best mid-size suv for the money?

[CharlieB]

Re: best mid-size suv for the money?

May I nominate the 98 to 03 S-10 ZR2 model with the 4.3 V6

My 03 is great for pulling my ProCraft F&S.

The ZR2 model has wider and heavier axles than the standard S-10 and a factory lift kit to clear the 10.5 X 31 tires.

Mileage isn't all that great, 17 -19 freeway depending on how hard you lean on it.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: best mid-size suv for the money?

I've had a Cherokee, a handful of Explores and a now I've moved on to Expeditions. Funny thing is, they all got the same gas mileage. 17-19 on the highway and 13-15 in the city. My dad has had a couple Tahoes, gas mileage is roughly the same. Unless you really don't want something big keep them in mind.

 

[southkogs]

Re: best mid-size suv for the money?

I've not heard much good about 4WD Explorers for gas mileage, but my 2WD 4.0 Mercury Mountaineer (Explorer) gets pretty good mileage. It would pull a 3000# boat, but I think it would struggle up hill. However, I've got 215K on mine and it's hanging in tough.

Watch your total cost of ownership though. When I went to replace our minivan, I couldn't find a price that I liked on 'em. I shifted to look at full size vans and found that they were cheaper than the minivans (significantly). Even though the E150 I bought drinks more gas, over five years the total cost of ownership is cheaper than the higher MPG minivan.

Short version: (as mentioned above) a relatively inexpensive Expedition/Tahoe/F150 might wind up being a better buy over the long term.

 

[ezbtr]

Re: best mid-size suv for the money?

I have had several of the S-10 Blazers. Good, capable SUV if equipped with the 4.3. The one vehicle I miss the most is the Jeep Cherokee I had. I LOVED that Jeep. Had it for several year and the only thing I had to replace (besides brakes, oil etc...) was a water pump and the headlight switch. The 4.0 in those things is a great engine. They should never have discontinued it. Don't know if this comment helps, just my 2 cents. Good luck, hope you find a good one.

ditto on the I6, indestructable......loved my 92, torque, and mpg were great, they just dont break...













i6

 

[ezbtr]

Re: best mid-size suv for the money?

The Blazer I had was a good inexpensive vehicle but after 100k it started to fall apart. I just acquired a Cherokee with close to 100k on it and I absolutely love it. Unlike the Blazer that had about the same mileage the Cherokee is still solid and rattle free and the inline six pulls like a diesel

i got mine w 104K on it, very well maint., gave it to daughter w 175K on it, towed and ran like a top, I upgraded rad to a 3 core, that was it - also changed fluids regularly, heck I may even get another for my 13 yr old son!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: best mid-size suv for the money?

Oh how the used vehicle market has changed.

I never thought we would be discussing buying a 16 year old mid 90's vehicle for $6000.....

Ain't that a fact!!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: best mid-size suv for the money?

So true. A number of years ago I tried to find myself a decent commuter vehicle with under 100k miles on it for $5k. Only thing I found was about a 5-7 year old Buick Century. Drove a half hour to go look at it only to find it had hail damage all over it. I gave up at that point.

 

[NYGiants]

Re: best mid-size suv for the money?

6K would get you a nice 05 trailblazer. Wife has the Rainier (from new) and other than consumables its still running strong with nothing more than routine maintenance. Good towing at 6200lb with I6 and I think 6500lb with V8. My only complaint with it is the (usual) gauges quit working, first speedo then fuel.

6k around here won't buy something that new ill be lucky to find the 02 or newer. for some reason car prices to be pretty expensive in new jersey