19-24k SUV

[LouisanaJeeper]

my sister wants a new SUV. her price range is 19-24k + ttl.
wants something RELIABLE and mid-sized ie no huge excursions or tiny mini suv's

considering
06 Ford explorer: Sticker $28k, get for $23k + ttl

05 Tahoe: 35k sticker, get for like $26 a little more expensive

05 Xterra base: Sticker 23k, get for $20.5 k or so

what is the most reliable out of these and best value inyour opinion..

leaning towards the ford but not sure it i could go 100k w/o anything major going wrong. the xterra might be more reliable?

[hadboosttroy]

in my opinion, a used pilot or mdx will be way better in quality than any car listed there, and you can get super deals on them used. doesn't hurt to look!

[truzoom]

Toyota 4runner? Hyundai Santa Fe?

[zevo]

My wife and I bought a new Tahoe in 2003, and we have really liked it. We have had no problems other than a rattle in the steering shaft which was fixed under warranty. We shopped many SUVs, and we almost bought a Honda Pilot (same price). However, to my surprise (because we were both driving accords at the time)I enjoyed driving the Tahoe more. My wife also thought the Pilot was one step closer to a minivan. I think the Pilot is a nice car, but I personally like the Tahoe better. The MDX is nice, but more expensive.

[J.J.]

I would personally never buy a new vehicle unless I was simply rich beyond matter, therefore I would suggest a really nice used Nissan Pathfinder below that price range. I bought an 02' fully loaded 4x4 for 17K back in February. I love the Pathfinder. 6 cylinder with plenty of power. 16 mpg city ~ 23 hwy.

JJ

[LouisanaJeeper]

im just the opposite, i hate buying used cars. maybe if it has like 10k on it with warranty remaining.
but you never know how hard the previous owner drove it or maintained it

anyway test drove the explorers (210hp? v6) and the xterra (265hp v6 ). xterra hands down was better in the drivetrain and had a better shifting trans. the ford felt like it started in 2nd gear and only used 1st if you floored it. had trouble finding a gear too.

xterra interior was pretty sparse but well laid out.

still gotta look at some other cars though

[4830Deuce]

if you want something that is reliable dont go american go japanese...honda pilot? so my vote is for the nissan

-Justin

[pt91]

Honda Element is my pick.

After almost 3 yrs of Xterra ownership, it is going to a new owner this morning.

As soon as I can locate an 06 exp (fully painted panels - new for 06) AWD, I will buy it.

MPG is better. Cost is low (about 17-22k). Lots of interior and head room. Looks have grown on me.

2006 models are beginning to hit dealerships. 2005 models are heavily discounted right now.

New EXP version.

[drewski59]

Obviously I'm biased, but I'd recommend a nice used Pilot

Otherwise, the new Xterra is a great value, and just won SUV of the Year from Motor Trend.

The Pilot has been trouble-free so far!

[TFin04]

Definately the Xterra or a Toyota 4Runner.

I've owned 2 Explorers now, and while I do like mine, I will not be buying another one. If she doesn't know some basic maintenance and keeping an eye on things before they become big problems, I wouldn't recommend a Ford to her. Their transmissions mainly are complete GARBAGE.

As much as I try to buy American on anything, I'm sick of their cars. I've given them chance after chance, and I'm tired of it. My next car will be from across the pond for sure.

[LouisanaJeeper]

she does not like the way the pilot looks and the element looks "dumb" (i agree)

she is going with a black/black exterra with aluminum wheels next week

i told here to get the graphite b/c of swirls but she wants teh black anyway

[drewski59]

Nice choice!

I don't think she'll be disappointed. The new Xterra is much more refined than its predecessor!

OH, and BLACK! Well, at least you have a new test vehicle for detail products...hehe.