Why did you buy the truck/SUV that you did?

[mdxtasy]

MDX, what do you think of the face lifted MDX. I saw one in white and it looks much more upscale than the current one. It even looks bigger from the rear. Must just be the redesign of the tail lights.

If I recall you also looked at an XC90 did you not? I'd be interested in hearing your pros and cons for that vehicle as well.

We did.  We took it off the list after talking to a friend's friend who was the service manager who stated that the vehicle was coming in for a lot of the same issues (don't remember what they were now) but some customers were coming in a few times for the same problem after it was fixed.  It gave us some hesitation but did drive it and really liked the design and build quality.

XC90 Pros:
Fantastic seats
Good driving position
Nice cargo area
integrated child seat is nice

XC90 Cons
iffy quality and reliability
turbo engine wasn't too suited to the weight of the vehicle

I really liked the Volvo.  But the engine wasn't too powerful for a 4000lb er.  If I were considering a Volvo, the V8 would be an option but I would probably opt for a V70R instead. 

[safristi]

..the THREAD title should be "WHY THE TRUCK DID YOU DO THAT?"....still NO answer...one kid and you need an MDX..Mdx....gotta do better than that..or the Greenie Weenies will be at yer house HOLLOW EXCUSES EEN...!!!!

[jeeper]

I bought mine 05 Grand Cherokee to replace my previous Grand Cherokee for various reasons:

- visiting friends condo in an area where cars can get easily stucked when snow falls;
- some light off-road with friends during weekends;
- being sure that i wont get stuck in different places where i usually visit;
- having the safety provided by SUVs in colisions;
- packing lot of stuff inside;
- comfort and ground clearence.

 

[random006]

Interesting question.  Why DID I buy the SUV that I did?

The answer is interesting.  I didn't go into this with the idea that I'm going to buy a Sorento or even a truck based SUV.  Rather I had a set of criteria, which after applying them, left only one vehicle.

As it would be my ONLY vehicle, it had to fill many roles.  I looked for:

• AWD.  I live in a hilly area and do a lot of semi-rural and rural driving in winter.
• A smaller, more nimble vehicle than my Windstar.  What a cow of a car.
• Decent cargo space.
• Be able to fit 3 real people in the back, not 2 people and a matchstick.
• A little luxury.  Gotta love those heated leather seats.   
• Be affordable.

Once I got down to the last criterion, I was left with cars like the Sorento, the Highlander, the Outback and even the MDX and its ilk.  Applying that last point kicked all but the Sorento off the list.  You have to remember that in 2003 there was no fuel crisis to speak of and the cost of the other cars was around $5,000 to $10,000 more at least.

So my wife and I test drove the car, liked it and signed that day

Getting it was another story.  Remember that little, ah, blackout that crippled Ontario and quite a few American states?  It was during that week we signed.  They did not have the combo I wanted on the lot and therefore had to arrange for a transfer through head office in Toronto.  The papers had to be hand delivered to the office in Toronto and back again because the FAX machines were down!  Since the blackout could not be foreseen, I had of course arranged for my insurance to be transferred to the new car and naturally I needed it that week,...

[Trainman]

Trainman, good looking vehicle, I always liked those Pathfinders, unlike the new square behemoths that replaced them.

But I'm wondering, in your "99-01 Nissan Pathfinders" description, you say as a con that it is not seen as a "true" off road vehicle, that you might have a possible image problem with clients... and then, in your conclusion, you say that your 2002 Pathfinder looks classy in black (which I definitely agree with, great looking vehicle!) and that it gives the kind of image you want for you business...  as far as I know, 2001 and 2002 Pathfinders are exactly the same, no? So why were you worried about the 99-01 Pathfinder's image, but are liking the image the 2002 Pathfinder projects? Just wondering! 

When I first discussed with my clients the type of vehicle I was going to buy and I mentioned the Pathfinder, they would say why not this vehicle or that vehicle, the perception being the Pathfinder is not a suitable bush truck (some people call them cars  ).

But when I show up on the work site and they see that the Pathy can indeed make it where their 3/4 ton and 1 ton 4wd p/u's go (and some places they can't), then they are converted.  Matter of education on the Pathy's abilities.

I also tried to keep the pro/con section short as I had a rather long post to start with.

[Trainman]

My mother has a previous generation Pathfinder and I have driven it quite a bit when I visit. I enjoy the “real” off-road abilities and have been on some fun adventures up north at the cottage. The only problem I have is in the seating position for people over 6’. The seat height is too low and not good on long trips. The back seats have the same issues. Has this been addressed in the new platform?

I have only driven the previous gen Pathfinder once...quite a long time ago.  I remember being put off by the low seating position as well.  The car mag reviews when the Pathfinder first came out all seemed to rave about the "car-like" seating position, though.  For whatever reason, for me a more chair-like seat feels right in a truck or SUV.

Mine has a full adjustable (manual) seat, including height.  I have it set so my head almost touches the headliner (just enough room for my redneck ball cap when I need it    ).

Not sure about the 2005+ versions.  Too big for me, my next may well be the Xterra.

[traingirl]

Not sure about the 2005+ versions.  Too big for me, my next may well be the Xterra.

Xterra fine and good - but a note of caution about the back seat.  Opening is high and narrow - difficult to enter and exit.  Just my 2 cents.

[Trainman]

Not sure about the 2005+ versions.  Too big for me, my next may well be the Xterra.

Xterra fine and good - but a note of caution about the back seat.  Opening is high and narrow - difficult to enter and exit.  Just my 2 cents.

Thanks traingirl.

I expect it will be a few years before I need to replace the Pathy, will see what is around then.

Have really grown to like the AllMode 4WD transfer case (has 2 WD, AWD and locked 4WD hi and low ranges) on my Pathy, do not know why Nissan only offers it on the top of the line Pathfinder now, not even available on the Xterra. 

[jimmy10]

I have owned and driven full sized pick up trucks for over 35 years. After driving plumbing trucks all day I found it hard to get back into a small vehicle,so I bought Chev or Gm pick-ups,usually the Z71 model,which I currently own.
Some reasons as others have mentioned........4 wheel drive
                                                           ..... towing my fishing boat
                                                           ......easy view
                                                           ...... lots of room
                                                          ........ like the height,mind you not the height of those ridiculous Dodge trucks
                                                          ........ power for carrying loads and pulling my trailer
                                                          ........but now having fun driving my wifes 2006 Sonata,you know the car everyone in here wants to hate      
                                                         

[ovr50]

Jimmy - who hates the Sonata? Seems to be a good offering from Hyundai, admittedly I have not driven one. I don't think more than 1 or 2 ppl on here "hate" the Sonata. 

[mdxtasy]

MDX, what do you think of the face lifted MDX. I saw one in white and it looks much more upscale than the current one. It even looks bigger from the rear. Must just be the redesign of the tail lights.

Is there a difference between the 05 and 06?  I knew then changed the look for 04 (front fascia, rear lights, new rims)....but I hadn't noticed a change for 05 or 06....

[ovr50]

Jimmy - I know this is a Truck forum, but here is a Sonata review for you from the guys who hate cars!! A positive review too.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/content/11304227722018017810/index.php

[ovr50]

Mdx - the neighbors new '06 MDX has a "bolder" front end than previous years. I can't see much difference in the rear end tho. 

[mdxtasy]

The grille looks a little different, but at a glance from the pictures, I can't tell.  The back looks pretty much the same.  I've been contemplating a few custom tricks to the MDX....changing the exhaust, maybe some rims, and turning the b pillars an aluminum look instead of that flat black.  Not sure...but there's so many black MDX's out there.....plus I'm getting that itch....

[inco]

MD - a doctor can solve that itch, but leave your wife's ride alone. Go play with the Bimmer instead.

Crazy? Well if you make her ride too good she is going to attract all kinds of attention - and maybe envy too. Heck she may even attract suitors just wanting to ride with her. Want to risk that? 

[gta_driver]

Here are my reasons:

(1.) I live an hour northeast of Toronto, in a rural area of a set of concession roads and rural highways. In the spring the roads get very muddy from the ground thawing and the occassional creak overflows. In the winter our roads are not plowed. Every once in awhile they are sanded. I needed a vehicle that was off-road capable.
(2.) I do a lot of driving for my work, so I needed reasonable fuel economy. The Freelander gives me in the neighbourhood of 20mpg-25mpg depending on where I buy gas.
(3.) I wanted it something small, it makes it easier to park in the city.
(3.)Since I have a little one, I was impressed by the backseat and also the rear leg room.
(4.)I wanted cargo carrying flexability. With the backseat down. I can stow all sorts of crap.

Looked at the following:

Infiniti FX-rejected it because of the rough ride, lack of CLD, snug rear seat and leg room. Didn't like the two-tone interior.

Honda CRV Limited -rejected it because I didn't like the interior, too much of a soft roader.

Toyota RAV4 Limited-rejected because it was too small lacks off-road capability.

Subaru Forester-Rejected because we didn't like the dealer attitude. The dealer wanted to sign us up to paper work before we could test drive the vehicle. The paperwork was a purchase agreement. Sent a complaint to both OMVIC and Subaru.

Acura MDX-Rejected because I felt I was driving a mini-van. I also noticed that in spots my visability was limited.

Here are the pros and cons of my Freelander.

(1.) Very refined road manners. Drives like a high end European sports car. You forget you are in a truck. There is no body roll on corners.
(2.) Smooth shifting transmission.
(3.) Very impressive braking power.
(4.) Very comfortable seats for long distance driving. Drove the truck to Newfoundland this summer.
(5.) Auto sense heated windshield. Very efficient-melts ice and snow in seconds. Saves me from scraping it off.
(6.) Rear seat room both seat and leg.
(7.) Advanced AWD system and off road capability. I've waded in water up to the top of my headlights with no issues.
(8.) Harmon Kardon stereo is very impressive.
(9.) Quiet interior and nice ride.
(10.) I'm mechanically inclined and like working on my vehicles, and the layout of everything in the engine compartment and access to things is very good once the waterproof covers are taken off.

Cons:

(1.) British interior ergonomics takes some getting used to. Overall the interior materials and colours are nice.
(2.) Lacks low end torque off the light.
(3.) The button to power down the backseat to fold flat is in a stupid place.
(4.)The spare tire on the rear door impedes vision.
(5.)Fuel economy could be a bit better.
(6.)Dealer service is hit and miss, although the Land Rover customer service Canada does seem to take any service complaint very seriously.
(7.) The cup holders are an after thought adopted for North America-nevertheless they are located in a stupid place.
(8.) The speed sensitive steering at low parking lot speeds is heavy.
(9.) The quality of the battery installed at the factory sucks. My first one died prenaturely and so did my second LR replacement. I went aftermarket and haven't had an issue since.

The other thing that sold me on the vehicle was that a colleague with an '02 Freelander was involved in a bad accident where they where hit from both the rear and drivers side by larger vehicles and clipped at the front by another. The passenger safety cage held up very well. They walked away from the accident without a scratch.

Lately, I've noticed numerous stories and pictures of Freelenders involved in serious  on the web, where the occupants walked away unhurt, however the occupants in the non Freelander vehicle died.

[sparky]

I have two "trucks": a clapped-out 1994 Ford Ranger, which is used for hauling messy, smelly stuff; and an '05 Nissan X-Trail. I bought the Ranger because is was cheap and could be abused without remorse. The X-Trail is the family car. I like the space, comfort, sunroof, cargo capacity and the bright, airy interior. The AWD system and ground clearance are all I need for my light  offroading needs, and it is a very fuel-efficient mini-ute. We also have a Suzuki Esteem wagon as a second car, and I could probably do without the X-Trail if it weren't for our cottage road. For most of the year, we have to park the car on top of the hill and hike down with our stuff. With the X-Trail we can clear the granite ridge, tiptoe through the meltwater stream, park right at the door, and be confident of getting out OK.

[jimmy10]

Jimmy - I know this is a Truck forum, but here is a Sonata review for you from the guys who hate cars!! A positive review too.

Thanks for that and for the note I was just razzing the posters who got on my case when I just started in this forum.One would have thought the world was ending with some of these guys,just because I happen to like the Sonata very much as do many reviewers and I am a big time truck guy.Now no more about this in here.

[The Mighty Duck]

I guess I can answer for the Dakota 4x4 Quad Cab sitting in the driveway (not mine, though ).

We got a small boat a few years back and needed something to tow it...  and our old shop truck could always use replacing.  So we got a Dakota V6 with the regular cab, very nice truck.  And it did the job.

Then we went and upgraded the boat, and found we needed a bigger truck.  So we moved up to the Dakota V8 extended cab, also a very nice truck.  My favourite of the three, in fact.  It had the whole ground effects package and smoked windows...  awesome looking.  Would have happily bought it from my dad if I'd had the money (and an excuse to drive a truck, of course )

And then we went and upgraded the boat again, and found we needed something with 4WD to get it out of the water.  So we ended up with a Dakota 4x4 Quad Cab (why a Quad I'm not sure...).  Very cool looking, aggressive and what not.

[BJB]

When I first started looking for a car I considered the X-trail, BMW X3, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Murano.

By the time I was ready to get serious I had it narrowed down to the Murano and the Cherokee.  I didn't really love the look of the Cherokee, but it just felt rugged which I liked.  After driving it a couple of times I decided that I actually hated the interior, for a list of price of $40k+ it looked to cheap and I just could not trust an american product so I decided against it.

I chose the Murano b/c I loved the exterior and the agressive 18" rims and I really enjoyed the interior.  While I will most likely never take it off road I was happy to have the p/t awd system.  My only concern was the recall of the car, but I discovered that it was a problem that was taken care of before I purchased mine so I did not worry.  I've been happy with the mileage, especially on the highway.  Another plus was the ease at which the rear seats fold down, it's so simple and convenient, especially for every weekend when I have hockey and have to slide in the long hockey sticks.  Another reason I purchased it was that the Nissan dealer I was dealing with was fantastic and made the purchase really simple (as opposed to the Jeep dealer who was a complete A** who thought he could take advantage of me b/c I was young - I will never set foot in that dealer again, nor will I ever buy a Jeep b/c of it).

Hope this helps anyone looking at the Murano.