Advice on SUVs

[DrNo]

We're thinking about getting an SUV to haul us and stuff to and from the beach.

Since we're novices, any advice would be gretaly appreciated.

The GMCs and Cadillac's look very attractive as does what I've been reading about the new Dodge Durango. As the new TV ad reminds us,what boomer doesn't want a Hemi?

[Kirkwood]

If you can afford it, get a Lexus or BMW.

[GeronL]

Just remember to name your next son Hemi!

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

Get a real SUV based on the Toyota Landcruiser.

Talk about a long history of off roading...

A Lexus LX 470

[rintense]

Best SUV for the money is by far the Toyota 4 Runner. I, of course, don't have that money, so I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee Special Edition and love it.

But if you can afford it, get a 4 runner.

[Capitalist Eric]

As a service manager for GM, I will say that the 6.0-liter engines are VERY good... very reliable. However, a smart man will stay away from the super-luxurious, computer-controlled-everything models (regardless of what brand you choose). The reason is, the higher the sophistication in the vehicle, the more there is to fail, and the more likely to have annoying problems. Whatever your choice is, I'd recommend going for the engine with the most torque (and 4-speed automatic), and get the mid-level goodie package inside...

The super stuff is EXPENSIVE to fix. :(

[BlessedAmerican]

I just got my second Navigator. Great car and this new one drives very well....more like the old Lincoln Towncar but this Nav. has 'tight' steering. Great third row seat that disappears with the touch of a button for lots of room for beach stuff! If you live far from the beach the MPG may be discouraging....don't know about this new one yet but the old one was 15-16MPG...Good road handling though....have fun.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

I drive a 1985 up in the air big booted K-5, and any one who dares call it a SUV, does so at their peril.

[Camber-G]

I just did some looking at the new GMC Envoy XUV. The back part of the roof retracts so you can haul tall objects that wouldn't fit in a normal SUV. Looks pretty expensive but pretty practical for people who sometimes need a truck.

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

Hey:

Anyone who wants a Navigator in the Bay Area Freepmail me and I can get them the "Family Member" Discount.

My daughter sells them out there on the left coast...

[HighWheeler]

Go to consumers reports website and look at reliability and the storage space. The Lexus and other luxury SUVs are several cubic feet smaller inside than the pure truck versions, like GMC.

The Jeep version is good looking outside, but small as hell on the inside.

Avoid the 4WD option if you don't need it. It adds a lot of up front expense, wastes extra gasoline for no reason even when it is disengaged, it is the highest failing system on all SUVs, and costs a bundle to fix. If you don't need it don't get it.

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

Yeah, I'd have to agree.

If you want biggest get something else.

In recommending the Lexus, I was just saying if you want the BEST...

[Alberta's Child]

One of the most important things to consider is often overlooked by SUV buyers: the vehicle's suspension.

Make an educated guess as to how the vehicle will be used. If you intend to spend almost all of your time on paved roads, then you should get an SUV with an independent suspension for a smoother ride. Most SUVs these days will have this -- they say SUVs are a cross between a car and a truck, but they are actually not much more than oversized station wagons with four-wheel drive.

If you expect to spend a lot of time on dirt/gravel roads or driving in poor weather, try to find something with an "I-beam" suspension. The ride is a noticeably less comfortable, but this kind of vehicle is closer to a truck than a car, and will hold up well under the conditions I mentioned.

Also, the best investment you can make in a new vehicle (particularly a large one) is a heavy-duty cooling system that has a separate radiator for the transmission. Internal heat is the single greatest contributor to wear and tear on your powertrain, so paying an extra few hundred dillars on this option will more than pay for itself.

I've got a 10 year-old mid-sized SUV with 220,000 miles on it, and the engine/transmission run almost as well as they did the day I bought it, with no work done on it at all other than oil changes and periodic tune-ups.

[Alamo-Girl]

We have a Ford Excursion 4WD; it's the best car we've ever had. I've previously owned a Suburban 4WD, Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep pickup.

Despite a winch, the Jeep pickup had to be pulled out twice by a Ford pickup because it high-centered in mud. The Wagoneer was great for town/country use, but too small if you need to carry large or heavy loads.

The Suburban was fine, but the Excursion seems to be a bit larger on the inside and handles/rides much better. It is quite tall though so you have to avoid the parking garages.

[sandpit]

Somebody's been buying a lot of SUVs/trucks. The GM Arlington, TX plant had overtime scheduled even when we were supposedly in a recession, they haven't slowed down.
I thank all the rich folks who keep my hubby in a job. (He's management, not union.)

[fiscally_right]

The new Durango looks too much like a minivan to me.. *shrug*

[Clinging Bitterly]

Suburban same year. 3/4 ton, 454 w/ turbo 400.
The family says it has it's own zipcode. I don't know about that, it is larger than some zipcodes. Gets pretty crappy mileage, but the old '67 Chevy pickup with the 292 6 cyl got worse.

SUV? In the classic sense, maybe. But it isn't one of those phony yuppie SUVs with the flimsy sheets of molded plastic going all around it. No leather, no power windows, nothing I'd be scared to get wet or dirty. But on a hot day I like to turn on the air conditioner. On a real hot day, I turn on both of 'em.

[Mike Darancette]

Wait for the 1995 Ford EXCESS -- 7,000 lbs and has an optional half track. Great for urban driving, going to the market and getting that place in front of the line when picking the kids up from school.

[PFKEY]

May I suggest a visit to Edmunds. Best site for research and opinions as well as buying and negotiating.

http://www.edmunds.com/

[DrNo]

Great site; Thanks much!

Thanks to all for good advice and tips.