Keeping Maxima and need to get SUV

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07-30-2002, 10:37 PM

#41

BrianV

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The benz is too expensive and the 4x4 system sucks, trust me it sounds great and all but when push comes to shove that thing is incompetent off road.

Cheston, the MDX is nice but it's FWD and sends power back, that's why it makes a real crappy tower so it's out of the question.

07-31-2002, 08:00 AM

#42

Frezny

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Quote:

Originally posted by BrianV
. I do need one that can tow ~5,000 LBS so that takes the FWD econo-luxo suv's out (highlander, etc.).

If you get the new Pathy, and want to tow up to 5,000 lbs, you have to go with the Automatic. The manual transmission can't handle much over 2500 lbs. You can get them with LSD, I believe, and possible Air Lockers for Offroading. I know that my 96 Pathy has aftermarket support for air lockers both front and rear.

Check this out for infor about older pathfinders: (96-99.5)
http://dean.thayer.net/off-road/

and this for most pathfinder questions:
http://www2.4x4parts.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi

07-31-2002, 08:21 AM

#43

BrianV

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Quote:

Originally posted by Frezny

If you get the new Pathy, and want to tow up to 5,000 lbs, you have to go with the Automatic. The manual transmission can't handle much over 2500 lbs. You can get them with LSD, I believe, and possible Air Lockers for Offroading. I know that my 96 Pathy has aftermarket support for air lockers both front and rear.

Check this out for infor about older pathfinders: (96-99.5)
http://dean.thayer.net/off-road/

and this for most pathfinder questions:
http://www2.4x4parts.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi

Impressive Pathfinder stuff, but aren't those things only 160 HP?

07-31-2002, 08:26 AM

#44

Frezny

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I think it's like 165 for an automatic. Yes, it's quite wimpy, and I curse the truck every time I need to merge into traffic, but I'm investigating an Xterra stock SC swapp to make up for the lack of umph! The problem we're having right now is keeping the engine from detonating at about 6psi. Unfortunately, most Pathfinder owners aren't very knowlegable about forced induction, as they are mostly off-road enthusiasts. With those stock components, inline fuel filter and water mist cooling, 6spi should be no problem. Only time will tell though.

If this isn't going to be your daily driver, then you can get one for under 15k easily and it will do you fine. If the power issues realy bothers you, then spend the $$$ on a newer VQ model, but go automatic for the towing.

07-31-2002, 08:27 AM

#45

Albertt

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What I say? If you're going to get an SUV, make sure >>

it's based off of a real truck platform. Pathfinders are built on a unit-body platform. I'd go for an Xtrerra.

07-31-2002, 11:30 AM

#46

Nick97SE

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Brian,

I'm very glad to see that you're keeping your Maxima!

I'm not sure if you're looking for a big SUV, or a smaller one, but the owner where I work just bought his wife a new Acura MDX, and I really like it. Although, I've never driven it. I think it's a pretty nice looking truck, so maybe you should test drive one of those.

If all else fails, I say go for the QX4, because those things are beautiful (and still techincally in the Nissan family)!

Later,
-Nick

07-31-2002, 11:33 AM

#47

DaddyMac

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chevy trailblazer if it you are buying new.

07-31-2002, 12:37 PM

#48

BrianV

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I don't want a new truck, I don't want to spend $35K on a truck, I'd rather spend 35k on a car. I just want a newer SUV for maybe around 15K.

07-31-2002, 12:40 PM

#49

costcowholesale

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Quote:

Originally posted by BrianV
I don't want a new truck, I don't want to spend $35K on a truck, I'd rather spend 35k on a car. I just want a newer SUV for maybe around 15K.

jeep liberty?

07-31-2002, 12:43 PM

#50

Frank Fontaine

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Quote:

Originally posted by BrianV
I don't want a new truck, I don't want to spend $35K on a truck, I'd rather spend 35k on a car. I just want a newer SUV for maybe around 15K.

15k you could do a swing loan on 150k house (that is if you don't live in a big metro area). Rates are lowest in 31-years. Sellers are a little greedy but you can get them down. Then you pay back a few months, get a home equity loan and get the SUV and deduct the interest. The SUV's aren't going anywhere, nor are their prices going up. I really think people should consider 1st and 2nd homes and get new cars in about 6 months.

07-31-2002, 01:19 PM

#51

Frezny

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Just one more thing, Brian.

The 165 HP Pathy's also have a ~5000 lbs towing limit. Just thought you might like to know that.

07-31-2002, 03:44 PM

#52

amax935

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Pathfinder - I have a 94 XE. Bullit proof VG. Tows 5K. Good Offroad good onroad. a little small inside. On 96-2000 watch out for bad struts, they only last 40,000 miles.

I would also watch for Isuzu Troopers. I had two, and they are a tad behind the Pathy and 4-Runner in reliability, but they have some great deals, ride great, tow well and have a lot of room for a mid-size.

4 runners are great but they cost more used due to good re-sale.

Why would anyone with a maxima rave about a Q? Extra thousands for a stinkin badge.

08-01-2002, 07:30 AM

#53

BrianV

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Quote:

Originally posted by amax935
Pathfinder - I have a 94 XE. Bullit proof VG. Tows 5K. Good Offroad good onroad. a little small inside. On 96-2000 watch out for bad struts, they only last 40,000 miles.

I would also watch for Isuzu Troopers. I had two, and they are a tad behind the Pathy and 4-Runner in reliability, but they have some great deals, ride great, tow well and have a lot of room for a mid-size.

4 runners are great but they cost more used due to good re-sale.

Why would anyone with a maxima rave about a Q? Extra thousands for a stinkin badge.

Troopers flip over.

08-01-2002, 08:45 AM

#54

WizzaMax

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Brian,

Glad things are going well for you and you're planning on keeping your car a while longer.

I can vouch for the safety factor of my SUV, the 99 GMC Yukon even if it is not a 4WD it still handles well.

08-01-2002, 08:57 AM

#55

BrianV

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Quote:

Originally posted by WizzaMax
Brian,

Glad things are going well for you and you're planning on keeping your car a while longer.

I can vouch for the safety factor of my SUV, the 99 GMC Yukon even if it is not a 4WD it still handles well.

That thing is huge, what aobut the 2dr versions?

08-01-2002, 09:23 AM

#56

CJP

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vouch for the safety? That thing is a tank. I don't think you would be able to vouch for the safety of the other driver you hit though.

Hey Brian, why not just get a used 4x4 pickup for cheap? SUV's are for women with lots of kids.

Quote:

08-01-2002, 01:35 PM

#57

fst96se

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I got my Expedition Eddie Bauer in the neighborhood that you are looking in (cost). Wow, it is big, and lots of truck, but now that I have had one I will NEVER go smaller! It fits my 35" tires with NO lift, has 260 hp almost 300lbft of torque I think, and can have a 40hp chip for about $300. Pulls my boat, 4 wheelers, or 25 trailer without much drama. Looks awesome, drives super, has as 2wd, AWD, 4low and 4high. My next SUV will be a Powerstroke Excursion! I have actually thought about selling the Ex and my i30 and getting a Crew Cab short bed Powerstroke F250 4x4 (wow that is a mouthfull!) and then getting another cheap max later. I want a bigger 5th wheel trailer!

Anyway, Expy kicks butt, QX4 for a new truck would be awesome. Tohoe/Yukon are great too, but the Trailblazer looks like a suburban mated with an Aztec!!

08-01-2002, 02:12 PM

#58

95-96Maximas

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SUV for U

How about an Mercedes Benz ML 320 or 430 or 500 or M55??
It does everything you need and more. It is in the price range as well.

08-01-2002, 05:42 PM

#59

MaXAnDy

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i suggest you go with the explorer. i think that you like the 4runner a lot but its resale is just too high. my brother just got a 2001 explorer sport loaded with every option and 16,000 miles for $15,200. Its just as big in the back as a pathfinder and its a pretty good off-roader with good power.

08-01-2002, 09:31 PM

#60

grody

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Quote:

Originally posted by BrianV

Troopers flip over.

I saw that test. They were actively trying to flip it. Those same maneuvers would have flipped most of the suv's we are discussing here. Why CR (I think it was Consumer Reports) picked the Trooper to do this with, I do not know, but the test was not a typical suv rollover test like they run on most others.