Shopping....
06-29-2007, 06:02 AM
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Shopping....
I think it'* time for the wife'* truck to go. We need to get something 4WD or AWD. She wants to test drive an Envoy, a Trailblazer, and a Pacificia. Any other suggestions welcome.
06-30-2007, 04:16 AM
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We just traded in our 2002 Trailblazer for our 2003 Bonneville SSEi, and are much happier......
But, if that is what she wants, we did enjoy the ride in the TB, very smooth. It did have ALOT of body roll... almost to the uncomfortable point. The 4.2 I-6 is rated at 275 HP I believe, but it is an absolute dog untill it hits about 3,500 RPMs. We could only get about 17 MPG out of it, driving very easy on it. Our model was the LS trim, pretty much base, but had a cd player, power windows, locks etc. manual seats ( spoiled by the AL7s
) cloth seats. I do have to say that the front seats were the most uncomfortable seats I think I have ever sat in 
I don't know if the leather of later year seats were any better though.
Overall, the roominess was great, I did really love how smooth it drove, but can't handle the seats, gas mileage, lack of low-end power, and the way it just blends in with everything else out there
I would say to drive one anyways, and take it with an open mind... you might like it
But, if that is what she wants, we did enjoy the ride in the TB, very smooth. It did have ALOT of body roll... almost to the uncomfortable point. The 4.2 I-6 is rated at 275 HP I believe, but it is an absolute dog untill it hits about 3,500 RPMs. We could only get about 17 MPG out of it, driving very easy on it. Our model was the LS trim, pretty much base, but had a cd player, power windows, locks etc. manual seats ( spoiled by the AL7s
) cloth seats. I do have to say that the front seats were the most uncomfortable seats I think I have ever sat in I don't know if the leather of later year seats were any better though. Overall, the roominess was great, I did really love how smooth it drove, but can't handle the seats, gas mileage, lack of low-end power, and the way it just blends in with everything else out there
I would say to drive one anyways, and take it with an open mind... you might like it
06-30-2007, 07:13 AM
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Get her to test drive a Grand Cherokee. I know not everyone shares the same fondness for the Jeep line I do, but the wife and I have an '04 with the Overland package and we love it. It rides better than the first gen GC and the seating is better as well (front seats will kick an AL7s *** any day if you ask me). I don't know how new your are looking to go, I personally prefer the body style and suspension (rides pretty good for a straight axle up front) of my '04 over the '05 to current models. Our'* gets 22-24 mpg highway even with the High Output 4.7. And she gets awesome traction through the crappiest of our New England weather.
The '05 to current models are very nice to drive on road with IFS instead of the straight axle (although I prefer the solid axle for the abuse my vehicles see over rough terrain) less body roll than you would expect from an SUV, though it doesn't quite feel like a truck, wich some people might prefer. And with the choice of 3.7 V6 and the 4.7 or 5.7 V8 there'* a model to fit various needs.
The '05 to current models are very nice to drive on road with IFS instead of the straight axle (although I prefer the solid axle for the abuse my vehicles see over rough terrain) less body roll than you would expect from an SUV, though it doesn't quite feel like a truck, wich some people might prefer. And with the choice of 3.7 V6 and the 4.7 or 5.7 V8 there'* a model to fit various needs.
06-30-2007, 08:18 AM
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Thanks for all the input. John, I've never been a Ford guy, but I'm not against them.... Just grew up in a GM family. Jack, I like the Cherokee'* but they can be expensive!
I'll definitely add an Exploder and a Cherokee to the test drive list. Time to start doing some homework. I'll check Edmunds and KBB. We can't afford new so looking for reviews can be worthless. Of the vehicles above, any years to stay away from?
To be honest, she really liked the GTP we test drove before buying my Bonne. I think she'd go for a Bonne or GP if it wasn't for the 4WD need. New Hampshire winters suck!
I'll definitely add an Exploder and a Cherokee to the test drive list. Time to start doing some homework. I'll check Edmunds and KBB. We can't afford new so looking for reviews can be worthless. Of the vehicles above, any years to stay away from?
To be honest, she really liked the GTP we test drove before buying my Bonne. I think she'd go for a Bonne or GP if it wasn't for the 4WD need. New Hampshire winters suck!
06-30-2007, 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Jack
Get her to test drive a Grand Cherokee. I know not everyone shares the same fondness for the Jeep line I do, but the wife and I have an '04 with the Overland package and we love it. It rides better than the first gen GC and the seating is better as well (front seats will kick an AL7s A$$ any day if you ask me). I don't know how new your are looking to go, I personally prefer the body style and suspension (rides pretty good for a straight axle up front) of my '04 over the '05 to current models. Our'* gets 22-24 mpg highway even with the High Output 4.7. And she gets awesome traction through the crappiest of our New England weather.
The '05 to current models are very nice to drive on road with IFS instead of the straight axle (although I prefer the solid axle for the abuse my vehicles see over rough terrain) less body roll than you would expect from an SUV, though it doesn't quite feel like a truck, wich some people might prefer. And with the choice of 3.7 V6 and the 4.7 or 5.7 V8 there'* a model to fit various needs.
The '05 to current models are very nice to drive on road with IFS instead of the straight axle (although I prefer the solid axle for the abuse my vehicles see over rough terrain) less body roll than you would expect from an SUV, though it doesn't quite feel like a truck, wich some people might prefer. And with the choice of 3.7 V6 and the 4.7 or 5.7 V8 there'* a model to fit various needs.
06-30-2007, 12:34 PM
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I honestly don't recommend a Pacifica. They're overweight, underpowered therefore sucky and that'* with FWD, I cannot imagine it with AWD...
I like the Equinox myself. The Tahoes are ok, I like them, my mom has one and we haven't had a problem with it.
Are you aiming for "somewhat" good gas mileage?
If you can, try to find a Jeep Liberty with the CRD (common rail diesel.)
I have to ask...are the FWD cars aka GP and Bonnies are completely out of the question? I would guess that the TC and stability control (on some I assume) would help. Maybe when winter comes around, get some dedicated snow tires?
I like the Equinox myself. The Tahoes are ok, I like them, my mom has one and we haven't had a problem with it.
Are you aiming for "somewhat" good gas mileage?
If you can, try to find a Jeep Liberty with the CRD (common rail diesel.)
I have to ask...are the FWD cars aka GP and Bonnies are completely out of the question? I would guess that the TC and stability control (on some I assume) would help. Maybe when winter comes around, get some dedicated snow tires?
06-30-2007, 12:55 PM
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What about foreign? My vote goes to the Subaru Forrester. Of course it'* all wheel drive, and you can get a turbo if preferred 
. The one my uncle had was extremely comfortable and drove and rode like a car almost.
. The one my uncle had was extremely comfortable and drove and rode like a car almost.
06-30-2007, 01:11 PM
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I'll shoot down the Pacifica for another reason: their visibility sucks. Backing one of those things is like backing a box truck with no side mirrors.
Does the new vehicle have to be as large as the Trailblazer? Cause that thing is a bit of a guzzler. Take a test drive of the Saturn VUE with the Honda V6. It'* a proven reliable motor, it'* efficient, and it'* damn near as fast as any SSEi. Not to mention it handles really well for a small SUV. The back seat is a bit flat, but the rest of the interior is really nice.
You might also check out the Pontiac Torrent/Chevy Equinox. Same platform, but with a 3.4, and a downright beautiful interior.
Does the new vehicle have to be as large as the Trailblazer? Cause that thing is a bit of a guzzler. Take a test drive of the Saturn VUE with the Honda V6. It'* a proven reliable motor, it'* efficient, and it'* damn near as fast as any SSEi. Not to mention it handles really well for a small SUV. The back seat is a bit flat, but the rest of the interior is really nice.
You might also check out the Pontiac Torrent/Chevy Equinox. Same platform, but with a 3.4, and a downright beautiful interior.