GatewayRedbirds.com

I’m not very efficient, but I can generally figure how to fix many things. plus my dad has every tool and is always begging for an excuse to get more. And he or a brother (who are good at this stuf) help when I get stuck. That said I never even pop the hood on the Prius.

These old American SUVs aren’t especially reliable, but parts and robust information are everywhere and they’re generally pretty easy to fix. Volvos, at least post brick era (I’ve always loved those), ARE NOT, in my intimate, frustrated experience. Hell, the alternator was a nightmare to get to. Someone could do it for you though, though, if you really like the car and can afford that risk.

Personally, I wouldn’t go anywhere near a Land/Range Rover in this or most other price ranges. I don’t feel a whole lot better about the German stuff. I do love to drive the European cars though.

Yeah, I'm not interested in the Chinese era Volvos but the 2000s decade seem to still get high enough reliability ratings to interest me. I guess the key to Volvos is to hopefully avoid needing much repairwise. Owned one in the early 90s that was ok but I actually preferred the VW that I replaced it with. Don't know what to expect from VW this century but their SUVs and wagons look a little different to me than most others. Subaru Outback is also one that's caught my eye that can be had for almost nothing. I realize wagons aren't ideal for transporting large things so I hope I'm not derailing this thread. I just don't think I can stomach a RAV4 or a CR-V, as sensible as they may be reliabilitywise. And they're actually not that big, are they? I'm tempted to just say [expletive] it and got for this: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 7103718588

I’m generally not a fan of Chrysler either, but do still hold a soft spot for Jeep. We have a 2014 Grand Cherokee that has held up remarkably well. I don’t like the styling of the new ones, and the rest of Jeep’s lineup other than the Wrangler are blah. But anyway - older Grand Cherokees, good. The old boxy XJ Cherokees, also good. However they are making a bit of a comeback price-wise, so the value likely isn’t there anymore.

I’m still a fan of the Land Rover Discovery 2’s and LR3’s. You can probably still find a good bargain there.

I had a Cherokee Sport something or other in the late 90s, I think it was the last year before it went away for awhile, and it was perfect for the three years I drove it. I hated that it went away because I prefer the styling over the Grand but now I'm seeing a couple others from 2000-2010 that have that somewhat boxy shape. Anyone have opinions on the Jeep Commander? Looks like their response to the LR Discovery?

Richie Allen wrote: ↑

October 3 23, 5:09 pm

I had a Cherokee Sport something or other in the late 90s, I think it was the last year before it went away for awhile, and it was perfect for the three years I drove it. I hated that it went away because I prefer the styling over the Grand but now I'm seeing a couple others from 2000-2010 that have that somewhat boxy shape. Anyone have opinions on the Jeep Commander? Looks like their response to the LR Discovery?

I know that it has a rear window that opens which is not a huge deal but a handy feature that has been lost to time with all the newer egg shaped crossovers.

I have an older body style Armada that I'll sell you for cheap. My wife is a fan of boxy SUVs but I like it less than our 2013 Pilot that preceeded it. Anyway, since she's not pulling a boat with it every day I think we can lose the 5.6L V8.

Richie Allen wrote: ↑

October 3 23, 4:56 pm

I just don't think I can stomach a RAV4 or a CR-V, as sensible as they may be reliabilitywise. And they're actually not that big, are they?

They keep getting bigger. I have a 2013 RAV4 which is about the same size as the 2002 Highlander it replaced. It’s fine for hauling most stuff as long as it’s not too tall - I can fit any of my yard machines in it except for the snowblower.

Richie Allen wrote: ↑

October 3 23, 5:09 pm

Anyone have opinions on the Jeep Commander? Looks like their response to the LR Discovery?

I absolutely loved my Jeep Commander. I would still be driving it if I had not been T-boned by an uninsured, 14 year old, motorist. [Insert your favorite expletives here]

I had driven Cherokees and Grand Cherokees prior but switched to a Commander because the price point was a bit better and it turned out to be the favorite of all the Jeeps I have had. It is high enough up off the ground but you don't need a ladder to get into it and the ride was smooth as silk. I didn't have to do anything with it for five years other than oil, tires, standard maintenance. Now I am getting misty.

Radbird wrote: ↑

October 3 23, 6:02 pm

Richie Allen wrote: ↑

October 3 23, 4:56 pm

I just don't think I can stomach a RAV4 or a CR-V, as sensible as they may be reliabilitywise. And they're actually not that big, are they?

They keep getting bigger. I have a 2013 RAV4 which is about the same size as the 2002 Highlander it replaced. It’s fine for hauling most stuff as long as it’s not too tall - I can fit any of my yard machines in it except for the snowblower.

My rental car in Philly was a CRV and I was shocked by how roomy it was. I don't think I would buy one but that is just because I don't much go for compact SUVs but it was a good driving car.

The Commander was the first one I looked into and I constantly heard what a surprisingly smooth ride it had. It's moving back up my list as this thread goes on. This one's still available after seven weeks. Kind of surprised. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 0581194552

haltz wrote: ↑

October 3 23, 5:45 pm

Richie Allen wrote: ↑

October 3 23, 5:09 pm

I had a Cherokee Sport something or other in the late 90s, I think it was the last year before it went away for awhile, and it was perfect for the three years I drove it. I hated that it went away because I prefer the styling over the Grand but now I'm seeing a couple others from 2000-2010 that have that somewhat boxy shape. Anyone have opinions on the Jeep Commander? Looks like their response to the LR Discovery?

I know that it has a rear window that opens which is not a huge deal but a handy feature that has been lost to time with all the newer egg shaped crossovers.

I have an older body style Armada that I'll sell you for cheap. My wife is a fan of boxy SUVs but I like it less than our 2013 Pilot that preceeded it. Anyway, since she's not pulling a boat with it every day I think we can lose the 5.6L V8.

How's the Nissan been for you? Are they now considered on par with Honda and Toyota?