The time is here where my parents are getting to the point where they need new vehicles. We'll start with my dad. His current ride is a 1998 Ranger XLT, extended cab, 4 cyl 5 speed. He drives about 22,500 miles a year, and is currently at about 180K on the original clutch. Gas mileage is his game, and he currently gets about 25 - 28 mpg. He's wanting another small truck, and is looking heavily at the new Dakota with a V-6 and a 6 speed. Does anybody have any experience with these? What kind of mileage (realistically) will it get? And my mom wants something that will hold 6-7 people. No vans or huge SUVs (Nothing bigger than a Grand Cherokee). She really likes the Magnums, but they only seat 5. She has mentioned the Chrysler Pacifica, but I don't know anything about them. Gas mileage isnt' really a concern for her, considering her current car has a 5.7 LT1 in it.

 

for your mom, what about the new edge or the freestyle?

has you dad looked at the new ranger? they are suppose to get 24-29

 

The Edge is too small, but I think she might like the Freestyle. Basically it comes down to whatever she thinks is cute

As much as I want for my dad to buy Ford, the Ranger hasn't changed at all since 1998, except for the grille and a few interior pieces. He doesn't want to buy the same truck again. The ball joints are basically what made him not want to get another Ranger, his original lower (I think) ball joints lasted about 60K. He just had the upper and lowers replaced again. I keep telling him to drive it til it dies, but he doesn't want to take that risk.

EDIT: Will the new 3.5 V-6 ever be available in the Freestyle?

 

Honda Pilot for your mom,our friends have one and we fit 2 kids and 4 adults easily in it.Is comfortable to drive.

 

She doesn't really like the Pilot. She hasn't driven or ridden in one, but she's choosing her selection on looks alone. She tells us what she likes, and we go out and decide if it's ok.

Also, the Freestyle and Pacifica are priced pretty similarly, I think. A Freestlye Limited AWD with almost every option except for DVD, Moonroof, and Navigation came in at $33K. The Pacifica Touring Signature Series AWD with similar options came in at $33K. Now, a Pacifica Limited starts at about $36K, but it's got EVERY option. Hmmm... The Pacifica has an edge here at the moment... Infinity 7.1 Surround Sound, 4.0 motor, 6 speed auto.

 

new dakota is a nice truck my dad has one with the v8 that gets crappy gas mileage

 

My dad drives a suburban and mom drives an f250 crew.

 

I had mom get an 06' Focus. We're both pleased.

 

Are you limited to domestic or import? As far as I know, the Pacifica is also a 5 seater. If anything, I'd get a Mazda CX-9 for your mom (seats 7, built in America) and a Toyota Tacoma base model extended cab with the 2.4L for pops. The Toyotas are unbreakable, IMO. Thank goodness Mattineer's not here, he'd chastise me for choosing imports over the all mighty Ford. Oh yeah, the Freestyle seats 6 but it is awfully ugly, IMO.

 

have your mom get a toyota rav 4 and your dad a 2005+ toyota tacoma

 

Too big, and too big. My next truck will be a 350 Crew however. And a Rav - 4 is waaaaay too small. She needs to fix 6-7 people. A Pacifica seats 6. Freestyle seats 7 with the optional second row bench. Does anybody have any experience with a V-6 Dakota 6 speed?

 

maybe suzuki grand vitara?
i think they look pretty sharp
why not a new explorer?

 

She thinks the new Explorers are too big, and the Grand Vitaras are old and outdated. Plus, none of us reallly want to buy a Suzuki

 

the new ones dont look bad tho
the old ones were just a chevy tracker


2006 GV

 

There's no way in hell my mom would like that...and like I said, none of us want to buy a Suzuki