the QX4......i currently own one. it is a great truck. i got mine for 16K with a 100,000 mile extended warantee with only 50K miles on it. i did buy it form a private seller and it is a 2001. the truck overall is a good. the cabin i do admit is a bit small but it's ok. the back seats are comfertable and there is alot of cargo room. the only downfall about this truck is that it eats gas. i do get on it hard every so often but gas milage on it isn't the best. if you live in a inwter climate and get snow it will not get stuck. i live and RI and have gone through some pretty deep stuff and have not gotten it stuck, the all wheel drive system on it is really good.
06-13-2006, 04:17 PM
#31
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by BEETROOT
Grand Cherokee
Chrysler recalls 111,000 Grand Cherokees
Nation's No. 3 automaker cites risk from electric seat heaters that may cause a fire.
June 12, 2006: 5:05 PM EDT
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Chrysler Group, the U.S. arm of the automaker Daimler Chrysler, will recall about 111,000 of its Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles after learning that electric seat heaters may overheat, posing a fire hazard, a company spokesman said Monday.
The automaker said the recall only affects those Grand Cherokee models produced in 2003 and 2004, and would cover just under 111,700 vehicles.
Chrysler announced the recall after learning that the front electric seat heater elements may overheat and possibly result in a fire, the spokesman said.
So far, Chrysler had learned of 32 alleged reports of fire, according to a company spokesperson, although no related accidents have been reported.
Chrysler Group said it will replace the seat heating elements at no cost to owners.
Nation's No. 3 automaker cites risk from electric seat heaters that may cause a fire.
June 12, 2006: 5:05 PM EDT
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Chrysler Group, the U.S. arm of the automaker Daimler Chrysler, will recall about 111,000 of its Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles after learning that electric seat heaters may overheat, posing a fire hazard, a company spokesman said Monday.
The automaker said the recall only affects those Grand Cherokee models produced in 2003 and 2004, and would cover just under 111,700 vehicles.
Chrysler announced the recall after learning that the front electric seat heater elements may overheat and possibly result in a fire, the spokesman said.
So far, Chrysler had learned of 32 alleged reports of fire, according to a company spokesperson, although no related accidents have been reported.
Chrysler Group said it will replace the seat heating elements at no cost to owners.
06-13-2006, 10:48 PM
#32
Drifting
i think forking over the money for the murano would be the better way to go in the long run. no reliability issues, no problems, no leaks.. my girlfriend's family had one for almost 4 years with 100k+ miles. her dad drives it back and forth from long island everyday, as a commuters car too. it drives like a car, gas mileage is good, never had any problems.
the car has some nice grunt too. its probably your best bet. the pathfinder will feel lazy and somewhat cheap. if you get the pilot and then you test drive the MDX, youre gonna regret every little thing about the pilot. a qx4 feels just like a pathfinder.. well it is!
jeep cherokees.. umm, unless you want to spend more money fixing it and being at a shop in about a week or two, then go for it. those things could never go 10 miles without something going wrong.
murano feels like a sports sedan, actually very similar to the maxima. good mileage and best bet for the long run.
i would agree with what the majority said about this car too.
the car has some nice grunt too. its probably your best bet. the pathfinder will feel lazy and somewhat cheap. if you get the pilot and then you test drive the MDX, youre gonna regret every little thing about the pilot. a qx4 feels just like a pathfinder.. well it is!
jeep cherokees.. umm, unless you want to spend more money fixing it and being at a shop in about a week or two, then go for it. those things could never go 10 miles without something going wrong.
murano feels like a sports sedan, actually very similar to the maxima. good mileage and best bet for the long run.
i would agree with what the majority said about this car too.
06-14-2006, 12:29 AM
#33
The Master Doctor
Other
how about a subaru forestor, the one with the blowers got like 230HP, u know that kicks some azz + enough ground clearance for some off-roading if ur into that.
how about a subaru forestor, the one with the blowers got like 230HP, u know that kicks some azz + enough ground clearance for some off-roading if ur into that.
06-14-2006, 05:11 AM
#34
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by aaronnn
i think forking over the money for the murano would be the better way to go in the long run. no reliability issues, no problems, no leaks.. my girlfriend's family had one for almost 4 years with 100k+ miles. her dad drives it back and forth from long island everyday, as a commuters car too. it drives like a car, gas mileage is good, never had any problems.
the car has some nice grunt too. its probably your best bet. the pathfinder will feel lazy and somewhat cheap. if you get the pilot and then you test drive the MDX, youre gonna regret every little thing about the pilot. a qx4 feels just like a pathfinder.. well it is!
jeep cherokees.. umm, unless you want to spend more money fixing it and being at a shop in about a week or two, then go for it. those things could never go 10 miles without something going wrong.
murano feels like a sports sedan, actually very similar to the maxima. good mileage and best bet for the long run.
i would agree with what the majority said about this car too.
the car has some nice grunt too. its probably your best bet. the pathfinder will feel lazy and somewhat cheap. if you get the pilot and then you test drive the MDX, youre gonna regret every little thing about the pilot. a qx4 feels just like a pathfinder.. well it is!
jeep cherokees.. umm, unless you want to spend more money fixing it and being at a shop in about a week or two, then go for it. those things could never go 10 miles without something going wrong.
murano feels like a sports sedan, actually very similar to the maxima. good mileage and best bet for the long run.
i would agree with what the majority said about this car too.
. Candidly though, my Murano did have to get the Throttle Body replaced with 7k on the odo......while on vacation in Florida. But, it seems that the TB problem I had was more of a fluke where it does appear that only a VERY few other Murano owners (at least on NissanMurano.org) have experienced the same. Also, I do not think Ravin would regret the Pilot nor MDX. Both are VERY capable Odyssey-based SUVs with tons of utility. However, after having driven the MDX I can say that it does NOT have ANY of the fun factor of the Murano.
....and
to your statement that the "Murano feels like a sorts sedan, actually very similar to the Maxima". While my Murano is nowhere near as quick as my 02 Maxima, it can hang with it on the twisties. The Mo really is as much fun to drive as my Maxima.
06-14-2006, 07:37 AM
#36
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Grand Cherokee
06-14-2006, 08:23 AM
#38
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Why not a station wagon like a Volvo or Audi?
06-14-2006, 08:59 AM
#39
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Originally Posted by Chief F1 Fan
Why not a station wagon like a Volvo or Audi?
I'm also considering the Subaru wagons. The wife said she really would like a soccer-mom box like Volvo station wagon.
06-14-2006, 09:01 AM
#40
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Originally Posted by zeroday
my v6 4runner's been great. 30k miles with no problems. about 18mpg avg.