Quote Originally Posted by cybersecretary View Post
.... so i'll look for a ford escape or explorer or something for my son... we have about 6 -7000$ to spend and i want something reliable and if it has to go to the mechanic where ever my son may be i don't want them going What the heck is this...? and mess it up.

I would say a Ford Escape is a good consideration. I have a 2003 I bought new with the 3.0 V6 and auto tranny. I have put 155,000 miles on that thing and it's still going strong, all with no serious issues. I just had a leaky front seal replaced but that was pretty simple. It's plenty roomy for 4 and can squeeze 5 if needed. There's a good bit of storage behind the back seat as well. Has great visability for an SUV and gets low 20 mpg. The newer ones get upper 20 range, but for 7 grand I'm thinking you'll be looking at a 2005 or 2006 maybe.

Whatever you do, good luck, and like others said, this is the most helpful bunch of knuckle-heads as you're likely to ever "meet" on the internet.
I love my Escape for my daily driver. I'll probably get another one when that thing is toast.
My 2 cents.