Car make/model question- SUV's/van

[Shelle&Dave]

I traded my Saturn in for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. That was the best thing I ever did. I don't like driving big vehicles and I don't like the way you bounce in a truck, but the Jeep doesn't feel big and it rides like a car. It has tons of room and is very easy to park. Mine has full time and part time 4WD (and 2WD of course). I've used the 4WD quite a few times and it's awesome. I've had no major problems with it, only normal maintenance stuff. We plan to drive it down to WDW in September. We will be towing a popup camper.

One thing I really like is Jeeps are so popular that most of the minor parts that I have needed I could find at my local Pick-A-Part. (Of course major things I buy brand new.) I will never buy a Saturn again because of this. None of the salvage yards had the parts that I needed and when I went to the parts store they told me just about everything was a dealer part. The closest dealership is 50 miles away. That car was nothing but problems.

Anyway, to get back on track....get a Jeep! I will drive this one until it dies and then I will go and get another one! I don't want to drive anything else!

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by Shelle&Dave

One thing I really like is Jeeps are so popular that most of the minor parts that I have needed I could find at my local Pick-A-Part. (Of course major things I buy brand new.) I will never buy a Saturn again because of this. None of the salvage yards had the parts that I needed and when I went to the parts store they told me just about everything was a dealer part. The closest dealership is 50 miles away. That car was nothing but problems.

Anyway, to get back on track....get a Jeep! I will drive this one until it dies and then I will go and get another one! I don't want to drive anything else!

I know what you mean about salvage yards and Saturn parts... they don't go together.

So what minor parts were you able to get from salvage yard? We have done this in the past with our cars (not the Saturn) as well.. we got a all kinds of stuff inexpensively.
I'm a big fan of reduce, and reuse.

 

[bobcat]

I have an Oldsmobile Silohette (I can never spell that?) and love it. Extended wheel base so I have more room with the rear seats up and can carry a ton of stuff. When I do need to carry larger items the seats are very easy to fold half way down or flip forward without having to take them out. When I do have to take them out they aren't to bulky or heavy. This was very important to me and that was one of the features I tested before I bought. Actually had a saleman not able to figure out how one models rear seats went back in didn't buy that one. LOL

Do pull a carfax before you buy.

 

[Mskanga]

You couldn' catch me dead buying another Chrysler product, I have had nothing else but problems with Chrysler products.

 

[arminnie]

You need my car, but I'm not selling it just yet.

I have a 97 Honda Odyssey with 60,000 miles on it. It's been a GREAT minivan but is really more like a car.

This has the fold down third seat. I was actually looking for an SUV when I bought this vehicle.

This was not a popular minivan in '97 because it has 4 regular doors - not the sliding doors. I like it because of that since I'd wanted an SUV for space to begin with.

It is also smaller than the Odyssey's are now. It was based on the Accord and really is very car like.

The 97 Odyssey is a 4 cylinder and get really good gas mileage.

When I've checked with the blue book values (didn't do it today) I think a 97 Odyssey should be available in your price range.

You already know that Hondas last forever so even thought this car is 7 years old it has a LOT of life left in it. So a 97 or 98 Odyssey might fit your bill.

Good luck.

 

[Dcat2u]

As much as I liked DH's 2 Jeep Cherokee's we had some different issues with each that added up. I have an explorer sport-trac, I love it, it fits my needs I don't need a full size truck but I have a little truck bed just incase ie: kids bikes, stuff from Home Depot or Lowes. DH used to work at Army test center and knew some contractors that tested various vehicles, watch what year cherokee is cause certain years have certain problems.

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by arminnie
You need my car, but I'm not selling it just yet.

I have a 97 Honda Odyssey with 60,000 miles on it. It's been a GREAT minivan but is really more like a car.

This has the fold down third seat. I was actually looking for an SUV when I bought this vehicle.

This was not a popular minivan in '97 because it has 4 regular doors - not the sliding doors. I like it because of that since I'd wanted an SUV for space to begin with.

It is also smaller than the Odyssey's are now. It was based on the Accord and really is very car like.

The 97 Odyssey is a 4 cylinder and get really good gas mileage.

When I've checked with the blue book values (didn't do it today) I think a 97 Odyssey should be available in your price range.

You already know that Hondas last forever so even thought this car is 7 years old it has a LOT of life left in it. So a 97 or 98 Odyssey might fit your bill.

Good luck.

I love the Odysseys but the mileage I have seen are really high, like in the 100's! I have a hard time paying for that. I love the look of the Odyssey as well.

I know I should get over that.. but it still is hard for me to stomach the cost with a car over 100K miles.

I had a 1978, yes 78 accord and we bought it in 1990. It worked well, but we only bought it for $200.

 

[arminnie]

Originally posted by Cindy B
I love the Odysseys but the mileage I have seen are really high, like in the 100's! I have a hard time paying for that. I love the look of the Odyssey as well.

I know I should get over that.. but it still is hard for me to stomach the cost with a car over 100K miles.

I had a 1978, yes 78 accord and we bought it in 1990. It worked well, but we only bought it for $200.

I hope that the low mileage on mine (60,000) will help me sell it when I find what I am looking for. Just keep looking.

You never know when something will turn up. I almost found the perfect new car for me last night. It was a two year old Toyota Highlander with low mileage and was even the color that I wanted. The owner died about a month ago, but his wife doesn't know if she wants to sell it yet. It's really hard on her as the death was totally unexpected, so I would never pressure her about something as insignificant as a car when she is having to deal with such a loss.

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by arminnie
I hope that the low mileage on mine (60,000) will help me sell it when I find what I am looking for. Just keep looking.

You never know when something will turn up. I almost found the perfect new car for me last night. It was a two year old Toyota Highlander with low mileage and was even the color that I wanted. The owner died about a month ago, but his wife doesn't know if she wants to sell it yet. It's really hard on her as the death was totally unexpected, so I would never pressure her about something as insignificant as a car when she is having to deal with such a loss.

Well, if you are up for a road trip to Philadelphia area... just let me know!

 

[AZKathy]

What about the Jeep Liberty? I don't know much about it except that it is cute and it did drive well when we test drove it.

Have you looked at the Rav4? Is that too small? I think it is adorable!

I have a PT Cruiser and I just love it. I was a PT hater for many years, but DH convinced me to just try it and look at it closer. It is much bigger and comfortable for the passengers and there is great cargo space. The seats easily fold down for more cargo; you can even get an 8 foot ladder in it with the seats folded down! We got the turbo model with a five speed transmission and it is a hoot to drive. It has so much spunk and can really get going fast! I fell in love with the PT when I saw it up close and drove it. I am a very popular mom among all the kids in the neighborhood with my PT; everyone loves it and wants it!

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by AZKathy
What about the Jeep Liberty? I don't know much about it except that it is cute and it did drive well when we test drove it.

Have you looked at the Rav4? Is that too small? I think it is adorable!

I have a PT Cruiser and I just love it.

I saw a PT in my price range yesterday. I looked at it, and it did look cute. It looked fine for people, but I have two dogs. We weren't sure if two dogs/two kdis/two adults all fit.

 

[Shelle&Dave]

I asked DFiance about what we've gotten at the salvage yard for the Grand Cherokee. This is what he said:

Hitch and wiring system $25
Bug Deflector $5
Air Conditioner Condenser w/ Transmission Cooler $15
Brand New Spare Tire w/ Rim $10

I know you said you were looking at Cherokees, but we really recommend the Grand Cherokee. It has much better ride, more options and more room. DF said he had a Cherokee years ago but likes the Grand Cherokee better.

He said for the '96 Grand Cherokee and newer to take a look at the center part of the rear end (bend over and look at the "pumpkin" underneath). If it is wet that means there could be problems with the gears in the rear end. He also said he wouldn't recommend getting anything with a rare engine. There must be a reason why they didn't keep making them.

My DF is a tow truck operator. He swears that the Grand Cherokee is the least towed vehicle.

Ours was a one owner and very well taken care of. The inside was absolutely spotless! It's a '95 and we paid $6000. DF says it's worth every penny.

We drove it to Georgia last December. Highway mileage was about 21mpg. It ran great the whole time.

Good luck with your decision and let us know if you have any other questions.

 

[WishingStar]

We have had a Grand Cherokee and three Cherokees, and we love them all. Right now I have a Liberty and DH has a Cherokee, if they were still making the Cherokees that's what I would have. We have never had any mechanical problems and there is plenty of room, we have three kids, and they are quite comfortable. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by Shelle&Dave
I asked DFiance about what we've gotten at the salvage yard for the Grand Cherokee. This is what he said:

Hitch and wiring system $25
Bug Deflector $5
Air Conditioner Condenser w/ Transmission Cooler $15
Brand New Spare Tire w/ Rim $10

He said for the '96 Grand Cherokee and newer to take a look at the center part of the rear end (bend over and look at the "pumpkin" underneath). If it is wet that means there could be problems with the gears in the rear end. He also said he wouldn't recommend getting anything with a rare engine. There must be a reason why they didn't keep making them.

My DF is a tow truck operator. He swears that the Grand Cherokee is the least towed vehicle.

Ours was a one owner and very well taken care of. The inside was absolutely spotless! It's a '95 and we paid $6000. DF says it's worth every penny.

We drove it to Georgia last December. Highway mileage was about 21mpg. It ran great the whole time.

Good luck with your decision and let us know if you have any other questions.

Thanks for all your help. We are looking at one today. They wan t a little high for it, but we may be able to negiotate.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I'll tell you what... my sister just bought a Honda Element. I know, I know, they are ugly - so ugly they're cute.

I have never ridden in anything SO SPACIOUS and SO SMOOTH. This car is incredible.... The space in it is compleltely overwhelming. We were soon wishing we had taken it to Florida instead of a Ford minivan that we rented when we took it out for a spin.

They are VERY affordable, brand new under 20. Just something to look at if you're interested =)

All that being said, Hondas will always treat you well! CRVs or Odysessys!

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by Aimeedyan
I'll tell you what... my sister just bought a Honda Element. I know, I know, they are ugly - so ugly they're cute.

I

A friend of ours had an Element. DH hated it! I personally don't mind the design, but its still out of our price range.

We are firm on cost, and not financing anything.