Looking for an SUV

ImportConvert · 12-18-2013, 11:03 AM

Well, I finally bought 35 acres in NorthWest Arkansas. Beautiful place on the top of a mountain. Only problem is, it snows there. I also am planning to do a lot of camping/hiking/etc. and need the extra space in a vehicle to do that.

What kind of SUV should I trade my 370Z for?

Right now, I am looking at a 2009/2010 Grand Jeep Cherokee Overland/Limited V8, 4WD.

I want to spend around $20K, give/take a few.

Suggestions?

Chuck33079 · 12-18-2013, 11:13 AM

How about a mid-2000s Lexus LX470? I'd take a used Toyota over a used Jeep any day, and you just can't kill a Land Cruiser.

ImportConvert · 12-18-2013, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

How about a mid-2000s Lexus LX470? I'd take a used Toyota over a used Jeep any day, and you just can't kill a Land Cruiser.

Anything older than 2009 is going to be murder to finance, and I don't have the liquid cash to buy it outright considering the recent land purchase.

I'm also going to be very VERY reticent to get into any Japanese brands again. I've only owned Nissan and Infiniti, so far, but they are horrible and I would never own another one. I'm trading vehicles as much because I need to as to just get rid of this Nissan. Hate the cheap construction and poor reliability and all the issues they have.

Every Grand Cherokee owner I have talked to of the newer models LOVES theirs. All the Nissan owners I talk to in "real space" have been very displeased with poor quality/reliability, except for a few XTerra owners. The XTerra is a consideration, but it's not as refined as the jeep, or as capable, and costs a similar amount.

I'm just very leery of the Japanese brands because of my experience with Nissan and Infiniti being so cheaply made and having so many issues. I'd consider a Toyota, but they seem very down on features/power compared to American vehicles of similar years, and they cost more to boot.

Chuck33079 · 12-18-2013, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Anything older than 2009 is going to be murder to finance, and I don't have the liquid cash to buy it outright considering the recent land purchase.

I'm also going to be very VERY reticent to get into any Japanese brands again. I've only owned Nissan and Infiniti, so far, but they are horrible and I would never own another one. I'm trading vehicles as much because I need to as to just get rid of this Nissan. Hate the cheap construction and poor reliability and all the issues they have.

Every Grand Cherokee owner I have talked to of the newer models LOVES theirs. All the Nissan owners I talk to in "real space" have been very displeased with poor quality/reliability, except for a few XTerra owners. The XTerra is a consideration, but it's not as refined as the jeep, or as capable, and costs a similar amount.

I'm just very leery of the Japanese brands. I'd consider a Toyota, but they seem very down on features/power compared to American vehicles of similar years, and they cost more to boot.

Making a blanket statement about Japanese vehicles based on your experience with one brand is asinine, especially considering you're taking the position that American vehicles, Chrysler products in particular are going to be more reliable.

The LX/Land Cruiser or 4runner would be the only Toyota SUV I'd recommend these days for any serious offroad work. Does it have to be a SUV, or can it be a truck? Throw a top on the back of a Tacoma and you've got a hell of a vehicle to beat up offroad. The problem with most SUVs these days is that they're really just tall station wagons. What kind of terrain are you dealing with?

ImportConvert · 12-18-2013, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Making a blanket statement about Japanese vehicles based on your experience with one brand is asinine, especially considering you're taking the position that American vehicles, Chrysler products in particular are going to be more reliable.
Well, they can't be any worse than my 370Z has been.
The LX/Land Cruiser or 4runner would be the only Toyota SUV I'd recommend these days for any serious offroad work. Does it have to be a SUV, or can it be a truck? Throw a top on the back of a Tacoma and you've got a hell of a vehicle to beat up offroad. The problem with most SUVs these days is that they're really just tall station wagons. What kind of terrain are you dealing with?

I'm not so concerned with terrain as I am snow, gravel, and traction-limiting surfaces. I don't need a ton of articulation, just decent ground clearance and traction.

I want a moderate size space that is cliamate controlled. The Grand Jeep Cherokee/ Nissan XTerra/Trailblazer are about what I need. I don't want anything like an Escape, nor do I need a Tahoe sized vehicle.

All of the Lexus's my friends have had had issues. One was an RX400? Whatever that SUV is. Burned oil badly, suspension issues, etc. Very expensive to fix. Was not fixable for any reasonable cost.

You're actually the second person to make that EXACT suggestion about the Tacoma. I just want the extra seating, as well as the function of an SUV for that space is all. Also, trucks have never appealed to me. I don't own a boat, horse, or lawn-service.

Red__Zed · 12-18-2013, 12:35 PM

Grand Cherokee from those years is decent. JKU is also worth a look in my opinion.

You could look at an FJC as well if you will look at Toyota.

The Xterra's are OK around that time frame.

You could also snag a nice F150 in that price range.

What matters to you in the car? want a beater or something with a fancy interior?

Chuck33079 · 12-18-2013, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I'm not so concerned with terrain as I am snow, gravel, and traction-limiting surfaces. I don't need a ton of articulation, just decent ground clearance and traction.

I want a moderate size space that is cliamate controlled. The Grand Jeep Cherokee/ Nissan XTerra/Trailblazer are about what I need. I don't want anything like an Escape, nor do I need a Tahoe sized vehicle.

All of the Lexus's my friends have had had issues. One was an RX400? Whatever that SUV is. Burned oil badly, suspension issues, etc. Very expensive to fix. Was not fixable for any reasonable cost.

So you could get away with one of the unibody SUVs as long as it was 4wd? Pass on the Trailblazer. My dad's was a complete POS. The Terrain I rented fell into that category too. Would a Forester have enough ground clearance for you?

The LX is a Land Cruiser. Land Cruisers cannot be killed with conventional weaponry. It's a moot point if it has to be 2009 or newer with a $20k budget, though. I never had a single issue with my Lexus. Not one. I've had less reliable hammers.

Chuck33079 · 12-18-2013, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Grand Cherokee from those years is decent. JKU is also worth a look in my opinion.

You could look at an FJC as well if you will look at Toyota.

The Xterra's are OK around that time frame.

You could also snag a nice F150 in that price range.

What matters to you in the car? want a beater or something with a fancy interior?

Yeah, if you're OK with a full size truck $20k will buy you a very nice vehicle.

ImportConvert · 12-18-2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Grand Cherokee from those years is decent. JKU is also worth a look in my opinion.

You could look at an FJC as well if you will look at Toyota.

The Xterra's are OK around that time frame.

You could also snag a nice F150 in that price range.

What matters to you in the car? want a beater or something with a fancy interior?

I'm getting rid of my 370Z and strictly owning the SUV type vehicle. I want my D/I ratio to be as favorable as possible for the next 2-3 years while I get ready to build a house.

I want a nice SUV, but not one that I'll cry if I scratch.

I have looked at the FJC. Problem is FINDING one with an auto (I hear the manual's broke easy), and 4WD. I'd love one because I like the unique look, and they are plenty capable of what I need to do with it.

ImportConvert · 12-18-2013, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

So you could get away with one of the unibody SUVs as long as it was 4wd? Pass on the Trailblazer. My dad's was a complete POS. The Terrain I rented fell into that category too. Would a Forester have enough ground clearance for you?

The LX is a Land Cruiser. Land Cruisers cannot be killed with conventional weaponry. It's a moot point if it has to be 2009 or newer with a $20k budget, though. I never had a single issue with my Lexus. Not one. I've had less reliable hammers.

Yeah, the GM products from the late 2000's left a bit to be desired, I just used the TB as a size comparison.

Yes, a uni-body would be plenty fine. I don't need extreme stump-pulling or articulation, just loose-gravel, snow, mud traction, and the ability to cross 12-18" of water would be pure tits.

Chuck33079 · 12-18-2013, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Yeah, the GM products from the late 2000's left a bit to be desired, I just used the TB as a size comparison.

Yes, a uni-body would be plenty fine. I don't need extreme stump-pulling or articulation, just loose-gravel, snow, mud traction, and the ability to cross 12-18" of water would be pure tits.

Do you need a low-range 4wd, or can you get by with awd?

Red__Zed · 12-18-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I'm getting rid of my 370Z and strictly owning the SUV type vehicle. I want my D/I ratio to be as favorable as possible for the next 2-3 years while I get ready to build a house.

I want a nice SUV, but not one that I'll cry if I scratch.

I have looked at the FJC. Problem is FINDING one with an auto (I hear the manual's broke easy), and 4WD. I'd love one because I like the unique look, and they are plenty capable of what I need to do with it.

Stretch your budget a tad and go new, then. I think they invoice for like 26-27k with some options. I think the manual is OK for reasonable driving but I don't have direct experience

JKU hardtop if you need a little more space and rear doors, will also do a touch better at fording water.

kenchan · 12-18-2013, 01:01 PM

bought 35 acres of land and cant even pay for a used car? wtf?

Chuck33079 · 12-18-2013, 01:01 PM

I like the FJC, but it's nearly impossible to see out of. It's all blind spot.

ImportConvert · 12-18-2013, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Do you need a low-range 4wd, or can you get by with awd?

AWD is fine. I don't think I would need low-range. Wouldn't turn it down, but I don't think it's necessary for my use.

12-18-2013, 11:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
ImportConvert A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SWMO Posts: 4,454 Drives: 2019 CX5 GT Reserve Rep Power: 7626	Looking for an SUV Well, I finally bought 35 acres in NorthWest Arkansas. Beautiful place on the top of a mountain. Only problem is, it snows there. I also am planning to do a lot of camping/hiking/etc. and need the extra space in a vehicle to do that. What kind of SUV should I trade my 370Z for? Right now, I am looking at a 2009/2010 Grand Jeep Cherokee Overland/Limited V8, 4WD. I want to spend around $20K, give/take a few. Suggestions?

12-18-2013, 11:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29538	How about a mid-2000s Lexus LX470? I'd take a used Toyota over a used Jeep any day, and you just can't kill a Land Cruiser. DEpointfive0 likes this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

12-18-2013, 01:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	bought 35 acres of land and cant even pay for a used car? wtf? XiP and exsanity like this.

12-18-2013, 01:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29538	I like the FJC, but it's nearly impossible to see out of. It's all blind spot. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

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12-18-2013, 12:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 119	Grand Cherokee from those years is decent. JKU is also worth a look in my opinion. You could look at an FJC as well if you will look at Toyota. The Xterra's are OK around that time frame. You could also snag a nice F150 in that price range. What matters to you in the car? want a beater or something with a fancy interior?