so we currently have a a 1991 gmc suburban 2500 with 4wd...we have a farm, and so my dad has been using it to haul stuff (wood for building, trash because we live where they don't pick up trash, etc.)...well, my parents don't really use it like they used to, and my dad got a single-axle trailer (1200lb max load) recently, so they don't really need the length...in short, looking to replace it with a newer truck/SUV that's not as heavy-duty

they'd like something that can carry 7 passengers fairly comfortably (sometimes we go on trips), and it obviously needs to be able to haul the trailer (needs to be a v8, i think)...other than that, i think they're flexible...doesn't need to be brand new, but needs to be new-ish

i'm asking for help because i know nothing about trucks and their reliability...the gmc was pretty solid for a few years, but for the past 6 or 7 SOMETHING has broken every other month or so (yes, i know it's old, and it has well over 200k miles, but that stuff ain't cheap to fix )

i don't know what their budget is, but as they don't need anything all that spectacular, i was thinking ~$20k

for those who have worked/do work on trucks, do you have any suggestions? much appreciated!

6/18/2006 9:55:19 PM

buy a discovery, 03/04 model, and get an extended warranty with a low deductible

6/18/2006 9:59:21 PM

NISSAN

6/18/2006 10:21:42 PM

a turbo diesel SUV might not be a bad idea. big torque for towing the trailer, still good gas mileage on road trips. just somethin to think about.

6/18/2006 10:23:36 PM

yeah if you can stand the clacking (not nearly as bad as old ones) i'd get a diesel of somesort

land rovers although pretty... i wouldn't get anything but a loaded range rover sport and for that 75k i could find something better.

look at a used v10 diesel VW tuareg 300hp 500ftlbs
and lexus like comfort.

6/18/2006 10:40:57 PM

Please find me a v10 tuareg for "i was thinking ~$20k"

6/18/2006 10:46:46 PM

heh, i've dreamed of a v10 touareg diesel before now

6/18/2006 10:49:17 PM

cayenne turbo

6/18/2006 11:29:03 PM

v10 touareg diesel>cayenne turbo


especially if you're modifying

6/18/2006 11:31:13 PM

how about a sequoia? reveiws are nothign but steallar

6/19/2006 12:33:37 AM

i know i will get smashed for saying it, but.......good ole Jeep Grands are pretty versatile, well balanced suv's...they aren't rediculously priced and if you look at 02-04 models you could probably fit your price range with a lot of possibilities

6/19/2006 12:45:00 AM

I've heard nothing but bad stuff about Jeep transmissions in general. Whether this is a deserved reputation, I'm not sure.

6/19/2006 12:48:05 AM

i mean- they are Jeeps! they require maintenace and you need to take care of them. I mean everyone talks about how much work jeeps are but u still see WWII jeeps cruisin around today. They're solid vehicles and if taken care of right they'll last forever

6/19/2006 12:52:27 AM

yeah i mean the autos aren't great but otherwise pretty stout... just keep inmind a re-build will be needed around 100k miles

6/19/2006 1:07:44 AM

my dad is on his 2nd Yukon and loves them... always been reliable, comfortable, flexible, etc

but i dunno the price of used ones and if its ~20K

6/19/2006 1:27:27 AM

Too bad they don't make troopers anymore, this is a perfect application for one.

I used to tow 5000lbs behind ole blue regularly.

6/19/2006 8:57:38 AM

Another suburban! My friend's family had a real old one that was red and white and we called it the Ambulance. It finally died when it was 14 years old, fell down the side of a mountain in Boone and caught fire. No joke.

As for the trash...I am pretty sure in Honda Elements you can hose down the interior. But they're ugly.

As for around $20k...Hmm, don't know. Seven people? Jeep Grands hold 4 uncomfortabley. If you want 7, you're going to need something bigger like another Suburban or an Excursion. Most SUVs, even though they're supposed to be big, can hold 5-6 pushing it. I'm guessing for 7, you'd need something with a third bench, no? Also for $20k, I am guessing it will have to be American.
Well, my dad's got a '78 F150 Supercab, brand new engine, campershell, and it is "Lt. Chamois" colored, which I thought was Lieutenant Cah-moy when I was younger. That will hold 7 people ha.

[Edited on June 19, 2006 at 1:09 PM. Reason : ]

6/19/2006 1:05:17 PM

E250

edit:
diesel
if you're not opposed to a van.

[Edited on June 19, 2006 at 2:02 PM. Reason : ...]

6/19/2006 2:01:48 PM

actually, a van would work well...and diesel is awesome (i've always been a fan of diesel engines for obvious reasons...the cons don't really outweigh the benefits to me)

however, what diesel vans are there that also offer windows through the back?

btw, thanks for the suggestions everyone

6/19/2006 2:28:59 PM

yeah.. the only non-cargo vans with the diesel are either school busses or like those airport parking buses...

6/19/2006 2:50:51 PM

6/19/2006 3:13:18 PM

ive got an 01 tahoe i could let go for a little less than what your limit is...it holds 8 people comfortably, it is fully loaded, has the heavy duty tow package, brake controller, leather, and under 100k miles. everything runs perfect and is up to date, new pads and rotors were installed less than 5k miles ago.

6/19/2006 11:31:54 PM