New (to us) Car possibility

[99GTCoupe]

Hey all, I was just wanting to throw this out there and see what people think. My wife and I are looking to get a third car, for when we need more room and stuff, so we are looking into a used SUV. Right now I've got the 99 GA and she has a 01 SC1, so not much room there.

Anyone here have experience with, say, a 98 Durango? That's what I've been leaning towards, since they seem to have the best cargo capacity without being too big (like a Tahoe/Suburban, etc). And, if I get my way, it'll be the big v8 version, with 4x4

[FuriousG]

I know they may not look "cool" but minivans often have more space in the rear than an SUV. Especially if you get the Stow n'Go stuff or something similar. That and they have plenty of extra comforts that SUV's tend to lack.

[notsoaveragej0e]

Don't get a 10yr old Durango, they're crap.


SUV's are cheap enough right now that you could get a dela on just about anything you want...even a newer Durango.

[99GTCoupe]

Yeah, but the problem is we don't want to finance, and sure as hell can't afford a new(er) car. We're just getting a new house, too, so that doesn't help for things. The point of an older SUV is that we can afford it all up front if we end up wanting to do so. We're staying at $5k or lower

And no minivans. I can't stand them, and in the words of my wife 'I'm no soccer mom'

[bigbenSC]

Five grand is pretty cheap. If you're that concerned about cash, why don't you look into something a little more fuel efficient? I'd start with a Honda CRV or Toyota RAV-4 from the late 90's. You might even be able to grab an early (~2001) Ford Escape for that price if you want to stay American. All of my choices are more reliable than a 1st gen Durango.

[99GTCoupe]

Well for the Ford, I'm just staying away from them. My only choice was a Bronco for a Ford, but my wife doesn't want to drive something that big. As far as fuel efficient, we know with an SUV there will be a major hit, I've seen the est mpg, doesn't help I'm looking for a 4x4 V8

It won't be driven that often, like I said, so the gas cost won't be as bad. Our cars are decent on gas, until we can afford a brand new car in a couple years.

The RAV-4 doesn't even compete with the cargo room of a Durango, and that 120 hp/125 torque engine would make me kick myself every day. That's worse than a GA for power
The CRV comes closer (if you get 2nd gen), but again, that engine is terrible.

I know it's a bad mindset for the current gas economy, but this third veh is for fun and when we have the whole fam (plus a couple maybe) and a ton of stuff. When all is said and done, I still think the Durango's are the best for that job. I'm still open to suggestions, course, and I'll fairly evaluate them based on what we are looking for.

Still, anyone have experience owning them? We're actually looking at a 01 4x4, though there are 98/99/00 ones too around here. I did just see a 00 R/T, though it's at a shoddy looking (last time I went to it over a year ago, I mean) roadside dealer in Pontiac, so dunno :/

[AMRAAM4]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Yeah, but the problem is we don't want to finance, and sure as hell can't afford a new(er) car. We're just getting a new house, too, so that doesn't help for things. The point of an older SUV is that we can afford it all up front if we end up wanting to do so. We're staying at $5k or lower

And no minivans. I can't stand them, and in the words of my wife 'I'm no soccer mom'

you get what you pay for!!!!

A 10 year old $5k SUV = problem waiting to happen. But congrats if you find a diamond in the rough.

[GregFarz78]

What do you need a v8 for something you aren't driving much? Get a used pickup truck if you need to haul crap or a used blazer. I wouldn't buy a new dodge let alone a 10 year old one.

[H.O. Driver]

Problem solved, get a Montana with a blown motor. Get a L67 and trans from somewhere, puts some mods on it (300hp or more). Then you have your cargo space a something that will blow the doors off a v-8 suv and get better than 25mpg with

If you don't want to spend too much, look into a blazer. the 4.3l vortec motors are really good and with how many they produced you can get them for cheap. They have decent cargo space but have the ability to pull a trailer better. Also since you both own cars, its a little smaller of a SUV and won't be so hard to get used to parking and getting into tight spaces.

Congrats on getting a house, I have been looking too but its frusterating as hell.

[99GTCoupe]

Yeah, it really is, even though the market is good for buyers.

I want the V8 mostly cause I want the extra power (V6 is doable, I just like bigger engines). I don't like the idea of driving a crap amount of HP and torque and having luggage or whatever and a full load of 6 people.
As for trucks, my wife won't drive one, so there's no point.
And, again, no minivans or any vans Plus, I don't have to have to get something I'll have to mod or upgrade.

I will definitely be having my usual mechanic look at any car I am serious about, don't worry.
We are looking fro something that still looks good, and is dependable and powerful enough to do what we will need every now and then. And for the record, I don't mind Dodge at all. I've heard good and bad about all companies, and have only owned GM cars, but I'd happily buy a Dodge.

Originally Posted by AMRAAM4

A 10 year old $5k SUV = problem waiting to happen.

Point well taken, and that honestly goes for any vehicle. I was just wondering if there are any specific issues people know of that I would be cautious of. I'd like something much newer, but as we can't do a car payment yet, it's out of the question.


We can't do a car (even a full size), or truck, or van, so an SUV si what is has to be. And if it is, we might as well get what seems to be the best for the price, by the numbers. And right now, that looks to be a Durango, as they have more cargo room (plus extra seats) than Blazers/Jimmys/Cherokees/etc (I know the Explorer has the same, but it's Ford. Plus, old friend had one, not exactly reliable imo).

I dunno, but thanks for the replies, it's gonna be a month before we're ready to start doing anything yet, so keep it coming please!

[99Alero_Boy]

Originally Posted by 99GTCoupe

Well for the Ford, I'm just staying away from them. My only choice was a Bronco for a Ford, but my wife doesn't want to drive something that big. As far as fuel efficient, we know with an SUV there will be a major hit, I've seen the est mpg, doesn't help I'm looking for a 4x4 V8

It won't be driven that often, like I said, so the gas cost won't be as bad. Our cars are decent on gas, until we can afford a brand new car in a couple years.

The RAV-4 doesn't even compete with the cargo room of a Durango, and that 120 hp/125 torque engine would make me kick myself every day. That's worse than a GA for power
The CRV comes closer (if you get 2nd gen), but again, that engine is terrible.

I know it's a bad mindset for the current gas economy, but this third veh is for fun and when we have the whole fam (plus a couple maybe) and a ton of stuff. When all is said and done, I still think the Durango's are the best for that job. I'm still open to suggestions, course, and I'll fairly evaluate them based on what we are looking for.

Still, anyone have experience owning them? We're actually looking at a 01 4x4, though there are 98/99/00 ones too around here. I did just see a 00 R/T, though it's at a shoddy looking (last time I went to it over a year ago, I mean) roadside dealer in Pontiac, so dunno :/

Good luck on your search. Don't let the negative comments deter you, now is the time to get an SUV if you can afford one. My wife and I just did the same thing with the same mindset as you, we didn't need an SUV right away, but planning for a family in the next couple years, looked around for awhile and being Oldsmobile enthusiasts got a smoking deal on a 2004 Olds Bravada Final 500, booked for $16000 and picked it up for $10500. It was $42,000 brand new, I could have never afforded that!!!

[99GTCoupe]

Wow, that's pretty good

I'm gonna be trying my damnedest to get something for about 3K, even if they are asking 5k. Cause after a point, they are gonna wanna take what they can get