I need a new daily driver

David

David

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After 300k miles, my Explorer is no longer reliable. No complaints, I got my monies worth.

Looked for a SUV as a DD and was hoping for a LR Disco II, but the reviews suggest many issues in the car. I'd still consider it if the previous owner took care of it.

I did consider an E28, but it would need to be totally sorted, reasonable miles, euro, etc. and after many months of looking I haven't found one.

I can't see spending more than $15k, with a $10k target. Any one have leads or suggestions ?
 
Any Subaru that meets your requirements. We have owned five, two with over 180K on the clock and spent almost nothing on them.

Love to drive my Coupe. rely on the Subarus. Especially in Bucks County PA.
 
Any Toyota Landcruiser wagon (that's been properly maintained) - I have about 1 million combined miles logged on my last 3... gas milage, who cares about that. My most current (MY 2000) just turned the 200k mark and feels like it will easily go another 200.
 
I second the L.C. comment. I have the same vehicle as E911 and have over 150K reliable miles on mine. Only complaint is that it takes 92 Octane gas as it has the Lexus high compression V8.

Cheers
James
 
You should be able to get a nice 2000 for well under 15 and closer to 10k... bought my current one from the original owner in Hollywood when they decided they needed a Range Rover to keep up with whoever it is that they keep up with there.

The key on these rigs is to buy them from the original owner since they're most likely to be well maintained- it also helps to by them in places like L.A. where they are babied and don't have the secondary demand like Colorado, ect...

This one might be worth checking out if the Title issue checks out... wouldn't really matter if you're going to drive it for another 200k miles;

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4380116163.html
 
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Ditto on the landcruisers. I was stationed in Senegal for a year and drove a 1995 (Diesel). It has the nicest manners of any truck I have ever driven; you can drive it the jungle or the city in equal comfort; a very well-balanced vehicle. I drove mine from Dakar to Guinea-Conakry through the rainy season in places where, frankly, there were no roads, and it made it without issue.

The only truck that comes close to it is the Land Rover Defender. Confindence inspiring in the bush, but they are really expensive and no where nice to drive on asphault.
 
Thanks for the link. That car is just up the road. $15k for a car with 100k miles and a salvage title just doesn't feel right. That having been said maybe that's all my budget will allow.
 
I'd suggest a 2011 Acura MDX if you want to stay in the SUV world. We put very big miles on our previous MDX (Currently have a 2013) and the only breakdown was an alternator a light bulb and an AC hose.
 
David- I hear you on the title but don't worry on the miles as long as it's maintained... I bought my 2000 with 98k on it and now over 200k. Drove from Hollywood to MN pulling a coupe when I bought it. Been to Vancouver and back to get my CSL and it pulls our 24' airstream every summer (Yellowstone, Main and everywhere in between). Pretty hard to beat as a highly civilized SUV that can pull 6,500 lbs all day long.
 
May not be rugged enough for you but we have a Toyota Highlander and it has been trouble free for 5 years. 0 shop time other than oil changes.
 
The Landcruiser is built in a different plant from the rest of the Toyota SUV's. It's built in their heavy equipment plant - and it makes a helluva difference. Most Toyotas go a long time but this one goes forever. My '98 is going strong too and it has a very low cost of ownership.

15K now for a car that had a $75K sticker actually isn't that bad :) I got my 98 for $12K with 120K miles on it and looked like brand new.

HTH
James
 
My wife won't part with her 02 Highlander with 185K trouble free miles and I love my 2010, but it only has 80K miles!
 
Toyotas 4.7L engine is very good, so good that there's very little demand and we don't sell them much and they're cheap. You might also consider a Sequoia. Usually well maintained because of their typical owner and lower demand/price because of their size.

Dan
 
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