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SUBJECT: # 7086: Mid-size SUV choices.......
Submitted by Marc (64.12.105.32) from NEW YORK on 2/10/2002 5:32:00 PM
I am in the market for a new SUV. My towing needs are fairly modest (1500 pounds with my current boat). This SUV will be my one and only form of all transportation so comfort and ride will be important. After doing some research, I am leaning toward a Nissan Pathfinder LE. Does anyone want to talk me out of this? Any other recommendations? I don't want to go too much more in price than the Pathfinder.
I like the added HP of the Pathfinder over much of its competition. I also am turned off with some of the other SUV's which look too much like glorified mini-vans!!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Marc
- 2/10/2002 7:39:00 PM
Submitted by
Reel Work from TEXAS says Suggestions?
For the trailer weight, rather lack of it, just about any of the SUV's on the market will do the job. Personally, I think you are on the right track with the pathfinder but don't sell yourself short by overlooking the Xterra, the Jeep Liberty and maybe even the Ford Escape. I don't have anything for or against any of those but I do know that I would check all those out before making a final decision. Secondly, those all seem to be in the same body and price range give or take..If you like the Pathfinder and want to get it, I don't think anyone would fault you (except maybe RedAllison - LOL) since it suits your needs, is a tried, proven and reliable vehicle and you seem to have done some homework.
Good Luck,
Chris
- 2/10/2002 7:52:00 PM
Submitted by
Joe (66.92.86.79) from MASSACHUSETTS says Pathfinder
My brother has the new Pathfinder. This thing puts alot of others to shame. Its truly an awsome vehicle. Good Luck, Joe.
- 2/10/2002 8:44:00 PM
Submitted by
Eagle Eye (142.59.224.95) from Canada says Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is an excellent SUV from a perspective of ride and power but it doesn't do well in crash tests. I don't think I'd be very excited about putting my family in any vehicle rated marginal in a crash.Check out the mid-sized SUV ratings at:
http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ratings.htm
- 2/10/2002 8:53:00 PM
Submitted by
Alex from GA from GEORGIA says Suv
My son bought a Hundai Santa Fe and likes it very much. It pulls his PWCs just fine and it has a 100,000 mile warranty. We added air bags to the rear for towing. Nissan is a fine vehicle.
- 2/11/2002 8:35:00 AM
Submitted by
Lesman (66.156.10.7) from GEORGIA says Pathfinder
I have a 2001 Pathfinder with the 240hp V6 and tow my 2900 lb. Key West. It tows very well, 70mph on the interstate and it's not working hard. No sway or control problems, although I have trailer brakes which I recommend. I added Air Lifts to level the load, you may not need them. It's an excellent mid-sized tow vehicle with plenty of creature comforts and I drove them all when I was shopping.Good Luck
Les
- 2/11/2002 9:32:00 AM
Submitted by
Marc (205.188.195.42) from NEW YORK says Thanks guys!!
It will still be a couple weeks til I make the plunge, and I appreciate your inputs!! I will check back for anyone who wants to add their $.02. By the way, should I get the limited slip differential?To Eagle Eye, I will definitely read about the crash test results. I am leaning for a leather interior on the Pathfinder. Apparently that option comes with side airbags!! Hopefully that makes a difference!!
- 2/11/2002 10:04:00 AM
Submitted by
Reel Work from TEXAS says Yes, get the LS....
You won't regret it when you need it!Chris
- 2/11/2002 3:15:00 PM
Submitted by
BassTaurus from MISSOURI says Another option
A Mercury Mountaineer may be something to check out as well. I got a V-8 5.0l all wheel drive in mine ('97), eventhough my boat isn't very heavy either. I may get a heavier boat in the future, so I decided to opt for the V-8. I don't like to overstress engineering designs, so I like to shoot high in the capability area. The Ford Explorer/Mountaineer were pretty good in the safety tests too. These vehicles are good on the road or on the ramp.
- 2/11/2002 6:08:00 PM
Submitted by
Marc (205.188.200.190) from NEW YORK says I must be doing something right Bass Taurus...
because that was my next option after doing my research. Not the Mountaneer but the Explorer. I have read that the new Explorer is a great ride!! The new Explorer is getting great reviews!! I am not worried about the past "tire problems". If they are giving great deals because of the bad publicity, it will certainly be an option. Thanks!!
- 2/11/2002 6:52:00 PM
Submitted by
data (209.255.208.191) from PENNSYLVANIA says Limited.
I though the new Pathfinder are equipped with limited rear.
- 2/15/2002 2:28:00 AM
Submitted by
Phill (198.81.17.177) from CALIFORNIA says Pathfinder
My wife has the 2001 SE version, loaded with leather, side airbags, etc. Rides like a sports car. Tight spunky engine. Other than an unusual coolant leak at the rear manifold, requiring they pull the engine to repair at around 5000 miles, it has been a great vehicle. We felt it was the best midsize SUV for the money. The older models routinely get over 200+k troublefree miles. At only 16k miles, it's a great vehicle. Only complaint is the gas tank is too small. Gotta refill every 240-250 miles.My suburban with the 44 gal tank, can get over 550 miles....