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re: Another SUV Thread

Posted on 12/11/19 at 10:37 pm to
Posted by ChandlerB03
Natchez, MS
Member since Nov 2015
1791 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 10:37 pm to
Good to know. I've looked at the used 460s and new Highlanders. Coming from the explorer, I have to think the 460 would be more comparable to the explorer, size wise and driving wise
Posted by goofball
Member since Mar 2015
17356 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 6:42 am to
Honestly you can’t go wrong with most of the competitive field.

I would avoid the models with known reliability issues or with a CVT - like the Pathfinder, Explorer, QX, or Ascent. I do think that Subaru makes a better CVT than Nissan though.

It’s just me, but I hate the “auto engine start/stop” feature on all new cars. I would immediately eliminate from consideration any model where a disable switch wasn’t in a prominent position on the dash or console - so no Traverse, Enclave, or Pilot (If you are okay with this feature, these cars are all fine...but I hate it).

So that leaves the Acadia, Atlas, Highlander, and Durango.

Highlander is being redesigned this year and has a cramped third row. Acadia is also being updated this year. That means you may be able to find a deal on an outgoing 2019 model. Both of these models are a little older style, but are perfectly adequate and practical. Both are popular and seem to be well-liked.

The Durango is a rear drive design. It’s been out long enough to have most of the kinks worked out. It’s based on an old Mercedes chassis - not a Fiat. It handles well and has plenty of power. It’s a solid and under-rated choice if you are okay with the Dodge brand. I think reliability will be okay given the maturity of the model and the lack of Fiat parts...but resale will suck.

The VW Atlas is fairly new but is also huge and practical. It may be worth the price if you need more space in the 3rd row. It’s almost as large as the Traverse. The interior is nice but the car itself is a bit bland. VW is hit or miss with reliability - but mostly they are average average and on par with Nissan, Subaru, or General Motors. Not as trouble-free as Toyota but much better designed. I think this one is a solid choice and checks a lot of boxes. VW has a massive warranty if you are concerned with repair costs.

Hyundai/Kia have new offerings. They look competitive, well designed, and value-priced but IMO they are risky. I’ve had so many issues with a Genesis that it got bought back. The long warranty doesn’t really prevent a car from leaving you on the side of I-10....it just helps shield you from the costs to repair. I can deal with the occasional rattle or misaligned piece of trim, but the Genesis we had was riddled with serious electrical, radiator/cooling, and powertrain issues. It stranded us a lot and really soured me on the brand.
This post was edited on 12/12/19 at 6:54 am
Posted by madamsquirrel
The big somewhere out there
Member since Jul 2009
56581 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 6:49 am to
I can say the 460 has a smallish third row. I wanted it but we hardly ever actually use it. I wanted the reliability. My mechanic literally said I will never see you!
Posted by goofball
Member since Mar 2015
17356 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 6:55 am to
quote:

Just did this 2 weeks ago.

A 2016 36k miles for $36k.

3rd row, leather, and a V8


Is this before or after they put the ugly grill on it? I can’t make friends with the newer ones with the weird grill that doesn’t match the rest of the car.

Also - why did it take Lexus/Toyota so long to get Apple CarPlay? Chevy, Ford, and VW have all had this for years.
Posted by madmaxvol
Infinity + 1 Posts
Member since Oct 2011
22488 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 7:31 am to
quote:

Just did this 2 weeks ago.

A 2016 36k miles for $36k.

3rd row, leather, and a V8
quote:

Is this before or after they put the ugly grill on it? I can’t make friends with the newer ones with the weird grill that doesn’t match the rest of the car.



Ugly grill started in 2013. Went from 4.7 to 4.6 in 2012...so the 2012 is the only year in the old body style with the new motor.
Posted by jnethe1
Pearland
Member since Dec 2012
18164 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 7:37 am to
Qx80.

I have had almost every brand of car, and this one beats them all. Interior isn’t as flashy as some competitors, but it has a private jet look and feel. The 5.6 v8 is a powerful and responsive as my former 6.2 raptor’s motor. And when hauling the automatic leveling via the airbags makes hauling a dream.

Posted by Restomod
Member since Mar 2012
13493 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 7:44 am to
GM or Toyota
Posted by kywildcatfanone
Wildcat Country!
Member since Oct 2012
141167 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 8:32 am to
quote:

Need 3rd row and leather. Local dealers are Toyota, GM, Nissan, FCA.

Will be used for hauling kids to and from sporting events and traveling mainly.
Coming from 2016 Explorer, not going back to Ford. Looking for recs.



Highlander or Pilot
Posted by Steadyhands
Slightly above I-10
Member since May 2016
7204 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 8:35 am to
quote:

You have a $40k budget for a SUV. New or slightly used (30k or less mi)


quote:

Will be used for hauling kids to and from sporting events and traveling mainly.


Pull the kids out of travel ball and you can add a good bit to your budget.
Posted by YumYum Sauce
Arkansas
Member since Nov 2010
9653 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 8:37 am to
DO NOT get a 4runner if you need an actual third row. I've had 3 4runners now, and my current has the third row. it's a joke. My friends' 11 year old could barely fit back there.

Its still GOAT SUV, but not in third row category.
Posted by LNCHBOX
70448
Member since Jun 2009
89397 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 8:39 am to
quote:

Closest dealership to me is 70mi. Service, if ever needed, would may be an issue


Who goes to a dealer for service? It's a Toyota. Change the oil and tires and all will be fine. And you can do that anywhere.
Posted by Saskwatch
Member since Feb 2016
18363 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 8:40 am to
quote:

Need 3rd row and leather. Local dealers are Toyota


This. Go certified Pre-Owned.

Sequoia or Highlander
Posted by ChandlerB03
Natchez, MS
Member since Nov 2015
1791 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 9:10 am to
quote:


Pull the kids out of travel ball and you can add a good bit to your budget.


Only have a Scott and Drew in my family. No Landyns, Kaydens or Jxsyn. No travel ballers

quote:

who takes car to a dealer for service


Me for stuff under warranty or bigger jobs than I want to take on. Oil changes and all that myself
Posted by LSUgolf
Hogs ROLLED 34-30
Member since Feb 2004
4958 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 9:44 am to
quote:

Bite the bullet and get a Honda Odyssey or Toyo Sienna


my wife loves hers i don't think i could her out of it.
Posted by Sir Drinksalot
Member since Aug 2005
16891 posts
Posted on 12/12/19 at 10:05 am to
Was in the same position a few month back and settled on an Armada.

loved the huge second row and third row (3 seats each).

Has leather, bells, whistles, is safe, and is made for carting kids around.

Bought the weather tec floormats to go in there; they cover almost all floor space.

in town gas mileage sucks but she kicks arse on the interstate.
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