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My first car is nearing the end of its life, and I need to replace it. I was wanting to replace it with another car, but here lately I have become more interested in SUV's. The only problem is I don't know what one to go for, because it seems that all the ones that look good have a lot of mechanical trouble, and all of the ones with good records are either way out of my price range, use way too much gas, or look lame. I read consumer reports and some of the SUV's that they rated above average I've heard some really bad things on the internet about. Does anyone have any advice on a good SUV to buy for street driving that was made between 96 and 01?
I have searched. I got out the consumer guides from those years and looked up every one I could find. I liked the blazer but I knew that their maitnence records sucked, I liked the 98 isuzu rodeo and consumer reports rated it at a little above average, but i've heard some really bad cases with those on the internet. And the ones that got really good ratings either were out of my price range like the toyota models. I have been saving up for a new car for a while and don't want to invest in a money trap. I know this is really vague, but I have never really had an interest in SUV's until this past year, and I don't know much about the SUVs of those years.
I have searched. I got out the consumer guides from those years and looked up every one I could find. I liked the blazer but I knew that their maitnence records sucked, I liked the 98 isuzu rodeo and consumer reports rated it at a little above average, but i've heard some really bad cases with those on the internet. And the ones that got really good ratings either were out of my price range like the toyota models. I have been saving up for a new car for a while and don't want to invest in a money trap. I know this is really vague, but I have never really had an interest in SUV's until this past year, and I don't know much about the SUVs of those years.
Actually I meant search this automotive forum...The link I provided leads to a discussion on suvs on the forum. I can't really help you on the older suvs, but I bought a Forester last spring. It is classed as a crossover, but performs very well and is highly rated.
If you live in the southwest or can get a car from that part of the country where catastrophic rust does not live, I strongly suggest forgetting any SUV and getting a 1992 to 1995 Buick Roadmaster Wagon. Decent highway milage (22- 27 expressway and 19-21 around town) and very comfortable on long trips. Mine has been as reliable as an anvil and is approaching 180 K. These thing may be the best cars GM ever made. I know when this one finally rusts out I will look for another in Arizona or New Mexico.
My first car is nearing the end of its life, and I need to replace it. I was wanting to replace it with another car, but here lately I have become more interested in SUV's. The only problem is I don't know what one to go for, because it seems that all the ones that look good have a lot of mechanical trouble, and all of the ones with good records are either way out of my price range, use way too much gas, or look lame. I read consumer reports and some of the SUV's that they rated above average I've heard some really bad things on the internet about. Does anyone have any advice on a good SUV to buy for street driving that was made between 96 and 01?
The vehicles you are interested in are of such an old age - posted opinions or reviews may just be irrelevant snapshots in time. What you need to find is a vehicle with perhaps just one owner, relatively low mileage, no accident history, and in good condition. I'd also aim for getting a heck of a price since you're buying past the middle of a vehicle's life cycle. Last but not least, I remember that era (the mid-to-late 90s) as one in which US made vehicles were lagging in reliability and design compared to Honda, Toyota, and some of the other foreign manufacturers. Thus I'd focus on SUVs from the reliable brands to hedge your bets on procuring something which will last another 5 or more years.
I agree with previous poster, you did not mention price range but If you are going for an older car, for reliability and decent mileage/gas, why not check out an older Honda CR-V. I do not know how much room you need or what your definition of SUV is but for mainly street driving, that car offers you some room and flexibility that you may not get with a car. My parents had a 2001 and my brother got it from them. It was reliable. He got into an accident with it due to black ice a few winters ago when he lived in upstate NY. Rolled the car, totalled it, and walked away with bumps and bruises. It saved his life. It also kept its resale value which in our case, helped with the insurance claim. He racked up the mileage on it too so it will go the distance. He has a Jeep Liberty now and hates it.
I agree, what is your price range? Would help out abit.
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