12-16-2008, 07:57 PM
Well, my wife and I just paid off our '04 Toyota Sienna (which we love) and it's my turn to get a new vehicle. I'm still driving my first new car, a '96 Jeep Cherokee Sport that has been very good to me despite the off-roading that I've done with it. I'm torn in many directions by my choices. I NEED to get a vehicle that can fit 5 people. The main family hauler will remain the Sienna but I need something big enough to take the kids if necessary. I WANT a 4x4 SUV that's powerful, fun to drive, handles well, is different/stands out, has an aftermarket support for hop-ups, off-roads well, has good 360 degree visibility and is roomy and comfortable. I don't want to spend too much. My price range is 28-34K. However, my wife is bitching that she wants me to keep it below 30K. I have a bunch of different vehicles on my list. I'm not in any rush to buy and I want to make the right decision. After all, I kept this last vehicle for 12+ years and I'd like to do the same with the next one. I'm looking at...
- Toyota FJ Cruiser - The FJ is a killer off-roader, stands out, will be reliable, fun to drive, has aftermarket support HOWEVER, is pricey for size, has horrible visibility, and owners say it's a little underpowered.
- Honda Pilot - The Pilot is undoubtedly reliable, comfortable, roomy, smooth and quiet, and a little luxurious. HOWEVER it is expensive, and a little underpowered.
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited (4dr) - The Rubicon is the King of the off-road jungle, has aftermarket support, stands out. HOWEVER, it lacks the reliability and refinement of the Japs, has the WORST brakes of any car built in 2008, and is slooow.
- Subaru Forester 2.5XT (Turbo) - The Forester just got SUV of the year from Motor Trend. Has more ground clearance than most real SUVs, is FAST, handles like a sports car and is a blast to drive. It has the same 227HP engine as the WRX. HOWEVER, it might be pricey for it's size, and isn't as tough as a truck.
- Nissan Xterra (w/Off Road package) - The Xterra is the most like my current vehicle. While I wanted something bigger and roomier than my Cherokee, it has a locking rear, a 261HP - 281 ft-lbs V6, comes with a Rockford Fosgate 9 speaker stereo, stands out a little, is quick and fun to drive, etc. HOWEVER, the interior doesn't seem comfortable, and it's sorta small.
- GMC Acadia / Saturn Outlook / Chevy Traverse - This SUV is getting TON's of positive press in the magazines. It's supposed to be quick, handle well, be quiet, fun to drive comfortable and roomy. HOWEVER, it will be expensive and isn't an off-roader by any means.
- Others???
PLEASE HELP! Put in your two cents! I'm torn between all of these vehicles!
- Toyota FJ Cruiser - The FJ is a killer off-roader, stands out, will be reliable, fun to drive, has aftermarket support HOWEVER, is pricey for size, has horrible visibility, and owners say it's a little underpowered.
- Honda Pilot - The Pilot is undoubtedly reliable, comfortable, roomy, smooth and quiet, and a little luxurious. HOWEVER it is expensive, and a little underpowered.
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited (4dr) - The Rubicon is the King of the off-road jungle, has aftermarket support, stands out. HOWEVER, it lacks the reliability and refinement of the Japs, has the WORST brakes of any car built in 2008, and is slooow.
- Subaru Forester 2.5XT (Turbo) - The Forester just got SUV of the year from Motor Trend. Has more ground clearance than most real SUVs, is FAST, handles like a sports car and is a blast to drive. It has the same 227HP engine as the WRX. HOWEVER, it might be pricey for it's size, and isn't as tough as a truck.
- Nissan Xterra (w/Off Road package) - The Xterra is the most like my current vehicle. While I wanted something bigger and roomier than my Cherokee, it has a locking rear, a 261HP - 281 ft-lbs V6, comes with a Rockford Fosgate 9 speaker stereo, stands out a little, is quick and fun to drive, etc. HOWEVER, the interior doesn't seem comfortable, and it's sorta small.
- GMC Acadia / Saturn Outlook / Chevy Traverse - This SUV is getting TON's of positive press in the magazines. It's supposed to be quick, handle well, be quiet, fun to drive comfortable and roomy. HOWEVER, it will be expensive and isn't an off-roader by any means.
- Others???
PLEASE HELP! Put in your two cents! I'm torn between all of these vehicles!
A long time ago my daddy said, "Son, always cut away from yourself with a knife, treat every firearm as though it's loaded and never update your BIOS during a lightning storm".