What is the Best SUV For me?
matthattan1587
Member Posts: 53
Hello:
I am looking to upgrade to new SUV, but do not know which way to go. I currently have a 2004 Honda Accord Ex sedan (4cylinder 160 hp engine.) I loved the Honda Accord, but power was issue when merging onto short on ramps and stop sign on ramps here in New York City. I have so far looked at the Nissan Xterra and loved the way it drove. I was wondering what other cars I should look at. Here is what I am looking for:
1) A SUV that has a V6 engine.
2) A SUV that is not too large and has only a second row of seating like the Xterra.
3) An adequate amount of trunk size.
4) Looking to spend from $20,000 to $30,000
I know that the Xterra is considered a truck-based SUV, but I felt it drove similar to a car and had good interior and exterior features.
Gas mileage is not too big of a concern as I do not drive much (mostly a weekend car. Please let me know if the Exterra is the way to go or if there are any other smart alternatives?
Thanks M.M.
I am looking to upgrade to new SUV, but do not know which way to go. I currently have a 2004 Honda Accord Ex sedan (4cylinder 160 hp engine.) I loved the Honda Accord, but power was issue when merging onto short on ramps and stop sign on ramps here in New York City. I have so far looked at the Nissan Xterra and loved the way it drove. I was wondering what other cars I should look at. Here is what I am looking for:
1) A SUV that has a V6 engine.
2) A SUV that is not too large and has only a second row of seating like the Xterra.
3) An adequate amount of trunk size.
4) Looking to spend from $20,000 to $30,000
I know that the Xterra is considered a truck-based SUV, but I felt it drove similar to a car and had good interior and exterior features.
Gas mileage is not too big of a concern as I do not drive much (mostly a weekend car. Please let me know if the Exterra is the way to go or if there are any other smart alternatives?
Thanks M.M.
5
Comments
Keep us posted on your search.
I will have to test drive the new Rav4, but do you have any other suggestions besides the Rav4 and Xterra.
-MM
tidester, host
Actually, now that I think about it, given the fact that you're in the Big Apple I would avoid anything that had a rear mounted spare. It won't last long there. I had a spare stolen from underneath a pick-up once in Manhattan. If it's visible, it's gone.
I will also have ot check out the highlander for its tremendous remarks in CR, but I am looking for a more sporty looking SUV like the Rav4 or the Xterra. There are not too many sporty ones out there?? :confuse:
Only "sport" doesn't come with 3rd row option.
True, 3rd row is hard to get but worth the effort as it gives you not only 7-passenger capacity but also 1350 lbs payload vs. only 850 lbs for 2 rows.
Are Highlanders fun to drive? Toyota's are never praised, or said to be fun to drive like a Honda or Mazda. The Highlander will still give you enjoyable times though.
The Highlander is also considered one of the quieter SUV's. You can also get it without a third row seat, which you prefer.
I do not recommend a XTERRA. The roll over rating is a 3 star, and that will increase your insurace costs. The Highlander recieved 4 stars for roll over.
Think about it...
As it was said before , go test drive all of them to determine which ones will really suit your taste.
You're right about CR-V deals; with the new model coming out there should be some although the selection may not be good the longer you wait. I haven't looked at the Honda CR-V: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion in a while to see what the deals are like out there.
That reminds me - it's chat night again. Link's on the left - Subaru is the topic, but we drift ... a lot. Some evenings we wind up discussing Bluebirds. :shades:
I'm considering the Pilot, Pathfinder, Mountaineer..not sure what else is out there..I'm looking at passanger comfort and performance as two top priorities and wanna keep it in the price range of these 3 SUVs..what do you guys think?
i am in heaven, to say the least! best vehicle i have ever owned! i have had more compliments on this vehicle. i test drove a pathfinder and to me, it was rough. a friend of mine owns one and it hasn't done well over the last few years....it shakes, rattles and rolls!
I did come across the 4runner and that seems nice too..so i'm gonna check that out as well.
Also..at night..what color does it light up on the interior..with the spedometer? All pics are in daylight online lol
I can lease an 06' Path LE for 369/m 42 months 12k miles 0down
07 Pilot for 385 EXL with Nav for 42 months 12k miles 0 down
What I liked about the pathfinder was it's strength..the thing just felt damn strong, more fun to drive, and a better sound system.
Pilot was more comfortable inside and easier to drive. Also the wood trim inside makes it look totally different, I like it a lot more..What I can't stand about the Pilot is the interior leather choices..it's that washy grey or Saddle, WHICH I have yet to see what it looks like in a picture..
I think I'm leaning towards the Pilot though.
We have 10k miles on our 2005 Pilot and so far it's the best vechicle of the twenty we have owned in terms of looks and driveability. Honda has an excellent reputation for the reliability of their vehicles. My son leases a 4 Runner and it seems to seat only 4 people comfortably and also seems more geared to off-roading than the Pilot. I suggest taking a peek at the "carbuyingtips.com" site for ideas to consider during the process. Dealing with the internet salesperson is usally better financially. Good luck with your choice.
And the new pilot coming out will be awesome, but unfortunately I can't wait.
Vehicles that last longer.... ? Mitsubishi did not slow production of their vehicles when gas prices soared, unlike other auto makers.. Mitsubi wanted to keep their plants open. So they have more cars on the lot. Good for the consumer.
I am not completely sold on the Endeavor, nor any of the SUV's.. but no matter what i end up with, i haven't missed out on anything... certainly not what car i drive... :shades:
My research shows the Best mid sized SUV's 2006
1. Toyota 4 Runner
2. Mitsubihi Endeavor (tied with the)
3. Honda Pilot
4. Nissan Murano
Best Full size 2006
1. Chevy Suburban
2. Chevy Tahoe
3. Toyota Sequoia
I check autos.com quite frequently..i like their lists.
I'm leaning towards the Pathfinder now because it seems more fun than the Pilot..and less bland. Gonna go to a Nissan dealership again tomorrow and check it out.
So something clicked..Nissan Murano..It's rated very well AND has more 2nd row room than suvs with 3 rows of seats..so if i'm never using a 3rd row..would a Murano make a better choice than a pathfinder or Pilot..AND, I'll add, I don't go off-roading..I live in NYC..pot holes are enough for me. :shades:
"When it comes to space in cars, raw size really may not be that critical. How that space is used can be just as important. When professional organizations compare available cargo space between S.U.V.’s and station wagons, it is the sport-utility vehicle that often comes up short."
Spacious and Efficient, but Not an Ego Trip (NY Times). Yeah, they are touting wagons, but there's a lot of SUV cargo info mixed in.
But cargo hauling isn't on your list anyway so ....
Basically, i've owned a ford escort zx2, and got into bodybuilding..so I use my damn Knee as an armrest lol..this is why I'm going SUV..i need leg room when I drive (width) and shoulder room. I'm also the kinda person who wants passengers comfortable, so the 2nd row of the pathfinder is what kinda killed it for me, and the Pilot was much more comfortable than the PF, but bland, interior and exterior. The murano seems smack in the middle...not bland, and more room in the rear seat than the Pilot..not sure about drivers seat.
The sound system in the Pilot sucked, and I know Nissan has Bose, which are very good..so the Murano may be more of a fun ride than the Pilot, and more comfortable than the Pathfinder..
Sorry for the long post lol.
My first test drive would be a Ford Explorer and then I'd start benchmarking other brands to it. I'm pretty happy with my Nissan's drivetrain so I'd look pretty hard at a Pathy I suppose. Mileage, tuned for regular fuel, torque, ease of carrying long stuff stuck under the rear seats and drivetrain warranty would be high on the list of wanted features. No suicide doors or swing gates please. And the step-in height shouldn't be too high up there either.
Waaaay too many choices out there!
:shades: