Good point, OWP. I have no direct experience, but everyone I know who has or has had a Toyota truck is extremely happy with it.

I'd pick the Ford... oh wait...

Ever seen the Top Gear where they try to destroy the Toyota truck?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/prog28/toyota.shtml

Classic, I rest my case.:D

She is hell bent on leather but other than that options are not that important. I do think I should just get a 4runner.

OK, the Infinity QX4 has just been thrown into the mix. Basically a pretty pathfinder. Thoughts?

I was always interested but my old British experiences kept me away. Whew.

if you are moving up, Landcruiser?

Pathfinder or QX4, they're a total dog without the 3.5L V6. I think that was '02 or so when they got the better engine, 240 HP I think. Landcruisers are nice, but way pricier than a 4Runner or Pathfinder. You could probably find a nice older used Lexus RX for $14k.

2001 the QX4 got the 240HP 6cyl

My wife loves her '99 Disco Series II also. She lets me take it off road and it is great. It is $$ to maintain. Although I guess we have a fluke, because problems have been minimal.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1134703830.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1134703997.jpg
It also does a fine job of towing our 1912 Model T :)

I've done the Land Rover thing and although I really like it I just want something I don't have to worry about.

Aw come on, where's your sense of SUV adventure :) Disco baby. You might get a ringer and have the best looking (and off-road performing) SUV on the market.

I'll be the first to vote for the Mitsu. That Envoy looks like a cheap wagon body built on the Impala chassis. Your typical mini van has way more taste than the Envoy. Did I mention I really dislike the Envoy?

Actually the Rover experience hasn't cost too much. We bought a 1999 LR Discovery II with 86K miles for $11K in August 2004. Since then:

brakes (calipers, rotors, pads all around) - $1000
self leveling suspension airbag replaced - $700
front and rear pinion seals - $300
oil changes
fog light replaced (destroyed going off road)
rear suspension height sensor (destroyed going off road)
lots of gas (gets 12mpg or so; wife has lead foot)


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1134732522.jpg

I would go American in this case. I thought the general rule of thumb regarding American cars is that they tend to feel rather saggy and used but don´t brake down or fall apart in a serious manner.

On the topic I was whining about the rather low oil change schedule for my Jeep with my mechanic. He replied - well, probably for the best since its an American car after all...

Neither choice is particularly good. My gf has a Mitsu and it's junk. Can't say I have a lot of faith in any GM product.

My 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee just turned 223K this past weekend and is a rock-solid truck. Also has full leather, etc. H&R Sport Springs and Bilstein HDs, Scorpion STRs give it much better manners on the road.

I'm guessing for what you want to spend, you could get a really nice GC above model year 2000, maybe up to 2003.

If you don't mind the maintenance, the Discos are sweet. Lots of character for the money, as opposed to the Mitsu and GMC which are just appliances.

Len, my advice remains the same. Buy a 2003-2004 Trailblazer or Envoy. Buy a cloth version and put heated leather in it (costs about $1000). You can buy a very nice 2003 still under warranty for $14000. They're pretty cheap in Michigan, and very available.

The 4Runner in your price range is going to be a 2000 or 2001 with over 70K miles and will be the SR5 version - probably cloth. If you want a 2003 4Runner 4x4 SR5 with under 36K miles (see Envoy above) you're looking at $20,000 PLUS.

As I say: "The 4Runner might be a better vehicle, but I can fix a lot of ***** for $6000."

Buy a Trailblazer/Envoy (or Explorer/Mountaineer), buy a warranty if you're inclined, and enjoy. Take advantage of everyone else's fear of American vehicles which have driven down the values.

If you need help finding one, drop me a line.

E

kaisen,

The other problem I've noticed is the resale on those Envoys is horrible. '98-99's going for $4-5k!!!!!!! That means if I pay $15k for a 2002 Envoy today it will likely be worthless at the end of a 4 year loan, say $3-4k. Ouch!

There's no such thing as a '98-99 Envoy or Trailblazer, just a Jimmy or Blazer. VERY different vehicles.

Resale on your wife's 2000 Audi A6 2.7T that you are replacing had to suck too. That car was $44K or so new, and you were asking $10K now in 2005. Five years, over $30K depreciation. I'm sure you bought it used, but it still had to cost more than the $15K to $5K in 4 years you are concerned about with the Envoy.

If you bought the $15K '00 4Runner with 70K and went to sell it in 4 years it would be about the same. There are plenty of 1996 4Runners out there for $5-6K as well. Same logic.

E

I paid $15k for the Audi and am actually asking $11k this after 3 years of use. I'm sure I could unload it quick for $9-10K. That to me is OK depreciation. From new....yea it's ugly but I'm not the poor sap that took that hit:)


And yes there were Envoys in '98-'99. Different platform maybe, but either way.