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SUV owners - what features to look for

K

Kremlar

Golden Member
Shopping for my first SUV in the next few months. Replacing my '99 BMW M3. Fiance already has a sedan, and I need something more usable for moving equipment around. Mini-van is out of the question, so I'm thinking SUV.

I tend to prefer foreign cars over domestic, and I like the look of the Pathfinder, so as of right now that's what I'm thinking. I am open to other models, however, and could easily change my mind. Test drove one a few years ago when I last considered an SUV, and liked it.

I'll probably end up buying a 2002/2003, with 40k miles or less. I drive lots of miles (30K + per year), so I'm looking for something nice and reliable, but not necessarily tip-top of the line, where it will depreciate rapidly with excessive miles.

Since this is my first SUV, however, I'm not quite sure which features I should be looking for. Obvious stuff is.... obvious. Power, handling, cargo space, etc...

Anything that a non-SUV owner might not know to look for?

Thanks in advance.
 
Yes, aside from the obvious which is already listed, definitely gas mileage if you're going to drive that many miles. Most can get 15-18mpg highway. Mine gets 12/14mpg. So you really need to consider that.

Also you may want to consider the warranty (not sure if they're transferrable)... Hyundai and Kia I believe have the longest powertrain warranties... and while I think the Sorrento is a pretty good looking SUV,... those 2 companies don't offer much else. If you're going for an '02/'03 ... the Pathfinder is a good start for sure.
 
Originally posted by: Heisenberg
From your description I doubt you'll ever take it off the pavement, so you probably won't need 4WD.
Click to expand...
Bad miscalculation. Massachusetts. Snow. Get the 4WD.
 
Gas mileage: I'm just going to have to grin and bear it. It's tax deductible, so at least I get 40% off. 😉

I was considering a truck, but it's not uncommon to have to ride with 3 or 4 other people, so I nixed that idea. I also would need the equipment covered in case of bad weather, or locked in case I need to park with it. So even if I got a pickup, I'd have to get a cab/cover for it.

I'm sure I won't be off-roading, but 4WD/AWD would be nice for the weather we get here in New England.

I didn't mention price because I'm trying not to fixate on that, I'm pretty flexible.
 
Subaru Wagon w/ the H6 engine.

Comfortable, roomy, reliable, excellent resale, and good milage.
 
I considered a wagon, but don't think I dig the style.

Which models have the H6 engine?

I see some listed with a 210hp 2.5 liter... is that it?
 
People always point at the Subarus when SUVs are mentioned. It's difficult to get over the fact that 80% of their fleet are UGLY. And that's before getting to the "wagon" part.
 
Originally posted by: Kremlar
I considered a wagon, but don't think I dig the style.

Which models have the H6 engine?

I see some listed with a 210hp 2.5 liter... is that it?
Click to expand...

The Pre-05 Outbacks came with the 3.0L H6 in their top trim levels. The '05 Legacy GT's have a 250HP/250 ft/lb turbo charged 2.5L 4cylinder that's a detuned version of the engine in the STi's.

The 05 Outbacks come with the NA 2.5L, the TC'd 2.5L, and the 3.0L H6 engine choices.

As for wagons...they provide as much functional space as your average midsize SUV, get about 30%-50% better milages depending on engine choices, and provide much better handling, manuverability, and visibility over a typical SUV.

Looks are subject. The VW wagons are very nice looking as are the current 05 Legacy GT's.
 
There are basically two different types of SUV's... crossovers and truck-based.

Crossovers are usually based on a unibody car platform (i.e. Highlander from Camry, CR-V from Civic).
They'll be more mild mannered on-pavement; in other words, it'll drive like a taller car with decent handling and quieter ride.
Ground clearance is slightly more than a car, but not by much so don't expect any serious off-roading to be done.
The optional 4WD is FWD biased that only engages when slip is detected.
Some of the larger ones offer 3rd row seating these days, but it is mostly good for kids that are 5' or shorter.
Basically, it's a raised wagon with optional AWD for soccer moms that can't handle a real truck.

Truck based SUV's are just that... based on trucks (i.e. Pathfinder/XTerra from Frontier, 4Runner from Tacoma).
They are based on RWD trucks with more ground clearance, stiffer body (body on frame), sloppier handling, harsher ride, etc.
If you're going to be going off-road, this is a better choice.
Look for things such as tow packages (tow hitch, tranny cooler, etc.), off-road packages (beefier tires/brakes, skid plates, hill descent control, locking rear differential, electronic transfer case, etc.).

The Pathfinder is a good choice. You're looking at the previous generation which has a torquey 3.5 liter V6 and above average reliability. It's a bit tight on the inside however, esp. rear leg room.
 
Originally posted by: Kremlar
Replacing my '99 BMW M3. Fiance already has a sedan, and I need something more usable for moving equipment around.
Click to expand...


if you are replacing the M3 - go with the X5
if you are wanting "something more usable for moving equipment" - dont go with X5
if you want 70% M3 replacement and 30% eqpmt mover - go with X5

if you go with X5 make sure it has the factory / OEM hitch ...

with pathfinder you will miss the M3 a lot! hth!

 
Armor plating, so you can crush those puny sedans when you cut lanes and back out in parking lots, w/o causing any damage to your SUV.
 
I thought about the X5, but with the amount of money I burnt through putting so many miles on the M3, I think I want something a bit lower cost to start with.

I'm thinking maybe a year or two from now, I'll buy a toy car for the joy rides. I had a 3rd gen RX-7, but sold it a few months ago when I bought my new house. That would have been perfect... :-/
 
Size is your biggest question. Do you want a "real" SUV or do you want a Subaru? 😕

I have an '01 Durango which as far as I'm concerned was a great choice for me. It has good cargo space, but isn't so big overall that it is a nightmare to drive around. Bigger doesn't necessarily mean worse gas milage, either - I get 17 on the highway which is pretty close to a LOT of midsize trucks etc - but I also get 335 lb-feet of torque out of the 5.9. 🙂


 
I am a huge huge huge fan of large SUV's/Full Size Trucks. However, I do recomend that you check out the Dodge Magnum, as it truly is one sweeeeet ride.
 
Try the Toyota Highlander. Honda Pilot. Subarus wagon good also. Very feminine however. GT models excluded.

Or similarly, used, RX330, and/or MDX. Off-lease, lots of good deals to be had.

Think car based SUV. No body on frame stuff. Too jiggly, only good for towing.
 
Originally posted by: rh71
People always point at the Subarus when SUVs are mentioned. It's difficult to get over the fact that 80% of their fleet are UGLY. And that's before getting to the "wagon" part.
Click to expand...

i think going from an M3 to a fvcking SUV will be a lot harder to get over than subaru styling. also, the guy is considering the PATHFINDER, which might be one of the ugliest vehicles on the road. at least with a subie he can get 250 HP from an engine that doesn't weigh as much as a nuclear submarine, and decent handling.
 
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