<p>I have an ammendment to my previous list of SUVs - if you plan on actually going 4-wheelin’ don’t get any of those. Instead, consider -</p>
<ul>
<li>Jeep Wrangler</li>
<li>Jeep Grand Cherokee</li>
<li>Toyota FJ Cruiser</li>
<li>Toyota 4-Runner</li>
<li>Nissan X-Terra</li>
<li>Toyota Land Cruiser (if you’re rich and can stand a scratch on a $65K car)</li>
<li>Land Rovers (if you don’t mind taking it in for repairs and are rich)</li>
</ul>
<p>If the vehicle doesn’t have a low-range in addition to the high-range on the transfer case then it’s not meant for real 4-wheelin’.</p>
<p>Here’s a rating of the Infiniti FX from consumerguide.com - they always matched up to my own test drive perceptions. Click on “See all Ratings” to compare different trim lines - sometimes they can differ significantly. </p>
<p>Also check out [New</a> Car Prices, Used Car Pricing, Car Reviews by Edmunds Car Buying Guide](<a href=“http://www.edmunds.com%5DNew”>http://www.edmunds.com) for comparison info on cars and especially for their forums!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone … I have narrowed it down to 4 cars to go test drive. The Nissan Murano and Nissan Rogue, the Infiniti FX35, and a 2007 Ford Edge. Some of my choices are based on dealership location … i.e. I don’t want to deal with the Acura guy based on location. </p>
<p>I have yet to drive any of them … but the Durango is in big trouble according to my mechanic … so I might be giving thanks for a new ride later this week!</p>
<p>The Durango probably needs a new transmission … plus about $1000 in other work just to keep it on the road. It’s a 1999 with 150+K miles … Edwards says the trade value is $1000-1500 in average condition.</p>
<p>I don’t think I can wait to buy more than a week or two. And given that it’s Christmas, I won’t have <em>any</em> time after this weekend to do any car shopping. My shop is doing Christmas numbers already and I only expect it to get busier.</p>
<p>If you are considering the Edge you really owe yourself a visit to a Mazda store to try a CX-9. They share an engine and transmission with the Edge, but with Mazda handling and brakes. Think “Edge that handles and stops better.”</p>
<p>EDITED: The Infiniti is about $10k more than the others. It will probably be nicer…</p>
<p>Stopped at the local dealer and drove a Murano on the way home from work. Nice car – definitely in the running. It’s comfortable, roomy enough, powerful enough and the bells and whistles are pretty cool. The Rogue is very cute, but too small. Gotta find time to drive the Edge and the Infiniti in the next few days. </p>
<p>Durango also has major exhaust system rot (according to paperwork from repair shop) and the AC is only partly functional. Not a problem <em>this</em> week … and I’ve been living with it through two summers … but just another nail in the coffin!</p>
<p>Thanks for the info on your Durango. I have a 1998 with 145K miles so it’s interesting to compare notes. I’ve actually been surprised by how few problems it’s had but of course it only takes one major issue for my opinion to do a 180.</p>
<p>I agree on the Infiniti FX35, my sister has one and it’s a ton of fun to drive. The FX may seem a bit awkward at first, it takes time to adjust the way it drives, but after a few days it is indeed quite wonderful. the volvo mentioned above is also worth a notice.</p>
<p>I participate on a forum devoted to over 2000 Infiniti FX35/45 owners. If you are seriously considering one I recommend you take some time to ■■■■■ the forums to get a sense of the experiences others have had. mostly, you will find that the owners are extremely passionate about the FX and the reliability has been great even going back to the initial launch in 2003. </p>
<p>The FX is basically a sports car with a high seating position. And yes, the exhaust, handling, and speed is a rush for people who like that sort of thing (like me). The technology is also great. However, as much as I love it, I have no problem letting people know that its not for everyone. </p>
<p>I’m serious about it. Have a test drive scheduled for tomorrow. Thanks for the link – I will check it out.</p>
<p>My H has the G35X and loves it. We had an I20 and loved that too ('till the dealer totalled it on the lot … a very long story!). H’s first choice of the cars I am looking at is the Infiniti … because of our experience with the brand. (The dealer knew they screwed up and gave us an amazing deal on the G35 to make up for it. We’re still happy campers … or we’re happy campers again.)</p>
<p>Re the Durango – I’m 3 years into my 2nd one! We had a 1998, the 1st model year, and I loved it. Taught S1 to drive on it 3 years ago, and kept it till last year. In 2004 it needed a new Transmision, and then the A/C finally went. Our mechanic told us that it was time – no longer safe for the kids to drive, and that the steering & brakes were too inconsistent to teach S2 on. Ironically, our part/time housekeeper bought it for $2500. I told her everything that was wrong with it – S1 got on the phone with her husband and told him all of its quirks and foibles – he took it for a 2 hour test drive, and still bought it. I had reservations about that – she’s been with our family for 19 years, and I was so afraid that selling them this car could be the end of the relationship. But her husband likes to tinker with cars, has friends who are mechanics, and they were insistent. Well, he finally got the A/C fixed once & for all… We also bought a 2004 when we needed a new car (keeping the '98 & DH’s Honda). I LOVE this car. Yeah, its huge, and gets 8 mpg on local streets… but I feel comfortable, when I need to, I’ve been able to get 5 or 6 boys from S2’s basketball team in it (all between 5’8" & 6’4". S2 learned to drive on this, and the '07 Hyundai Santa Fe we bought to replace the 1st Durango. He’s as skilled at parallel parking the big car as the Santa Fe. As for the Santa Fe – I never thought I could love a smaller car again, but this is the cutest, peppiest thing I’ve ever driven. I take it when I’m going into Manhattan (the Durango gets turned away from a lot of parking garages). But the kids share the Santa Fe. It works out fine, as S1 goes to school in DC, and really can’t have a car there… so S2 (the new driver) gets to have it here. During the summer, S1 took it to his sleepaway camp job, and S2 & I shared the Durango. It really worked out fine, as with both of them driving, I don’t really need to go anywhere!</p>
<p>I loved my Durango – it’s the only car I ever got into and drove and said “I have to have this.” But … it’s not what I need anymore and it needs a lot of work. So … off to find something new that meets the new specs!</p>