I'm In the market for an SUV...Now More Questions

Dari

Lifer
Oct 25, 2002
17,133
38
91
While cars are cheaper, more stable, and offer more bang for the buck, I'm inclined to get an SUV because of my leg. The problem stems from the fact that when I was a kid, the main bone in m y right leg came out of the knee joint just enough to not cause any major problems but bad enough to be visible and irritating enough to not have my leg stretched for long periods of time. The SUV (or any truck) is perfect because one's leg position is closer to 90 degrees compared to being in a car, which is close to 180 degrees. Unlike an SUV, that would force me to get out of the car and do some minor moving of the joints or putting the car in Park mode and sitting indian-style for a minute or so.

Now, I don't know too much about cars and suvs other than what I've mentioned above. My spending limit is $30,000, give a take a grand or two. I originally wanted a Toyota Highlander, but it's smaller than what I expected. Now I'm eyeing the Ford Explorer. I like it cause they've made the design similar to the Expedition, which it too big. Does anyone have anyother suggestions?

BTW, I'm seriously considering some options such as the DVD-monitor system and front rails. Would these be better to get as part of the overall package or should I get it separately? Are there advantages/disadvantages?
 

b0mbrman

Lifer
Jun 1, 2001
29,470
1
81
Almost all options I've seen end up being cheaper with aftermarket stuff rather than getting it at the dealer...unless of course you get them to throw it in as part of the bargaining process :)
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
79,056
446
136
Just wait until NFS4 sees this thread.

My vote goes to the Honda Pilot, with Toyota Highlander/Ford Explorer as 2nd choice.
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,434
408
126
Dari, I'm sorry to hear about your leg problem :( To help you further, what's your approx. height & weight? I only ask because as a fairly skinny person who is of average height, I find most SUV's to "cramped" when it comes to legroom, while I slide around in the drivers seat.
 

Dari

Lifer
Oct 25, 2002
17,133
38
91
You know, I've only seen the Honda Pilot ONCE in NYC, and it was from the back. Gotta check out Honda's website.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
I'd go for a Toyota 4-runner.

If you want domestic, I'd go for a Durango R/T or a Grand Cherokee. (Chryco bias)
 

Dari

Lifer
Oct 25, 2002
17,133
38
91
I'm six feet tall and weight about 200 lbs.

To be honest, I'm also looking at the Ford because I'm eligible for the X-Plan, which can save me some cash. I also save with GMC, but couldn't find anything I liked. Seems like all the hot SUVs are foreign.
 

Jejunum

Golden Member
Jun 19, 2000
1,828
0
76
omg buy the element and give us the first anandtech review!


hehe im 19-25 and fit in the elment's demographic perfectly
 

Dari

Lifer
Oct 25, 2002
17,133
38
91
BTW, what's the advantage/disadvantage of getting four-wheel drive as opposed to two?
 

theNEOone

Diamond Member
Apr 22, 2001
5,745
4
81
I say go for a large car with good gas mileage, because my little brother is in the naval academy and I don't want him going off to war for oil. I've seen far too many jacka--es driving SUVs when they don't need too. Jesus, I live in Miami, possibly the flattest place in the country, with some of the mildest weather on earth, and with some of the smoothest and best paved roads in the county (no winter-induced potholes). Some people just suck. :disgust:

I guess I'll forgive your case since it's medically related. :p
 

Sluggo

Lifer
Jun 12, 2000
15,488
5
81
Originally posted by: Dari
BTW, what's the advantage/disadvantage of getting four-wheel drive as opposed to two?

I generally buy a 4x4 if possible, not because I really need it, but they do seem to keep the resale value up a little as compared to 4x2. Of course that being said, there are also some maintenance issues that come up with 4 wheel drive, but they generally dont raise their ugly heads till upwards of 50k miles, the exception being tires, a 4x4 will be a lot harder on front tires due to their inherent design than a 4x2 will be, so tire rotation and balancing is a big deal.


A 4x4 will also knock off about 1-2 MPG, depending on the vehicle.

A 4x4 SUV will almost always have a tighter turning radius than their 4x2 counterpart.

A lot of dealers around here advertise the price leader Expedition 4x2 XLT for around $26,000 After rebates.
 

bolido2000

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2001
3,720
1
0
GMC Envoy or Chevy Trailblazer
Nissan Pathfinder: I am seeing a lot of rebates in the newspaper.
Nissan Murano: Powerful engine, distinctive look.
Honda Pilot: I don't like the styling, but is probably a great suv.


4WD/AWD will give you better traction when the road condition is bad. If you don't plan to offroad much and live in a state with decent winters save some cash and just get 2WD.
 

Dragnov

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
6,878
0
0
The Toyota 4 Runner is MUCH smaller than it looks. It has about the same room as any good sized sedan oddly enough. Not that I have anything against because I still want that SUV. :p

I also liek the Nissan Pathfinder. Not the grandest of SUV's, but its basically like a Frontier. More farily priced than the rest and it'll do the job.
 

BMdoobieW

Diamond Member
Oct 26, 2000
3,166
0
76
Wow, thanks for that link! I've been looking for that for years. Anyhow, the new 4-Runner is FUGLY. Get a Chevy Trailblazer. It has a nice engine.