Vehicle purchase advice needed

[slag]

We are buying a new explorer and were going to purchase my wife's old company car. Well, that plan took a u turn this past weekend when we slid on black ice and totalled the old explorer. Great vehicle, now we can't buy it and are going to need to purchase something else.

I have a few needs. Large enough to comfortably fit a family of 5 and a dog and a few bags, 4WD or AWD, greater than 15-18 mpg if possible, and well, if I could tow a boat, that would be a plus, but not a necessity as we have the new explorer that can tow.

I was thinking about a subaru or possibly even a quad cab truck, but my budget isn't great, only around 6k. Can I get anything decent for that price?

 

[Jimzz]

The older chevy trailblazers could handle that. They are now just old enough to hit your price point. Good size, power, and body on frame.

The inline 6 makes good power. It did use a little oil, not a lot from the ones i worked on and my parents but any car should be checked from time to time.

2006 is the mid update, so 06 and newwer are best.

 

[slag]

The older chevy trailblazers could handle that. They are now just old enough to hit your price point. Good size, power, and body on frame.

The inline 6 makes good power. It did use a little oil, not a lot from the ones i worked on and my parents but any car should be checked from time to time.

2006 is the mid update, so 06 and newwer are best.

Never really been a chevy person, but I will look at them. Is there a certain engine I should be looking at or is there only one option?

 

[Jimzz]

Never really been a chevy person, but I will look at them. Is there a certain engine I should be looking at or is there only one option?

The main engine was the 4.2L inline six, most have this. Some have the 5.3L or 6.0L V8 but more rare and costly.

The inline 6 can get in the low 20's on the highway(depending on 2wdVS4wd, tires, and speed). Not bad for the power and weight of it.

Also the same SUV came in GMC, Buick, and Saab skin. But the chevy would probably be the cheapest due to number of them.

 

[NutBucket]

On the other hand, Saab not existing anymore might drive the price down if you can find one.

 

[EagleKeeper]

5-7 yr old Jeep will fit that bill. Same goes for an Escape/Explorer in that time frame.
V6 for light towing, V8 for heavier capacity

 

[JCH13]

Before I finished reading your post I thought "quad cab truck or Subaru Forester," you're probably on the right track.

Aside from that, a mid-size SUV/wagon would also fit the bill. Element, CRV, CX-7, Ford Escape, Volvo XC70, etc.

I would lean towards the Escape given your budget. My one data point of experience indicates that you just can't kill them.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

The MPG requirement is tough to meet with your towing requirements -

4.7L Dodge Dakota Crew or Dodge Durango with Hemi?

Isuzu Trooper?

 

[slag]

Had an escape and it was ok, but gutless.

Element is fugly, I dislike the CRV, and I can't find a 2006-2007 explorer for around 6k, give or take. I kind of miss my truck but don't think I can find a 1/2 ton with quad cab in my price range.

 

[power_hour]

Couple of choices come to mind:

Subaru Forester. I was told they are great except for the boxer engine (2.5L). They tend to eat head gaskets or something like that (do your research on this one). Should be available in your price range. Not sure they can tow much but you got that covered.

Nissan X-trail or whatever they are called. Friend bought one for his Dad. He said its been decent.

 

[SparkyJJO]

I have a Trailblazer (2002 model) with the inline 6. 172k miles so far, runs perfectly, original power train. Overall been a good vehicle. The I6 does use some oil, but not a huge amount (I think the 5.3 might actually use more). The PCV system doesn't have a valve in it, so the throttle body gets gummy after a while. Cleaning it every so often helps keep it running smooth and it is an easy 15 min job. Most people do it every 30k or so. I'll be doing mine again this summer sometime.

Mine is 4x4, and I have gotten slightly more than the rated 21mpg out of it on the highway in the past. I usually average 17-19 however, which is probably 75/25 highway/city. I drive a lot. Got the truck with 112k in September 2010, have 172k now, so yeah, do the math

Also, FWIW, when this one wears out (I have never sold a car yet lol) I plan on getting another Trailbazer, just newer.

They also make the Trailblazer EXT or the GMC Envoy XL that is longer and has another row of seating.

 

[thedarkwolf]

How big of a boat are we talking about here?

Minivans?

 

[slag]

18 foot boat, but we have another tow vehicle also. No minivan. This will be my daily driver and I drive about 75 miles daily. It has to get through snow so I need AWD/4WD, and it has to carry the family comfortably.

I am looking into trailblazers but they are so uninspiring and bland.

 

[slag]

Something like this would be ok

http://lawrence.craigslist.org/ctd/3604884349.html

Dealership price is 8k so I should be able to find a good private party used one for a couple thousand less. I'm also planning on shopping at a local dealer car auction with a friend of mine so that should really allow me to get a good deal.

 

[Jimzz]

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3558970719.html

no pictures but ext version.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Had an escape and it was ok, but gutless.

Element is fugly, I dislike the CRV, and I can't find a 2006-2007 explorer for around 6k, give or take. I kind of miss my truck but don't think I can find a 1/2 ton with quad cab in my price range.

suspect you had a 4cyc Escape.

We had a '09 with a V6.
30mpg at 75
Plenty of oomph for the mountains of Colorado.

Totaled in a T-bone with an Excursion; my wife came out with some broken ribs; I only scratches.

 

[slag]

Looking now more at quad cab trucks such as the Nissan Titan or F150. Haven't ruled out escapes or even possibly a 1st year edge, but like the look of the titan and a 2004-05 is in my budget.

 

[SyndromeOCZ]

Looking now more at quad cab trucks such as the Nissan Titan or F150. Haven't ruled out escapes or even possibly a 1st year edge, but like the look of the titan and a 2004-05 is in my budget.

I know a guy with a boat the same size as yours. He traded his Titan in for a BMW X5 and uses that to haul his boat now. lol