here's the situation:

1. this would be my first car purchase
2. my budget is $5,000 - $6,0000
3. i really want an SUV (i just feel safer)

so i found these 2 cars and here's their comparison:

1. 1996 pathfinder has 107K miles, 1998 rav 4 has 137K miles
2. 1996 pathfinder costs 4,000, 1998 rav 4 costs 5,800
3. i'll be the 3rd owner of the pathfinder, i'll be the 4th owner of the rav 4
4. pathfinder had never had an accident the rav 4 had but accdg to carfax it's just a mild accident.
5. pathfinder is sold by a private individual, the rav 4 by a dealership
6. rav4 has a 60-day warranty


other notes:

1. both of them are automatic
2. both are four-wheel drive


which one do you think i should get? performance-wise and considering all the parameters/notes i have listed above?

thanks!


i REALLY like how the rav4 looks but i know i should concentrate on their performance and safety rather than on the exterior..... but i have no idea w/c of these two SUVs performs well...

First car?Then take the RAV 4,it is smaller so easier for you,much better than the Pathfinder for fuel mileage,which is important to your wallet these days.Can't compare the 2 otherwise because they are different class.Good luck to whatever you choose.Otherwise,to fix the RAV-4 is cheaper and easier than the Pathfinder.