trading in for an SUV

[Mike]

I would suggest a Highlander but, I dont know how much you wnat to spend

[07CoupeBlue]

You can only get a 4banger in the Honda and it sounds like he wants a 6 cylinder...

well he could still get a V6 pilot if he wants something mid-sized

i would say honda and toyota are your best bets on something reliable

[v6sicksspeed]

definitely looking for mid-size with a v6.  the CRV is too small - a glorified station wagon in my eyes.  The Honda Pilot is also somewhat under consideration.  i hadnt given it too much thought.

my criteria is an 05-08, under $15-16K, under 45K miles, and a v6 with 4wd.  


...fuck it, maybe ill just get an STi

[timot_one]

But an STi isn't a V6 Justin.

[Slammedk24]

Pilot for sure.  My mom has one and it is a wonderful car.  They have the automatic 4x4 so as soon as it senses the fornt wheels spinnnig it kicks in the rears wheels.  ANd you dont even realize it and notice when it does it because its so smooth.  When its in snow or mud it is extremely hard to get it to spin tires.  Its plenty reliable.  Shes had it since 04 and it has never had to be in the shop for anything, the only weve had to change is the oil, filters, and brakes and tires.  The only downfall is that it does get bad gas milage for what it is.  It get an average of about 18-20 mpg which is exactly the same as my dad 3/4 ton chevy truck with a 5.3l V8.

[Abailey4]

I would go with the Xterra because of what you want to do with it. It's a great offroad vehicle!  The FJ cruiser is also good for what you want to do but it has CRAZY blindspots and the rear windows are extremely small.  I felt like an idiot trying to back one in a spot on our lot one night. Since it was dark I couldnt see a damn thing in that truck. Cheap interior on the Xterra is because it's made for people that hike, ski, bike, etc. It's a interior that is simple so that it's easy to clean and will hold up.

[v6sicksspeed]

yea, the FJ cruisers are pretty beat but i ran a search on them while searching for Rav4's in my area and they're in the same price range (or less) than the Rav4.  i was really surprised by that.  they look like a Tonka Truck IMO

[Abailey4]

I'm not really surprised they're running the same as the Rav4. The FJ never really took off, there were a few who ran out and got the newest weird lookin vehicle but for the most part they've never sold well.

[exelr8]

A while back i looked into the Honda Element(got bored while car was being serviced) for a smaller SUV they are not so bad. they have a lot of cool features. If you consider one of those i would deff only look at the SC model though(they come with a tribal interior and do not have the ugly plastic panels) One of the cool features is the backseats flip up to the sides so you have a huge cargo space. Also, lets face it, Im a fatass and most of my friends are not small haha and i sat in the back seat of one comfortably.

[CrackerTeg]

There's one snag with the SC Element. It doesn't come in AWD. Also the newer Elements don't have those plastic panels you're talking about. Its only the first two model years  that do.

[Antoni0_23]

I've driven the Xterra before and believe me it will handle anything. It was the first SUV I drove and it was around a swamp/muddy place and it took everything. Holes,water,mud, everything and as far as I know my friend still has it running and it has yet to break. Just my .02. Although I agree on the part of it of being "cheap" the interiors are really crappy.

[v6sicksspeed]

yea, the element isnt exactly the direction im looking in.  i'd hesitate to classify it as an SUV.  like i said in my original post, im looking for something that is actually going to be a utility vehicle.  im looking to take the strain off of the accord for every day abuse.

im still saving up some dough, but am looking to pull the trigger on a new ride sometime in the next 2 months.  right now the Xterra is the frontrunner, but rav4 and pilot are still under consideration.

[exelr8]

I talked to one of the guys at work who has an xterra him and his wife love the thing he said he has driven it thru a few trails to get to like hiking spots and things like that and says it does fine

[toinkee69]

i bought my wife a BMW X3 and i always find an excuse to drive it

but w/ your poll i choose the rav4....

[status]

mom owns a element while its fun to drive, its not at all comfortable, im only 5'11 and  the seat belt will eat your neck. i agree with the pilot.