Help me find a replacement vehicle for my father!

"Viggen" (viggen37) 10/14/2014 at 20:14 • Filed to: None

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So my dad's 2000 Ford Explorer has finally begun to Explode. It has about eight months before it has to be reinspected, and the repairs to get it to pass would exceed the truck's value. So, I need to find him a replacement. It will need to be used. And it has to be a sensible suggestion. Less than $8,000. He wants an SUV or a pick up. Automatic, six cylinder, with four wheel drive. Similar size to his current vehicle. And it has to be cheap. Also has to be able to fit two kayaks on the roof or bed.

I'm struggling to come up with ideas. He doesn't have any brand loyalties or noted hostility to foreign manufacturers, but for the sake of his wallet, I'm not recommending anything German.

jkm7680 > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:16

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Chevy Colorado?

What's the approximate budget?

Viggen > jkm7680 10/14/2014 at 20:18

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Less than $8000.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:19

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Edit: lul never mind didn't see the $8k thing.

An S10 or Blazer in super good condition?

He might be able to get an old colorado for that price.

Alex from Toronto > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:19

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Trailblazer/envoy?

jkm7680 > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:19

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Never mind, Haha.

Possibly a newer Explorer? A Tacoma?

Viggen > Alex from Toronto 10/14/2014 at 20:21

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That's possible.

Viggen > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 10/14/2014 at 20:21

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A new one? Impossible.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:22

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why not Miata SVX?

Automatic, six cylinder, with four wheel drive

just get roof racks.

Viggen > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 10/14/2014 at 20:23

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Because that's not sensible. He's not a car enthusiast.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:24

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Yeah, noticed the $8k bit after that was typed.

He could get an older one. Or a Trailblazer. Or an S10. Or a Blazer.

Aaron James > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:24

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Miata.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:24

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I'd say Trail Blazer or any of the related platform cars. Maybe a 4 runner if you can find one in budget.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:26

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lame, get a new dad then.

Viggen > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis 10/14/2014 at 20:27

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How did I forget about 4Runners? When I was talking to him last night all I could think off were Jeeps and Tacomas. I'm sure I could find one.

Viggen > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 10/14/2014 at 20:28

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Trailblazer seems to be the leading suggestion so far.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:28

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Also, there is the Honda Pilot. Not quite as utilitarian but still pretty good..

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:30

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I'd opt for the Envoy. Same thing as the Trailbalzer, but the interior is nicer.

deekster_caddy > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:31

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Why not another exploder? Used, best you can find for $8K. Make it a challenge and have fun shopping! Try to talk sellers down from 10, nobody wants their old gas guzzlers you know...

Viggen > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 10/14/2014 at 20:33

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I know he liked the leather in the Exploder. And he's getting older, so a nice interior should be considered.

DipodomysDeserti > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:37

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Talk him into a Subaru wagon of some sort. He can get AWD and stay well within budget.

sellphones2493 > Alex from Toronto 10/14/2014 at 20:40

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An older Envoy/Trailblazer will eat you alive in terms of maintenence and fuel consumption. I'm a past owner of a 2002 GMC Envoy.

mcseanerson > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:41

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What state and/or city?

sellphones2493 > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:42

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I've always liked these. Don't know too much about them, but it definitely fits the bill!

Viggen > mcseanerson 10/14/2014 at 20:45

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Massachusetts.

mcseanerson > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:47

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Olds Bravadas are a great choice not really looked at too closely. Older ones had the 4.3 V6 and newer ones had the 4.2 straight six. Both sensible choices and unlike the Blazer and the Jimmy the Bravada was offered with AWD.

mcseanerson > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 20:55

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http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/4669110534…

Viggen > mcseanerson 10/14/2014 at 20:58

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I'll have to show this to him tomorrow. I got him interested in Trailblazers, so this could work, if I can convince him that it's really just a rebadged one.

special_k_side > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 21:03

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Suzuki Vitara, do not get fooled by the Chevy version. Same year as ur dads, solid frame, less power but better gas mileage and easier to repair. Ignore the XL-7. Anything up until 2004 had a solid frame, safe, and easy too work on. Unless you need to tow, then there is nothing better for cost/ownership than NA. If you are looking for that, get a Ford Escape

mcseanerson > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 21:06

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Yeah, Bravadas were the Oldsmobile (Read pre Escalade luxury SUV from GM) Blazers and Trailblazers. I always tell people to buy the 4.3 Bravadas and throw on a turbo and you have a GMC Typhoon.

Viggen > mcseanerson 10/14/2014 at 21:09

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All I really have to say is "I know it says Oldsmobile, and they haven't been around for a while, but apart from trim and some body panels, all the important parts are shared with the Trailblazer, so the risk isn't too high."

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 21:13

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scoob > Viggen 10/14/2014 at 21:41

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Isuzu Trooper!

cabarne4 > Viggen 10/15/2014 at 12:01

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Newer Explorer, Pathfinder, xTerra, 4Runner... That's all I got for ya. Good luck!

biker > Viggen 10/19/2014 at 12:19

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I would say look for an older Jeep Cherokee with low mileage, thats been taken care of, & for a pickup, look at a Comanche, just watch as really older ones had the GM 2.8 V6 & only look at the inline 6 cylinder 4.0 also make sure its a 6, as its rare, but they made both the Camanche & Cherokee in a 4 cylinder version. I personally own a 4 cylinder Cherokee with 5 speed. quite rare, but also a good reason to not assume everyone that you see will be a 6 cylinder. my second choice for a 4wd truck would be an extended cab 80's to 90's Toyota truck with 4wd, the trick is finding one with low mileage, but they are out there, & stay away from the Turbo Toyota trucks, not worth the hassles.