Fun Suvs to Drive?

[teggypimp95]

I might be thinking of getting an suv for my next car. Any one know whichs ones are kinda sporty and fun to drive? My budget is kinda 13gs so its a little tight.

I was thinking a nissan xterra supercharged. Driven one and loved it. Seen some higher km ones for 15,500. Tad out of my price range but ill keep lookin.

Or maybe a Jeep TJ?

ANy other susgestions or ideas? thanks.

[dino_martini]

If your looking at TJ's read this thread:

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?s=&threadid=162832

My parents had one and it was a lemon.

[redline]

the 08 Pathfinder is going to come with the V8 out of the titan, and that is going to a blast to drive :burnout:

the only thing wrong with the SC xterra is that premium fuel is required.

I would keep looking at pathfinders and xterras cause the used price of those are really falling cause the new models are that much better, (not that there is anything wrong with the older ones)

[teggypimp95]

Originally posted by dino_martini
If your looking at TJ's read this thread:

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?s=&threadid=162832

My parents had one and it was a lemon.

Yikes. Fair enough thanks!

[codetrap]

.

[topmade]

I like pathfinders. Ton's of power, comfy and handling is very nice for a SUV. Test drove some explorers and blazers 2000-2003 and just didn't like them for performance and comfort.

Just go out and test drive all the ones your interested in and do your homework when you have one narrowed down.

[Isaiah]

I had a QX4 which drove like a charm. Sold it in December but was really good to me while I had it.

[whiskas]

Sporty and SUV don't belong in the same sentence :rolleyes:

[A790]

Do'nt want to be a spoil-sport, but "fun" and "suv" are never combined.

[hussein]

Pathfinders.... :drool:

I think when you are talking about fun/sporty in an SUV, its a lot different than a car fun/sportiness.... to those who think that SUVs cannot be fun, or sporty.

[A790]

Originally posted by hussein
Pathfinders.... :drool:

I think when you are talking about fun/sporty in an SUV, its a lot different than a car fun/sportiness.... to those who think that SUVs cannot be fun, or sporty.

oh for sure, but I don't think you can name a SUV that's actually FUN to drive unless you're actually offroading.

[TNation]

X5's are pretty quick
the 4.4L's

[SNAATCH]

http://static.flickr.com/31/59676022_e3820071d8.jpg

[SNAATCH]

http://www.jeepinfo.ru/tuning/photo/4x4-tuning-064-01.jpg
If you can't have fun with this then you can't have fun

[Red@8]

Originally posted by A790


oh for sure, but I don't think you can name a SUV that's actually FUN to drive unless you're actually offroading.

I thought the same way until i drove a fx45.

I bet some of the top dollar suv's might be "fun"
-x5
-ml55
-cayenne
-rover hst

[teggypimp95]

Haha ok so i think one of my top choices are a 2000 pathfinder. Must be black lol.

[Masked Bandit]

Originally posted by teggypimp95
Haha ok so i think one of my top choices are a 2000 pathfinder. Must be black lol.

WATCH OUT ON THE PATHFINDERS!

The 1996 to 2000 come with a 3.3L and they are shit for power. Look for a 2000 & 1/2 or newer. That's when they jumped to the 3.5L and there is a world of difference. However, because of the increased performance you are going to see a price jump as well.

What about a 1996 - 2002 4Runner with the 3.4L? Buy a TRD supercharger and giddy-up!

[dino_martini]

Originally posted by whiskas
Sporty and SUV don't belong in the same sentence :rolleyes:

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S?
Range Rover Sport Supercharged?
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8?
Mercedes G55 AMG?

Those are pretty sporty I would say.

[teggypimp95]

The 4runners are so much money compaired to the path finders?

Thanks for the tip i will keep my eyes out for the 3.5L!

[cocoabrova]

Originally posted by whiskas
Sporty and SUV don't belong in the same sentence :rolleyes:
Like dino_martini and Red@8 posted, there are some SUV's/SAV's/CUV's that can be just as 'fun' as a car... I would also add the X5 4.8is to there lists:thumbsup:



Originally posted by TNation
X5's are pretty quick
the 4.4L's
For an almost 6000# gross vehicle weight, yes, yes they are:D

[Orbie]

Originally posted by dino_martini


Porsche Cayenne Turbo S?
Range Rover Sport Supercharged?
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8?
Mercedes G55 AMG?

Those are pretty sporty I would say.

Keep in mind the OP is looking for a "Fun/Sporty SUV" for $13K...

[teggypimp95]

Yes the 13 grand seem to have gone out the window in this thread lol. But i think best bang for buck would be an 2000.5 and up pathfinder. Agreeded?

[3g4me]

Go for a Jeep TJ i love mine. Its a blast in winter and even more in summer with the top off. Sure its not too luxurious or anything like that but thats not what its for. The engine is bullitproof and you could pick up a used one for around your stated price.

[whiskas]

Originally posted by dino_martini


Porsche Cayenne Turbo S?
Range Rover Sport Supercharged?
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8?
Mercedes G55 AMG?

Those are pretty sporty I would say.

The money you spend on those could be better spent on a car that is faster, lighter, funner, sportier and doesn't weigh 2 tons or have a tendency of rolling over at the slightest corner.

For the things the original poster is looking for, an SUV is the least practical.

[dino_martini]

Originally posted by Orbie


Keep in mind the OP is looking for a "Fun/Sporty SUV" for $13K...

Yes I know, but Im just responding to the persons claim that "sporty" and "SUV" dont go together.

[Kona9]

take over my lease on my 06 x terra off road. 265 hp v6. factory rockford audio.:thumbsup:
knight grey with grey int.

[in*10*se]

RDX FTW

[dino_martini]

Originally posted by in*10*se
RDX FTW

can you get me one for 13k?

[Masked Bandit]

Originally posted by teggypimp95
The 4runners are so much money compaired to the path finders?

Thanks for the tip i will keep my eyes out for the 3.5L!

Don't rule out a higher mileage 4Runner. They are more money because they run forever. Not that Nissan has an issue with reliability mind you.

The Pathfinder is a bit softer ride, the 4Runner is more truck like. I've driven both the Pathfinder and the 4Runner with the supercharger and the 4Runner had more of a fun factor.

[teggypimp95]

With the xterra 2000-2001 which engine and model is best to get. I would like the 2002 supercharged but there to much money and to bad on gas.

Which car can i expect to get better gas milage the pathfinder or the xterra?

[Masked Bandit]

Originally posted by teggypimp95
With the xterra 2000-2001 which engine and model is best to get. I would like the 2002 supercharged but there to much money and to bad on gas.

Which car can i expect to get better gas milage the pathfinder or the xterra?

They will be about the same.

The supercharged Xterra's are more money because they are worth it. Drive one with and one without back to back at a dealership and you'll see what I mean.

If you've always owned cars then the fuel consumption of any SUV is going to surprise you. In town, on average, you'll probably use about 15 - 17 litres / 100 km's.

[Lex350]

the CX7 is not a bad vehicle to drive...doesn't look like shit either.

[4doorj]

Originally posted by rotten42
the CX7 is not a bad vehicle to drive...doesn't look like shit either.
i think the cx7 is a pretty sweet car!

[D. Dub]

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Ltd

I have one of these as my daily driver. With a little work mine is at about 300hp and close to 400 ft/lbs of torque.

Only downsides are low mileage and the inevitable little repairs a 98 Detroit car is gonna need and they're hard to find.

Fun to drive, pretty quick and every option you can imagine.

In the OP's budget too

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/Gazoo77/98310GranCherLi4W5D5D4704.gif

[civicrider187]

An older unit, but really run to drive are the Mitsubishi Pajero SUV's. Might be something to consider.

[IMG]http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9080/300zx12146617008gm3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)[IMG]

[Masked Bandit]

Originally posted by rotten42
the CX7 is not a bad vehicle to drive...doesn't look like shit either.

Probably can't find one in his $13,000 price range though....well, not yet anyway.

[D. Dub]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit


Probably can't find one in his $13,000 price range though....well, not yet anyway.

if it's been rolled or totalled maybe :D

[lilmira]

Originally posted by D. Dub


if it's been rolled or totalled maybe :D

May be one of those on Cougar Ace? I don't think they are selling any of them unfortunately.

[Cody D]

Originally posted by D. Dub
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Ltd

This would be a fun SUV for around $13,000.

[silver_gs-R]

i know this is out of your price range, but I love the MDX...

its an SUV, but when I take a nice curve with it does not at all feel like an SUV, feels like a larger family sedan.

:thumbsup:

[CSGCSG]

What do you guys think of the Mazda Tribute???

[dino_martini]

Originally posted by CSGCSG
What do you guys think of the Mazda Tribute???

its just a Ford Escape in disguise.

[CSGCSG]

Ok so what do you think of the Ford Escape......crap? average? pretty good?

[Masked Bandit]

Originally posted by CSGCSG
Ok so what do you think of the Ford Escape......crap? average? pretty good?

One of our best friends had one. It was leased and after one year it was on tranny number 3. After a year ford actually took it back and cancelled the lease with no penalties because she had not gone a full month at any time without it being in the shop for warranty work.

BIGGEST PILE OF SHIT EVER!

[CSGCSG]

Fair enough....I have had no problems whatsoever with mine, the only car I have ever had issues with was my BMW 525 which I had back in the Uk.....so I think you can get lemons from time to time from any company

[dj_rice]

Nissan Pathfinder :thumbsup:

[messiah0]

GMC Typhoon's can be fun to go in straight lines with.

[CappyMcSlappy]

I'm a big fan of the Dodge Nitro myself - its got looks and the mygig sterio thing equals my definition for fun when it comes to suvs. I think it might be a little out of the price range but it still gets my vote.

[n1zm0]

a 1988 4runner with a 22re turbo

click! (http://22returbo.com/)

most fun suv imo and one of the most reliable engines ever built.
all bolt in! well, majority of it. works on 87 octane too!

[Impreza]

Had a 1998 4Runner, was a pretty fun car to drive around! easy on the eyes too!

[teggypimp95]

Yeah im thinking either 4runner, (hard to find for a decent price with not to high kms) pathfinder or xterra.

Yeah i also like th mdx, Parents have one and i drive it alot and its fun. Little out of my price range though and i dont need a suv that big.

[euro_racer]

we currently have a 97 4runner and a 99 jeep grand cherooke in the family...the difference is amazing between those 2. the runner may be older and it is just a sr5 but it is soo much nicer to drive, more conftorable (IMO) and just plain fun to drive in the snow and on dry roads.

the Jeep is allready starting to show signs of againg where the 4runner still feels like new :thumbsup:

also ive driven a few infiniti qx4's and the runner still felt better to drive. it felt more stable and "manly" aswell, to me it would be hard to try and attempt to take the qx4 offroad because it just is not as rugged as the runner and to me that is what an SUV is supposed to be like (unless it is a bmw or infiniti fx type vehicle)

you can tell i love the 4 runner and im thinking of getting myself one down the road when i get tired of cars

edit: you can find a decent 97 4runner in the trader for about 12-13 thousand with 150-170km which is not too bad :thumbsup:

[D. Dub]

^^^

You're comparing apples and coconuts :rolleyes:

Of course the 4 Runner is more comfortable -- it has IFS -- The Jeep has a solid live axle front end.

[teggypimp95]

Thanks for the info guys. I find myself leaning towards a 2002 nissan xterra v6 5speed. (non supercharged). They look rugged and fun. And i drove my buds and it was super comfy.

[euro_racer]

Originally posted by D. Dub
^^^

You're comparing apples and coconuts :rolleyes:

Of course the 4 Runner is more comfortable -- it has IFS -- The Jeep has a solid live axle front end.

i am comparing the 2 suv's we have since this thread is about suv's and which is more conftorable...i just stated my opinion (IMO)

how should i know about what kind of axels each has, to me a suv is a suv :dunno:

[teggypimp95]

I had another question for you guys who know a thing or 2 about suvs.

I enjoy driving standard the best as do most of you. Is it the same when buying an suv? if it comes in standard go for it? or is there any reasons you would want auto instead? just a thought thanks.

[kambo.king]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit


WATCH OUT ON THE PATHFINDERS!

The 1996 to 2000 come with a 3.3L and they are shit for power. Look for a 2000 & 1/2 or newer. That's when they jumped to the 3.5L and there is a world of difference. However, because of the increased performance you are going to see a price jump as well.

What about a 1996 - 2002 4Runner with the 3.4L? Buy a TRD supercharger and giddy-up!



Originally posted by teggypimp95
Yes the 13 grand seem to have gone out the window in this thread lol. But i think best bang for buck would be an 2000.5 and up pathfinder. Agreeded?

Not trying to be a smartass, but its 1999.5 and above; just for the record