[jacksonpt]

Well I currently drive a 99 Explorer (remember all my tires questions ?) And aside from minor repair hassles I really have no complaints **knock on wood** I've never been stranded anywhere and most of my repairs have been either warranty covered or wear and tear. The problem is now the wear and tear repairs are getting pricey (ball joints, my trasfer case is leaking oil, wheel bearings etc etc)

I think the Explorers and the Nissans (xterra/pathfinder) are the only ones on my list. It will come down to 1. price 2. what's available.

I'm supposed to be going to the Ford dealer this afternoon so either the shopping will be over or just beginning

How long do you plan to keep the truck? If you're only keeping it 4 or 5 years (say, 60-70k miles), a ford might be a good choice. Readily available, dealers on every corner (so if you have a problem out of town, it's not hard to find a dealer), reliability should be ok in the short term, pricing is good. If you want to keep it longer, go Japanese - there's no comparison.

 

[luken8r]

Some general info for ya MBC...

Toyota SUVs are going to be the best in terms of value/features/quality, but probably the most expensive.

<30K loaded

Im going to check one out this weekend at the auto show in boston

 

[MtnBikerChk]

Did you compare gas milage?

yeah, the all suck. mostly between 16/20 or 15/21

 

[luken8r]

and that 30k is with all the off road gadgets, lockers, sliders, rock protection, etc. reasonably equipted should be closer to 25k

 

[MtnBikerChk]

and that 30k is with all the off road gadgets, lockers, sliders, rock protection, etc. reasonably equipted should be closer to 25k

not available until 07

 

[narlus]

yeah, the all suck. mostly between 16/20 or 15/21

get an escape hybrid.

 

[stosh]

yeah, the all suck. mostly between 16/20 or 15/21

Just wondering!

Go with the Xterra!
I haven't been in the newer xterra's but I've been really happy with mine. It's not to BIG but just big enough.

 

[jacksonpt]

<30K loaded

Im going to check one out this weekend at the auto show in boston

can't wait to check on out in person. I wish Toyota would get more real world data/specs/options posted on their website about it.

 

[PonySoldier]

First off, I didn't mean to imply that Nissans are unreliable... but in the grand scheme of things, Toyota has a slight edge.

As for your experience - that's 3 trucks (2 nissans and 1 toyota) in the face of hundreds of thousands sold each year. And I'm sure your 98 ptahy with 191k has seen the same kind of use/driving as the 85 toy with 181k.

I ddin't take it that way at all, the only reason I bought the Pathfinders was the price difference v. 4-Runners especially here in Colorado. I have been more than satisfied with the reliabilty of both brands. The only reason the truck has less miles than either Pathfinder is we can't haul the whole family around in the truck.

 

[luken8r]

not available until 07

negative. it should be released this spring as a *really* early 07 model

 

[MtnBikerChk]

negative. it should be released this spring as a *really* early 07 model

well either way - it's not available TODAY.

 

[Mike B.]

Of course there is the all important sticker price, but don't forget to consider the total cost of ownership if you will keep the vehicle a few years. MSN autos has some ratings buried in the car info section.

Here is a little article on SUV TCO, notice the Toyota has the highest MSRP and the nearly lowest TCO.
http://www.intellichoice.com/carBuying101/cost_of_ownership

 

[MtnBikerChk]

How long do you plan to keep the truck?

I guess like my current vehicle - keep it until it starts to cost money.

 

[luken8r]

well either way - it's not available TODAY.

true, but if youre willing to wait, this would really fit the bill

 

[narlus]

I guess like my current vehicle - keep it until it starts to cost money.

when do cars not cost money?

 

[jacksonpt]

I guess like my current vehicle - keep it until it starts to cost money.

chances are that a Japanese vehicle is going to last longer (i.e. no major repairs) than an american-made vehicle. FWIW... I've got 120k on my 4Runner and I beat the snot out of it - I've had no unexpected repairs on the truck.

Clearly I'm not in your shoes... I don't know what your budget is like or what your priorities are, but IMO, an Xterra is worth a few thousand extra on the sticker over an explorer.

Also, consider what the trade in value will be in 5 years with, say, 75k miles.

 

[N8 v2.0]

chances are that a Japanese vehicle is going to last longer (i.e. no major repairs) than an american-made vehicle. FWIW... I've got 120k on my 4Runner and I beat the snot out of it - I've had no unexpected repairs on the truck.

Clearly I'm not in your shoes... I don't know what your budget is like or what your priorities are, but IMO, an Xterra is worth a few thousand extra on the sticker over an explorer.

Also, consider what the trade in value will be in 5 years with, say, 75k miles.

Ditto here... my '97 4Runner has over 205k on it now... and runs like a champ. Just needs about $800 in loving attention every 100k.

 

[MtnBikerChk]

chances are that a Japanese vehicle is going to last longer (i.e. no major repairs) than an american-made vehicle. FWIW... I've got 120k on my 4Runner and I beat the snot out of it - I've had no unexpected repairs on the truck.

Clearly I'm not in your shoes... I don't know what your budget is like or what your priorities are, but IMO, an Xterra is worth a few thousand extra on the sticker over an explorer.

Also, consider what the trade in value will be in 5 years with, say, 75k miles.

more like 100 in 5 years!

I hear ya - and I think I agree about the Japanese suvs but I dunno - 1. there's something about the explorers that I just really love and 2. (of course) they are cheaper.

I appreciate everyone's help and suggestions. I will let you know what I find today/this weekend.

 

[jacksonpt]

more like 100 in 5 years!

That makes a Japanese SUV an even better choice then. The only person willing to pay any money for an explorer with 100k miles on it is a dad looking to get his kid a cheap/safe rig that said kid can wreck without costing said dad lots o mula.

An Xterra (or better yet, a 4Runner, wink wink) will still draw a decent resale price, and be more desireable in general.

 

[I Are Baboon]

That makes a Japanese SUV an even better choice then. The only person willing to pay any money for an explorer with 100k miles on it is a dad looking to get his kid a cheap/safe rig that said kid can wreck without costing said dad lots o mula.

Heh, MBC is trying to sell her Exploder rustbucket to her DAD.

 

[jacksonpt]

Ditto here... my '97 4Runner has over 205k on it now... and runs like a champ. Just needs about $800 in loving attention every 100k.

I'm to the poitn where I'm putting about $1500-$2k into my truck annually. Still waaaay less than a $500/mo car payment would be. And most of that money is spent because of my off-roading addiction. Things wear soooo much faster on a modded, trail worthy rig.

Next summer, it's time for new springs, shocks, and tires. Plus the continueing list of to-do mods... lockers, gears, skid plates...

 

[N8 v2.0]

Every 100k I take it in for a new timing belt/water pump/brakes/filter and fluid change etc...

 

[MtnBikerChk]

I tell you what..... if you can find me someone who will give me family pricing, I'll go buy the pathfinder right now

 

[narlus]

I tell you what..... if you can find me someone who will give me family pricing, I'll go buy the pathfinder right now

heh, my brother's a bigshot w/ BMW but even w/ family pricing i'm priced out.

 

[Westy]

I tell you what..... if you can find me someone who will give me family pricing, I'll go buy the pathfinder right now

It is at least worth talking to a dealer. You may be surprised at what little difference there is between "special" pricing and if you negotiate a good deal.

 

[MtnBikerChk]

It is at least worth talking to a dealer. You may be surprised at what little difference there is between "special" pricing and if you negotiate a good deal.

I'm talking below invoice though!

I will talk to them though. I might wait until the 28th of the month!

 

[douglas]

I'm talking below invoice though!

I will talk to them though. I might wait until the 28th of the month!

peolpe pay above invoice for cars?

 

[MtnBikerChk]

peolpe pay above invoice for cars?

BAH - Not me

 

[Brian HCM#1]

heh, my brother's a bigshot w/ BMW but even w/ family pricing i'm priced out.

Wuss

 

[narlus]

isn't it clear that i don't give a crap about what i drive? i figure i can retire a few years earlier, rather than throwing 20-30K down on a vehicle every 6 years or so.

 

[Toshi]

don't be unamerican now, narlus

 

[MMike]

don't be unamerican now, narlus

...says Mr tricked out WRX guy!

 

[Toshi]

that's because i'm a patriot

duh

 

[Toshi]

Doesn't the Patriot Act state that you must be heavily in debt or you will be deported?

extra golden eagle-points are awarded for headrest dvd players and 24"s bought on credit

 

[SkaredShtles]

isn't it clear that i don't give a crap about what i drive? i figure i can retire a few years earlier, rather than throwing 20-30K down on a vehicle every 6 years or so.

IMO, all "durable" consumer products should last at least a decade. Bikes, cars, skis, etc.......

 

[MtnBikerChk]

SO - does anyone want to buy my Explorer?

edit for new linky

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-Ford-Explorer-Sport-2Dr-4x4-4-0L-SOHC-Off-Road-ED_W0QQitemZ4587907833QQcategoryZ43908QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'll pull the Ebay offer if one of my RM friends wants it.

I don't want to jinx what I've decided to do, but if you buy my car, you'll be the first to know!!

 

[Z2adambomb]

hey, I have been searching for a 6 speed xterra (05,06) for a while and couldn't get the dealers to deal on one, even with the yearend clearances. I ended up negociating a lease on a 2006 S level pathfinder cheaper than any Xterra they could offer (including a stripped X model). I absolutely love the vehicle. It's a bit bigger than what I wanted (the X was just right) but with the pathfinder you can mount up to 5 or 6 bikes inside of it, or 3-4 bikes and all their riders inside. The pathfinder is also quicker than the xterra. It has a similar motor, but it's tuned for more torque and HP (270hp, 290lb-ft). If you really love driving though, the 6 speed in the Xterra was a blast. Let me know if you want any more info on the pathfinder. I'm really happy with it. Good luck