Need help with Buying a CAR!

[BadMagistrate]

im looking to get an SUV of some kind. my budget is about 8k, so im looking at a bunch of SUV's that already have 100k-150k miles on them. So since this seems to be the case i want to get an suv that is going to last 200k-250k miles. any suggestions? comments? any input helps!

[DC1]

Start here:

http://www.edmunds.com/


dc

[halorealm7]

Start here:

http://www.edmunds.com/


dc

research is good

[Cobb]

What kind of SUV and for what uses? Small or large? For towing and hauling? For 4WD? 7 Passengers, etc?

Seems you should be able to find them cheaper/with less miles, especially with gas still so high.

[sixstring531]

I always use Edmunds/carsurvey.org/Consumer Reports to research vehicles. With gas going up this summer, you ought to be able to get a decent SUV around the 100k miles mark (give or take a few).

Second Cobb's post --- what specifications are a necessity for you?

[BadMagistrate]

What kind of SUV and for what uses? Small or large? For towing and hauling? For 4WD? 7 Passengers, etc?

Seems you should be able to find them cheaper/with less miles, especially with gas still so high.


my only specifications, are that i want to be able to tow a small trailer of gear, and be able to hold 4 people or so. mainly im looking for a vehicle that is known to last, so if i buy something with 100k miles on it that its not going to break down at 150k.

[Brendan]

They generally will not break down at 150K if you keep up on the maintenance. That means a proper tune up at 100K, regular oil changes,fuel filter change, tranny flushes at the proper intervals and don't forget the transfer case and axle fluids. If I were looking for an SUV, I would be patient and find one that has been meticulously maintained. I work in the repair business and see way too many SUVs that have had nothing more than oil changes in 120K miles. They wait until they can detect a problem in drivability. It's a good way to kill an AT trans prematurely too. You wouldn't know they've been neglected by appearance, so be sure they have repair records.

[jcmark611]

You might want to consider a minivan. For your price range you might be able to find more minivans with less than 100,000 miles, and they can easily tower a trailer of gear. (Unless it's extremely heavy or you are towing off road)

[ACfixer]

The Ford Edge looks pretty cool.