[Coop de Ville]

Hi All,

Where to begin. I've had my '03 sport for almost 7 years now and, for the most part, I'm happy with it (except for mpg). It's time to start looking for a second vehicle since my fiance and I are really wearing this car in. I've been looking around for about a year at different options. The choices have come to Toyota Tacoma, Ford Sport Trac, Chevy Colorado, Chevy Avalanche, Ford Ranger, and recently the Honda Ridgeline.

Until I looked at a cousin's Pilot (similar) over the Labor Day weekend, I couldn't stand the look. But up close and reading reviews of the Ridgeline, it seems to be a great option. The one thing that is a draw back to me is that it was described as front wheel drive primary and four wheel as necessary... Although I haven't had any issues with the Escape, I am concerned with fwd vs rwd in terms of durability.

The reason I want something with a bed is that the fiance hauls a lot of tech equipment and has torn the crap out of my Escape's interior.

The other choices seem to be more pick up trucks, which I don't completely mind. Some of the things I am looking at include.

-Reliability and durability. Although I take care of my car, I would like something I can knock around (off road) a little and not have to worry.

-Comfortable seating for at least four

-Rear wheel 4 wheel drive

-Not too large (which kind of rules out the Avalanche)

I also don't mind looking at used vehicles as well.

Thanks,

-Coop

 

[kkreit01]

I'd pick the Sport Trac -- but I'm somewhat biased (I have an 08 V8). If you want "durability" -- as in "truck durability", I'd stay clear of the Honda. If durability -- as in "minivan durability", the Honda should do fine. We love our Trac. It's by far the most versatile vehicle we've ever had. I've always like the Avalanche as well. A 5.3L Colorado would be fun, but I don't think their reliability is ever very good (check CR for "black" dots). Rangers are great, but quite outdated. Do you ever need to haul 4?

PS. If you do decide on the Sport Trac, the V8 is a no-brainer. It gets better MPG than the V6, and loads more HP/Torque.

 

[jpark]

For what you need, I'll second the Explorer Sport Trac.

Ford has very good reliability with this design, and the 2006 refinements made it even better.

I had one of the first 2002 Explorers. It was an all-new design when I bought it. My VIN number identified it as one of the first 10,000 built (the last six digits started with A0), and in the 2+ years I had it, it had only one minor problem (a DPFE valve) that took 10 minutes for the dealer to fix. No other problems.

 

[Coop de Ville]

Thanks both for the advice.

I do haul 4 people often and like the option. I will take a closer look at the sport trac. I understand the revised model ('05) is much better.

I think I've let myself get brainwashed into thinking that Ford quality is no good.

-Coop

 

[08HybridOK]

FORD Duh!!!! :thumb: :heart:

I rented a "small truck" in Vegas a few years back, was supposed to be a Ranger, got a stupid Colorado. If for no other reason, the turning radius SUCKED! It's like a 4lane uturn at best!

Ford quality, I think, I awesome. Of course biased. I've ridden in GMC/Checy 'trucks' and just the tin can sound of the door closing, vs Fords solid Thunk. Of course if you look at el chepo slapped togather in a day to sell a 'disposable' vehicle, then all brands have their crap. (Escort, Pinto, etc)

Possible a Ranger, not sure what styles they come in now, but by bro-in-law has an 05 (I think) Sport Trac, and loved it. It has the cover to make a 'trunk' that easily comes off for a short bed. Not sure how it measures up say when loading 8' ply wood tho. He really seems to love it. Wrecked it a few times (slid into a bridge concret wall dduring an ice storm & something else can't recall). A couple days a the body shop to patch up & repaint and still like new (and it's black!)

Can't speak of any forigen brands, never even look at them