{black}:hi: Hey Scotty/Team,

Boy have I got a story for you. But, before the background I am now in market for used vehicle.  Trying to decide on Santa Fe vs RAV...vs Xterra (?) lol... 

Love the utility of the Xterra, not a fan of the mileage tho and now thanks to those that praised the Xterra (hint) they seem to be pricey for what you get.  As for other mid-size SUVs, maybe a 4Runner, but the cost to purchase (and maybe the mileage or other upkeep expenses/tires) may lead me to stay in the smaller/mid size SUV models.  All the 4Runners I see have almost 140K+...hoping to stay under that for my next purchase. My Rogue has 142K (10K+ of that thanks to guy I loaned it to...for "rare" use over 8 months) 

*What do you all think about my choices above and the Santa Fe as an option?  Not really been too excited by the CR-V design and previously got a Rogue over a RAV based on how it handled (of course that was years ago). Scotty, your review of the CRV vs RAV seemed to make CRV seem a bit more of 'handler' etc...but then there is the transmission risk (per one of your vids). Trying to stay $15K or under.

And now the story, which would make a great video....My 2008 Rogue SL AWD has held up quite well, but is now on it's last leg thanks to loaning it to a "needy" fella while I was deployed in combat this past year.  I came back to a mess, inside and out...to include a few accidents!  After getting it back after about 9 months, I made it from the East coast to my new assignment in TX, but now hearing sub-bushings, struts, tie rods, cv axles need to be replaced (took it in to local shop due to rattling on front end)...Oh and oil cooler/seal causing some "leaking" (but it doesn't seem to burn any oil....Now that is the mechanical, there is also some nice body damage that he caused - I will post pics (if I can) later for everyone's entertainment. 

The guy who did this is a mess, has no money, inconsistent work, but pretty well off parents lol (in his late 30s I think), so maybe if I have tons of down time later may file a small claims case just to make a point.  BUT, I need a car SOON or I'm going to spend about $1.4K+ on a Rogue with 142K.  I already did both front and back brakes in last 3-5 months as well replaced the blower motor and resistor myself.

Been blessed the CVT held up and really just had to change the oil as far as upkeep goes. The paddle shifter no longer works however, and leather didn't weather well either.  The 2001 Acura I got my mom years ago has like almost 170K on it and leather's still better than the Rogue.  So needless to say lots of body, etc stuff on Rogue that would require some $$$/TLC. I was hoping for a <=$600 bill and get it done to last me another year and let me comfortably search for another vehicle (while also keeping my disdain for this dude that junked my car at bay). ..oh and thought maybe I would at least replace the liftgate that was destroyed in a "hit and run" he says, lol.  

Let me know your thoughts on the SUVs.... Or if you want to hear more of this interesting story, lol...Thanks! :beg: