Car make/model question- SUV's/van

[Cindy B]

In the process of looking for a used car, I realize I've been out of the car loop for a long time, and I don't know what is out there.

I tend to buy a car, and basically don't replace it until it dies. So, in actuality, I've haven't bought a newish car in a LONG time. Since then the SUV/van market has exploded, and I don't know what is truly available.

I am looking for one of two things. My first preference would be

1) Mid range SUV. My DH has an Explorer (Extended) and that is about as big as I will want to go. I don't want anything bigger, like an Expedition/Yukon/Suburban/Escalade, etc.

I don't want a V8.
I am willing to not have all the newest options.
I dont NEED a 3rd row seat
I don't need super plush, leather, etc. but a comfortable ride.
I need cargo room, enough for 2 kids, 2 dogs, and the occasional big thing.
I'd like for it to be decent in bad weather.

2) a minivan. I've had bad luck with a 95 Windstar, so I'm a little leery about another minivan.

My cons on a minivan is the 3rd seat (dont need it), and the lack of trunk space (non existant in mini vans)

With the minivan, I sacrifice trunk space. I don't want to be hauling out a 3rd seat everytime I go shopping for a big item.

I am thinking a Jeep may work for me. I love Hondas, Toyotas, and other brands which last a while. Since we hang on to cars for a LONG time (until 200K at least) I want it to be good for the long haul.

Lastly, I have about $8K -10K to spend on said car. I have my eye on two 1999 Jeeps (my choice), and one 2000 Windstar (my hubby's choice) I'm paying cash for said car, so I don't want to pay any extra, or do any financing.

It seems like a tall order. Can you help?

 

[floridafam]

When I first started to read your post, I immediately thought Jeep.

We really liked the Cherokee that we had.

Also, what about a Honda CRV?

We drove Hondas for years and they just seemed to last forever.

Good luck.

 

[FroggyinArk]

While i love my suburban, i understand if its not for you, DW doesnt like the monster suv either, she has a 2000 blazer slt ( chevy) its loaded and a really nice ride. Its areally nice little suv , gets good mileage and its spacious for the size. ours has teh vortex 6 in it and is plenty poweryful, its also very comfortable on the road

EDITED TO ADD Sorry i left out the price info the dealer was asking 12000 fir the blazer back in ocxtober right after my wreck, dw toild him we would finance it at credit union , that he would get a bottom line check, if he got low enough, he dropped price to **** on the spot. we payed himbrought it home

 

[lovemygoofy]

Used Toyota SUVs are great and a Toyota dealership has to go over them with a fine tooth comb before the seal of approval to sell on it.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I have a 2000 Honda CRV. I LOVE IT!!! It was a bit more than you're willing to spend, but it's an EX. I'm sure an LX would be cheaper. My sister and father also have CRVs. I highly recommend it.

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

Look into the Buick Rendezvous. I had a 2002 and LOVED IT!!! I loved it so much I just purchased a 2004!! You can get some good deals on used Rendezvous' coming off of leases or like in my case just traded in to upgrade to a newer one. They started making them in 2002 so if you buy used it will only be 2 years old. Good luck!

Wishing everyone a "magical" day!

 

[FroggyinArk]

ok they knocked out the price? $**** shrugs we saved almost 2 1/2 grand

 

[hercamore]

I think the extended length minivans are a good value. Not Ford, which had so many engine problems for years. Honda, Plymouth, GMC.

Many of them have fold down back seats now which are aquick and easy to use.

My old GMC minivan is a workhorse. Plenty of room for groceries in the back and with the two seats out , it can haul a room full of college dorm stuff.(or whaatever)

herc.

 

[Cindy B]

See, I thought Jeep as well. My DH isn't too convinced on them.

I did research on Grand Cherokee and they have had some noted problems, but the regular Cherokee does not. (He is spoiled by his Eddie Bauer Explorer, and now NEEDS leater seats and options out the wazoo! )

He's afraid its not going to ride well. I have my feelers out on two 1999's. He thinks its going to be too bouncy, and not plush.

(I keep on telling him that you cant compare the two)

I'd like the CRV as well. DH saw an Acura MLX (I think) yesterday which is a hybrid of Honda, and has a great consumer rating.

He is pulling for the Windstar, since they gave us a price of $4500. (Thats half what we want to spend, and would have money left over). Part of me wants to pull out our old service records on the Windstar (2 inch thick pile) and let him reveiw them.

 

[mickeyboat]

Re a mini van - the seats do come out when you need the storage. Some of the new ones even fold down. We have four in our family, but if each kid wanted to bring a friend somewhere, we have the ability to transport them.

Also, a friend of mine was just looking at SUV's. She settled on a mini van with fold down seats because there is a whole lot more room there.

Denae

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by mickeyboat
Re a mini van - the seats do come out when you need the storage. Some of the new ones even fold down. We have four in our family, but if each kid wanted to bring a friend somewhere, we have the ability to transport them.

Also, a friend of mine was just looking at SUV's. She settled on a mini van with fold down seats because there is a whole lot more room there.

Denae

Our last minivan, the Windstar had the availability to remove seats. It was still a hassle though. I love the idea of the fold away seats, but thats not going to happen in my budget.

 

[Cindy B]

The last time I bought a car, was back in 1997. That was the Windstar. After the hassles, we turned it in for a Saturn. (I hate the Saturn)

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

My sister has a ford escape and loves it, I have a nissan pathfinder and love it. I purchased the Pathfinder because I really wanted an SUV and once I test drove it, I bought it. It drives like a car and is on the smaller side of the SUV. It also is supose to ride like a car.....that I am not so sure about because it is a little stiff on the bumps!!! But I do agree that it drives like a car. They both have V6 engines I believe.

 

[CamColt]

Heres another vote for the Honda CRV. We got a 98 back in 98 and loved it so much we bought another one, a 2003, last year. We have never had trouble with either one and just recently sold the 98(only because we inherited another new car) for more than we expected.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

If you are looking at used models, both Mazda and Honda have fold down third row seat in their 2000 minivan models. I have a 2000 Mazda MPV that I bought in Nov 99. The forld down 3rd row was one of the things that sold me. Also, because the seat folds down into the floor, you actually get "trunk space" when the seat is up. It is enough room for mee to put both car seats if I need to!

 

[Cindy B]

The only CRV's I have looked at have over 100K miles on it. I don't want that.

Thanks for all the suggestions though..

So, with the Jeeps and the Windstar what would you go with?


Two 1999 Jeep Cherokees one is $7500, and one is $8500.
The mileage is about the same on each vehicle, but one (the 8500) has some better toys, and looks slightly better kept. The $7500, has a remote entry, and just had new rotors put on. (could possibly signify a rotor issue) The $8500 one maybe a rare V6, not an inline 6. If it is a straight V6, that could be a better option. --straight V6's are rare, according to my research. The $8500 one is also the original owner and has maintenance records.



The Windstar is a 2000. It had acceptable mileage on it, and DH got them down to $4500. There were no true issues with the car, except its a 3.8L V6. (same engine as the Windstar from beyond)

 

[Mercy]

How about a Toyota Highlander? Toyota's are know for their reliability and resale value. I have a 4Runner and really like it, which is probably a little bigger than the Highlander.

I've heard Jeep's have a lot of mechanical problems.

 

[orvilleair]

Is the Jeep Cherokee four wheel drive? I had a 95 Grand Cherokee, and I had expensive problems with the transfer case because of a bad clutch. It was a problem with it's manufacturer so I would stay away from four wheel drives. Jeep has a devoted following and a good internet bulletin board (can't remember the name). FWIW the Cheokee has been replaced by the Liberty, which looks a lot better. It seems the Cherokee drives higher (higher view) than the Windstar. The body seems to hold up well from rust.

The Windstar has been replaced by the Freestar. My neighbor has a Mercury Villager (sister to the Windstar), and he hasn't had complaints that I know of. It looks worn, but it still runs.

I'd go with the car with good maintenance records. Maybe the dealer can run a carfax for you as well. Good Luck.

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by orvilleair
Is the Jeep Cherokee four wheel drive? I had a 95 Grand Cherokee, and I had expensive problems with the transfer case because of a bad clutch. It was a problem with it's manufacturer so I would stay away from four wheel drives. Jeep has a devoted following and a good internet bulletin board (can't remember the name). FWIW the Cheokee has been replaced by the Liberty, which looks a lot better. It seems the Cherokee drives higher (higher view) than the Windstar. The body seems to hold up well from rust.

Thats a good question. I know the Grand Cherokee had what the called the Quadra Drive (or something like that). The Quadra drive option made the car stay in 4WD all the time. .. I don't want that option.

I wouldn't use 4wd a lot, if rarely. In fact, my DH has 4wd on his Explorer and I think he's never used it.

Do you have a manual (5 speed?)? I read about some problems with the 5 speed Jeeps, but nothing really in the automatic Jeeps. I wouldn't personally get a 5 speed--even though I know how to drive one.

 

[bigbabyblues]

We have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee (not a Grand) that we've had for about 18 months and we're happy with it. It is a little bouncy, but it's not bad. We took it to Pittsburgh last Sept and the ride was fine. Ours has about 50,000 miles on it now, and no problems since we've owned it. It had 30,000 when we bought it.

Steph