Help on picking an SUV

[ScAndal]

O.K. guys and gals,
I'm looking to buy a 2001 SUV and I'm looking to spend max $27k.

So far I am looking at 2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4WD and the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.5XS 4WD.

Any ideas on either of these, or anything else in the price range.

Thanks,
ScAndal

 

[GTaudiophile]

Toyota 4Runner!

 

[ScAndal]

GT,
Do you have one? Give me some reasons to back your Ride

Its actually a bit out of my price range. What do you guys think
I should pay below sticker price? Example: The 2001 Montero sport I looked at had
a sticker of like $28,799.00. One dealer said he could give it to me for $28000.

ScAndal

 

[virtuamike]

I'd go with a Pathfinder over the Isuzu. Really like what they've done with the 2002 Explorer but dunno if it's out of your price range. Do not recommend going with the 4 Runner. Looks big on the outside, but interior isn't all that huge plus it's sluggish. Can't go wrong with a Pathfinder or an Explorer (2002).

 

[ThisIsMatt]

As always I will question your motives...why not get a *nice* car? Like a Honda/Acura, etc?

 

[freebee]

4runner may be out of the required budget.


With Nissan prices dropping, it is possible to get a pathfinder SE for roughly 26-27K.

The domestic suvs, such as the jeep Grand cherokee and Ford Explorer are also in this price range, though high end models can approach mid 30's.

Since you mention basically truck based SUVs, i don't suppose you would consider the toyota highlander which is an excelent small suv, or subaru forester.

 

[ScAndal]

Matt,
I live in Minnesota and Winters get ridiculous. Plus I'd like the room to haul stuff.

ScAndal

 

[JimmyEatWorld]

The rodeo is an excellent vehicle in my opinion....tremendous bang for your buck.
Some people doubt the Rodeo's reliability, but my parents both drive Isuzu's, and have had no problems whatsoever. Its a tough and rigid car, with alot of room, that can easily traverse some pretty rugged terrain with its on the fly 4WD. The city ride is kinda rough, due to what it was designed for, so you may want to make a note of that. Overall....for its price...I'd say you can't beat it.
I don't know if they still do this, but both of the Rodeo's we purchased we also got a factory rebate on that saved us alot of money....I suggest you look into that and see if they are still doing this offer.

 

[ScAndal]

Jimmy,
Currently Isuzu is running 0.00% financing for 60 months
Do you find that they have enough room inside. They look a little smaller from the outside?

ScAndal

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Okay, just checkin'

 

[psteng19]

Another vote for the Nissan Pathfinder/Infinti QX4.

Nissan ~ Driven

 

[ScAndal]

What do you guys think
I should pay below sticker price? Example: The 2001 Montero sport I looked at had
a sticker of like $28,799.00. One dealer said he could give it to me for $28000.
Is this really a discount? Invoice Price is $26,077

ScAndal

 

[JimmyEatWorld]

I think they have plenty of room, definatly....
even my tallest buddys have sat in the back and not been uncomfortable. Although you didn't mention being interested in this car, go sit in the rear seat of an Xterra and see how that feels, that should do away with any worries about room.

 

[JimmyEatWorld]

I think the new Monter's are butt ugly btw.
Also, I do like the Pathfinder a whole lot...but it costs alot more than the Rodeo, so I can't justify spending that much more for the Pathfinder.

 

[vi edit]

list of all midsize SUV's

 

[vi edit]

Mini/Compact SUV's

How about the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute platform?

Great bang for your buck there.

 

[freebee]

You really shouldn't be paying any more than invoice+1-2% for most cars.
Its really up to you, as a factor of time versus cost. If you are really set on a particular car, you can pay a bit more for it. Remember, you will be driving this vehicle for a number of years, so be happy with your purchase.

 

[JimmyEatWorld]

Stay away from the Tribute and the Escape!!!!!

Look at the undercarrige, and you'll see that its not on a truck frame, but based off a sedan frame. It just like if you bought a sedan and jacked it up, and put bigger tires on it. STAY AWAY.

 

[ScAndal]

Jimmy,
You really don't like the new Montero Sports? Don't mistaken them
with the Montero which I think is ugly as sin!

I'm going to test drive the Isuzu Rodeo tomorrow. Its a great price, and an
unreal warrantee.

ScAndal

 

[psteng19]

<< I should pay below sticker price? >>

that sounds reasonable...

usually i check out invoice and give them an offer about $300 - $500 above invoice. once we were able to buy a brand new car for $250 above invoice. it was a last year model they were trying to get rid off

 

[JimmyEatWorld]

whoops, sorry Scandal....I skimmed your post and didn't see &quot;sport&quot; after it the first time....
Anyone who drives just a plain vanilla montero should be dragged out of their &quot;ass on wheels&quot; and beaten for buying such an ugly car. The only car uglier is the Ass-tec.

 

[ScAndal]

Does the invoice price that is on cars.com, edmunds.com, autobytel.com, etc... are those factory standards
or could they vary from state to state.

The reason I ask, is when I make an offer over invoice, I don't want the salesperson to comeback and say
oh that is invoice on internet not in mn.

Jimmy, I know. I think the Montero is so ugly. There are some nasty looking SUV's coming out this year.

ScAndal

 

[MuffD]

I would suggest that when you go to the dealer, you ask to see the invoice for the car. That way, you can make a deal from there. I paid only 500 bucks over invoice for my wife's expidition.

 

[ATLien247]

My personal preference would be the Jeep Grand Cherokee. And, although I hate Dodge, I have to admit that the Durango is pretty damn sweet. I'm not even going to mention any foreign SUVs... they just don't seem rugged enough!

 

[MrAnderson]

Between those 2 I would go with the Mitsu. but I would recommend the Toyota 4runner