NFB: 2nd vehicle SUV?

[Mixedpuppy]

Question for those with SUVs in the group.

Any of you guys with SUVs have decent reccomendations on a mid to full size SUV $20,000 to $35,000 new or used? Just something I have been thinking about recently. Any types I should avoid? Thanx.

[ExtinctBird]

You should be able to do pretty well on an SUV with a budget up to $35K. I paid $35K for our 2001 Yukon SLT when we got it new in 01. It was sticker for $43K, and has leather, OnStar, sunroof, heated seats, etc. We have been pretty happy with it. It has ~90K miles now, and the issues have all been minor annoyances, such as squeaky doors and seat belts.

My brother recently got a new Chevy TrailBlazer in your price range, which he is pretty happy with so far.

[BadWS6]

I just bought a 01 Durango 5.9 R/T fully loaded $15k I like everything about but the gas mileage LOL

[FroSSty]

I am not sure about the new trailblazer but I know the older blazers had problems with the ball joints going out.

[94 formula]

I'd definetly recommend finding a vehicle that was a year or two old. Most will still have a good bit of atleast a 70k warntey on them plus you will save yourself thousands of dollars. The used car market is really saturated right now and just driving a new vehicle off the lot will loose you thousands. Also my dad has an 04 Grand Cherokee and I would recommend that to anyone but I am very partial to jeeps .

[fastTa]

Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Denali. I am kinda partial to those they just look the best. The Jeep Grand Cherokee's aren't too shabby either.

[Mixedpuppy]

I guess my main concerns are diverse function (i.e. semi-offroad capability like poor trails) reliability, space and maybe decent towing for like my T/A or a boat etc. I could take it camping with friends or haul some friends around town. Haul crap around except like bloody deer or muddy dirt bikes.

[wolfdogs]

we love our 04 Envoy. 0 probs... and we had 0 probs on the other one we had also that i traded in on the goat.....

[Steel2686]

If you're going to be doing some towing, I would go with a Tahoe or at very least, a Trailblazer/Envoy EXT with the V8. You'll need the extra torque. Those straight sixes in the Trailblazers and Envoys are ballzy, but you'll want an eight for towing.

[Sean 94z28]

My buying experience in Feb with Jeep was great. Most are selling very near dealer cost right now. $35,675 is probably 1-2k higher than a good shopper could find. 7,200 lbs towing with the Hemi. Tahoes start at 36k and this is the limited (top) model.

My wife has an Escalade (2000) and I must say it is really nice and you can find good used ones for 20-30.

I'd take the Jeep when the road ends any day though.

2005 GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 4X4 K Pkg. The all-new 2005 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee Limited takes the Jeep brand to greater heights with its fresh, aggressive appearance and incredible improvements in capability and on-road handling. Begin with Limited's standard 4.7L Power Tech V8 engine and Quadra-Trac II(R) Active four-wheel-drive system with 4-wheel Brake Traction Control. Or, upgrade to an optional 5.7L HEMI(R) V8 engine with a Multi-Displacement System that operates as a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine when cruising the highway or during light acceleration. Joining the HEMI V8 engine is a fully integrated capability system consisting of the all-new Quadra Drive II(R) full-time active four-wheel-drive with Electronic Limited-Slip Differentials, and Electronic Stability Program. Combined, these elements provide a four-wheel-drive experience that's smooth, road-hugging and stunningly powerful. Inside, Limited's luxurious appointments include a clean, two-tone interior design, increased legroom front and rear, and a one-step 'fold-flat' rear seat that opens to reveal a spacious cargo payload. Premium available features include SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Boston Acoustics Premium Sound System, GPS Navigation Radio, DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System, UConnect Hands-Free Communication, ParkSense(TM) Rear Back-up System and SmartBeam(TM) intelligent headlamp system.Jeep, Quadra-Trac II, HEMI, Quadra Drive II and UConnect are registered trademarks of DaimlerChrysler Corporation.ParkSense is a trademark of DaimlerChrysler Corporation.SIRIUS, the dog logo and SIRIUS stream names are logos and trademarks of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc.SmartBeam is a trademark of Gentex Corporation. Base Price $34,470
K Pkg. $1,925
Options $2,085
Accessories $0
Destination $695
MSRP $39,175 *

Cash Allowance - $2,500
Bonus Cash ** - $1,000


Net Price $35,675 *
Est. Finance Payment $627 ‡

MODEL
2005 GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 4X4 K Pkg. $34,470.00



POWER
5.7L HEMI® V8 Engine w/Multi-Displacement System $1,495.00
Quadra-Trac II Active Full-Time 4WD Included
213mm Rear Axle Included
3.73 Axle Ratio Included
5-Speed Automatic Transmission Included


OPTIONS
Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats Included
P235/65R17 BSW All Season Performance Tires Included
17" X 7.5" Aluminum Wheels Included
Boston Acoustics Premium Sound System Included
AM/FM Stereo Radio w/In-Dash 6-Disc CD/MP3 Player Included
UConnect Hands-Free Communication Included
Heated Front Seats Included
Air Conditioning with Dual Zone Auto Temp Control Included
Cargo Convenience Group Included
Power Sunroof Included
Electronic Stability Program Included
4x4 Popular Equipment Group $590.00


good luck
Sean