SUV for $15000-25000?

[Flexin]

Just thinking out loud (or online but you get the idea). Thinking ahead about possibly replacing my 04 Mazda Tribute. Mileage is getting up there and so is the maintenance cost. Not ready to replace it yet (ie don't have the money) but I'm planning ahead.

I'm not sure on the budget but I wouldn't mine being in the $15000-25000 range. But it could be much lower. Depends on a lot of things.

The reason for this thread is to help me think something over. My wife and I have a thing for Range Rovers. She also likes that X5 and I like the Porsche Cayanne. Two problems with this. At that price range they would not be new, but any suv in that price range that I would want would not be new. Plus for the Range I would love the Sport and for the Porsche I would want the Turbo. They would push them out of the budget.

What I'm trying to decide is should I go for a SUV that isn't on the high end which might get me something newer and or lower mileage? What would you do?

Here is a quick search.

Under $25000

2006 Porsche Cayenne $25000 Mileage 77,500 extended warranty valid through 10/2014 or 113,500 miles. Also has * Factory installed Porsche GPS system * Exterior "Black" package * Tiptronic Transmission * 20" Porsche Wheels * No accidents * Non-smoker

2006 Land Rover Range Rover $24995 Mileage 97,595 HSE LUXURY PACKAGE REAR SEATS ENTERTAINMENT GRILLE AND BRUSH GUARDS ROOF RACK IMACULATE CONDITION

2004 Land Rover Range Rover HSE $24995 Mileage 66,278 OWNER LUXURY PACKAGE WITH ONLY 66K MILES 20"WHEELS CLEAN CARFAX AND LIKE NEW CONDITION

2006 BMW X5 4.4i $24300 Mileage 55,800

2005 Land Rover Range Rover HSE $23500 Mileage 55,000 2005 Land Rover Range Rover HSE 4.4 4 wheel drive with 22 inch black rims with 55,000 millage 4 wheel drive navigation, cd changer, anti-Lock brakes, driver airbag, passenger airbag, side airbag, power windows, rear window defroster, smoked windows, cruise control, power steering, tilt wheel, heated seats leather seats, power seats, power door locks, power mirrors, sunroof / moonroof in one word it is the top of the line package plus never been smoked inside its very clean neath and fresh.

Under $15000

2002 BMW X5 4.4i Sport Package $13995 Mileage 90,178 ** FACTORY NAVIGATION *** SPORT PACKAGE *** PREMIUM PACKAGE *** BEST COLOR COMBO *** BLACK EXTERIOR WITH BLACK LEATHER INTERIOR *** DUAL POWER SEATS *** ALLOY WHEELS *** POWER WINDOWS *** POWER LOCKS *** ICE COLD A/C *** KEYLESS ENTRY *** FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS *** CASS AND CD CHANGER *** POWER SUNROOF *** REAR SUNSHADES AND MORE.... MUST SEE IN PERSON TO APPRECIATE!!

2003 Land Rover Range Rover HSE $13025 Mileage 104,000 ust See! Must Test Drive To Appreciate ! Excellent Condition ! Only Asking $13,025...Note: New Catt Convertor! New O2 sensor! New Starter ! New Fuel Pump ! New Transmission under warranty for 1 year! New Tork Converter , New Brakes , high-end wheels, Vehicle Is Registered Til July 2011! Vehicle just passed Multi Point Inspection @ Land Rover Thousand Oaks! I will provide the documentation and/or you can even take it there for your own inspection !! IMMACULATE! All scheduled maintenance, Mostly highway miles, Always garaged, Fully loaded, Lady owner. (310)430-8527--- maliu@roadrunner.com Maintenance records available, Looks & runs great, Power everything, Runs & drives great, Very clean interior, Well maintained, No accidents,

That is just grabbing a some that I see. That last range is a bit high for mileage. I'm thinking 90000 miles (150000 kms would be my max. Below 75000 would be better.)

Other options I'm just throwing out there.

2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland $239000 Mileage 49,879 HEMI 5.7L V8 Multi Displacement, 4WD, ***CLEAN CARFAX***, CERTIFIED, EZ FINANCING, Navigation System, and Power moonroof. All the right ingredients! Jeep has outdone itself with this fantastic-looking 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It just doesn't get any better at this price! Just one quick launch from a stoplight and you'll be SOLD! Nobody can resist the get-up-and-go in this SUV. This Grand Cherokee is nicely equipped with features such as HEMI 5.7L V8 Multi Displacement, 4WD, ***CLEAN CARFAX***, CERTIFIED, EZ FINANCING, Navigation System, and Power moonroof. New Car Test Drive said it ...looks wonderful. It's powerful and quiet at the same time. It offers good space efficiency and comes loaded with standard and optional features... It scored the top rating in the IIHS frontal offset test.

2007 Ford Expedition 4x4 Eddie Bauer $24995 Mileage 88,339 Great looking SUV!!!!!!!!!!!! Great Options like Dual Power Seats; MP3 Player; Privacy Glass; Roof Rack; Third Row Seat and More!!!!!!!!!!!!! Galpin Certfied with 171 point inspection. - V8 5.4 Liter; Automatic; 4WD; ABS (4-Wheel); Air Conditioning; Air Conditioning Rear; Alloy Wheels; AM/FM Stereo; Cruise Control; Dual Air Bags; Dual Power Seats; Leather; MP3 (Multi Disc); Power Door Locks; Power Steering; Power Windows; Privacy Glass; Roof Rack; Running Boards; Stability Control; Third Row Seat; Tilt Wheel; Traction Control Please call our Professional Internet Team! All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes; any finance charges; any dealer document preparation charge; and any emission testing charge. - This vehicle was verified to be available as of 08/30/2011.

2007 GMC Yukon AWD Denali $23500 ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE ONE OWNER SOUTHERN CALIF. TRUCK. ALL ORIGINAL PAINT, NEVER DAMAGED, NEVER SMOKED IN. DEALER SERVICED. THIS TRUCK HAS EVERY AVAILABLE OPTION. NAVIGATION, XM,DVD,POWER SIDE STEPS,MOON ROOF,HEATED SEATS FRONT AND REAR AND HEATED STEERING WHEEL, POWER REAR SEATS, POWER TAILGATE,REMOTE START,H.D.TOW PKG, LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL,H.D. AUTO. LEVEL CONTROL,STABILITRAC, H.D. ALTERNATOR, 20" CHROME ALUMINUM WHEELS, AUTORIDE, TPMS, BOSE PREMIUM SOUND, BACK UP CAMERA, PARKING SENSORS, PLUS MUCH MORE...SUPER CLEAN IN AND OUT, NEAR NEW BRIDGESTONE TIRES, FRESH SERVICE. RUNS AND DRIVES LIKE NEW. RARE TO FIND A DENALI WITH THIS LONG A LIST OF OPTIONS

2006 Volkswagen Touareg V6 $22995 Mileage 48,722

Not much out there excites me so that was all I found for the regular SUVs.

What would you do?

James

[shmike]

You didn't seriously and honestly tell us that you are concerned about maintenance costs (on a Mazda) and then in the same post ask about high-mileage Range Rovers and Porches did you? :lol

I love those Euro Ute's too but there is a reason that an $80-100k Range goes for 1/4 of it's MSRP in just a few years.

How many miles on the Denali? That seems the most intriguing on that list...

[Flexin]

You didn't seriously and honestly tell us that you are concerned about maintenance costs (on a Mazda) and then in the same post ask about high-mileage Range Rovers and Porches did you? :lol

I love those Euro Ute's too but there is a reason that an $80-100k Range goes for 1/4 of it's MSRP in just a few years.

How many miles on the Denali? That seems the most intriguing on that list...

Left some stuff out. Not concerned about maintenance cost. If its something I enjoy I don't mine paying to fix it. The Mazda has been good to us but I spent a bit on it in the last year and a half and with it sitting at about 115000 miles there will be more items that will come up from normal wear. I will also have this another 6 months to a year at least. I'm kinda planning ahead.

What I'm trying to figure out is if I want to jump into something I like or go with more miles and or a little older to get something I really want.

This would be are main SUV that my wife would drive most of the time. I kinda want a Jeep TJ for my daily driver.

James

[Flexin]

Denali has 103,000 miles.

James

[shmike]

Nevermind. :lol:

From Consumer Reports:
On average, we found that the Range Rover is the most expensive vehicle to own for maintenance and repairs, costing about $2,000 in the fifth year alone.

Also:
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/money-guides/10-best-worst-cars-for-repair-costs.aspx

[Gas Man]

Just stay away from the range rovers. They are HORRIBLE. Great new but after that, look out. I've had 2 buds that have owned a couple and they both said "never again".

I wouldn't move from the mazda to those for that kind of coin. Going from 115k to 80k just doesn't seem to make it worth it. I would thinking sitting on the mazda a bit longer till you can increase your budget would seem more reasonable.

[101lifts2]

You don't need an SUV. Get a Caprice Wagon. lol

The GMC has alot of miles for 23 grand..besides do you need all that shit on it?

Looked for a stripped down Yukon...you can get shit like this all day long...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=295173784&dealer_id=615688&car_year=2008&systime=&doors=&model=YUKON&search_lang=en&start_year=2008&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=300&min_price=&rdm=1314770423160&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=581463&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&make3=&showZipError=y&make2=GMC&certified=&engine=&dma=LOS_ANGELES_OC&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=92805&sort_type=priceDESC&model2=YUKONXL&max_price=25000&make=GMC&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=31&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

[RACER X]

Honda Odyssey

[Dave]

Juuuuuuke

[pauldun170]

Stay FAR FAR away from any Range Rover out of warranty.
Same goes for VW and Porche twins.

The BMW X5 will be hit or miss in that price range.

The Expedition is something you buy new, at a significant discount and for a specialized purpose (Towing+packed to the gills). Meaning ALL of the above and you need something under warranty. Otherwise a used GMC\Chevy is a better bet IF you are fine with previous generation GM interiors.

What about Infiniti FX45 or QX56?

[dReWpY]

jeep cherokee is a nice ride esp. the newer ones, had one for a few weeks and loved it

[pauldun170]

Cheorkee SRT.....

[Homeslice]

An old-school Range Rover is absolutely pimp........I love its sharp-edged lines.

But, like any European vehicle, even if you do your own repairs, the parts costs will kill you. It's always silly shit like power window regulators ($400 each), airbag sensors, climate control units, control arm bushings, burned-out connectors, bad grounds somewhere, faulty water pumps because they used a silly plastic impeller instead of a metal one, etc.

I would go Infiniti or Nissan.

[fasternyou929]

Stay FAR FAR away from any Range Rover out of warranty.
Same goes for VW and Porche twins.

The BMW X5 will be hit or miss in that price range.

The Expedition is something you buy new, at a significant discount and for a specialized purpose (Towing+packed to the gills). Meaning ALL of the above and you need something under warranty. Otherwise a used GMC\Chevy is a better bet IF you are fine with previous generation GM interiors.

What about Infiniti FX45 or QX56?
What he said. We just went through this recently and when looking at a dealership that had an X5 and RR on the lot, even the dealer said he would only sell the RR under duress if someone REALLY wanted it. He had absolutely nothing good to say about reliability.

And I'm with you on maintenance, I don't mind shelling out a few bucks here and there to maintain a car I enjoy. But if that car starts stranding the family all over the place with complicated issues no shadetree mechanic has a shot of diagnosing, well...

With the X5, I would suggest avoiding the 1st gen (thru 2006). Second gen is supposed to be a lot more reliable. We got a ridiculous deal on a 2007 4.8i loaded to the gills with less than 24k on it. Love it so far. Based on feedback from friends we went for the extended warranty, but not the BMW-hyped "maintenance plan". Good peace of mind, considering how quickly repairs add up for anything related to the iDrive system.

Oddly enough, I found the car on eBay in Delaware. Contacted the seller and it turns out we graduated from the same high school in Michigan (8 years apart) and grew up on the same street a few miles away. And he's dating the sister of a girl I've known since I was 5 years old. I now live in NC, and he in PA... small, small world.

[Flexin]

Nevermind. :lol:

From Consumer Reports:


Also:
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/money-guides/10-best-worst-cars-for-repair-costs.aspx

I will look at the link later. But $2000 a year doesn't scare me. Paid that this year for the Mazda ant that much ot close to it last year.

James

[Flexin]

You don't need an SUV. Get a Caprice Wagon. lol

The GMC has alot of miles for 23 grand..besides do you need all that shit on it?

Looked for a stripped down Yukon...you can shit like this all day long...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=295173784&dealer_id=615688&car_year=2008&systime=&doors=&model=YUKON&search_lang=en&start_year=2008&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=300&min_price=&rdm=1314770423160&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=581463&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&make3=&showZipError=y&make2=GMC&certified=&engine=&dma=LOS_ANGELES_OC&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=92805&sort_type=priceDESC&model2=YUKONXL&max_price=25000&make=GMC&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=31&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

I was tired and that one slipped by. It was put in as another option. These were jus grabbed. These will be sold at least once before I buy.

Only thing I get stripped down is women. I miss my Olds Intrigue Sterling Edition. I want leather, heated seats, dual climate control, heated mirrors just to name a few.

James

[Homeslice]

What he said. We just went through this recently and when looking at a dealership that had an X5 and RR on the lot, even the dealer said he would only sell the RR under duress if someone REALLY wanted it. He had absolutely nothing good to say about reliability.

And I'm with you on maintenance, I don't mind shelling out a few bucks here and there to maintain a car I enjoy. But if that car starts stranding the family all over the place with complicated issues no shadetree mechanic has a shot of diagnosing, well...

With the X5, I would suggest avoiding the 1st gen (thru 2006). Second gen is supposed to be a lot more reliable. We got a ridiculous deal on a 2007 4.8i loaded to the gills with less than 24k on it. Love it so far. Based on feedback from friends we went for the extended warranty, but not the BMW-hyped "maintenance plan". Good peace of mind, considering how quickly repairs add up for anything related to the iDrive system.

Oddly enough, I found the car on eBay in Delaware. Contacted the seller and it turns out we graduated from the same high school in Michigan (8 years apart) and grew up on the same street a few miles away. And he's dating the sister of a girl I've known since I was 5 years old. I now live in NC, and he in PA... small, small world.

Which high school? I went to Pioneer (Ann Arbor) and lived in Greensboro briefly

[Flexin]

Stay FAR FAR away from any Range Rover out of warranty.
Same goes for VW and Porche twins.

The BMW X5 will be hit or miss in that price range.

The Expedition is something you buy new, at a significant discount and for a specialized purpose (Towing+packed to the gills). Meaning ALL of the above and you need something under warranty. Otherwise a used GMC\Chevy is a better bet IF you are fine with previous generation GM interiors.

What about Infiniti FX45 or QX56?

FX45 I can't tell if its good looking or ugly. Not sure how I feel about that one.

James

[pauldun170]

I will look at the link later. But $2000 a year doesn't scare me. Paid that this year for the Mazda ant that much ot close to it last year.

James

When it come to costs..look beyond repair costs.
How much is your time worth?
How do you feel about having it in the shop for a couple days or weeks?
How do you feel about your wife calling you from the side of the road stating "This fucking piece of shit that YOUUUUUUUU WANTED to get is dead again. Can you come pick me up AGAIN?" (note doesn't matter if she picked it out...you will get blamed)

just saying...



I do have to put out there that most cars like a little cash influx at certain intervals and your Tribute is going through one of those periods. Sounds like you are just done looking at it so I guess there is no point in saying much more about it.

[Flexin]

When it come to costs..look beyond repair costs.
How much is your time worth?
How do you feel about having it in the shop for a couple days or weeks?
How do you feel about your wife calling you from the side of the road stating "This fucking piece of shit that YOUUUUUUUU WANTED to get is dead again. Can you come pick me up AGAIN?" (note doesn't matter if she picked it out...you will get blamed)

just saying...



I do have to put out there that most cars like a little cash influx at certain intervals and your Tribute is going through one of those periods. Sounds like you are just done looking at it so I guess there is no point in saying much more about it.

Lol. She wants it as bad or more then I wanted. I'm not taken blame for shit. We don't really play that game in my house.

I'm not done with the Tribute. I spent some money on it but we both feel its been good to us. We are still happy with it but I don't think I want to keep it forever.

Every now and then it has an idle issue that can be a pian in the ass for a few minutes. Haven't figured that out yet.

I'm looking ahead 6 months to 2 years. If its 6 month it would be closer to a $8000 budget I would guess. If that's the case I would want to look for a TJ first.

James

[fasternyou929]

Which high school? I went to Pioneer (Ann Arbor) and lived in Greensboro briefly

Reeths-Puffer, in Muskegon. It was a reasonably large HS, our graduating class was ~300, but still such a coincidence to meet via ebay for a vehicle sale. It's always nice to see others escape that area and make something of themselves though. Muskegon is still a beautiful place to visit, but I am glad I didn't stay there after HS.

I only visited Ann Arbor once or twice and don't remember much about it. How did you like it there? Family still there?

[Flexin]

As far as reliability I only look at that so much. There isn't one car that has been mass produced that haven't had a break down. There also isn't one that has had 100% junk for a whole model. So you could go buy the worst car out there for reliability and not have a problem at all.

Going by Carpoint for the for reliability these are the good years...

Range Rover 2005 2007 2008. 2006 was ok. A few reported problems with that one.

X5 has a few issues including a $1000 suspension problem.

Cayenne No data

Benz M Class was good in 2005 and 2008.

Grand Cherokee good from 2006 and 2008

Tahoe Good in 2008

Explorer Good 2006-2008

Hummer H2 2007-2008

FX 2003-2008

QX56 2004-2007

RX330 2004-2008

Murano 2004 and 2006

Volkswagen Touareg 2005-2007

My 2004 Tribute only list a small problem

A periodic problem with this vehicle is failure of the rear Shock Absorbers. The cost to repair the rear Shock Absorbers is estimated at $110.00 for parts and $58.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any sales tax..

I haven't had this issue yet but had a few others. Some were just normal wear items going out or being replaced with larger items making those repair bills a bitch.

James

[101lifts2]

I was tired and that one slipped by. It was put in as another option. These were jus grabbed. These will be sold at least once before I buy.

Only thing I get stripped down is women. I miss my Olds Intrigue Sterling Edition. I want leather, heated seats, dual climate control, heated mirrors just to name a few.

James

Stripped down women. lol

When I bought a 2005 Saab 9-3, I told the guy I want the cheapest lease you have. The only thing the car has to have is a manual trans and no leather. He said..."well if you don't get the leather, you can't get the heated seats". I'm like dude we're in southern California....do you have air conditoned seats, because then I might be interested.

The lease was 209 a month with 0 down. Pretty sweet car.

[Flexin]

Stripped down women. lol

When I bought a 2005 Saab 9-3, I told the guy I want the cheapest lease you have. The only thing the car has to have is a manual trans and no leather. He said..."well if you don't get the leather, you can't get the heated seats". I'm like dude we're in southern California....do you have air conditoned seats, because then I might be interested.

The lease was 209 a month with 0 down. Pretty sweet car.

My stepfather calls that a Farmers special. I can't handle that. I need the over priced options.

James

[LeeNetworX]

Nevermind. :lol:

From Consumer Reports:


Also:
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/money-guides/10-best-worst-cars-for-repair-costs.aspx

Nice - my Pilot is 6 on the least expensive list.

[Flexin]

Nice - my Pilot is 6 on the least expensive list.

Suzuki SX4 and Honda Element number 1. Range Rover number 6 on the worst list. I would rather pay the extra $1200 a year to drive the Rover then to drive an SX4 or Element. #justsaying

There are cost to everything. There are also limits that someone is willing to spend. When I think of a Rover I don't think cheap to own. I think bad ass/sexy SUV that makes me smile every time I see one.

I also want a boat which I know can be expensive but when I can afford it I will make that leap.

Down the road I would love a good size boat and a 379 Peterbilt daycab to haul it around. Thats my dream. But the Rover could haul a much smaller boat that I might be able to afford to run. Bonus.

James