hey everyone

was hoping to get some input on an suv - first a few background info:
Primarily wifey will be the driver, her matrix this winter just didn't cut it at all...
Obviously, with the economy in mind, would prefer not to get a domestic and most importantly, something not gas guzzling...
4WD is a must, preferably something that's not all-time AWD...
Choices pondered so far, mazda cx-7 (but it's a turbo, so don't know what that'll do for insurance rates), mitsubishi outlander, and mebee a subaru tribeca
Gas mileage wise, the outlander seems to have it right now, looks and fun factor - cx-7, and i really don't know why tribeca
Highlanders seemed to have jumped up 5-6K ever since their initial models came out a few years back...
Money is also definitely a factor - want to keep it < 25K if poss...

So, kind of a difficult decision, especially when you consider hauling 2 little ones along with our equation!
(Now, prior to me owning my evo, the choice between evo v. scoobie v. neon was NO contest )

 

toyota fj cruiser

 

FJ cruiser reminds her of the hummer ---> doesn't like 'em...but, yeah, didn't ponder that one yet, thx!

 

ive been doing research on this two and the top choice would be a toyota rav 4... has optional v6 4wd otherwise an outlander would be second choice.

 

I wish I can get some owners' thoughts on their respective car - I've searched for some generic mazda and mitsu forums, but the content in there really isn't that good...My wife is kind of weird as well, her sister did have a rav4 an 08 model, but didn't like it as much...personally, I think a rav4 or a crv would be ideal, I also remember trying to push the outlander b4 she got her matrix but didn't like it as much as i do - If the evolander did come into fruition, I would've traded my evo in for it no doubt about it

 

have you considered the new forester then but that is fulltime AWD IIRC?

I think the rav 4 meets the needs you mentioned other than something that your wifey supposedly doesnt like (maybe just wants something different from her sister)... there isnt very many other options... hah unless she is hinting at a luxury brand... acura... infiniti... bmw... lexus... but that isnt going to get anywhere near ~25k...

 

oh yeah, if money was no object - for sure it would be an acura...
but, her sis ended up trading her rav4 for a honda element - my wifey did like the element (ugly) - so, I really, really, am clueless as to what she likes - cosmetically, she does like the rdx, mazdas, as well as the muranos, and obviously, element.
There's obviously going to be some compromise in her standards, but I think its going to come to going out and seeing some of these cars up close - just want to get some education on them prior to us seeing them so we can see if any given dealer is speaking from their **** or actually might know something worthwhile

 

My suggestions:
Subie Forrester
Nissan Xterra
Nissan Murano
Honda Pilot

I do not like the mazda CX7... it has go, but feels beyond cheap. Rav4 is OK, but is not real 4x4. It is fwd with rear wheel assist. The FJ cruiser is like a mexican prison, not a place where I would want to spend any time

 

jeep grand cherokee srt8

 

I might look into the forester - thx guys

 

We have a 2008 Rav4, 4 cylinder sport 4wd, excellent gas mileage, and the sport model has a slightly stiffer suspension, very pleasant to drive for an SUV. Did excellent in the snow with stock tires this past winter.

 

thx terrorist - it looks pretty spacious as well...i gotta tell you - i cant believe how much we were able to fit into the matrix - surprised us everytime

 

They are very spacious, and if you get the one with the fold down rear seats, you can seat 7

 

I give the xterra a huge . GF had one she bought new and we just got rid of it last year. It was extremely underpowered, had quite a few design failures (read up on knock sensors), and got horrible gas mileage (16-17 hwy).

Now on the other hand, I bought our v8 4runner last year and gave it to her. She loves it, and I think we will own it until the wheels fall off. It handles like a crossover, offroads like a toyota, and I can pull damn near anything a full size half ton can. The amenities are nice, and even with the 4.7 it still gets 21-22 on the hwy, 17-18 in town. It's been a nice peace of mind having her drive it in the winter out here in Idaho as well, as it handles snow and ice much better than the nissan did despite being heavier.

I guess I'm just biased, but I've owned tacomas, a tahoe, dakota, xterra, explorer, 4runner, audis, jeeps, the bronco, etc. The 4runner is by far my favorite 4wd I've ever had.

 

yeah, my dad was an avid 'collector' of 4runners esp in the 90s - he's reaching his late 60s so i think the 03 he has now is his last! thx 4 the input, and personally, anything toyota you can't really go wrong - i was just mad that the new highlanders are higher in price, and they look butt ugly on top of that