Thinking of looking at used small SUV - thoughts?

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Ford Escape, hybrid or not, I think it fits the bill well for a used, dependable, small SUV.
The 2 owners that we know personally (1 hybrid, 1 not) have been very happy with theirs - both have between 75k - 100k (AFAIK) and have only had regular maintenance - no repairs of any kind.
 
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 1998-2001 Cherokee. Simplicity is a big plus. I would NOT consider a used FWD-based small SUV (Tracker, Escape, Rav4, etc.) any older than about a 2007. They don't hold up as well.



Don't those Jeeps have a pile of HVAC issues? Or was that only the GC?
 
Originally Posted By: addyguy
Here's another tracker, also in really good shape, with low miles (100k):

http://autocatch.com/used-cars/2003~chevrolet~tracker~522113.htm

I'm not 'fixated' on these, they just seem a good size, and from what I've read, are pretty darn reliable.

Stick with 03's and 04's and look underneath for drivetrain leaks, specifically the passenger side front diff seal and from the transfercase. We've had the diff seal replaced with an updated bushing, but not the transfer case seal yet. It uses diff oil so the smell is pretty obvious if its weeping a bit.
Other than that is been pretty good, I've replaced an O2 sensor, the front sway bar links, and other than the leaks that's been it, other than brakes once.
 
Originally Posted By: GenSan
For a compact SUV with a $5-7,000 budget I'd personally be looking at these little tanks.

Suzuki Grand Vitara

Only the later ones, early v6's are known to have timing chain problems, and rust issues, and you have to jack up the front end to get the right amount of front diff oil in. This is a good forum to do some research. http://www.suzuki-forums.com/1g-1999-2005-vitara-grand-vitara/
 
Bottom of the third page before a Panther recommendation. And for a small SUV thread, too!
laugh.gif
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Bottom of the third page before a Panther recommendation. And for a small SUV thread, too!


Its the BITOG "Car for Everyone"!

19.gif
 
If you buy a used Escape, I'd be leery of the CD4E mated to the V6. It seems to do better with the 4-banger, but the V6 pushes it's limits. They can last if well-maintained, but they often aren't. It's a weak transmission in general.
 
Originally Posted By: DT466E_bus
They are dependable...don't be hatin'!
smile.gif



That they are. But the point: the thread was asking for suggestions for small SUVs; I believe if I asked BITOG for suggestions for any of the following...

- large SUV to tow a 5,000 pound bow-rider and haul fishing gear
- mid-sized pickup for a home improvement rig/parts chaser
- small 40mpg+ economy car for a short urban commute

...I'd get recommended a Panther.
wink.gif
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Bottom of the third page before a Panther recommendation. And for a small SUV thread, too!
laugh.gif



I'll add another "out there" car to the list....a Chevy HHR. I fold the back seat down and my dogs love it back there!

For someone who doesn't need to go wheeling and isn't going to get a 4x4, they offer 90% of the utility of an SUV with very good return in mileage. The only big drawback would be towing capacity, I thibk it is rated for up to 1,000 lbs with the auto transaxle, surprisingly the manual is not recommended for towing any weight.

Aside from that suggestion, I've always liked the Escape, thats where I would be looking. They can be found around here at a great price from what I've seen.
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: DT466E_bus
They are dependable...don't be hatin'!
smile.gif



That they are. But the point: the thread was asking for suggestions for small SUVs; I believe if I asked BITOG for suggestions for any of the following...

...I'd get recommended a Panther.
wink.gif



Its funny, particularly if you remember where the whole "recommend a Panther" thing came from. I'll see if I can find that thread.
 
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 1998-2001 Cherokee. Simplicity is a big plus. I would NOT consider a used FWD-based small SUV (Tracker, Escape, Rav4, etc.) any older than about a 2007. They don't hold up as well.



Don't those Jeeps have a pile of HVAC issues? Or was that only the GC?


Not the 97-up versions- no real problem areas with anything except the 2000/2001 had some flawed cylinder head castings (those are getting pretty well weeded out of the market because they tend to fail before 100k if they're going to fail). I can't speak so much for the pre-restyle versions, but they're non-OBDII and therefore a little harder to diagnose/maintain anyway, and I'm not a fan of the AMC interior (as opposed to a previous poster who liked it... sorry!) I wouldn't touch a first-generation RENIX injection XJ with a pooper scooper. Nice chassis and running gear, terrible everything that carries electrons... :-/
 
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