Which SUV???

[Tyler Campbell]

Hey everyone,

I'm posting for advice on buying a new SUV. I am open to almost any line, and just started doing research. I will say that I am leaning towards Dodge and Ford. I don't want to spend more than 30,000 to 35,000. Has anyone been running a Dakota? I have had a Blazer for 5 yrs. and it's a bit light and small for me. The load I'm currently towing is @ 2500 lbs, however will probably be getting into a bigger boat next year. So I want to be safe up to 3000+ lbs, so engine recommendations would also be helpful. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time!

[Snag]

Sububan - hands down.

Signed, by an old Ford guy.

[Swaz]

Why not save your money and buy a Chevy Cavalier? An "SUV" is little more than a man's flaky comprimise between the truck he REALLY wants and the stupid station wagon his ol' lady wants. Buy a pickup or get a divorce.

[cisco]

I've owned station wagons (when they were big), full-sized Blazer, a Suburban, and large sedans. However, my last three vehicles have been full-sized conversion vans. Will not go back to anything else. Pull your rig (up to 7500 lbs) in comfort and utility. The only downside is having to rely almost entirely on rearview mirrors -- a skill some never acquire.

[Hook-out]

Old Ford Fart here, new Suburban and I still can't figure out why it took so long to buy it. Ford never again.

The Heart Beat of Fishing, Like a Rock!!

[schaefer]

I own a Tahoe and my brother owns a Suburban and both work well (although I wish I had the extra space of the Suburban). Having said this, I don't understand everyones dislike for Ford. One of my friends had an Expedition and I really liked it. My dream truck would be on of the new Ford Excursions. Those things are HUGE. Good Luck

[Fallsman]

I now own a 1999 Ford Expedition but previously had a 1996 Explorer V8 (the V8 is what did the trick). Although the Expedition is nice the Explorer was fine too, except that I would put brakes on the trailer if I still owned it. I pull a Lund ProV , total weight about 2500#.

[Bayside]

Buy the Suburban or Tahoe, got a '93 with 165,000 miles on it, many tow miles, and havn't touched the engine or tranny, it still runs great! If you do get the dakota or durango make sure you get trailer brakes or you will be very unhappy when it's time to stop. Also Mopar's tranny's have been subject to fail especially when towing heavy loads.

[Drift'r]

These days , the one that gets 30 mpg :-)

[Yukonjack]

I bought a suburban back in nov. and will never buy anything different.

[The Great Guide]

Buying a vehicle depends on your own personal needs. If you don't need seating capacity, buy a truck. I personally like the Chevrolet products.

If you don't want to spend the full price of a new vehicle, watch the classifieds for near-new vehicles. There are a lot of people who get all emotional at the dealer and buy vehicles they can't afford. When that $500 to $600 monthly payment starts to hit the budget, they look to unload it. This can benefit the savy buyer and save 15 to 20 % off of a near-new vehicle. A lot of the time these vehicle already have the toppers, bedliners and other goodies. You might have to be willing to give up on exact color you want, but maybe the savings are worth it.

So if you are looking to buy, start scanning the classifieds in the local paper or on the i-net and be patient, but ready to buy. You also don't have to put up with dealer sales pressure.

[swede]

I pull a heavy Starcraft TP180 with my wifes Expedition, and it works great.(when she lets me use it). I know several people with the Dakots, they don't have all that much room on the inside, don't think I would care to pull very far with all the gear I usually take along. Also have several friends with the Chev Subs, and they pull great to. My advise---get the one your wife doesn't like, you will be able to use it a lot more often with fewer arguements.-----I know.