Need advice on selecting new SUV

[Mxylplyx]

So my 2000 GMC Jimmy is getting a little long in the tooth, and I'm looking to replace it in the next year. I got my heart set on a larger body on frame SUV, though the price on these concerns me. My requirements are good cargo space with preferably third row seating, and enough power to yank a 5K lb boat and trailer out of the water. I'm looking around 2008 model year, under 24K used.

So far the models that have caught my eye are the Durango's and Expeditions. Durango's arent nearly as nice on the interior, but I definitely like the price better. I also would consider any mid size SUV that meets the towing requirements, but with the downsizing that has been going on in that segment, it seems like these options are becoming more limited.

Thoughts?

TIA

 

[jlee]

A V8 4Runner can tow 7300lb - not sure if it'll be big enough for you, though.

 

[Zivic]

durangos are garbage. get an expedition out of those two

 

[Vic Vega]

The 2006-2010 Explorer or Sport Trac can pull 7,160 pounds with the V8. The new 2011 Explorer is FWD/unibody so it's not good for much other can carting mouth breathers around.

Correction: 7,160 is for 4x4 models, 7,300 for 4x2 models.

 

[Tristicus]

Tahoe

 

[Mxylplyx]

Thanks for all the suggestions. The Tahoe appears way out of my price range. There seems to be little price difference between expeditions and explorer v8's, so I'd opt for the size.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Pathfinder?

 

[xanis]

Clicked on the thread and did a double take... my parents are replacing their 2000 Jimmy as well.

Their requirements are a little different, but I'll be interested to see what you choose anyhow.

 

[LTC8K6]

Commander?

 

[JCH13]

So my 2000 GMC Jimmy is getting a little long in the tooth, and I'm looking to replace it in the next year. I got my heart set on a larger body on frame SUV, though the price on these concerns me. My requirements are good cargo space with preferably third row seating, and enough power to yank a 5K lb boat and trailer out of the water. I'm looking around 2008 model year, under 24K used.

I've done this many times, a V6 Tacoma can do it easily, and I've done it many times with a FWD minivan and it always got the job done without too much complaining. I always found it amusing to be launching the biggest boat using the smallest vehicle.

My point is that you won't need a V8, or an SUV, to do that towing, though it appears you want an SUV for other reasons, and the towing would be easier.

 

[Mxylplyx]

I've done this many times, a V6 Tacoma can do it easily, and I've done it many times with a FWD minivan and it always got the job done without too much complaining. I always found it amusing to be launching the biggest boat using the smallest vehicle.

My point is that you won't need a V8, or an SUV, to do that towing, though it appears you want an SUV for other reasons, and the towing would be easier.

I have little doubt my Jimmy could tow the boat if I got a proper frame hitch on it. It's rated up to 5K lbs, which would probably be right at the weight of the trailer and boat. I'm suspect that it has the pull to yank it out of the water though. It's a 20ft deckboat and a fairly large tandem axle trailer. I'm probably going to buy a bolt on frame hitch and give it a go and just see what happens.

I do want to upgrade to a bigger SUV though just for interior space, and also because the gas mileage on the Jimmy is so bad for a truck it's size, I could upgrade to a full size SUV with little to no dropoff in fuel economy.

 

[bruceb]

Dodge has some deals on their trucks right now, with the Cummins Diesel motor. That is a reliable powerplant and MPG is not too bad.