iwashmycar

Sadly those look to be out of my price range by a little.

Around here the best I have found is an 06 Mariner with 56K on it for about 13. It is at a dealer though, so I'm sure there is a little wiggle room. I like the Mariners interior a good bit, and I think the exterior is a step up from the Escape. Also has the quicker V6 in it. Might have to go check it out. Still only FWD.. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=308900982&dealer_id=77068&start_year=1981&body_style=SUV&search_type=both&distance=25&end_year=2012&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=75000&address=29201&max_price=13000&seller_type=b

Had me going thinking someone might be alright in the video-taping car....until the end. That looked sketchy

subd for later

MMMMMMM

Okay. I will add that to our To Test drive list.

Thought about the Souls. I was thinking that if we wanted something that much 'car-like' I would look into one of their really cheap 36 mo. leases on one, BUT my worries are mileage and NASCAR-wife on a car that must remain perfect when we turn it back in. I think she said Elements are 'ugly' too lol... I like them for what they are, but for longer drives I could see those being painful? (Used to work for Honda) So far we have a good list of SUVs compiled haha. I still like the Liberty diesel idea aside from a Murano, which I know nothing of.

My wifes parents had a Santa Fe... apparently had a lot of problems, and I was less than impressed riding in it. I personally like to go only as far into Dodge and Chrysler as the Jeep brand. I probably won't really consider any GM that will have that many miles. I plan on having her test out some CRVs if available... They seem to fit our needs best anyway, but in the end she's gotta like what she gets. She has had the corolla since her sophomore year of highschool! I value the insight on the XTerras and escapes. The southern cars down here are nice, BUT maintenance isn't high on a lot of peoples lists it seems...I want to steer clear of things with really common problems, especially if there are great alternatives such as the CRV or whatever

I love my FJ. I usually drive her car more than mine (when we go places together) though. It also gets terrible gas mileage around town on premium... Yea, she's tiny lol

Good question. They apparently were only produced 05 and 06. Libertys are pretty cheap as well, though they sound like a maintenance nightmare as far as suspension issues go. Only one within 25 miles... not bad http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=309079945&dealer_id=1392889&car_year=2005&systime=&doors=&model=LIBERTY&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=used&distance=25&min_price=&rdm=1323365004906&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=Diesel&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=COLUMBIA_SC&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceASC&max_mileage=&color=&address=29201&sort_type=priceASC&max_price=&make=JEEP&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=3&standard=false I have not seen any Equinoxes around here cheap enough. I have never really cared for them aesthetically. I would test drive one if available I suppose

So here's the deal. My wife has a 1995 Corolla DX. It is near death and we both absolutely despise driving it. We thought it may last through her grad school, but no dice. I think we are looking at about $11-12K to play with. So far our top picks are 1. a Nissan Murano, 2. a Nissan XTerra, 3. some form of the Escape (Tribute/Mariner) These will have at least 70K miles. She hates CRVs. Not sure on the Toyotas, but they can be more pricey for nicer models..... I really like 4-runners personally. I like the Muranos for use to drive back to Ohio once in a while on the freeway. I like the XTerras since they seem similar to my FJ... a little more 'truck inspired' with the body on frame, though that might hurt for the hwy driving and rougher around-town drive. She is also a rather tiny 5'4 90 lbs. so that might mean something in terms of maneuverability. (her driving terrifies me) Like her Corolla this will be the main dog carrier... It's just one 30lb. lab so it's nothing that important. Reason Escape is listed behind the others is she doesn't really like them as much, but they seem possibly more reliable? and practical? Anyway. Seemed like a good place for insight or new additions to our list. cliffs: 11-12K small suv, whaddaya like?

He was asking for it.

DSG, Dark Grey, Dark Silver Metallic, or whatever else you want to call that category.

Jegs had some wheel paint that went on better than the Duplicolor... Do not remember the brand. Duplicolor comes out like glitter lol

I liked it. I also owned a MINI, and saw a lot of much worse colored rims lol. I think they would look good in a nice bright gloss silver.

Oh? I did not know that. I had borrowed my firms Dyson upright for years. It took a beating and was still the best vacuum I have ever used. This past summer I purchased a newer version of that Dyson (DC33) and it has been amazing. Works flawlessly on everything I use it on. :gabe:

wow that Dyson is a heck of a deal.

very nice

RIP

bwaahahah. that is great

Sounds like you might just be stuck with it. Maybe try the 'important updates only' as stated above. Sucks. Some days it seems that you get good stuff on there. Others it is all junk.

ABSOLUTELY.

I will only really just give the car to anyone on blind-faith if it is a beater, such as my wife's current car. I do all my own maintanance (and $$ stuff on the beater) after thoroughly researching and purchasing the best products to get the job done. I also love working on cars, so when oil change time comes around it doesn't feel like a chore to me. A good part of being a member of a car community (like CR, or other local groups) is the ability to get good recommendations on where to take it for quality work.

The Bissell Little Green Machine is amazing for a little carpet cleaner. I have used it in a few cars over the years. Other than that any small shop vac is great. I picked up the car cleaning kit to go with my Craftsman... Gives you a really long hose that is like 1.5" rather than the 2"+ that comes on the vac so it is easily maneuverable throughout the car and garage, as well as a bunch of handy attachments

They had him on Comedy Central last night. I was rollin' laughing lol