Need some tips on buying a Truck/SUV/Van

[stikx]

Looking for a Truck/SUV/Van has to be V6 AWD and budget is around $7000. Just need some advice from experience buyers on what cars to stay away from and their top picks.

I have been looking at Toyota Tacomas, Chrysler Town and Country and Lexus RX300.

[CornFed2.4]

Stay away from mdx. I hate mine and my brother in laws is no better.

[polishmafia]

Originally Posted by stikx

Chrysler Town and Country

I can see the intake leaking from here. Stay away. These vans are always in my shop for one thing or another.

[Trogdor]

They made an AWD T&C?

[Speedfreak]

Highlander, 4runner, pathfinder(on top of the other toyota's you are already looking at).

[Trogdor]

Chevy Uplander/Saturn Relay are AWD vans.

[Goat Blower]

Originally Posted by Trogdor

They made an AWD T&C?

Yep. An AWD minvan, no thanks.

[JET]

Not to mention the Chrysler's rust like crazy! My mom and dad bought one new in 2003 and the jack went through the rocker/frame area last year. Stay away from Dodge Durango's too, I hate mine and am constantly replacing front end parts and the tranny went out at 83k.

Trailblazer might be a good option in that price range.

[stikx]

What do you guys think about chevy's? Trailblazer?

[asshanson]

I just spent 40+ hours in a Chevy Uplander this past week, worst trip out West in my life. The seats are terrible after a few hours, cannot get comfortable driving in them (neck and back pain for over a day after each 20 hour trip). The door panels were not very well attached to the doors, the seat recliner handles wouldn't work properly, and the hatch handle broke off last year I guess. Worst minivan ever, I would take a Town & Country any day over that POS.

[turbotalon1g]

Aren't T&C's the cadillac of minivans?

[Goat Blower]

Trailblazers are great, my wife has an '07 and except for a window switch and fan switch, it's been 100% reliable.