I’m thinking of getting an SUV but i need it to do 3 major things, ranked in order of importance
1) I need it to be able to tow 5,000lbs (trailer + car)
Reliability
Gas efficient (yes i know this sounds like an oxymoron)
I also want the SUV to be at least 4-5years old so the price isn’t in the high 5 digits.
i know a few people who have the jeep grand cherokee and seems like it does the job.
Any other SUVs that share similar characteristics? I don’t want a truck because I plan on putting my kid in the vehicle as well, and trucks never seemed very family orientated to me.
Other SUVs that come to mind that i’m interested in are the following:
Nissan Pathfinder (2001-2003 has 250 ft lb tq, i’d probably be interested in one that falls into a 2002 model or 2001 to make it cheaper)
Toyota 4 runner (better then the pathfinder in most aspects, but just a tad)
Nissan Xterra (i heard not much power for these until recently)
If you need to pull 5000+ lbs… you should go with a V8. Nissan and many other companies claim their V6 can do it which it can… but not comfortably. If you consider the Pathfinder, which I currently have (07 unfortunatly, V6), get the new one with the V8. I tow about 3500-4000lbs in the summer consistantly… and it gets the job done but its no comparison to a V8. Gas consumption between the same suv with a V6 and V8 is marginal, but you’ll be much more happier with the V8.
If your looking for something a little older… as you said… the grand cherokee is a great example. I’ve used it many times to tow and with its V8 its definitly great for the task. Consider an older V8 Dodge Durango as well… good amount of torque.
I’ve heard good things about the 4runner. Moreso lately too. But I guess that’s not an option when it comes to price.
I’ve also heard good things about the engines of the Trailblazer and Envoy. First hand user opinions from Chevy die hard fans, they like the drivetrain of the I6 more than any other chevy setup.
I’ve recently been hearing good things about the new Pathfinder, but maybe I’m only listening for it because I’m true to the brand. Again, price would be the issue.
PS… Don’t let your mind drift to the last gen S10 or S10 Xtremewhich would include the Blazer and Jimmy because they’re on the same platform. First hand opinion, you will hate this truck. For example, 180,000km on a 2002 S10 Xtreme and I had to change the idler arm 3 times, Centre Link once, not to mention all the other problems that it has.
Dont screw around with import trucks, go domestic motors last forever in them, like chev small blocks last forever, and a domestic suv will be able to tow more then your car +50 sets of tires and tools and what not
I hate to do this but does it have to be an SUV? Just clearing things up because a pickup truck might be able to do the jobs you have in mind. A work van as well has a bunch of room and towing capacity.
Yes for plowing streets.
The MTO must license you to plow regular streets. If an MTO agent or a cop sees you plowing without a license you will be ****ed.
I’m not sure what the regulations are for plowing driveways etc are though.
Usually large snow plowing trucks (built only to snow plow and salt) are licensed by the MTO in large towns/regions for the streets. So if the average joe that’s driving his jeep down the street decides to put his plow down on a snowy day to make way, he can get in big trouble.
With what’s happened to the woman that was taken out by a plow on Sunday, I’m pretty sure things will get a little bit tighter with that too. From what I understand there’s talks about putting a proper training course in place for the drivers of any plow, private or commercial, otherwise it will be illegal to do it.
ya if anything i’m only doing the neighbourhoods driveways and such.
thats not the primary reason in getting this vehicle though.
and yes, it has to be an SUV.
trucks are too much and i can’t image putting my kid and his baby seat in a truck, just something about it doesn’t seem right.
i rather have an SUV just because having a truck is too hardcore and will guzzle gas for sure. SUV will be able to accomodate my main needs which would be towing, easy access to placing my kid in the vehicle, and doing long road trips.
I’m really leaning towards the GMC Envoy and Chevy Trailblazer, they look decent and has good power.
I would get the Nissan Pathfinder in a blink of an eye, but as others have mentioned on this thread, it can’t pull 5,000lbs easily.
I just did a quick search on the 2002 and 2003 4Runner and the specs are not very impressive compared to the $ value. They go for about 14,000 at least…compared to a low 6-8,000 for the GMC or Chevy.
2002 specs for the Toyota 4Runner
Horsepower: 183 hp
Torque: 217 ft-lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs.
2003 specs for the Toyota 4Runner
Horsepower: 245 hp
Torque: 282 ft-lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs.
both these years they still only pull 5,000lbs max.
I think the GMC or Chevy would be a better bet
PS: both GMC and Chevy put out 270hp and 275tq and both pull max 6,200lbs approx.
