SUV suggestions?

[Jeanne B]

I bought a new soft-top Wrangler in January which I absolutely love (I've wanted one for a few years) but I'm definitely missing the storage space of my Toyota Rav at times so I'm seriously thinking of buying a second used vehicle for several reasons, including the fact that DD16 is driving now also (and my jeep is a stick shift which has been a bit of a challenge for her). I'd probably buy from the dealer I bought my jeep from since their service has been excellent and these are the models I picked out as possibilities from their online inventory this morning (all between '00 and '03 and I would finance very little, if any)...

-Chevy Trailblazer
-Oldsmobile Bravada
-Jeep Liberty
-Mercedes M-Class (it's a '00 and call me crazy but they gave me a Mercedes for a loaner car a few weeks ago and I loved how solid it was!!)
-Subaru Legacy wagon (but I've owned a few Subaru's in the past so I kind of want something different).

I'm leaning mostly towards a Trailblazer and they have several to choose from and it seems like I always read good things about the Trailblazers...and then there's the Mercedes.

I'm going there later this afternoon so would love some input beforehand!!

 

[Mickey527]

I know they lose alot as soon as you drive off the lot, but I have a KIA Sportage and I love it.
My friend has a Rav4 and my car has lots more space and I get better milage. I bought mine new and got it for $16,000 and then got the tax back in my taxes this year. They are not having that special now but the dealers are giving great incentives.
I don't know much about the cars you listed but my son has a Suburu and loves it. He bought used and has had no problems with it.

 

[LindaR]

I own a different brand German auto..........and you need to really think about the cost of maintenance and repairs for German vehicles! It is much higher than American or Japanese! Just a warning!!!!

 

[walkerag]

Not on your list but I love my '02 Nissan Xterra

 

[Jeanne B]

I own a different brand German auto..........and you need to really think about the cost of maintenance and repairs for German vehicles! It is much higher than American or Japanese! Just a warning!!!!

I'd thought of that because if I went with a car instead of an SUV I was thinking a VW but then I read a post on here somewhere where someone said it didn't cost them much more in repairs for their Mercedes than their American vehicle which surprised me...I'm guessing you have some first hand experience!!

This vehicle wouldn't be driven on a daily basis but repair costs are something for me to think about since I'd be buying used.

 

[Jeanne B]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone.

Not on your list but I love my '02 Nissan Xterra

My DB and SIL had one of those and really liked it.

 

[bethy]

From that selection, I would get the Subaru for SURE. The other cars might be something different but they will not hold up nearly as well nor as long. I've owned Subarus and they are really fantastic cars - esp if you need AWD. The Mercedes would be my second choice. I have a Volvo and an Audi and I love them both and they are very, very solid and well made - like bank vaults. But the oil changes/check ups are like $300 - $400! (every 7500 miles)

 

[Shmily1]

We have two Dodge Durangos and love them!! They have seating for 8 and lots of room.

Out of your list, though, I would take the Jeep Liberty. Those are just cute enough for a teen but stylish enough for a mom.

 

[LindaR]

Yep, I love my Audi........but she's being replaced next weekend! Back to the Japanese! (Infiniti)

 

[RC Fan]

I vote Subaru. They are great cars.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Why do you people hate our planet?

 

[walkerag]

Why do you people hate our planet?

I just need alot of extra room in my car to haul all of my styrofoam cups and plates, disposable diapers and aerosol cans to the dump

 

[All American]

I just need alot of extra room in my car to haul all of my styrofoam cups and plates, disposable diapers and aerosol cans to the dump

Mmmmmm....carbon.

I drive an Armada and I. LOVE. IT. But it seems like you're looking for a smaller SUV. I test drove the Pathfinder (similar to my husband's Frontier) and really liked how it handled. There is also the Xterra which I have heard good things about. I live in Utah, I imagine they handle the snow pretty well since I see so many people driving them (Pathfinders and Xterras.) What can I say? After driving a really pathetic Ford Focus for 10 years, I'm a fan of Nissan.

Good luck with your car purchase!

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

I have a Nisson Rogue (crossover) and I LOVE it.

 

[christineann]

My sister and her husband drive Durangos and are very happy with them.

My daughter drives a 2002 Trailblazer (not the "stretch" one), which we bought used in 2004. The car has never been in the shop, and she uses it for her infrequent trips home from college 5+ hours away. Very dependable vehicle.

 

[kehlyrsmom]

We have an older Chevy Tahoe 01 that has 135,000 on it and it is running great. I also just bought an used 08 Chrysler Aspen last fall and I really like that as well. It can seat eight where our Tahoe can only seat 5 (it does not have the third row seat). But I think the ride is a little smother in the Aspen. I really like them both though and would highly recommend either one.