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i'm thinking of buying a vehicle next month. it'll basically be my first vehicle, except for my 4Runner that i bought for $3200 cash a couple years ago :)
and i wanted to get some advice from some of ya'll with some experience in this.

i'm looking to spend $12,000 to $15,000. i don't want a new vehicle. i would like to get an SUV, preferably a full size, and model year 2000+ with under 80k miles. i'm not really worried about off-road capabilities (my 4Runner takes care of that :) ), i guess i just want an SUV b/c i like all that interior room and i dont really like cars except for old muscle cars and new cars that are way out of my price range. i really want something that is reliable and will last a long time. i'll have my 4Runner forever and i'll probably drive this thing until it dies so i'm not really worried about resale value. i can do basic work like changing an alternator, belts, etc. so something easy to work on would be nice to have. oh yeah, something that rides nice and quiet on the highway too.

here are the ones i was thinking about in somewhat order of aesthetical preferece:

GMC Yukon
Chevy Tahoe
Toyota 4Runner
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Dodge Durango
Nissan X-Terra
Ford Explorer
Mitsubishi Montero (old body style)


Which one's are the most reliable/last the longest/easiest to work on?
What's the maximum mileage i should accept and how relevant is that when i don't plan on selling it? at what mileage do most vehicles start to have major problems?

Any other tips or experiences ya'll have please let me know.

what i have seen the yukon/tahoe is great for what your looking for. durango with a v8 is nice but dont even think about gas mileage with that. id go with the GM's out of those. Denali would be nice.

yeah, Denali is my #1 choice. i've even seen a couple escalades and navigators around $15,000 with like 80k miles, but i think i should try to get something with less miles and closer to my $12,000 mark (that would leave more money for the audio equipment too :) )

i like the grand cherokees and durangos, price is nice also, but i've heard some negative things about their reliability. have you ever had any problems with your cherokees kiki?

i dont think i would buy a mitsubishi, and i'm not really too crazy about Fords. there's something about the cockpit that doesn't feel comfortable. probably because i was raised in chevy trucks :)

i'm really leaning towards a Yukon or Tahoe, but i really like the way the Grand Cherokee Limited with the V8 rides, Durangos too. not sure about reliability with those though.

anyone else have any thoughts on who makes the best "reliability for the $" vehicle out of these?

oh yeah, gas mileage isn't a concern. i only live 1/2 mile from work! :)

I would personally leave off the Montero. I've known two people with similar ones; they are slow as poo. One of them had a major problem, the other guy I know's is running fine.

Or how about a good ol' suburban? I know everyone and their mom has one, but it is one of the best SUVs for their value.

Maybe even an Excursion?! With the XLT 4WD model, you get to throw around over 400 ft-lbs of torque

lol. yeah i kinda ruled the Montero out right after i put it on the list :) thanks for the heads up though.

the music scene's kickin' right now in N.O. right now huh? been to jazzfest or seen any good shows this week? i was gonna try to make it over there for this weekend, second sunday of jazzfest is my favorite day to go, but i wont be able to get away this year. i made reservations for may 13th though. springtime is awesome in new orleans. i've made it back both springs since i moved from there. i cant break the streak!

i'm all about the suburban or excursion! the bigger the better in my opinion. like i said, i only live 1/2 mile from work so i dont give a sh1t about gas mileage. those big dogs are a little out of my price range though. i guess i'd rather get a yukon with leather interior than a base model suburban.

Well you know what I'm going to say.

4Runner if you can find one in that price range.

If you can save up a little more, you might be able to find a 4th Gen Sr5 with a V8.
I went to bluebook and private party in my area you might expect to pay around 17k for a 03 V8 in 'Good' condition

Just did another search, and for my zip for a V8 2003 with 70k miles. $16,930