Need SUV Recommendations

sara~b · #1 January 15th, 2011, 06:08 AM

Back story: I bought a 2008 Jeep Patriot in 10/2008. It started making a noise around Thanksgiving so I took it to the dealership in December. They said it was tire noise and I needed new tires. I spent $700 on new tires only to have the noise continue. I took it back to the dealer yesterday (after being told they couldn't get me back in until then) and was told it needs a new transmission. Then I was told that since Fiat bought Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep that they don't have to honor the warranty and they're basically doing me a favor by replacing the transmission. I asked for a loaner or rental vehicle while mine is being repaired and had to fight them for several hours, putting four calls in to corporate Jeep and being hung up on twice. I finally was told that I could be reimbursed $35 a day but only if I used Enterprise Rent A Car and got a Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep rental. By that time it was 7PM and Enterprise was closed. Now they can't get me into a Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep rental today and they are closed Sunday and Monday (holiday). I called back corporate Jeep and was told they would see what they could do but they still haven't returned my call. Thankfully my company was very understanding and loaned me a company truck for the time being. However, I've made up my mind that my Jeep is being traded in for something else as soon as the new transmission is in. I do have two kids and two dogs plus I work in the power plant industry and drive all over so I need something rugged and sturdy with a good bit of room for equipment, toys, etc. I'm thinking either Ford, Honda, or Subaru but I thought I'd ask for recommendations here as well. (I also just wanted to let everyone know that buying a Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep is a bad idea now, too.) Thanks in advance for any input!

midnight_starr · #2 January 15th, 2011, 06:30 AM

I don't have an suv, but DH & I have been looking at the GMC Terrain for when we are ready to buy!!

~*Bethy*~ · #3 January 15th, 2011, 10:40 AM

I would steer clear of the newer Jeeps. I LOVE Jeep, you all know this, but I love the older Jeep's. Newer ones are just NOT reliable. Makes me sad as Jeep has such a strong reputation to be a sturdy vehicle.

My recommendation would be this:

No? At least hay prices arnt as bad as gas prices...

I do recommend Honda or toyota. Thoes are my 2 choices for SUV's. Acura MDX are actually really nice too. Dodge, chevy, ford - all the american made ones are SO cheap (believe me Ive had all 3 including Jeep) They are just NOT worth it. Have you checked out the honda pilot?

**Jenn** · #4 January 15th, 2011, 11:56 AM

I had to sell my Suzuki XL-7 to get our minivan when I had Lila and I'm still sad about it. I never had one single issue with it (it was a 2004 that I bought in 2005) and it was such a great SUV! I will never get another american car (chevy, ford, dodge, etc) because they're all awful--my first car was a pontiac and it was the biggest pile of crap!

If we had had more money I would have gotten the XL-7 with a third row so we'd all fit but we were working with an extremely limited budget. I just loved that car so much

~*sierra*~ · #5 January 15th, 2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~*Bethy*~

Acura MDX are actually really nice too.

I agree with beth! Tons of cool features and handles decent in the snow. you can also get a dvd player in back for the kids as an option.

~*Bethy*~ · #6 January 15th, 2011, 12:27 PM

I have the DVD package in my grand caravan (Dodge) but the gas mileage is the same as an SUV (I need new tires, will get better mileage when I do) but Im only getting maybe 16 in town with my van.

**Jenn** · #7 January 15th, 2011, 02:52 PM

We have the DVD in our Mazda minivan--its definitely a must for those long trips. We never would have made the trip to North Carolina this summer without it! lol

*Mrs.J.2011* · #8 January 15th, 2011, 04:06 PM

I have a 2004 Ford Explorer that I bought in 2006 with 35,000 miles and I love it! I have the optional 3rd row seat (so it seats 7) which is great. I have 120,000 miles on it now and just now I have to make a repair. My bearings (approx $500 if I bring it to a shop, or $150 for parts.) In another year or so I plan on trading it in, not because there is a problem with it, but because I want something newer (I'm kind of spoiled I guess some would say) I WILL be getting another Ford! Whether the Explorer, the smaller Ford Escape (which my BFF has and loves) or the "new" crossover Ford Edge. My whole family drives Ford and while some people don't like them we have always had great luck with them.

Good luck in your search! I cant believe how terrible the Jeep customer service is!

IamMom · #9 January 15th, 2011, 05:12 PM

We love our Jeep Cherokee! We actually just bought a wrangler too today, for fun!!! Have never gotten bad service with Jeep dealers so that stinks! I gotta admit that an Acura MDX is my dream car ....... but its pricey! Good luck - let us know what ya picked!

~*sierra*~ · #10 January 16th, 2011, 05:07 AM

oh yeah kaleigh reminded me, the MDX has the optional third row too. it's great!
oh and it has seat heat IN THE BACK SEAT! lol huge fan of that since i'm so short i always end up back there if there are a bunch of us in the car.

Oriyan · #11 January 16th, 2011, 05:36 AM

I just dealt with Honda last month in getting my Civic and they really have some good deals out there right now! I really enjoy my Honda. I had a Nissan prior and I do not recommend it. Mine died at 94,000 miles and started dying around 82,000 miles.

sara~b · #12 January 16th, 2011, 09:50 AM

Thanks all! I think I'm going to test drive a Honda CRV, a Toyota RAV4, and a Nissan Xterra. I might also test drive a Subaru Forester and a Ford Escape. My DH has a Ford Escape that he's ready to trade in for a new Escape so I'm thinking they might give us a great deal if we buy two at once!

ScottishBrit · #13 January 16th, 2011, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oriyan

I just dealt with Honda last month in getting my Civic and they really have some good deals out there right now! I really enjoy my Honda. I had a Nissan prior and I do not recommend it. Mine died at 94,000 miles and started dying around 82,000 miles.

OMG, I hated my Nissan!!!! My dies right after it turned 100,000! DH has an Xterra and he loves it though. I have a Mazda 3 and LOVE it. Never had any problems! It still has the Original brakes and has 53,000 miles on it!!!!!!

However, DH WANTS a Mini Van. Seriously If I have to hear about Mini vans one more time Im gonna go crazy! I DONT WANT ONE!!!!! I want a Chevy Equinox. But were not getting a new car anytime soon.

**jessie** · #14 January 17th, 2011, 02:49 AM

That's too bad about your Jeep. We have an older model (04) Grand Cherokee and love it. Haven't had any issues other than regular upkeep. I like it because it is just about a perfect size for us, even when we will have two kids.

I really like the Honda CRV's, but it won't work for us. The trunk area (is that what you call it in an SUV??) is way too small. It is about 1/3 the size of the Jeep's. We take our medium size dog with us plus a stroller- soon to be a double- so it's not practical for us.

I think the Suburu Forrester would be nice!!

lupti · #15 January 17th, 2011, 05:57 AM

I love my Nissan Pathfinder! I originally looked at the Xterra but went with the Pathfinder b/c of the optional 3rd row.

Nissa, Acura, Infinti, and Honda all make great SUV's

JediRach · #16 January 17th, 2011, 06:47 AM

We love our toyota 4runner. We have 3 dogs a baby and a ton of junk and have never had a hard time fitting any of it in.

Mjp121212 · #17 January 17th, 2011, 07:49 AM

I've been putting some thought into trading my Jeep that I just got because there are a lot of quality issues I've been dealing with that they just won't fix. I mean you take it in to get fixed and they only check the computer and not anything else?! Makes no sense. I'm looking at toyota's or Hondas though. I do know a few who have bought Kia Sorrentos and they like them.

sara~b · #18 January 17th, 2011, 07:51 AM

I think Acura is out of my budget but I'll definitely look into all the rest!

Oriyan · #19 January 17th, 2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottishBrit

OMG, I hated my Nissan!!!! My dies right after it turned 100,000! DH has an Xterra and he loves it though. I have a Mazda 3 and LOVE it. Never had any problems! It still has the Original brakes and has 53,000 miles on it!!!!!!

However, DH WANTS a Mini Van. Seriously If I have to hear about Mini vans one more time Im gonna go crazy! I DONT WANT ONE!!!!! I want a Chevy Equinox. But were not getting a new car anytime soon.

Has he ever driven a mini-van?? I was looking at them too and got behind the wheel of one and was like absolutely no way! Felt like i was driving a bus! I felt old in it too!

Never again will I get Nissan. A car should not die at 94k miles. I sold my car to the car place across the street from me and they said that they are replacing the ENTIRE engine because its just shot. Engines should NOT die before 150k!

Prior to my Nissan I had a Saturn i loved. It had 112,500 before it too died but that was more like it needed a lot of work (new transmission) that i could not afford. Engine was excellent though. I just had a wicked transmission fluid leak that could not be fixed.

Sara the Forester is smaller than it appears. I looked at them. You might like the RAV4. I wanted a RAV4, but was not in the immediate budget.