JEEP Grand Cherokee SRT8....

OK, I'm making myself crazy (er) again...:rollo:
ALWAYS loved the look of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SVT8. Much lower than other SUVs obviously!
I've got the bug really bad, so started to seriously look at them, have spent hours on the net looking...

2010 has a longer warranty, 3yr/36k basic, 5yr/100k Powertrain. So I'm aiming for a '10.
6.1liter Hemi V8 - 420hp, 420 lb-ft at 4,800
4WD but very basic, they removed all the offroad "stuff". Still very beefy at about 5,000 lbs.
and check out those big beefy red Brembos!

I'd love to get black again but I just won't do it on a dirt road, so I'm looking at two different reds they offer.

Here's the thing.....I've never owned an American car, and am still somewhat scared to buy a Jeep.
I can't find one anywhere in AZ to go see.
All reviews I've read about reliability are favorable, and it's been in production since '06.
I joined the SRT forum (SRT8 Kat...imagine that;)), and am trying to get info from past posts, and members. Interesting observation.... there's like 500 peeps online at any given time....:_wtf:

Anybody have any experience with this beast? Reliability, issues, ride, comfort, etc?
And hey it gets around 10-12 MPG with some restraint on the skinny
pedal, 8-9 if not!

Obviously very skinny rubber bands, and I've read the ride is very rough on rough, uneven pothole roads. What's that they say "rough"?....they don't know what ROUGH IS!
But seriously, I'm wondering if I can get some meats a little taller, so more sidewall w/o adding width. Fronts are 255/45-20, rear 285/40-20. :eek:

http://images.v12soft.com/photos/opc...VWY_800600.jpg

First 3 pics are one color (Red Rock Crystal), next 3 are another color (Inferno Red).....so close...and last pic I don't know which it is (yet).
Red Rock has a bit more orange hue, whereas the Inferno is more a cherry red.......decisions decisions....


RED ROCK CRYSTAL
http://images.v12soft.com/photos/opc...9HU_640480.jpg

http://images.v12soft.com/photos/opc...w5Y_800600.jpg

http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/..._A.562x421.jpg



INFERNO RED
http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/..._A.562x421.jpg


http://pictures.dealer.com/m/miracle...9ddecb74ax.jpg

http://pictures.dealer.com/m/miracle...86a98b359x.jpg

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DM...6/T1357/01.jpg



I DON'T KNOW WHICH RED THIS IS:
http://ucimages.services.autobytel.c...i6663330_3.jpg

Use the money that you would spend on that hopped up cherakee and drop a v8 in the VX!

Suzee, you know I :heart: ya like the sister I never had...BUT...:smilewink

I think I see a possible "Arizona Intervention" in your future...:laughing:

"friends don't let friends drive str8"...:rotate:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ldub

Suzee, you know I :heart: ya like the sister I never had...BUT...:smilewink

I think I see a possible "Arizona Intervention" in your future...:laughing:

"friends don't let friends drive str8"...:rotate:

---

:laugho:...well I guess I could drive eff'd up instead....nah, doesn't sound prudent, ..nope, wouldn't be prudent. :slap:..just channeling my inner Dana Carvey.:goof:

If you drove an SRT8 you would quickly forget about your VX. I personally love them and if they didn't cost so much would have one in the driveway. And on s side note the ride is way better then the VX.
They don't have 4 WD there AWD.
I'd say go for it.

Sue i wouldn't say anything bad about the SRT-8 but consider some odds about owning one.

From what i understand you live in dewey which is a somewhat uneven terrain area,this SUV is not off road capable plus you can't adjust the height.

When it comes to tow the SRT-8 is completely useless,also they don't come with roof racks to carry along anything,plus is not that roomy inside in comparison to others SUV such as the trailblazer SS and service/maitainance is a pocket digger

I know from the experience of a close friend of mine who owns one that the tranny is a timming bomb,and very,very expensive to fix.

Electrical issues are very common with jeep products and certainly not that reliable at all.

I will only consider getting one of these if i don't plan to be my DD.

In regards of bigger tires i can't tell much of it,i personally never saw a single one with bigger tires other then the OEM size it comes with,and i usually attend racing tracks in NJ and long island where you can see lots of Jeep SRT8 competing

Hope it helps clear you thoughts !

@ xtrems.

If that's the case then sue shall go for the Trailblazer SS instead of the SRT-8,yes the jeep may be faster,but no more reliable then the SS.

The SS has towing package,roofracks can be added and more room to deal with.

Plus the amount of available aftermarket parts and accessories for the SS surpasses the SRT8 hands down.

Forgot to mention that the SS also comes in red cherry color......

Go for it, those are awesome! I saw a few, they must have been having a meet, on a hwy here, could hear them coming! And I love the center dual exhaust! I would have gotten one but would have gotten rid of vx to get that, and with mileage I didn't want to drive that everyday for all I drive!

Don't have experience with the SRT8 specifically but from what i seen in my shop, Jeeps tend to be complete garbage after about 2002.. Poorly made interiors, suspension issues, and generally easily broken small parts such as hood props, TPMS sensors and spare tire mounts to name a few. Granted these are all small things but they add up and certainly increase frustration levels and make the vehicle feel cheap

Are you sure you don't want a new SRT8? :yesb:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....e-srt8-opt.jpg

A lot of HP but for the money I would get an older Inf FX45 or Porsche Cayenne

A lot of good counterpoint in this thread. As a former owner of 3 Jeeps, I echo the comments about mileage, reliability, bang-for-the-buck vs other choices, etc....

It certainly looks like the tires are undersized and a lift/larger wheel setup would make it more off-road worthy...but that's not what you described for needs, Kat.

This is more of a sportscar for someone so hooked on SUV's that they aren't willing to actually BUY a sportscar.

Unless you can jack one on the cheap, I'd probably consider other options first. Dropping a V8 in the VX isn't a bad choice either. You're still more unique.

Even the post above provides some more unique options.

If you really want an off-road Jeep, maybe you should consider one setup for that? Do you really want/need 420hp? Would it be easier to add some of the STR8's styling cues to a "standard" model? Or vica-versa?

IMO, the best option is to own a sportscar for summertime...and swap out pony duties to the VX on other days. Older, low-mileage cars can be a good option if you have to pay personal property in your state. Often you can save almost enough to pay for the extra vehicle insurance.

Thanks all, REALLY good points/info to consider ..:thanx:

~Gussie - exactly the issues I'm worried about . exspensive things breaking .and sorry, not wild about the SS styling.

And the lack of towing capacity is a big drawback to doing this it officially has 3,500 lb tow rating but our trailer empty is 3,800 ..so the FJ will have to do it. It's rated at 5,000 lbs.
:?:Would a performance chip in the FJ that bumps HP increase the towing performance? We're always going to be within the 5,000 lb, but what could we do to it to "help" it, or is it all about torque?

~Jon- ARGH! YES I WANT the '13! I've already drooled all over everything and the two special editions Vapor and Alpine OMG, don't get me started I want Alpine::drool2::drool2:
. but holy moly :freek: they're $62,000+!
ANYBODY notice design cues that resemble the Evoque???
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...gCCpkbFlSn4qaw

~I've always heard the "cheap" quality, and other break down issues too, that's the #1 thing making me hesitate.

~Don't care for the FX45 styling, new or old, kills it for me right there.

~I can't afford a Porsche, and also don't care for the Cayenne's styling, but even if I could, nearest service/dealership is over 100 miles away.ya see folks 'round dees here parts don't have dem 'spensive foreign sportz carz (he!! my Lexus is a rarity around here).

~Vette- What kind of repairs or problems did you have in your Jeeps?
Dave had a '95 Wrangler when I met him and he didn't have many problems, but I always attributed that to that thing DIDN'T have any systems to break it was SO bare bones! :laugho:

Also, we have absolutely no intention of off roading it, and NO LIFTING :eek: Hubby's FJ and the VX serve us fine for offroad.
We've had top end sportscars, hubby had an M3, I had a BMW X5 with some M tweeks, Audi S4 (with a perf chip :evil::evil:), Audi TT, IROC-Z.See a trend there?...but that was long ago and far awayand we're in a totally different place now in our lives.
Do you really "want/need xxxHP" in your vette? Of course not, neither do I, but you worded it absolutely perfectly: :thumbup: the SRT8 is

a sportscar for someone so hooked on SUV's that they aren't (interested in) actually BUY a sportscar.

~We have a car loan for a Honda Civic we bought my mom, and it ends in 3 monthsso of course, I'm plotting what I want to do with that money...:yeso:
Finding many of these are priced $3k UNDER blue book, probably MPG issues I'm sure, but we're still tapped out at about $30k so the 2012 or 2013 SRT8 are not even in our universe. Ya'll know how I love dealing with car salesmen so maybe I can make this all happen!

~We decided to buy that EZ GO trailer thing and decided to pick it up in CO where they're made.and there's a nice '07, low mileage Red Rock Crystal in the N. Denver area, that's very reasonably priced even though I want a 2010, this one may still be a good choice, (will have to see).
So I'm thinkin' ROADTRIP if the '07 is the one I want!..We get the trailer in Pueblo (hope to say hi to Scott and Laura!), hook up the trailer, head North to Denver, go to dealership and get the SRT, then caravan home. Just got Dave the new ProComp Xtreme Muds for his b-day so he'll be ready for any snow the SRT may as well be on skis if I hit snow:goof:


oh, forgot to mention the SRT scuff plate is about 3 1/2" lower than my Lexusactually about 1/2" lower than my VX! :thumbup:;)

decision continues....
:wave:

Ford Edge Sport AWD. Relatively unchanged from 2011-2013. We have a red 2011 and my wife still loves it. She has never loved a car after two years before. Sports come in White, Blue, Black, Silver and Red. The Red doesn't clash with the Foxfire either, Sue.

Here's a nice walk around a black one being sold.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...ce6TLJE6ElEQfQ

You could also look at a Saab 9-4x Aero. They are fairly cheap since Saab went out but can be serviced/warrantied through GM.. I love the exterior styling and really love the interior. Good power (not quite SRT8, but acceptable) plus AWD

http://l.yimg.com/lj/api/res/1.2/oQw..._aero_xwd_2011

wow, didn't know about the Sport package on the Edge. Had a rental Edge for a few weeks while the Lexus was being fixed. Like the newer styling ALOT, can see Evoque-esque cues too. Also like the new Explorer, again very similar. The Edge was actually a little LOW for me, maybe the Sport will be a little higher, maybe bigger tires. Like the Saab too, but way too foreign for 'round these parts.
Was hoping Acura would spice up the MDX or the RDX….what's their sport tuning designation…"Type S". But haven't seen any yet.

To be fair, I still need to check out the "airbag" suspension mod or some other mod that raises/lowers. Not sure where to start on that…:_thinking…suspension shop….off road shop….somewhere in East LA for a hydrologics place???

But it's more fun to get a "new" car….:naughty:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gussie2000

@ xtrems.

If that's the case then sue shall go for the Trailblazer SS instead of the SRT-8,yes the jeep may be faster,but no more reliable then the SS.

The SS has towing package,roofracks can be added and more room to deal with.

Plus the amount of available aftermarket parts and accessories for the SS surpasses the SRT8 hands down.

Forgot to mention that the SS also comes in red cherry color......

---

I really don't think the average person who is looking at an SRT8 is going to be worried about towing a trailer or tying stuff on the roof. Or lifting it for that matter. Its meant to be a toy. Not an everyday driver. And as far as the aftermarket there's tons of stuff out there for it.
And I have to agree with kat the SS is just ugly.

Following eric words the saab aero also comes with the 6.0L LS2 e-rod engine same as the trailblazer but with better trim and more refined.

@ xtrems.

Sue needs something to two her 3800lb trailer so SRT8 doesn't fit the bill for that matter.

The SRT8 ride is not that comfy anyways and you can't do off road mods to it simply because there's nothing available for that matter.

The trailblazer SS is not that ugly,problaly a bit old fashioned model that didn't change that much since its introduction back in 2002.

Buy over the years GM have prove more and better reliable cars then chrysler

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gussie2000

@ xtrems.

Sue needs something to two her 3800lb trailer so SRT8 doesn't fit the bill for that matter.

The SRT8 ride is not that comfy anyways and you can't do off road mods to it simply because there's nothing available for that matter.

The trailblazer SS is not that ugly,problaly a bit old fashioned model that didn't change that much since its introduction back in 2002.

Buy over the years GM have prove more and better reliable cars then chrysler

---

Like I said it was designed to be a toy. And if you were going to spend $60000 on one why would you want to lift it or beat it off road.
If Sue is looking at it for a primary car then it's not the right one for that.
The exhaust comes out right in the middle of the bumper so even if you wanted to put on a hitch you couldn't.

Sue , just remember the old saying -

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

of cash for the repairs.

PK

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PK

Sue , just remember the old saying -

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

of cash for the repairs.

PK

---

Or
Just Exchange Every Part to make it a capable offroader :)

I'd normally agree about the FX45, but I saw one a while back that was lowered and completely blacked out. Soooo evil looking. Actually made me want it. Besides, the VX is the grandaddy of the FX, gotta keep it in the family. :bwgy:

Good one PK and Billy, can't believe I've never seen that one before….I just know the Fiat and Ford jokes.

Went cruising dealerships today trying to find an '06 - '10 regular Grand Cherokee…just to see it in person, check out some of the ammenities, quality, ride height, etc, just for some idea of what the SRT would be like.....NOT a single one! :_thinking….but what caught my eye?….a used black '11 Lexus GX460….:rollo::goof:
Also checked out the Ford Edge Sport AWD…nice looking for sure, but just not me I'm afraid.

We've got the off road part covered, I want a fast toy….but dang, the FJ just can't pull the trailer nearly as well as the V8 in the Lexus.
Interestingly I DID FIND ONE SRT with a trailer hitch….don't know if it's OEM or not. I also can't tell from pics if it's a 2" or the smaller one.
But hey, it could pull my big red weiny trailer! :rollo: :slap:

http://www.bestbuydealer.com/DEALERS.../JIMMY%208.jpg

http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/..._A.562x421.jpg


http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/..._A.562x421.jpg


http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/..._A.562x421.jpg



Found another one on the SRT forum, it's a 2". Sounds like the owner made the bracing:
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...blu/Hitch3.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...blu/Hitch4.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...blu/Hitch1.jpg




Found this one during my search…..I usually never criticize anybody's mods, but are those not the FUGLIEST wheels you've ever seen???;puke:
http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/..._A.562x421.jpg

Quote:

---

We've got the off road part covered, I want a fast toy

---

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_959
All wheel drive, suspension automatically lifts on rough roads, built for group b rally racing, and plenty fast...won't pull your trailer though :)

Sue if you want both power and towing capacity then find your self into a 5.7L hemi Grand cherokee overland.

Is powerfull enough to tow any thing ( 390HP ) offroad capable with towing package....DONE DEAL !!!

That towing hitch on the SRT8 looks completely awfull

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Triathlete

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_959
All wheel drive, suspension automatically lifts on rough roads, built for group b rally racing, and plenty fast...won't pull your trailer though :)

---

it's not the "raising" I'm after…it's the LOWERING!
Saw one of these beasts just once on a freeway in Florida…..since I'm a tradtional 911 style lover…it looked a bit weird…but hey it's only, um, what? $950,000 IIRC?... so if somebody gave it to me I wouldn't say no...:laugho:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gussie2000

Sue if you want both power and towing capacity then find your self into a 5.7L hemi Grand cherokee overland.

Is powerfull enough to tow any thing ( 390HP ) offroad capable with towing package....DONE DEAL !!!

That towing hitch on the SRT8 looks completely awfull

---

One friend has that 5.7 and another has the big Hemi Commander…(both back in TX)…..don't like the looks of the Commander at all, and the GCOverland is cool…but just not floating my boat.

I also saw and sat in an Acura MDX on the used lot….I've always been a little partial to Acura ever since I had my awesome '91 Legend Coupe, lowered, rims, engine tweeks….ah…fond memories in L.A. I was surprised it was pretty dang nice….if they could just spice it up…..hmmmm…may be cheaper to get one of them used, then spend some coin on performance chip, wheels/rubber maybe, etc….Have to think on that one for a while.
Anybody hear/know if Acura is planning any S-type cars in the near future?
.
.
.
I am, how they say, a wee bit high maintence sometimes…..:goof:
.
.
.why-o-why can't I have a garage full of cars like Jay Leno?…….
um…guessin' that's B-cuz I don't have a gazzilions dollars!


Thanks to all, please keep the ideas coming, really appreciate other ideas…..:thanx:
.

my girlfriend has a commander with the 5.7l hemi its a decent engine plenty of power to get the kids to school and back - i just hope with all the extra power of the srt8 it does better in the corners than the standard grand cherokee:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaYFLb8WMGM

What about a crew cab Raptor?:yesb:

Congrats, Kat! Vehicle shopping is always so fun and exciting (and annoying and frustrating!)

Hmm, not sure why, but I feel very compelled to input what I know about this thread...

the SRT8-
Good,
-fast as sh*ttake (Yes i've driven a few, while installing aftermarket parts, including a supercharged one)
-lots of aftermarket support
-V8
-Nice aestetics
-Jeeps are very easy to upgrade and work on
-I completely understand how you are enamored by it, because I have found myself in the same boat, until I step back and look at it as a vehicle to drive on the daily.

Bad,
-Its a jeep ;)
-V8 is going to get terrible Mileage
-We all know how 'great' AWD vehicles are for towing (thats sarcasm). Most non-selectable AWD systems aren't rating for towing, my guess the reason those ones have been modded to have those baby hitches are for snowboard racks, cargo carriers, etc.
-one of the biggest things for me when considering vehicles is reliability, and I know you are a rational person Sue. I can tell you this much, my best friend works for a company that provides aftermarket warranties and extended warranties to dealerships. For example, if you went and bought a 2013 SRT8, and you decided that the chrysler 60k/6yr warranty wasnt enough for you, so you spend the additional $4000 for the extended warranty to 100k/10yr, that warranty is being provided by the company my best friend works for.
I hope I can word this correctly. When he sells the warranties to the dealerships on these vehicles, they do very intense statistical analysis to know exactly how long a vehicle is going to last before it costs his company money (funny how they always run out of warranty before it breaks :) )
I can tell you this, diamler/chrysler is the VERY LOWEST guaranteed vehicle he can insure.
Toyota, lexus, honda, acura; are rated a 1 in reliability (the most reliable)
chevy and ford come in somewhere around 5, and diamler/chrysler comes in at a 10, for least reliable new vehicle you can buy.

I hope that all makes sense.
Now, with that said, I understand the lust, because I think they are a beautiful vehicle, and a GREAT idea to have a really sporty SUV. I just cant wait for other manufacturers to follow lead :)

Now, my suggestion for you?? look into the MDX turbo SH

now thats a pretty sweet little SUV. SH stands for super handling (its been a factory upgrade from honda since the first prelude was produced)
It generally comes with more sophisticated suspension and a more powerful motor (hence the turbo)

or, if you need a bigger vehicle, look for a supercharged FX-35. You can pick one of those up for a very reasonable price, and they have plenty of power.
I dont know how much you know, but the FX35 has the same motor as the 350Z (or infiniti G35), so aftermarket support is HUGE and cheaper to repair than the FX45 or the SRT8.

Well, I think thats all of it :p
Why have I looked into these three cars so much? Whitney wants to trade in her car eventually for a sporty SUV and she just happens to like the FX35, SRT8, and the MDX. (i like to read into vehicles before I commit to it, as I expect them to last me 250-300k miles)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pbkid

Hmm, not sure why, but I feel very compelled to input what I know about this thread...

---

Hmmmmmm - me finks Jack is getting a little bit excited 'cause he sees a Foxfire in his future.:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo:

Go Jack!!!!!

PK

Wow, thanks Jack! I'm a statistics geek so knowing that DC was at the bottom of the actuarial stats absolutely sealed the deal for me. Reliability is #1 with me also… (well, can't explain my VX addiction then :goof:)

I'm well acquainted with the aftermarket extended warranty….OMG, worst experience…I spent $4,000 for a very comprehensive one on the BMW X5….first thing that broke, they cancelled the contract! !:freek: Was really REALLY ugly…ended up getting most of my money back..sheesh that was aggravating.

I was about 90% there yesterday to pass on the SRT, and wanted to look into the MDX.
Spent a few hours looking into it, features, colors, etc… Decided to take a run down to Phoenix today to go see them in person…saw and drove a few.
I LOVED the interior, quality of materials, layout, LOVED the doo-dads, and most of all LOVED the fact I could GET IN it very easily.! (YAH! :dan_ban:)

BUT…I did NOT know there was a TURBO…tell me more…..:drool2:
I swear I never once saw any reference to a turbo!
The ones I'm interested in have the SH-AWD, 3.7L, 300HP, 5000lb towing. (:thumbup:)
They also have a HD tranny cooler, but NO, I DO NOT know about AWD and towing…please tell me.
I asked before, but nobody said anything yet….if we add a performance chip boosting HP, would it "help" with the towing, or does it need more torque (and yes, Billy, a V8 would work!)

Not much in color choices…got it down to 3 colors…a dark burgundy, charcoal gray, and a slightly lighter charcoal gray….with black interior. Just not sure which to go with….Burdundy is last choice of the 3, but Dave likes it the best….but he said his preference doesn't matter (he he), …since he likes the others too.

Found combo I think I want (lighter charcoal w/black) in TUCSON…..!!! They have a sister dealership in Phoenix and will transfer it if I pay the shipping…..but I just can't bring myself to commit any money to it until I see it/drive it myself. So I think we'll be driving to Tucson this week….you around Billy, could stop and say Hi???….we'll be at the Chapman Acura dealership.


Rapidpony- This whole odyssey started with the Raptor! I've been drooling all over the Raptors for a while, and just recently started pestering Jay Dunford for all kinds of info…THEN I finally saw one at a dealership and flipped a U-ey and went to see it. Even with a step stool I couldn't get in the dang thing w/o a huge struggle…..:(….so I walked away with sad realization that I just couldn't get one. (Well, that and $50k didn't happen to fall from the sky yet)
SO what was next?….monster horsepower AND LOW stance…BINGO…SRT8!

Nope….strike out...

NEXT up!…..MDX (don't care for FX styling, so I'll pass on that).


No PK…we're getng rid of the Lexus, not the VX (:eek:)…so Jack has to keep waiting! ;)
Oh, yeah, the ball came today PK…Super duper :thanx: :heart:


to the internet I go…….


EDIT….quick research looks like it may have only been offered in the smaller RDX 4cyl 2.3l, and for 2013 they went with a 3.5l V6

Im sorry, i was wrong, you are correct, it is in fact the rdx that came with a turbo model.

Ill try to divulge again when im not typing from my phone

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pbkid

Im sorry, i was wrong, you are correct, it is in fact the rdx that came with a turbo model.

Ill try to divulge again when im not typing from my phone

---

what's the issues with AWD and towing?
HP is 300 @6300
Torque is 270 @ 4500
Can any performance chips improve it?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by VX KAT

what's the issues with AWD and towing?

---

IMHO ... nothing.

Some people feel that by nature an AWD transfer case is not built as strong as a 4WD case since slippage has to be built in. In my experience as long as the rated vehicle capacity is not exceeded, then it will be fine. Since there is slip built into the transfer case however, certain steps should be taken such as synthetic lube in the transfer case since slip=wasted energy & wasted energy=heat. Unfortunately, transfer cases do not have a pump for the fluid so an auxiliary cooler is not an option (at least not an easy one).

It's like saying that you should never, ever, ever, never, ever tow with a vehicle with a manual transmission. Pure bunk. I've done it ... & actually prefer it.

There's my $.02 ... & I expect change:)

What year MDX? And interesting that you owned a 91 Legend. I was building one for a bit...

http://forums.acuralegend.org/buildi...ame-t1899.html

Sue I know you've owned Land Rovers before, how about a supercharged Range Rover Sport? Supercharged V8 power (390hp/410lb-ft), tows in excess of 7700 lbs., easily lowered, nice interior. Downside is reliability is probably similar to Jeep and you're not likely to have a dealership close by. Looks like you could stay under $30K as long as you go back to 08/09 timeframe.

http://usautochoice.com/blog/wp-cont...-red-paint.jpg

http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/la...p_ei_1_500.jpg

Can't help with the price, however, I can help with the getting in issue. There's a guy in my complex with a very lifted F350 and a very short wife. He has retractable power steps on his rig that come down far enough that his wife has no issue getting in. They automatically extend when he opens the door and then retract when the door closes.

http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Pow...ning_board.htm

Scratch that, I actually may be able to help on the price. Let me know if you are interested and I'll see if I can get my hands on an X plan code. That will get you the Ford Friends and Family pricing.