The engine/head gasket issue is the repair that is the most critical and terminal condition for the vehicle. the dealers mechanics will never fix the gasket, so they will only offer the engine replacement, but either repair will cost you more than the suv is worth. and yes, the brake pads and then rotors wear out very quickly, because of the weight of the vehicle (the dealer says). i personally think it has more to do with the fact that there are 2 disc front brakes and 2 drum rear brakes on the vehicle, hence the wear and weight all goes to the front of the vehicle. another poor design flaw issue, and i was told the drum brakes were there to better allow the off-roading. yeah, who ever could off road these things, they fall apart on the driveway! *tr