Help Me Oppo-Wan Kenobi. You're My Only Hope!

"Osiris - I can haz Euro spec?" (o51r15) 01/16/2014 at 11:25 • Filed to: Car Buying With A Budget Sucks

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Alright, here it is. I got pre-approved for a car loan. So now I need to go find that car! So this is where I need your help. I'm looking for an SUV (4WD preferred but AWD is acceptable) that's big enough to hold myself, my wife, 2 car seats, 2 larger dogs and some luggage for when I PCS (change duty stations). We've been thinking about Tahoe's, Explorer's or Pathfinder's but the thing is, I've never owned any of these before so I don't know their reliability or anything like that. So if any of you can give me insight on these vehicles or suggest anything that would be better and within my budget, please let me know!

Here's my budget:

I'm approved up to $22K with a 2.7% interest rate. I want to get something that's no older than 2008 and has less than 65K miles. Any ideas?

EL_ULY > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:26

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where do you live?

The Dummy Gummy > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:32

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A 2010-2012 Toyota Highlander should fit your budget and requirements. I had one when I was in Arizona and the SUV is really really nice.

Edit: I missed the 2 large dogs part. The Highlander probably wont be big enough. I'll leave it up though just because.

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > EL_ULY 01/16/2014 at 11:32

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+1

And how far do you typically drive day to day?

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:32

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An older Lexus LX might meet those criteria.

LandCruiser as well? I know there is someone around here with one, and he loves it.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 01/16/2014 at 11:33

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When you say older though, how old?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:36

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Nissan pathfinder. 2009-2011 models with 4WD and about 50k or fewer miles go for 20k.

Agrajag > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:37

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T-16 Skyhopper should meet your needs. I hear there is an abandoned one on the cheap out at the Lar's farm. Looks like the owner killed his aunt and uncle and went off world.

More seriously, of the 3 listed I'd choose the Tahoe. More room than the other two, but more so because I don't really like the other ones. Have you considered a Forester?

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:37

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The Honda Pilot.... anything after 08 has this new redesigned body. Quite roomy inside. Seats 8. Solid engine and transmission. Quite reliable. We did a drive from FL to NJ nonstop with mom and dad upfront, my 14 year old self and 11 year old sister and one dog in the middle; and three other big dogs in the back with room to spare. Gets around 20 MPG. A used one fully loaded will easily fall into that budget.

We have an 07 and it is great. Never had any powetrain issues. Our problem is the gas mileage, but that imporved with the new ones.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:37

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The Explorer is actually not that big on the inside. The Flex is hugely roomy, but styling is definitely subjective and it is more of a wagon than an SUV. I would imagine the Tahoe & Pathfinder both have good reliability. The Tahoe has a lot in common with the Silverado/Sierra, and those are platforms that GM spends a lot of time on. Not too familiar with the Pathfinder so I won't comment on that.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:39

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Nevermind.

To get you miles/age, you'll be over your budget.

2007 Lexus GX 470

2005 Lexus LX470

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 01/16/2014 at 11:40

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I definitely have been steering towards the Tahoe and while we were looking at reviews on Edmunds about the Pathfinder, people were saying that there a good few issues that have arisen with them. either they really loved it or they really hated it.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/16/2014 at 11:41

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By God I think you've sold me. I'm gonna start looking into these right now! or at least when I'm not at work.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Agrajag 01/16/2014 at 11:42

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This is amazing. Now I just need the money! But yea, we definitely looked into the Forrester first but it just doesn't seem big enough for what we need.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/16/2014 at 11:42

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Do you have any experience with them?

cazzyodo > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:43

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Man, if this was early last year I would have tossed you some pics of my family's suburban. Z71 package, under 55k miles, but a 2004. Garaged every day and babied like no other.

Good luck to you.

Who needs sway bars anyway > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:44

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We have an 06' Explorer which remained the same until the refresh in 2011. Its personally not my kind of car (I prefer something with a lot of rattles noises shakes and character) but it is an excellent driver none the less. Good power, a smooth ride, quiet and very comfortable. Its also been very reliable, since purchased in 07' the only work that we have had to perform was for a radiator leak and that was most likely something that happened while driving. Its the last Explorer with a proper drive train, and personally I think it is one of the prettiest explorers that was made.

The other one that is a good choice is the WK2 Grand Cherokee. If you can afford the 2010 or 2011 models I have heard nothing but good things about the quality and ride and are also great looking vehicles. If I were to choose, I would probably go for the Grand Cherokee I personally like the looks a bit better and after getting to drive a 2011 last year the interior was wonderful and the ride was a little more captivating than the Explorer.

Shown in brown, because Oppo:

Nothing > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:45

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Ford Flex AWD? Not sure how big the rear area is, but it's a decent size vehicle. You can get into relatively new ones for that price. You could get in a Tahoe for that price point fairly easily. Prob around a 2009/2010. Jeep Commander? Again, not sure on the rear cargo area size, but they look big enough.

Or you could search for a crew cab pickup with a cap to toss the dogs in.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:46

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I'd start looking for you, but being in Fl, all are 2 wheel drive... but most fully loaded EX-L with around 50,000 miles are coming in around $18,000

Nothing > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:47

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Definitely older than a 2008. Probably looking early to mid '00s

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Nothing 01/16/2014 at 11:47

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Commander looks good. The only bad thing is all these SUV's that I would be looking at are over priced because Alaska.I also thought about a truck with a bed cap for the dogs but would they be ok when driving during the winter? Does the heater work that well?

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > cazzyodo 01/16/2014 at 11:48

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I'm sure I could sway the wife because damn that sounds awesome! But like you said...that was last year.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 01/16/2014 at 11:49

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No problem. Thanks for the help anyways!

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/16/2014 at 11:50

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I actually just found one near me in Alaska.

http://anchorage.craigslist.org/ctd/4283147684…

NPOCP?

cazzyodo > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:53

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It was pretty epic. All leather, heated seats, V8 power, 4WD, skid plates, Bose stereo, trailer hitch (but we didn't need a trailer). My mom loved that thing.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:53

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I'll be able to tell you in about an hour and a half or so... school blocks Craigslist :(

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:54

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The LandCruise might still be a viable option.

Toyota has made numerous giant SUVs for years.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 11:56

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none at all, but they've been selling them for a while and it seems pretty big. But I don't know that much about how much space dogs need.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 01/16/2014 at 12:06

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That's true. I tried looking into the 4Runner but it's just crazy expensive up here in Alaska.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/16/2014 at 12:06

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Ha ha Air Force just recently opened it up!

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > cazzyodo 01/16/2014 at 12:08

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I love all of it except the leather. I had leather seats in my old Explorer and when it was hot out, the seats were hotter and when it was cold out, you started it and turned the heat on blast 30 minutes before you went anywhere!

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 12:09

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I'm pretty sure everything is crazy expensive in Alaska.

You should get a transfer so you can buy cool cars for less money.

cazzyodo > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 12:09

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Yeah, I don't like leather seats but it was garaged so it rarely had that too hot or too cold sensation. The heated seats (back included) took care of the cold when needed though.

Now, the F-150 we had parked outside...good lord those seats would burn body parts.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > cazzyodo 01/16/2014 at 12:18

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Ha ha I'll bet!

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 01/16/2014 at 12:20

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2015! That's when I'm moving and hopefully coming back to the continental US. Already got the approval from the wife to get myself something fun and sporty when we get there too!

cazzyodo > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 12:21

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I'll stop bugging you haha. Good luck with your search. I'm curious about what you end up with.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > cazzyodo 01/16/2014 at 12:24

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Sorry. I don't mean to sound like I'm rushing through your replies, I just got a ton of work dumped on my lap! Thank you so much for you help and advice and I'll let you know what we get!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 12:52

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The heater doesn't work THAT well.

The commander is great, we own one the back cargo area is pretty big. But I think your luggage would be on the roof with 2 large dogs in the cargo area. Just doesn't seem big enough for 2 dogs + bags. we love the truck other wise.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 12:55

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I think the Tahoe/Yukon would be a great vehicle for you Current gen Explorer is too small,m you would need to look to the Expedition if you are considering Fords. Which would be fine it's basically an F150 with a full SUV body.

I would consider the Commander, maybe look at the cargo area (I mentioned in a different reply) and the Dodge Durango, everyone forgets about it! The Jeep Grand Cherokee is going to be smaller than both the Commander and the Durango. All 3 share a platform, but they stretch the platform to make it 3rd row-able for the Commander and Durango. The Commander is really, really configurable though. You can get a V6, 2 different V8's, RWD, AWD or 4x4. It's kinda crazy so be careful what you're looking at to make sure you get what you want. We have the AWD V6.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/16/2014 at 12:55

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How about putting a couple duffel bags full of clothes between the front and back seats on the floor? Enough room?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 12:57

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If the kids are in car seats definitely. If they need legroom, prolly not lol. It's real spacious in the backseat of the Commander, it has the stepped seating/roof line for more headroom, makes it feel huge back there. We've done comfortable road trips with 4 adults and all their luggage. And our almost 1 year old's convertible car seat is rear facing in the middle currently, plenty of room for an adult on either side comfortably.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/16/2014 at 13:01

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Definitely going to start considering the Commander more now. Thing sounds huge!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 13:04

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You can actually turn them into pretty cool off roaders if you're into that too.

Budget wise, we got ours, which is a 2008 with 48k miles Certified PreOwned for high 16's. Which means with your budget you can come in low to save some money for upgrades or you can get a higher optioned one with true 4x4 or a V8.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/16/2014 at 13:10

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You don't even know how big of a smile I got when seeing that. Almost Grinch-like! I never knew it but I need this in my life! That thing looks like it would give the Wrangler Unlimited a run for it's money! Now here's another question: I found a 2008 Commander with 68K miles and they're asking $16,900. NPOCP? Also, they said it's "Trail Rated". I've heard that term before but never got a full answer on what the hell that means?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 13:25

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LOL!

Trail Rated is slapped on every Jeep that makes it through the Rubicon Trail. They even have it on Jeep Compass's. Doesn't mean a lot, but they certainly don't put it on anything that isn't 4x4/AWD.

I know you said SUV's tend to be overpriced up in Alaska. I would say thats a smidge above NP. It really depends on options though. Where's the listing? Is it a Hemi with full 4x4? Limited or Sport?

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/16/2014 at 14:14

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That's the bad thing about dealer's on craiglist. They don't put all the options and specs. I'll have to check it out. So Trail Rated really doesn't mean shit other than it went for a drive. Not an easy drive but a drive none-the-less. Ha ha. Thanks man!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 01/16/2014 at 14:23

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Yeah Trail Rated is pretty hit or miss as being useful.

And yeah, you know CL. Anyhow, the Commanders can get to be damn near luxury SUV's so if you're into that cool, or they can be more standard nice trucks. The option range is incredible. There is a surprisingly large support forum to look through that gives great advice on tire sizes, lifts, accessories, etc at: http://www.jeepcommander.com/

Good luck, and keep us informed in your search, you know we all love this shit.