Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Opinions in Bravada?

I'd be kinda weary of the smartrack system, it seems when GM comes out with anything really high tech, it can be trouble prone (or any american company for that matter)

that sounds like a really good price on that bravada almost too good. Looking through my trusty paper here I have found a few things in that range.

96 Pathfinder
98 Subaru outback
97 explorer with high miles

out of the domestics I would have to reccomend the exploder the most, with the 4.0 SOHC or the v-8 power will be decent, the pushrod 4.0 is a bit of a dog.

The blazer (up until the new model) was really behind the competition in so many areas. A Jeep Cherokee (not grand cherokee) may not be too bad either. With the 4.0l I-6 they can move fairly well although they are in no way shape or form very large inside, and are easily the most reliable Jeep, should have a easy time finding a 98 (or maybe 99) in your price range.

The Japanese SUV's (Pathfinder, and 4 runner) are obviously built fairly well but don't depriciate as quick so finding one in your price range could be tough. An Isuzu Rodeo might be a good bet? I don't know much about them but the DOHC 3.2L was introduced in 96 I believe and thus that year or anything newer would have some ballz and they seem to be built fairly well.

I (with bias) think the outback might not be a bad choice, better gas mileage than the SUV's and except for the most powerfull ones it's quicker than. Ours has been great in the snow, making it up our hill and non paved driveway no problem, I don't often find people who really need an SUV.

HTH
-Pete

Thanks for the help!

Damn, Pete D, I didn't expect a report from the classifieds!! Appreciate the detailed feedback!

The Outback is a pretty nice package, I must admit. Strangly, they really seem to have a high resell around here, can get in an SUV cheaper!

I like the fact that the Bravada is kinda rare, but Blazers are a dime a dozen and most people don't know the difference anyway.

I drove an Exploder with the pushrod 4.0, way too slow!

I am going back to dealer tomorrow, see what kind of trade-in I can get.

No one is going to believe this, but I just got back from the dealer and I can get it for $8k!!! I am a little upside down, I don't mind adding a grand on there, so...

Probably going to be a troll come Monday...

Congrats!

Personally I would have gone with a Subaru (for Pete's reasons, plus the fact I absolutely love my mom's '00 Forester). But to each his own, plus that is a great deal you got. Good luck with your SUV!

FWIW, Subarus have a high resale value because they're so darn reliable. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything newer than a 97 for under $10K...

If you pass on it for some reason, lemme know, as I'll take it for $8K! I miss the hell out of my truck.

You're trading in the 'tour on a SUV? Well I guess we know who is getting tarred and feathered

Good luck with it tho! Hope the deal works out ok

-Pete

No chance!!

Hey I love the tour, but my needs have changed.

I do plan on getting back into something fast when the time is right, maybe a Mustang or a CSVT.