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  • jack125jack125 Member Posts: 3
    New to Town Hall so just checking in. I currently have an 'OO Jeep Grand Cherokee and Audi A6. The JGC is coming off lease and I may get another, but I'd like to ask what other '03 SUVs - with V-8s I should look at. I'd like to post my specific needs and see what suggestions there are. What Discussion Board would be the best? Jack
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Hi, Jack125! Welcome aboard!

    You might try browsing Edmund's Reviews which may help to narrow things down a bit for you. Feel free to drop into any of the MANY vehicle specific discussions here in SUVs and ask all the questions you want. All newcomers are welcome and Town Hall members are generally very willing to help out.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

  • jacserjacser Member Posts: 9
    I am a new 2003 Toyota Highlander LTD AWD owner. I love the vehicle and can't say enough great things about it. Ride is smooth and responsive and sitting higher up than in a sedan is great. I feel I have a better command of the road. The size of the HL is just right for me. Hope to read items of interest in this forum from time to time. Thanks for making it available.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Hi Jacser, congrats on the new ride and welcome!

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • caroline913caroline913 Member Posts: 5
    Hi, I'm Caroline and I have owned a 97 EB Exp
    since they first hit the market. It runs great with 99,000+ miles. 15 days ago I bought a new 2003 EB 5.4 Exp. for the heated/Ac seats, and folding 3rd seats and the safety cage. It was 23 miles later the drivers seat motor failed, three
    times I've been in service and it's still broken. I called Ford they say no problems with any others.
    Anyone hear of this? By the way they replaced first seat with one from another Exp. on the lot,
    that fail too. Help!!!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    That's too bad to hear - hate to have a brand new car with growing pains.


    Try the Ford Expedition problems discussion or the Expedition Owners: Problems & Solutions one for some ideas.


    Good luck and thanks for participating in Town Hall.



    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • ppoulterppoulter Member Posts: 5
    Hi, I'm Pat and new to this discussion board. I have previously been on the Lincoln discussion board, but have exhausted myself there and now I'm read to buy another Toyota. I have a Lincoln LS, enough said. I want a 2003 4-runner, enough said.

    I'm curious to see if there's anyone out there that has one and I would like to know how they like it. My husband has a 93 Landcruiser and swears by it. So instead of the Expedition that I almost bought last week, he wants me to think about the 4 runner. Can someone out there that has one, give me their opinion??

    Thanks from West Texas!!!!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Welcome! Check out the 4Runner's discussions, here:


    Toyota 4Runner - 2003


    Toyota 4Runner


    Steve, Host

  • bflgroupiebflgroupie Member Posts: 8
    I think I have test driven just about every mid-size SUV and can not seem to decide what is best for me/us.

    Perhaps you all can provide some input. I currently drive a KIA Sportage - which I don't necessarily dislike, I just want a bigger SUV for my family (only one child) and more creature comforts. And, despite the fact that I like sitting up high, I don't really want a truck feel.

    Narrowing down now, I would say, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4 Runner or Highlander and Dodge Durango.

    Is there an appropriate discussion I can look at here to help me out? Thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The mid-size comparision topics seem to have mostly dried up and gone away. Check the archives with the Search button for some of them; maybe we'll unfreeze some and jump start them again.


    A couple of more active current ones are the Pathfinder vs 4Runner vs Durango - please advise! and the

    HELP!!! My Wife is Trying to Pick a SUV discussions.


    Hopefully that'll get you started. And Welcome!


    Steve, Host

  • djolleydjolley Member Posts: 10
    I am here primarily to get some advice about SUVs. We live in Eastern Washington and enjoy fishing and skiing

    We currently own

    BMW 3 series AWD
    Jeep Grand Cherokee
    GMC 2500 Ex Cab 4X4

    We have narrowed down to
    Suburban
    Durango
    Expedition

    My wife wants a third row seat.
    Being able to pull my boat will allow us to eliminate 2 vehicles

    We are concerned with Safety, Reliability, Gas Mileage and Price.

    Thanks for all your help
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Welcome aboard!

    Check out the discussions in Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon XL/Chevy Suburban.

    tidester, host

  • starkravingstarkraving Member Posts: 6
    Hi, guys; thanks for having me. Though this is my first posting, have been reading Town Hall avidly in search for new vehicle. Finally decided on RAV4. My wife and I are just plain Toyota people. Looking forward to many arguments about this!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Welcome to Town Hall Starkraving. I suppose you've found the Toyota RAV4 discussion?


    Steve, Host

  • starkravingstarkraving Member Posts: 6
    Yes, Steve, thanks. Have posted a couple.
    Love the RAV, but if any of you get one, don't expect it to ride like a Cadillac! "Bouncy" best describes it.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Like the other poster said, check your tires. Usually tires are overinflated to prevent flat spots and the dealers forget to check the pressure when they prep the new cars.

    Steve, Host
  • motwnnphxmotwnnphx Member Posts: 1
    Just wanted to introduce myself to the Edmunds crew.

    Was an automotive writer in Detroit for 16 yrs. Just moved to PHX.

    Look forward to reading some cool stuff
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Welcome to Town Hall, Motwnnphx. Feel free to throw in the "inside" scoop in your messages!

    Steve, Host
  • backroadfanbackroadfan Member Posts: 22
    These boards looks like one of the best I have seen for getting questions answered so I thought I would give it a try. My questions are going to be about the 2003 Toyota 4Runner.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Welcome to the Town Hall! I see you've already discovered the Toyota 4Runner board.


    tidester, host

  • randpall3863randpall3863 Member Posts: 28
    I checked the web thoroughly and my girlfriend and I went out testing and comparing SUV's before actually choosing one. We got a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT LT with 4-wheel-drive and GM's 4200 Series V6. It has performed excellent in this nasty PA winter with lots of snow and ice. And it has a 3rd row seat. We love it!

      We found the only thing that was off in the owner's guide was the grade of gas to use. They recommend regular unleaded. With that, it did not get the kind of gas mileage or power it should have. We found out the reason was, it is a high performance engine, although GM does not list it as that yet. However, after contacting them about our findings, they plan to revise that in the owner's manual.

      We switched to a premium octane. Since then, we have gotten better gas mileage and power. It has plenty of cargo and seating room and features. It performs very well. We have no complaints so far.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Congratulations and welcome aboard!

    We have some lively TB forums which I am sure you've already found and some of the friendliest and most informative owners around. Enjoy!

    tidester, host
  • randpall3863randpall3863 Member Posts: 28
    I would like to thank you for the warm welcome. And if I get stuck, I will ask you or one of the other hosts for help.

      randpall
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    And if I get stuck, I will ask you or one of the other hosts for help.

    We'd be delighted to help out!

    tidester, host
  • randpall3863randpall3863 Member Posts: 28
    That is what I have noticed since coming in here. Some know things I do not. And I know some things others do not. I am here to both receive and give help. And I thank you again.

      randpall
  • luckylouluckylou Member Posts: 308
    My name is Luis,I used to deplore sitting in the computer for hours at a time,but since I found EDMUNDS my wife has to beg me to get off the computer. We live in Florida aka the SUNSHINE STATE. Love to play racquetball ,we have 5 dog pound dogs ,want to by an SUV but can make up my mind, between a LX470 and a LAND CRUISER. Thank you.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Welcome aboard!

    We live in Florida aka the SUNSHINE STATE.

    Staying indoors will keep you away from all that dreadful radiation! ;-)

    tidester, host
  • ravenswiftravenswift Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I currently drive a 1992 ford tempo and am sick of driving cars. I've narrowed my search down to either a Honda CRV or a Toyota Rav4. I'm looking forward to some good advice.
    Thanks!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    May I suggest Honda CR-V vs.Toyota RAV4 for starters?

    <edit> Oh you found it! Stand by for good advice :-)

    Steve, Host
  • whichsuv1whichsuv1 Member Posts: 4
    Hi, I'm shopping for a mid-size SUV. Have narrowed things down to Honda CR-V or Ford Escape.
    And since I'm in lovely Western New York (aka Snow Country), a 4WD is essential.

    Just curious... is there an SUV with good gas mileage? (or is that an oxy-moron?)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Some do as good as some minivans (usually the mini-utes).

    Check out the CR-V vs Escape discussion - we could use a diversion from Oregon taxes in there :-)

    Steve, Host
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    You might want to check out one of the compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V (21 city/25 hwy), Toyota RAV4 (25 city/31 hwy) or the Hyundai Santa Fe (19 city/26 hwy). Check out Edmunds reviews which you can access from the main page.

    And, oh, welcome aboard!

    tidester, host
  • whichsuv1whichsuv1 Member Posts: 4
    steve_HOST and tidester HOST,

    Thanks for your "welcome" and the advice. I've been checking the CR-V vs Escape, and have gotten some very good advice. I hadn't checked out the Hyundai - but I will now.
  • cbest1465cbest1465 Member Posts: 25
    Hello everyone, another new member has arrived. Looks like you can get a lot of questions answered on a variety of topics. I am focusing on the new Lexus RX330 and its competitors. Currently own an RX300.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Welcome to Town Hall and the RX 300/330 board(s). Did you vote yet, lol?

    Steve, Host
  • cbest1465cbest1465 Member Posts: 25
    After weeding through all the messages to find out what to vote on - I finally did. Thanks Steve.
  • bobo36bobo36 Member Posts: 7
    That's right I'm here to help if I can. The best thing about the web is it gives people great info to help themselves negotiate and keeps the dealers on their toes. The worst part is to many of you take it litteraly. Websites don't write checks for your used cars so don't blow a great deal by thinking your not getting enough for your 96 Ford Windstar for example.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Welcome to Town Hall. Tech world to car sales eh? Check out the Real-World Trade-In Values discussion too.

    And no soliciting on Town Hall please :-)

    Steve, Host
  • judotreejudotree Member Posts: 1
    SUVs and Pickups have few good qualities. They are mainly designed to perform work or transport people off-road. Unsuspecting moms and dads who subject their children to these vehicles can get some nasty surprises. Car based SUVs do not apply. SUVs and Pickups bad qualities are:

    Poor brakes and steering. Folks they are trucks.
    Emergency situations that require good brakes and predictable steering are nightmares. The average driver will get a nasty surprise during an emergency braking situation or when they turn the wheel fast to avoid an accident. These vehicles kill and maim. They roll over easily. A driver must be schooled and skilled to avoid disaster.

    Egos: Some of the folks that drive these vehicles have an inflated view of themselves. They remind me of Porsche drivers of old. They like to tailgate, weave in and out of traffic and speed. The message to others drivers is, I am big and bad, get out of my way. If you know some of these folk, advise them to drive more safely.

    Choices: There are many car-based vehicles that do not have these bad characteristics.

    Gas and Pollution: These topics are red herrings. If people want to spend $50+ per fill up, more power to them. In general these are clean vehicles.

    SO: Warn your friends and people you care about. Don&#146;t buy a truck based SUV or Pickup for daily transporting your family. Buy them if you need them for work, towing or serious off road activities.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Welcome aboard! I see you've already found the I don't like SUVs, why do you? forum which is one of the most active in Town Hall.

    tidester, host
  • mcguffin1mcguffin1 Member Posts: 1
    My husband and I are investigating purchasing a new SUV. I typically lean toward the European manufacturers however my father-in-law is pushing for Ford and my husband for GM. What advice do you have?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Welcome aboard!

    I recommend looking over Edmund's car reviews which you can access by clicking the tab with that label at the top of this page. I find it also helps to make a list of your requirements which can narrow down the contenders fairly quickly.

    Finally, visit the various message boards on edmunds.com and talk to current and prospective owners of those vehicles that appeal to you. They will provide a wealth of real world perspective to your buying decisions!

    Good luck!

    tidester, host
  • sanibelsanibel Member Posts: 9
    I"m new to this site. Am planning to purchase an SUV real soon. I like the Honda Pilot, but WHEW, is it pricey!! I'm thinking the Hyundai Santa Fe LX is next best choice, considering price, size and gas mileage.

    I love my 13-year old son, family and cats, and believe it or not, my JOB!

    Really dislike braggarts and the ones always trying to beat "The Joneses."

    Thanks for the forum - great place to get advice and learn from others' experience.
  • wowwabbitwowwabbit Member Posts: 5
    just joined town Hall because looking at 2003 GLS with ABS=dealer $19500 which includes $1000 off for rebate-good or bad price? Thanks=HR
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Welcome aboard! Check out True Market Value and Hyundai Santa Fe.

    tidester, host
  • wowwabbitwowwabbit Member Posts: 5
    Went to pricing site but is TMV with or without the rebate discount?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    TMV prices do not take into account manufacturer-to-consumer rebates. Here's a link about how TMV is calculated.

    Enjoy the search!

    Steve, Host
  • smurlandsmurland Member Posts: 2
    We are considering the Highlander, Acura MDX and the new Lexus 330. Any opinions on the best (reliable and value)? Ruled out the x5 for price and problems. Currently have a Jeep and tired of reliability problems. Need only room for 5...
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    We have a MB M-class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX300/330 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX comparision topic, but there's no room in the title to add the Highlander. The members probably won't mind a question or three about the Highlander in that discussion anyway, so go for it.

    Steve, Host
  • kirk_g1kirk_g1 Member Posts: 2
    Just found this board, too bad I had not found it 2 weeks ago before I bought my Rendezvous, but I know I still would have made the same descion. My wife gave me heck for spending so much time on the net doing homework before trading my 96 Blazer in, now I will be spending time sharing my findings with others.

    Kirk
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