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Lookin into a new SUV....
- Thread starter ImBroken
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SpitFireV12RR
RCTalk Addict
...I don't understand why you want to go with a Jeep, but hate dodge. Unless you're and illegal immigrant, you should know the Damlier Crysler owns Jeep and Dodge. They have basically the same stuff, just dodge is focused more twords power!
vbgagnon
RCTalk VIP
Yes its the same company, but they put out a different product. Just like chevrolet owns saab, same company very different product. And ford owns VW two very very different products.
well speaking as a bmw x5 owner, i have to say its not the best family car. if u have young ones, or plan on having young ones, the trunk space is limited when u have the baby seat installed. driver and passenger seating is nice, but if u are tall, the back seat passengers suffer a bit. engine power is nice,(v6) but nothing write home about. the only real plus i've seen is the dealer support and included maintenence service. no service cost for 4 yrs or 50k miles...
personally i'd take the advise of the others and rent one for a week. friends of mine did that with a durango and they discovered tons of things that became annoying just 2 days into driving it.
personally i'd take the advise of the others and rent one for a week. friends of mine did that with a durango and they discovered tons of things that became annoying just 2 days into driving it.
- Thread starter
- #25
SpitFireV12RR said:
I never said that I hated Dodge. I'm just not to keen on their trucks. There's a reason why Dodge trucks are cheaper than there competition. I've always sweared by Chevy. I love the Tahoe I have now, but I dont like the body shape of the newer ones. Plus the fact, that there in the $40k+ range to start.
I'm looking to get into a fully loaded SUV for under $600/month. I'm not willing to sacrifice any options. I want it all... lol
Renting one to drive for a week is an excellent idea. I'll have to see if that's possible in my area.
Truthfully, I've always looked down on Jeeps.. Their faithful owners can be real jackasses too.. lol Talkin poop like Jeep steps over all others...
My ass...
The Commander does happen to be first on my list at the moment though. Offering all the goodies, space, size, body style and power I'm looking for. I will still be looking at a few others this week such as the Navigator, Envoy & Tahoe's again..
Thanks for all the comments guys, keep em coming...
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Envoy is small. My bosses daughter has one and I drive it from time to time.
It's nice, fully loaded for about $35,000 but small. I would say blazer size. smaller than the trailblazer.
The Navigator is big $$$.
Aviator might be a better choice. Juct my 2 cents.
It's nice, fully loaded for about $35,000 but small. I would say blazer size. smaller than the trailblazer.
The Navigator is big $$$.
Aviator might be a better choice. Juct my 2 cents.
Revo Rancher
Hardcore RCTalk User
Well, let me preface this by saying I am a big Jeep fan and have owned a '97 Grand Cherokee and now have an '04 Wrangler Sahara.
I also owned one of the very first Tahoe's (2/2000) of the current body style. It was 2 wheel drive but was fully loaded. I pulled everything from a double jet ski trialer to an 8500 lb boat/trailer combo with no problems. Never saw the dealer once except to have an airbag sensor reprogrammed. Only got rid of the Tahoe last fall as I just was not using it enough.
The '97 GC was also flawless and I only got rid of it as I wanted the Tahoe (for more towing capacity) and the room (third seat option not previosly available).
I now have a '05 Denali. Piece of crap(story for another day), but it must be the luck of the draw. I like the ride, turning radius, quietness and looks, plus it hauls ass with the big optional V8 (they only have V8's), but it just is too soft, too heavy feeling and can't corner well. My 2000 Tahoe definitely, although essentially the same rig, handled better.
As to price, you can get a fairly fully loaded 2WD Tahoe LT (sunroof, DVD for rear, third row seat, leather, tow package, comfort ride package, etc,) for about 33-35 before taxes, out here. Gas prices have softened the prices a bit.
As to the Commander, a good friend is a Jeep club president and he is not sure of what origin that chassis comes from but he thinks it is a South American design as far as a Jeep heritage. The motor and trans are all current GC, so the reliability should be there. I looked at one and was impressed with the room and features for the price.
Durango one the SUV/Truck of the year award when it forst came out (I forgot who was doing the ranking) but they have had their issues since. Heads on the V8 leaking, electrical and ignition problems, etc., but it is one tough truck, especially the 4WD models.
Ford, I like the looks and features of the new Expedition but do not know enough about them to give a reasonable opinion. Not a Ford buyer, anyhow.
As to the others, such as FX45, X3, X5, Tribeca, Acura Rs330, Murano, those are all very, very good SAV's (Sports Activity Vehicles) but if you are looking for a truck based SUV you are best served with the list you are naming above. I do like a lot of the SAV's as they offer a lot for the size and money, and personally like the Volvo and FX45, but I need a real truck cargo/towing capacity and tha SAV category just does not cut it for me. (except maybe the Volvo and Tourag, but they are too pricey for what they are)
The H3, hmmm, GM screwed up here. It shares the Chevy Colorado chassis, motor and trans. My GMC dealer is also a Hummer dealer and we had along discussion with them about the new H3. From the car mags and the dealer input, there are no plans to put a bigger motor in the H3 such as a V6 or small V8, no plans to turbo the I-5 like GM originally proposed for the Colorado and has now scrapped, and the interior room is pitiful. At that price point you would get a tougher and more powerful vehicle in V8 4Wd by going GC Laredo.
I second Eddy's idea of renting some of the models you are most interested in. You are right, it is an investment, especially if you are getting near the 40,000 mark. Since I pay cash for all my cars and only generally keep them 4 years, I am one of those that really just buys by sight and specs, but if it is going to be your daily driver plus the weekend family hauler, plus the handyman project vehicle, then test driving through a rental may be the key.
BTW, VB, Ford owns the controlling share of Volvo, not VW!
I also owned one of the very first Tahoe's (2/2000) of the current body style. It was 2 wheel drive but was fully loaded. I pulled everything from a double jet ski trialer to an 8500 lb boat/trailer combo with no problems. Never saw the dealer once except to have an airbag sensor reprogrammed. Only got rid of the Tahoe last fall as I just was not using it enough.
The '97 GC was also flawless and I only got rid of it as I wanted the Tahoe (for more towing capacity) and the room (third seat option not previosly available).
I now have a '05 Denali. Piece of crap(story for another day), but it must be the luck of the draw. I like the ride, turning radius, quietness and looks, plus it hauls ass with the big optional V8 (they only have V8's), but it just is too soft, too heavy feeling and can't corner well. My 2000 Tahoe definitely, although essentially the same rig, handled better.
As to price, you can get a fairly fully loaded 2WD Tahoe LT (sunroof, DVD for rear, third row seat, leather, tow package, comfort ride package, etc,) for about 33-35 before taxes, out here. Gas prices have softened the prices a bit.
As to the Commander, a good friend is a Jeep club president and he is not sure of what origin that chassis comes from but he thinks it is a South American design as far as a Jeep heritage. The motor and trans are all current GC, so the reliability should be there. I looked at one and was impressed with the room and features for the price.
Durango one the SUV/Truck of the year award when it forst came out (I forgot who was doing the ranking) but they have had their issues since. Heads on the V8 leaking, electrical and ignition problems, etc., but it is one tough truck, especially the 4WD models.
Ford, I like the looks and features of the new Expedition but do not know enough about them to give a reasonable opinion. Not a Ford buyer, anyhow.
As to the others, such as FX45, X3, X5, Tribeca, Acura Rs330, Murano, those are all very, very good SAV's (Sports Activity Vehicles) but if you are looking for a truck based SUV you are best served with the list you are naming above. I do like a lot of the SAV's as they offer a lot for the size and money, and personally like the Volvo and FX45, but I need a real truck cargo/towing capacity and tha SAV category just does not cut it for me. (except maybe the Volvo and Tourag, but they are too pricey for what they are)
The H3, hmmm, GM screwed up here. It shares the Chevy Colorado chassis, motor and trans. My GMC dealer is also a Hummer dealer and we had along discussion with them about the new H3. From the car mags and the dealer input, there are no plans to put a bigger motor in the H3 such as a V6 or small V8, no plans to turbo the I-5 like GM originally proposed for the Colorado and has now scrapped, and the interior room is pitiful. At that price point you would get a tougher and more powerful vehicle in V8 4Wd by going GC Laredo.
I second Eddy's idea of renting some of the models you are most interested in. You are right, it is an investment, especially if you are getting near the 40,000 mark. Since I pay cash for all my cars and only generally keep them 4 years, I am one of those that really just buys by sight and specs, but if it is going to be your daily driver plus the weekend family hauler, plus the handyman project vehicle, then test driving through a rental may be the key.
BTW, VB, Ford owns the controlling share of Volvo, not VW!
Revo Rancher
Hardcore RCTalk User
Well, then, add about 2-3K for the 4WD Tahoe (unless you like the Z71!)
Except where specifically stated as to 2WD, I was comparing 4WD models. (and no diesels)
Ratzo, you are in snow country. Do you find yourself needing a 4WD? Just curious. Out here in CA they are a real PITA about chains if there is snow, even for 4WD in some areas, so there almost is no advantage if you only go to snow areas once in awhile.
Except where specifically stated as to 2WD, I was comparing 4WD models. (and no diesels)
Ratzo, you are in snow country. Do you find yourself needing a 4WD? Just curious. Out here in CA they are a real PITA about chains if there is snow, even for 4WD in some areas, so there almost is no advantage if you only go to snow areas once in awhile.
Revo Rancher said:
We get snow in NY all the time. I would consider it a must if you can afford the option and the gas mileage.
I think that it's rare to find an suv without 4 wheel drive in NY.
As far as I'm concerned 4 wheel drive is a must have here unless you like getting stuck in the snow. I will never be without at least one 4x4 vehicle in my household.
Revo Rancher
Hardcore RCTalk User
Yep, that is why I have the Wrangler, plus I have the factory Dual Top option. (hard and soft tops) I will never be without 4Wd either.
I do not ski anymore, but we get a heavy rains that flood our deserts and streets, plus we have lots of open area for camping and mucking around that has various types of desert terrain, so 4Wd comes in handy. (and Pismo!) Between sand and desert washes, you end up using 4WD quite a bit if you are into that.
I do not ski anymore, but we get a heavy rains that flood our deserts and streets, plus we have lots of open area for camping and mucking around that has various types of desert terrain, so 4Wd comes in handy. (and Pismo!) Between sand and desert washes, you end up using 4WD quite a bit if you are into that.
jetmechG550
RCTalk VIP
Hey Ratzo, have you looked at the Land Rover LR3? That was actually my other choice next to the X5 but there's only one dealer here in Indy for Land Rover and the guy pissed me off severely and they jack up pricing cause they are the only game in town. They now have three options two with V8's one with a V6.
Cause they SUCK!SpitFireV12RR said:
I'd take the MB ML series over the X3/X5 anyday.
The Murano (sp?) is nice, the Infinity FX is very similer seeing Nissan owns them.
Probably an upgraded version just like Lexus takes the Camery, rebadges it, and calls it the ES300.
I know someone who test drove the X5 and was not impressed at all. Supposibly it handled very well though.
If you are in snowy conditions, I would make sure its AWD, remember though, AWD doesn't mean your completly safe, if you find your self driving on a 1/4 inch of black ice, AWD isn't gonna do anything for you.
The Murano (sp?) is nice, the Infinity FX is very similer seeing Nissan owns them.
Probably an upgraded version just like Lexus takes the Camery, rebadges it, and calls it the ES300.
I know someone who test drove the X5 and was not impressed at all. Supposibly it handled very well though.
If you are in snowy conditions, I would make sure its AWD, remember though, AWD doesn't mean your completly safe, if you find your self driving on a 1/4 inch of black ice, AWD isn't gonna do anything for you.
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- Thread starter
- #35
Just got back from the dealers... First we decided to give the H3 a look, even though the straight 5cyl kinda turned me off. It drove exactly like I thought it would. STIFF..
Plenty of power for everyday Hwy driving and excellent steering response. The cab is pretty cramped with very small windows.. lol Felt like I was in an armored vehicle..
One thing that bothered me the most, was that every detail on the truck is an option, and cost extra.. It gets rediculous real quick..
Side curtain airbags are a $700 option.... That's just stupid...
Next we visited another Jeep dealer, and test drove the Commander. The ride was as good, if not better than my Tahoe. Very smooth, responsive, and plenty of room in the cab. I wasn't impressed with this particular salesman/dealership, as he was determined to sell me the demo (Only Commander on the lot) for what he thought was a fair price. NOT.. I will keep doing some research, but I think the wife really liked the Jeep. She drove it first, and loved it.
The price tags on these trucks are just out of control... I almost feel like givin the Tahoe an overhaul & sayin screw it..
Plenty of power for everyday Hwy driving and excellent steering response. The cab is pretty cramped with very small windows.. lol Felt like I was in an armored vehicle..
One thing that bothered me the most, was that every detail on the truck is an option, and cost extra.. It gets rediculous real quick..
Side curtain airbags are a $700 option.... That's just stupid...
Next we visited another Jeep dealer, and test drove the Commander. The ride was as good, if not better than my Tahoe. Very smooth, responsive, and plenty of room in the cab. I wasn't impressed with this particular salesman/dealership, as he was determined to sell me the demo (Only Commander on the lot) for what he thought was a fair price. NOT.. I will keep doing some research, but I think the wife really liked the Jeep. She drove it first, and loved it.
The price tags on these trucks are just out of control... I almost feel like givin the Tahoe an overhaul & sayin screw it..
redneckracer1979
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I am sorry but I see everyone in here talking about how 4wd helps in the snow and I completly disagree and I know that I will receiver flak for this. I grew up in the UP of Michigan and have owned 4wd trucks all my life and I can think of only a handful of times I needed 4wd to get anywhere on the streets. 4wd does nothing to help you steer or brake all it does is help it accelerate and that is it. I own 4wd trucks because I like to play in the mud and I need them for when I go to camp. I guess what I am trying to say is that you don't need 4wd to drive in the winter as long as you use your head when driving. Sorry this is so off topic but I ahd to get this off my chest.
Revo Rancher
Hardcore RCTalk User
I have my own stories but redneck I have to agree with you in most part. Driving in snow is a lot the driver, not not the auto. However, if you get stuck, the difference between life and freezing to death might be that 2WD to 4WD shifter sitting next to you.
Nice to hear that the Jeep is as good as I thought it might be. Hmmmm, hate the Denali, maybe time for the Commander I preferred over my WIFE'S choice.
Nice to hear that the Jeep is as good as I thought it might be. Hmmmm, hate the Denali, maybe time for the Commander I preferred over my WIFE'S choice.
vbgagnon
RCTalk VIP
The only 2wd vehicles that should be allowed to drive in the snow are front wd vehicles. RWD vehicles are more of a hazard then anything else. Sorry redneck dude.
jetmechG550
RCTalk VIP
Your correct on braking but that's as far as I will agree with you comment. If your stuck cause you have 2wd only then you don't need to worry about braking or steering cause...well...you're stuck. I feel compelled to remind you what they say about opinions!redneckracer1979 said:
