Mid-Size SUV (Don't Light Me Up, Please)

cockroachfarm · Jun 27, 2005

Spydiefan04 said:
J.D. Powers rankings are often questionable, they and Consumer Reports (who let journalism majors test automobiles) often pick Hondas over Benzes (and anything else for that matter), but if you have the money who in the world would buy an accord over an S600, noboday I know. Probably the same people would take a Glock 17 over a $3,000 custom 1911.....

I guess some clarification is in order. The German survey I was referring to wasn't done by J.D. Powers - it was simply a survey of CURRENT owners of 50 vehicle marques reporting on "problems per 100 vehicles" (or something like that) and Mercedes came in at #48. The respondents weren't "picking" anything - they already owned these vehicles and were simply reporting their experiences.

FWIW, I have owned Accords AND S600's - and there were a few occasions where I would have preferred the Accord! As an actual owner, with a great deal of experience with both marques, I can honestly say that Honda has NEVER left me stranded, while Mercedes has - several times.

Spydiefan04 · Jun 28, 2005

Problems per 100 vehicles needs to be better clarified though. A problem in a Benz could be say some glich in the NAV system or a burnt out servo motor for the seat. Many cheaper cars don't even have such features. I am surprised that Jeep wasn't #1 due to the Wrangler, there's nothing on it to break.

BTW my preferred brand are Lincoln Town Cars, just can't seem to wear them out, I've got two 80s models with over 230,000 miles each and a 90s model with over 180,000 nother major has ever to ever be done to any of them and I still drive 'em

if I were to buy anything else though I'd probably go for an E-class.

cockroachfarm · Jun 28, 2005

Yea, I wouldn't mind a MINT Town Car myself - specifically a model from the year BEFORE they switched from the 'square' shape to the more 'rounded' version (don't remember the exact year that was.)

Kkimo · Jun 29, 2005

Take a look at the Subaru Forester and Outback.

More like AWD station wagons than SUV's, but with better ground clearance than most high riding SUV's. And the Forester was picked best in class by a number of ranking agencies.

I recently got an outback, and am extremely happy with it.

Dave

Spydiefan04 · Jul 6, 2005

cockroachfarm said:
Yea, I wouldn't mind a MINT Town Car myself - specifically a model from the year BEFORE they switched from the 'square' shape to the more 'rounded' version (don't remember the exact year that was.)

'89 was the last year of the square ones, if you can find one in good shape they're pretty cheap, mechanically it shares many parts with the F-150, Crown Vic, Marquee, and Mustang of that era so it is easy and cheap to keep them running. I don't like the new ones either but that Chrysler Hemi 300C has my attention.

Hotrod · Jul 6, 2005

I've heard a lot of owners of Jeep's that have transmission and electrical issues.

Heard a lot about GM's mini-SUV's and how poorly put together some of them are.

I'm not all that pleased with the test drives I've done in the new Ford Explorers, the V8 has no power... stand on the floor and wait for something to happen.

Although the little Toyota Scion box had less guts, it feels bigger... If I didnt want 4x4 thats what I would take a hard look at. They are HUGE inside. The jeep doesnt have as much room in the back... Dont remember if the toyota had a 3rd row, dont think it does. Lots of space to haul stuff with all the seats folded down.

I havent heard any complaints to speak of from owners of the Honda or Nissans... But also dont know many folks that have them.

Sid Post · Jul 7, 2005

Spydiefan04 said:
J.D. Powers rankings are often questionable, they and Consumer Reports (who let journalism majors test automobiles) often pick Hondas over Benzes (and anything else for that matter), but if you have the money who in the world would buy an accord over an S600, noboday I know. Probably the same people would take a Glock 17 over a $3,000 custom 1911.

I find your analogy lacking. Why does the 1911 need $3K of custom work in the first place?

I wouldn't take an Accord over most anything else because I find them terribly uncomfortable. They must be made for 5 foot tall women like my mother. This farm boy finds that car to be one of the most uncomfortable models around.

And, yes Mercedes may make a nice land yacht but, when reliability is lacking you aren't impressing anyone. The excercise as you walk to a service station might do you good though.

Back to the main thread:
I had a Chevy Pickup for a few days while my car was being repaired from a break in with a screwdriver and hammer

What a Piece Of Sh!t. Only 15K miles and the trim was falling off. I lost the air dam/bumper thing they use to save steel. Turns out the screws that held it on were all loose and the vibration ripped the plastic. When the air load caught it .... bye bye! The interior left a lot to be desired as well.

Sid Post · Jul 7, 2005

Nichols747 said:
We really DO need a 4wd SUV where we live, need to be able to transport our boy, two dogs, and gear. Only other factor is that I am 6'4" with a very large frame. Fuel economy is not an issue - we generally dont go more than a few miles around town, other than the occasional trip to the big city.

Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.

AN

Have you looked a Subaru Outback? 8.4 inches of ground clearance is pretty good for most people. No, I wouldn't take it on the Rubicon trail but, it is a "large" small car and a bit of sleeper. It certainly won't get you bragging rights anywhere but, it certainly seems like solid tranportation.

supertool200 · Jul 9, 2005

Have you check a Suzuki XL-7 yet? It's great for its size and it's one of the cheapest but reliable mini-SUV available. It is also 90% Japanese made.

Spydiefan04 · Jul 10, 2005

Sid Post said:
I find your analogy lacking. Why does the 1911 need $3K of custom work in the first place?

QUOTE]

Colt's work just fine out of the box and the newer ones don't even need any work to feed hollowpoints, but nothing compares to a top-notch racegun

I too find many import (japanese) cars cramped and most european ones are that way also, until you get to the E-class or S-class Benzes or 5 or 7 series BMWs (though I personally wouldn't touch a new BMW looks just like a Honda).

By the way sorry about that bad truck experience, I think you'll find the F-150 to be a bit better overall truck than a Chevy or Dodge, at least that's been my personal experience in fact I recently walked away from a really bad wreck, luckily I was in a F350 Superduty. However back to the main thread I just took a 1400 mile trip in a buddy's Chevy Avalanche and it is an AWESOME vehicle, it might be worth considering, but one thing to keep in mind he trades like every two years so he never has trouble with them, he's on his third or forth, so I don't know how it would hold up long term, the rubber seals look like potential for leaks down the road IMO.

Sid Post · Jul 10, 2005

Your experience with Colt's is better then mine. Personally, I went to Les Baer a long time ago. About twice the cost of a Colt base model but, close enough to a Gold Cup. Significantly better pistol in every regard. YMMV

Back in Oklahoma, the oil pumpers drive Japanese for good reason. They sip the fuel compared to equivalent domestic makes and need a heck of a lot less maintenance. My sister's hubby drives a Titan now after his last pickup caught fire sitting and burned to the ground. In addition to losing several thousand dollars worth of personal gear, the pistol he bought the day before was gone (the day before that he was attacked by some people). Of course, he really needed the pistol on his person and not in the flaming pile of American automotive stupidity but, that's a different soapbox I'll avoid today.

In the end, a Japanese pickup has about twice the lifespan of a domestic make based on oil field experiences.

RDDR · Jul 12, 2005

Spydiefan04 said:
J.D. Powers rankings are often questionable, they and Consumer Reports (who let journalism majors test automobiles) often pick Hondas over Benzes (and anything else for that matter), but if you have the money who in the world would buy an accord over an S600, noboday I know. Probably the same people would take a Glock 17 over a $3,000 custom 1911.

Back to the thread, the guy said he needed a REAL 4X4 that pretty much limits it to the 4Runner or the Grand Cherokee, with the 4Runner having the edge in overall quality but you can get a better deal on a Jeep. if BEST 4X4 is not a priority check out the Explorer or my fav SUV the Lexus RX330. Also is your family is big size wise the 4Runner and Cherokee may be a tight fit and you'd be better served by a Expedition or Sequoia.

Yeah, I agree somewhat. My top choices would be the Cherokee, Explorer, or the Trailblazer. In my 15 years of SUV experience (off road the majority of the time) i have found that the Explorer and Cherokee are at the same level. I live in the rocky mountains and commute several times a week to a lake in Routt National forest, where i work. The whole drive is spent in 4X4 low traveling through what ive witnessed severely damage other SUVs. As for power, all three feature optional V8s. As for moving people, the trail blazer and explorer can be configured to seat 7.

knifeman7 · Jul 13, 2005

I'm driving my 5th Ford Explorer V8 and will buy another. Living in Canada the 4x4 gets used a fair bit in the winter and I tow a bass boat all summer so this vehicle has handled both jobs very well. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it"