This weekend was “test-drive” weekend after the whole Jeep fiasco. So I decided to give two SUV’s a shot. The Nissan Pathfinder and the Toyota 4Runner. Here’s how it all went down:

Pathfinder – got to the dealership and was promptly greeted and I told them up front “just test driving today, not even thinking about signing any papers”. So Patrick put me in a Pathfinder SE with all kind of creature comforts and we went for a drive. This guy was hilarious and started giving me shit for “taking it easy”. “Let’s take it on 95 and open it up” he said. Sure, why not. I really opened it up and it handled excellent, tons of room and extras. Power everything, sunroof, dual climate control, 6 disc CD, Anti-roll, stow away third row seats (like I’ll ever need them) and plenty of room for my boards! Loved it, and after a 30 minute test drive we were back at the dealership. They worked some numbers up for me and I was impressed. I told them my plans for the day and my next test drive would be at Toyota. The salesman’s name was Patrick Germain (aka: the Man).

Toyota 4Runner – got to the dealership and no one greeted us. Had to ask for a receptionist to find me someone for some help. This older guy walked over and basically just talked down to me the whole time. Waited for about 15 minutes for him to find one for me to drive. Hopped in and it was like I was being treated as if I was about to steal his daughter. He was on the phone half of the test-drive. The 4Runner was OK but it was more expensive, no sunroof and not nearly as big. Worse gas mileage and lower horsepower. The handling was loose and felt awkward. The test drive was only 5 minutes and we basically went around the block. I was definitely not impressed. The salesman’s name was Dan Bostwick (aka: the dick)

The Verdict: Pathfinder, no doubt. Storm Grey with the Comfort Package and a huge brush bar bumper add on. Hopefully I can find out what I can get for the Jeep later this week and then head back into the Nissan Dealership this coming weekend. As for Toyota… they can suck my balls. They suck.

Thanks again Patrick for probably the most interesting and fun test drive I’ve ever been on!