need an SUV any opinions?

[LaserBlueMSP]

ok heres the deal my dad is 57 years old. he drives this old ugly buick lesabre. i want to buy him a new suv or car. n ot really sure. I am trying to stay away from caddilac, buick, typically old peoples cars. just cause i cant see myself buying one (even if it isnt for me). so far all i can think is an infinity Qx4. but all the ones i find are highmilage. so if you have any suggestions on an AWD car, or SUV. feel free to chime in. im looking to spend no more than $14k... i have been beating myself up trying to keep some other options open. so any input would be great
kris

 

[jersey_emt]

No offense but $14K and you were looking at an Infiniti QX4? No wonder they were really high mileage.....

Good luck finding ANY low mileage SUV for $14K.

 

[eting_pro5]

is this different than the QX54, based on the Nissan Pathfinder Armada.....because those are absurdly huge and some radical environmentalists need to start burning them.

 

[LaserBlueMSP]

yea i realize that but between the house ijust bought. the msp and its mods. and one of my businesses going under (but opening another) 14k is kinda all i can spare. and his tranny is goin on his buick, so i figured i could take his buick, have it fixed in a couple months. and dive it for my winter beater.

 

[LaserBlueMSP]

is this different than the QX54, based on the Nissan Pathfinder Armada.....because those are absurdly huge and some radical environmentalists need to start burning them.

lol no im not stupid enough to think i can afford that in 14k. the qx4 is a 1997-2002, pretty much a way better looking regular pathfinder

 

[jersey_emt]

What does he need an SUV for?

 

[Heathen23]

get him a GC8 Impreza.

Or a Forrester

Or an Outback

...

**** SUVs

These were going to be my suggestion also. the forrester and outback get amazing reviews by most.

Most suv's are just minivans without the usefull seats.

 

[stdntDrvr]

i know you're far away...but just to give you an idea what you'll be looking at if you go to a dealer...this is what we have in that price range in stock:

01 explorer sport 46K miles 11,995
01 gmc jimmy 48K 13,995
02 explorer sport 61K 13,995
01 rodeo 26K 13,995
01 escape 28K 14,995
02 explorer 38K 14,995
02 durango 37K 15,995

 

[nate0123]

look at slightly used loaded RAV4 4x4 with fender flares... they look pretty slick, make ok power, and the interior is a lot like the ES/P5 interior

 

[TX Speed Demon]

Why a Qx4? A moderately used nissan pathfinder will cost you thousands less, you could probably get one with under 50,000 for 14K. I can tell you I love mine. It hauls around all the stuff I need it two, my 2 50lb dogs, and has helped me move into two apartments and a house. With the fold flat back seat it holds a surprising amount of stuff. Plus I've got the V6 2wheel drive model so the gas milage is actually better than my MSP. The interior is really nice with soft, leatherlike plastics on the dash and doors. The fabric seats have help up for 7 years now and still look great.

I've had it for 2 years (bought it from a family member) and it's never had any major problems. Regular maintence and she has run great. Going on 80,000 miles now.


Perhaps an suv isn't the best option for an older person though. I know my in-laws and grandparents don't find it exactly easy to get in and out of.

 

[LaserBlueMSP]

What does he need an SUV for?

well, he likes the space available. and michigan winters suck. those are all good suggestions. but the guy is 57, he wants something a little more luxurious. i found a couple of sweet qx4's. but im just looking at different options

 

[timba24]

The ford escape is a good option I use to have one never had any problems the v6 duratec makes good power and the AWD system works quite well.

 

[TX Speed Demon]

I would suggest:
Volvo V70 wagon
Volkswagon Jetta or Passat Wagon
Touyota Matrix
PT Cruiser

Any would be a step up in luxury from the Buick, especially the Volvo or Volkswagon. Those Passat wagons are pretty nice and I bet the styling would appeal to a guy his age. Plus I think they come with the 4-motion all wheel drive as an option.

 

[AndrewF150]

Ok, don't get a ford, the explorer sucks, and ford in general doesn't make a great SUV. A rav 4...EH! Nah! bad idea. Durango's handle like crap too... I would seriously look at a forester or outback, they are AWD and are great!

Personally not a huge fan of SUV's simply becauase they are like 4x4 minivans without the seats..just like heathen said.

I would try for the outback or forester...again they are AWD can do just about the same damn thing as an SUV but have the seats, and are a little more driver friendly.

 

[protegerhm]

sweetness

(band2) (thought) (boobs) go with an outback or forrester, rugged and you can do alot of cool stuff to them

 

[FLSilverP5]

The durango handles pretty well for an SUV if u upgrade the tires. I can personally vouche for dodgeing traffic at 130 in a Durango. Damn talk about seeing your life flash b4 your eyes.

 

[jrodhotrod]

Subaru Forrester

 

[CN STARZ]

I know it's not as nice as a subaru or an infinity, but... I loves ma Jeep Cherokee. 139k and NO problems. AWESOME winter car (the speed will be hibernating soon) and they are going for WAY under $14k, at least around here they are.

 

[chuyler1]

Old people shouldn't be driving in the snow. Giving them the confidence of AWD doesn't help things.

I say buy him a Grand Marquis. Its a nice comfortable ride for an old person and it has a 5 star crash test rating. It is much more affordable than any SUV on the market.

 

[SciFiMan]

I can recommend a Rodeo. I've had two of them and they were great. NO reliablity issues either. They hold a lot of stuff, but don't feel huge when parking and driving. It is also one of the best handling SUV's and has decent power and in the later years push button 4WD. Or get an older higher-end Honda Passport (just a rebadged Rodeo) as I believe they could be had with leather option, etc.