Small to Mid Sized pre Owned SUVs...

GreekLetterGirl · #1 11-08-2002, 02:37 PM

Ok... so I know that others have posted about buying their 1st car, but I wanted to address all the Sport Utility Owners...
I just got a new job which involves a longer commute time that can not be done on a bus, so I am buying my first car.
Since I will be working early mornings, my parents feel that with the weather being so unpredictable here that an SUV is the best option ( the car I drove since I was 16 was a Honda CRV ). So I am looking for any advice anyone has regarding good/bad situations regarding these monsters....

Currently I am looking at anything :
~97 -2003
~I want to speand under 11k
~used is fine but no more than 50k-60k miles at most...

My parents ( more my dad)
sugguested
~Subraru Impreza or Legacy ( sedan or cope style)
~Toyta Rav 4
~Honda CRV
~Chevy/Geo Tracker
~Suzuki Vitira/Sidekick
~Kia Sportage

My sugguestions are
~Chevy Blazer
~GMC Jimmy
~ Jeep Grand Cheeroke
~ Olds Bravada
( I know that for these SUVs they will def have to be late 90s model used because new most of these start at 25 and up)

Any information you guys have would be great... thanks
GLG

BrandiDZ · #2 11-08-2002, 02:41 PM

I drove an Isuzu Rodeo up till about 2 months ago. It was a very dependable suv, and you could probably get a 94 or 95 in your price range. I loved mine, but decided to sell it and buy a new Ford Escape (the new smaller to mid size SUV). I really love my escape, but I dont think you'll be able to find one in your price range.

RedRoseSAI · #3 11-08-2002, 03:25 PM

One of my roommates had a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and had nothing but problems with it! In the course of a year, it had THREE transmitions (and it was brand new!) as well as a host of other problems. Needless to say, I'm not a fan.

Another comment, I don't know that SUVs are really necessary in areas with bad weather. I've found that a car has always been enough (I live in the north), and from what I understand, SUVs are not necessarily any safer in the snow. In fact, I've heard they often lure their drivers into a false sense of security. Just something to think about.

chopper816 · #4 11-08-2002, 05:45 PM

I would recommend a ford explorer. mechanics ive talked to said that they are reliable, and that their customers with an explorer only bring it in for maintianence reasons. you could go with the 4 Liter V6 or a 5 Liter V8. They are both good engines, but I would recommend the 5 Liter, I have it and it rocks!!!!

Kevin · #5 11-09-2002, 08:30 PM

Anyone have a Lexus RX 370? I'm thinking about one of those for my next car. Any feedback on them?

sororitygirl2 · #6 11-10-2002, 01:31 PM

OKay, first of all... DO NOT GET A JIMMY! My friend had a brand new one and it was in the shop 18 times in the first year... everything broke, the compass, the things that move the seats, the power windows, brake problems... Those cars suck. And Chevy Blazers are basically the same cars, so...

You could probably afford most of the cars that your dad is suggesting, but those are pretty small.

I think you should go for an Explorer... it will be hard to find a good Jeep Grand Cherokee for 11K.

aprilxo · #7 11-10-2002, 03:37 PM

I drove a Chevy Blazer for 2.5 years that was 5 years used. I never had any problems with it (and since it had been my dad's) I know that we hadn't ever had to take it in to the shop or anything. He took it in for maintenance but other than that it was very reliable and an overall good car

I was ousted from my car when my brother came to be of driving age

and my parents pushed me into getting something smaller, better on gas mileage, and newer since I would be travelling 6hrs away to college (as a "just in case" measure). I still maintain that their main reasoning was "hey if april gets a new car, we can give this one to Bill now" sheesh. But anyway, I drive a Neon now--woo. hoo. I'd be able to expand upon that, but it doesn't really apply to your question so why bother

angelic1 · #8 11-10-2002, 06:03 PM

Like someone else suggested.. I am not sure if an SUV is necessarily the best type of vehicle in uncertain weather conditions. Issues of flipping over and on a lot on crash tests have found to not be any safer. I can see if its just for the look issue that you want it.. but I think that a truck is more for uncertain weather conditions.
Though I would recommend a Chevy Blazer.. very reliable for years so if you are getting it used.. the only problems I have found with them are oil leaks.. after many years that is. Also the RAV4's arent bad either.. very reliable.. which is important if you are going to be traveling alone.

Though if you want good gas mileage (SUVs are big time polluters) and actually safer car.. I wouldnt recc. a SUV...

(I am an environmental nut after all my classes on this

)

FHwku · #9 11-11-2002, 12:29 AM

they're all decent cars.
8 valves
all time four wheel drive is good, too
i've a Jeep, and i haven't had any problems with it.

i'm going volkswagen, next, though. 4 motion. good thing to have. mmm...syncro drive train....auughhh.....viscous coupler...*drooling uncontrollably.