Hrm, tough choices, well, my buddy has a Santa Fe and inside...it smells like a deflated ballon....permanently, the materials are beyond cheap at least , the engine seems peppy though

She deserves better in the end.

Hmmmm....yep, just thinking up options. We were looking at a Santa Fe for a bit to replace the Blazer and I forget why that ended up being a no go. I rode around in one for a bit, but I forget what it was like, obviously not memorable. As far as looks go, I've always liked the Envoys and the Trailblazers-usually when they are a metallic blue.

I used to own a 92 Explorer with the 4.0. I was really happy and it proved to be reliable....even with 200K on it.

I'm a big fan of the traditional-style Blazer. Just the 4 door with the 4.3 Vortec. Those motors are VERY strong and last a long time. They're easy on gas, and are peppy. They hold their value well, too. The only thing I don't care for is the cloth interior...it'* very grainy and not too comfortable.

If she goes with a FORD, make sure she gets a good warranty. I worked for Ford for a while, and the Explorer was at the top of the list for warranty claims. The most known claims were the front ball joints, driver side seat tracks, valve cover gaskets and rotors. I have heard many contrasting opinions on Explorers. Some hate them, and some love them. I guess it depends on how many times it'* been in the shop. From my personal experience, I would steer away and stick with a GM SUV.

GM interiors aren't exactly expensive materials either guys.... I like the trailblazer idea, and the I-6 is great in them, with some serious power. I think the 4Runner is larger then theh explorer by some, but it'* been a few years since i've been in one.

A Mountaineer over an explorer though, I bet your mom would be better with AWD over 4WD.

Then again everyone has a damn explorer too.

Agreed, but aren't 4-Runners a significant amount more expensive than some other models mentioned?

Looks like shes goin Acura MDX

A lot of her friends have em, so...if you cant beat em, join em, wants a silver or black one, leather, GPS, 3rd row seats, HID, the search is on.

She deserves a good car after owning beater after beater, this will be good, finally another car I will be proud to detail

I have an Explorer....XLT..leather, 6 disc changer, moon roof, JBL stereo...VERY nice....

I have the 4.0L SOHC V6....word of advice...don't get this motor

If I could go back and right my wrongs I'd get an V8

but the Explorers are very nice...comfy and affordable...my aunt had a 95 EB, another aunt had a 99 EB and I have a 97 XLT.....I'd def. buy another one...

So much for the $12,500 price cap....lol

Update.

She is getting ready to buy a 2000 Dodge Durango SLT V8. Silver on black with all the trimmings, got it at an auction, looks to be a sweet deal.

Cant wait to give er a go