I need some opinions

[cellardoorv]

My Alti-Coupe is wearing on me. I like it, don't get me wrong. But I think I need a change. I'm quickly remembering the hard way that AWD is slightly essential for living back in New England, and also, I want just a bigger car in general. What are people's thoughts on the Rogue? It's less expensive than my car, which would mean lower payments (especially getting a used one)

What bothers me is that the same engine that's in my car NOW... is what's in the Rogue.

I'm still looking into the XTerras, if any were wondering, but I'm open to suggestions.

[Bwana]

I'd go with a pathy, GREAT little truck.

[snwbrdr435]

^ yep

[cellardoorv]

I think the pathy may be TOO big. I test drove one and didn't enjoy the spaciousness. I know that sounds weird. But it's just me, and possibly a dog in the future. I know getting my 80 pound American Bulldog in and out of my coupe was no easy task.

My dad has the Murano. I like the way it drives and the size of it. I know I can't compare it to the Rogue, especially performance-wise, but I liked the general size of it.

[cellardoorv]

It doesn't HAVE to be a Nissan product, though I would enjoy that. I'm just trying to gather some opinions.

I owe about 7K on my car now. Hoovering around the +/-15K point to keep my payments at least the same, if not lower. *shrug*

[MinisterofDOOM]

Crossovers suck. So does the QR25. So do CVTs. 3 strikes, Rogue's out.

Get a first gen Xterra (not nearly as big as the current Pathy/Xterra). Or a 4.2 SWB Trailblazer. Both are within your $15k price range. Fuel economy sucks in the Xterra and it's a little gutless, but aside from that it's a great truck.

[biggie]

Keep in Nissan family, go luxury. Used G35x would keep it cheap.

And would keep it to a 'smaller' car for you. I would also suggest the Juke, but the front end isn't for everyone. But I like the Rogue, though I feel they are a little overpriced for having the 2.5L.

Also the '01.5 to '04 Pathfinder with 3.5L is great, drives just like a car. Only issue is mpg with current gas prices (why I sold my Pathfinder in '06).

[cellardoorv]

Crossovers suck. So does the QR25. So do CVTs. 3 strikes, Rogue's out.

Get a first gen Xterra (not nearly as big as the current Pathy/Xterra). Or a 4.2 SWB Trailblazer. Both are within your $15k price range. Fuel economy sucks in the Xterra and it's a little gutless, but aside from that it's a great truck.

First Gen XTerra is severely underpowered, so I've heard. I test drove a few 06-08 Xterras and enjoyed them all. Was a hair away from purchasing one back in MD. Slightly pricey for one with low miles, and the gas mileage DOES suck.

Keep in Nissan family, go luxury. Used G35x would keep it cheap.

Oh hello huge a** insurance premium, how are you? I'm not the "luxury" type. Hell, I don't even like leather interiors.

[sbird1]

4Runner.

More reliable than most Nissans, spacious but not too much, good fuel economy, available in 4WD, perfect for you.

Then can be a little pricey, but that's because they're awesome cars.

[Kompresshun]

Crossovers suck. So does the QR25. So do CVTs. 3 strikes, Rogue's out.

Get a first gen Xterra (not nearly as big as the current Pathy/Xterra). Or a 4.2 SWB Trailblazer. Both are within your $15k price range. Fuel economy sucks in the Xterra and it's a little gutless, but aside from that it's a great truck.

^Agreed, although I prefer the 2nd gen Xterra(round headlights) but that's just me.

I may get flamed for this but if you want something around the same size as the Rogue, I love the Ford Escapes personally. They can be had for a reasonable price and are pretty comfortable to drive. You might also consider the last generation Pathfinder/QX4, they're smaller than the current generation of Pathfinder and they had the 3.5L V6 from 02-04 I believe. We had an '02 QX4 and we enjoyed it while we had it, the only complaints I had about it was it's power on the highway seemed to be lacking. Other than that, not a bad vehicle either.

Another one to consider while on the Trailblazer subject is the Saab 9-7x, it's basically a Trailblazer underneath but looks a lot better IMHO.

[biggie]

Keep in Nissan family, go luxury. Used G35x would keep it cheap.

Oh hello huge a** insurance premium, how are you? I'm not the "luxury" type. Hell, I don't even like leather interiors.

I have an '03 G35 Coupe it is no more on insurance than my '07 Nissan Versa was. Leather seats that still hold you are good and so is heated leather seats. Can find a used G35x for $8-9k now probably. Lower payments can balance any hike in insurance.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Escape is another great choice. It's a crossover I'd be willing to drive. You can get a Duratec 30 in it, too, which is a much more appealing option than a QR25.

'01 and newer 2nd gen Pathys (and QXs) had VQ35s. Older ones had VG33s (or VG30s).

Also agreed on the Saab. They're hard to find, though. The 9-7x was on my short list last year before I settled on the LS. The Saab's interior is much nicer than the Chevy's.

And if we're talking AWD sedans, don't forget about the first-gen Fusion. Not much bigger than the Alty coupe but at least it has four doors.

[biggie]

'01 and newer 2nd gen Pathys (and QXs) had VQ35s. Older ones had VG33s (or VG30s).

Technically the first half of '01 still had the 3.3L, changed mid-year and includes the 3.5L badge on the back door (only the '01.5 models have that badge, and a different grille compared to '02-'04).

[Xdisaster240sX]

get this...

[MinisterofDOOM]

Aerostars make my eyes bleed.

[Jesda]

Aerostars are awesome-ugly. They're so distinctive and so downs-syndrome stupid at the same time, I can't help liking them. When Ford tried to discontinue them they were flooded with letters from loyal customers, so the Aerostar lingered on for an additional year. Michelle... don't get an Aerostar.

Get a QX4. QX4 has ATTESA (Pathfinder doesn't), arguably the best AWD system evarrrr.

[Encryptshun]

Hey, who else do we know on here who has a QX4? I think he'd give you a ride if you asked, Michele!

[Jesda]

[biggie]

Get a QX4. QX4 has ATTESA (Pathfinder doesn't), arguably the best AWD system evarrrr.

? The AWD systems should have been the same. For the Pathfinder LE with AWD at least. Now the SE with a transfer case, no, but I prefered to be able to go 2wd and usually the transfer case was prefered for offroad/serious 4x4 needs, because of having the 4x4 Low gear.

[Bubba1]

Hey, who else do we know on here who has a QX4? I think he'd give you a ride if you asked, Michele!

Of course, there would be strings attached if that certain kid gave you a ride.

If you're looking for small SUV's, the Toyota Rav4 or Honduh CR-V are pretty solid little vehicles. If you don't intend to go off road, they get good gas mileage and are reliable.
I know owners of both and they love them.

The current generation pathfinders/QX4's are bigger and more comfy, and are about the same size as a 4 Runner. If you can get beyond the stigma that Nala owns a QX4, they're actually nice solid vehicles. The previous generation Pathy is smaller but can haul people/packages plus puppy comfortably if you can find a clean one.

Another vehicle to consider is a Subaru, perhaps a Legacy or Forrester.

I also recommend 4 Runners.I've had mine forever. It's a nice sized wagon, part time 4WD, which gives better mileage than full time AWD. A roomy drama free vehicle.

[audtatious]

Get a Juke

[Jesda]

Get a QX4. QX4 has ATTESA (Pathfinder doesn't), arguably the best AWD system evarrrr.

? The AWD systems should have been the same. For the Pathfinder LE with AWD at least.

Resale value is so similar that settling for a Pathfinder is like buying button-down shirt without buttons.

[PEZi]

Crossovers suck. So does the QR25. So do CVTs. 3 strikes, Rogue's out.

Get a first gen Xterra (not nearly as big as the current Pathy/Xterra). Or a 4.2 SWB Trailblazer. Both are within your $15k price range. Fuel economy sucks in the Xterra and it's a little gutless, but aside from that it's a great truck.

First Gen XTerra is severely underpowered, so I've heard. I test drove a few 06-08 Xterras and enjoyed them all. Was a hair away from purchasing one back in MD. Slightly pricey for one with low miles, and the gas mileage DOES suck.

The earlier SC'd models are fine, just the normal ones suck. But I say go with the newer one, well worth it.

[Kenrik]

G35X

My Vote.

[Jesda]

The newer the better with XTerras, Pathfinders, and QX4s. The older ones were underpowered gas guzzlers.

[BusyBadger]

I love our Xterra. I'd have bought a spiffier version had I known I was going to dawdle around so much finding the right sidesteps, push bar, stereo setup, etc... But I didn't feel like spending money on crap I knew I was going to end up ripping out in the long run.

It's been nothing but a rock solid, lead sled on rails in the snow. It's never given me any reason to doubt it was going to go where I wanted it to go and do exactly what I wanted it to, with the exception of a patch of black ice I didn't spot.

Gas mileage...well, yeah it could be better. I'll get 20 or 21 on the highway/interstate and less with city driving and considerably less when all the wheels are working. At least it's not sucking down premium.

One of the big three car mags had an article on the Xterra and they put it in the same league as the BMW 3-series and the Porsche 911 as an exemplar of its kind. The review also mentioned how much they appreciated, in a world of automotive compromises, a vehicle that was so single-minded in design & purpose. Once I find it I'll post a link.

[PEZi]

The newer the better with XTerras, Pathfinders, and QX4s. The older ones were underpowered gas guzzlers.

tr00f... my mom's gets like 16 MPG and goes nowhere in a hurry.... its sad when an '85 pickup can beat a nice fuel injected SUV from '01

[Kompresshun]

Another vehicle to consider is a Subaru, perhaps a Legacy or Forrester.

KILL IT WITH FIRE

I absolutely despise the Forrester, I can get over the Legacy but I still don't like it either. The Forrester is just plain ugly, and I hardly ever see one without a ghey pride sticker on it.

? The AWD systems should have been the same. For the Pathfinder LE with AWD at least.

Resale value is so similar that settling for a Pathfinder is like buying button-down shirt without buttons.

I prefer the QX4 over the Pathy for sure, but I also prefer a selectable transfer case, which ours had. Although the Commander is full time 4WD and I have no complaints other than it's harder to get sideways

[Jesda]

Also, owning an XTerra gets you in with the bros. If you're into high-fives, campouts, and river rafting, there's nothing better, except maybe a Wrangler Unlimited, but they're expensive.

[biggie]

Resale value is so similar that settling for a Pathfinder is like buying button-down shirt without buttons.

But she did say she didn't like leather, would be possible to find an AWD Pathfinder in cloth, while not true for the QX4.