new/used vehicle recomendations

[joe603]

I'm looking for SUV suggestions. I currently have an 2008 Mitsu Outlander XLS which is a bit too plain for my tastes. I'd like to upgrade...any suggestions? Doesn't have to be Nissan/Infiniti.

One thing is that I HATE CVT transmissions...and would like AWD.

Whatcha got?

[Encryptshun]

Current Gen Pathfinder? I think an XTerra might be a bit small for your liking.

[elwesso]

I wouldn't rule out an xterra, definitely if you can spring the extra dough for the 4.0L vs the 3.5

[MinisterofDOOM]

How big an SUV do you need? Do you care if it's truck- or car based?

First-gen FXes are one of my favorite crossovers.

It's hard to loose with an Xterra or Pathfinder unless you're looking for great fuel economy.

[Razi]

Our 2005 Pathfinder (2WD) currently has 160k/170k miles on it, the transmission died due to the insides of the radiator cracking and mixing the transmission fluid and coolant. Nissan probably fixed that in the newer models though.
The ride isn't as smooth as our first gen Pathfinder used to be, and it gets about 19mpg combined.
My friend's Xterra is noticeably smaller than the Pathfinder.

[Jesda]

I guess it depends on what you intend to do with it. I like the XTerra and the new Grand Cherokee.

[Bubba1]

I'm looking for SUV suggestions. I currently have an 2008 Mitsu Outlander XLS which is a bit too plain for my tastes. I'd like to upgrade...any suggestions? Doesn't have to be Nissan/Infiniti.

One thing is that I HATE CVT transmissions...and would like AWD.

Whatcha got?

Upgrade is kinda vague. How big a vehicle do you want, how much are you looking at spending, and are you planning to go off road with it?

[Kompresshun]

I really like the Ford Edge or the Infiniti FX if you're thinking of a crossover, as far as regular SUVs I'd say the Xterra, Pathfinder, or a Ford Exploder Limited. I also really like our Jeep Commander a lot, but you have to be picky with the model to get a reliable one, but it's a lot of SUV for the money.

[Dittoz7]

FX35/45

[Dana_15]

4Runner with the V8 (used obviously).

[joe603]

Hate Ford...never thought about the pathy or the extera. I would love an FX, but this would mainly be for my wife. She loves the GMC Acadia and terrain.

I mean an upgrade from a cheaper suv to a more luxury based model.

[Kompresshun]

I'd say an FX then or you might look at the Cadillac SRX if you are looking to buy something fairly new. Keep in mind that most established SUVs have a premium model, so you might take a look at something like a Pathfinder LE too. The Acadia and Terrain aren't bad though, I prefer the look of the Acadia personally.

I drive a Jeep though and despise Chrysler, point being that just because you dislike the brand doesn't always mean that all of their models are junk. The Edge is a nice crossover for the money.

[Dattebayo]

Sounds like she already made up your mind then.

[joe603]

Sounds like she already made up your mind then.

It is her vehicle after all...I drive the G37.

I should have said that upfront. But I do have a "say" on which one and the options.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The Acadia and Terrain aren't bad though, I prefer the look of the Acadia personally.

Don't forget about all the other GM crossover siblings. Acadia/Traverse/Outlook/Enclave are the big one, Terrain/Equinox/Vue/SRX are the small one. Don't tell Cadillac the SRX is an Equinox, though. They don't like to talk about it.

[Jesda]

The new Saab 9-4x is an SRX with better handling, steering, braking, and more power.

[Bubba1]

The new Saab 9-4x is an SRX with better handling, steering, braking, and more power.

One of my closest friends is looking seriously at a Ford Flex for his wife. I was pleasantly surprised when I rode in one. Gobs of room, very comfortable.

Other SUV's to look at: Acura MDX, Toyota 4Runner (or its Lexus equivalent),
The infiniti FX (if you can get beyond it';s styling), QX-4 (if you can get beyond having the same vehicle as Nala). If the SUV will never go off road, the Camry based Toyota Highlander is one of the top rated mid sized SUV's in the market, or the Altima based Nissan Murano is a good choice as well.

If you don't care about gas mileage, there's always the Toyota Land Cruiser.