Newbie looking for purchase advice

[Jesda]

I'm looking to replace my 2001 Cadillac Seville with a Nissan Pathfinder, Infiniti QX4, or 4Runner, and I'd like to stay near $4000. I need something that will carry 700-1000lbs of boxes a few times a month and take occasional cross-country road trips with reasonable comfort and economy (currently getting 17/25 mpg from my Northstar V8).

What should I look out for? I know the 3.4 V6 puts out sufficient power but I'm concerned about head gaskets, warped blocks, and sludge.

Is the 2.7 the better, more dependable choice?

Are both engines belt-driven?


I haven't come across any threads on transmission issues other than aging radiators causing ATF and coolant to mix, so I trust that the automatic gearboxes are dependable.



Thanks!

[jetwhine]

Jesda,

The first couple of years of the 3.4, they had some h-g issues, not as common as the 3.0. The 3.4 is not as tempermental as the 3.0. Toyota has gone back to chains in some of the newer models. Not sure on the years though.