OT: Talking Cars Tuesday (on a Monday)
So it's a semi-holiday and a slow day so I figured this may be a good day for an OT thread.
Background: Family of 4 (kids 8 & 11), looking to move into a bigger vehicle that can transport the 4 of us, sports equipment and the very occasional 2-3 additional people (kids friends, fam that's in town every 6-10 months). I don't intend for this to become a minivan VS. SUV debate, so I'll try to get this out of the way 1st. I don't think we need the minivan- I'm not opposed to it, but we just don't need to transport that much stuff/that many ppl on a regular basis. I am open to thoughts on this tho.
Really just trying to hash out the options in a 3rd row SUV/crossover: some are very cramped in the 3rd row like the Kia Sorrento or Hyundai Santa Fe, while others are bigger but may be pricier/guzzle gas more: Dodge Durango, Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, Buick Enclave. Looking at slightly used 3-4 y/o vehicles over the next 10 months.
Any thoughts on how you went through a similar decision process or general recs for or against specific brands in the 3rd row SUV category.
In addition, I was wondering how people thought about getting a luxury brand with fewer bells and whistles compared to an economy brand with a whistle or 2. Never really thought seriously about a luxury level vehicle purchase.
February 20th, 2017 at 2:33 PM ^
forgot they were upgrading this year. I'd definitely wait if the traverse is in consideration and if you have the time to wait. (new launch will limit the amount available, and everyone will want it). Expect huge deals on 2017 versions later this year.
February 20th, 2017 at 2:57 PM ^
About damn time that GM updated the Lambdas, although the way theyve been selling you couldn't tell they've waited forever to do so.
The new Acadia looks sharp, and they've right-sized somewhat. They now play where eveyone plays.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:22 AM ^
I wish there was a real AWD version (I love vans, don't love the Sienna. I've tried...)
We rented a Caravan over the holidays. I loved it. The kids loved it. Driving around our unplowed sub was a bummer though. And it almost didn't get out of my driveway. (I'll admit I have an AWD Ford and a Jeep, so my driveway care isn't what it was...).
But utility.... man. TONS of space. Easily movable/foldable seats. Great mileage for the size. Easy to drive, comfortable....
February 20th, 2017 at 2:29 PM ^
You need a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.
Some light reading on it. http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/cayenne/cayenne-turbo-models/cayenne-turbo-s/
You can thank me later.
February 20th, 2017 at 6:35 PM ^
I also need one of those.
February 20th, 2017 at 2:38 PM ^
For our purposes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee works out well enough - we have a 2014 and so far have not had a problem with it aside from a minor recall for transmission-related software, which they were able to take care of rather quickly.
With as much hauling between various parks and pools and other places as we do in the spring and summer in particular, it seems to hold up rather well.
February 20th, 2017 at 2:45 PM ^
I will point out one thing: I advocated for a minivan earlier, and crossovers are popular, but one alternative for a family with younger children that doesn't need six seats all the time is actually an extended cab pickup. The ones with full sized back seats, plus a convertible middle seat in the front row, aren't bad. A friend loaned us their F-150 for a Michigan trip a couple of years ago and other than the annoyance of having a daughter between my wife and I it was comfortable and enjoyable for our 25+ hours of driving.
Of course, there are mileage and size issues, and it's not for everyone. But might work for some people. YMMV.
February 20th, 2017 at 3:08 PM ^
The cap has a lot of room, but the utility of the enclosed area on a cross over/ SUV would get way more sue than the bed. I can keep a stroller back there without having a cover. Groceries go in better. My dogs can ride inside the vehicle in hot and cold weather. I was able to fit our front door with a baby into the back of our explorer. Plus it wouldn't fit in our garage (single stall doors barely fit my explorer). For the very few times i'd need a pick up bed, its much easier to just rent a truck or moving van for the time I need it and then have my better functional SUV/crossover for the other 99% of the time.
February 20th, 2017 at 2:53 PM ^
Minivans are not sexy, but practical. Take the seats out and camp in them.
February 20th, 2017 at 2:57 PM ^
When my three kids were home I had a mini van(wife's ride).
-Seats can be moved around - flexible flat floor interior. .
-Lots of comfort and power(can tow).
-Extra room to haul kids friends. Don't forget about this.
I kept the mini van for 10 years while it was needed forthe kids. Bite the bullet and do it. You won't regret it.
Side note - Saw the new Ford GT this weekend near Dearborn. Its a wild ride like a Vette on roids. 450k worth - WOW! It had a wing on the trunk that adjusted to speed, braking etc.
February 20th, 2017 at 2:59 PM ^
But active aero is nothing new. Porsche has had active rear spoilers since the 90's. The Panamera Turbo's is sweet
February 20th, 2017 at 3:51 PM ^
I bit the bullet and got the Odyssey my wife wanted when we had a 1 & 3 year old. It worked well for us.
Last year that 2003 EX-L was totalled in an accident and she wanted a newer version of the same, so we ended up with a 2007 EX-L with nav, dvd, etc: the ultimate mommy-mobile for her. I honestly don't like it as much as the '03. It's feels piggish, has a low towing capacity, and would need a hitch to tow anyway. My wife likes it though, the kids have a dvd player, and it's her daily driver (10 miles/day maybe).
My own daily driver is a manual Civic - I commute 120 miles total every day and it gets 36-ish mpg.
This weekend I picked up a old Toyota 4Runner to satisfy my "manly urges" (4WD, towing capacity, big knobby tires, a project to work on, etc). It cost me about $1500, which isn't nothing, but as trucks go it's nearly disposable for a 3rd generation nearly indestructible engine.
I agree with getting the best vehicle for the majority of your needs, and if there's budget room down the road, get something that scratches your preference itch.
February 20th, 2017 at 2:58 PM ^
We've had a couple of Chevy Traverses and really liked them. The third row has enough room to be a realistic option when you have extra folks, or you can fold the seats down for extra storage during the rest of the time.
The Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia are the same platform, and drive essentially the same. You just get slightly different bells and whistles depending on which model and trim package you go with. I test-drove both before buying my wife's (2016) Traverse, and liked them equally well. In our case, we got the best bang for our buck by getting a mid-level Traverse, but that could vary depending on which features you're looking for.
February 20th, 2017 at 3:10 PM ^
Note that I wrote "winch", not wench.
But hey, don't let me tell you what to do about one of those either.
February 20th, 2017 at 3:23 PM ^
Through the years, we also had 2 Expeditions, a Trailblazer, and now an Equinox (though it doesn't have 3rd row seats).
For the money, I think the vans are hard to beat.
February 20th, 2017 at 3:24 PM ^
Those models are keepers - Landcruisers: )
I hadn't seen the active aero on the porche. All I know is the new Ford GT was impressive to see in person., It was a manufacters plate so it was it was a Ford employee type.
Another Honda mini van note, The front seats can't be beat for long trips. I'm 6-3 280 with a bad knee and it was great for trips.
February 20th, 2017 at 3:25 PM ^
February 20th, 2017 at 3:32 PM ^
Though the MKC is a bit pricey. I really liked the MKS but, well....
February 20th, 2017 at 5:55 PM ^
February 20th, 2017 at 7:08 PM ^
February 20th, 2017 at 3:26 PM ^
We have a 14 Durango RT V8 and we really enjoy it. If you're looking for hauler with a bit of pep and nice sound, it fits the bill.
This is a pretty nice comparison of some of the cars you mentioned despite being a few years old.
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/dodge/durango/2014/the-big-test-2014-thr…
February 20th, 2017 at 3:28 PM ^
February 20th, 2017 at 3:30 PM ^
A buddy has one and the 3rd row is good for most of the time.
February 20th, 2017 at 3:32 PM ^
Before that she had a GMC Yukon that we loved, but we ran into some major issues with it that nobody seemed to be able to diagnose/fix. Seemed like some sort of computer issue. The engine would randomly stop firing correctly. They got lucky when they traded it in because the issue didn't come up during their test drive, but that kind of scared them away from GMC/chevy.
This is random but I did see the Chrysler mini van at the auto show and the 3rd row on that thing was amazing. I'm a pretty big dude at 6'4" and the third row was like a full raised bench that was really roomy. Probably not worth getting just for that, but I thought it was cool.
February 20th, 2017 at 3:51 PM ^
February 20th, 2017 at 4:08 PM ^
To each their own obv. but we tote the gear/3 kids/dog around in a '15 Honda Pilot AWD. Replaced a '12 Acura MDX and that was the right choice for our family. Thus far I'm really happy with it.
We have an unheatlhy and nonsensical aversion to the minivan so it works for us -- just cannot do it despite the relative common sense the minivan offers.
Good luck! Bottom line IMO is get into the vehicle and test drive it around. Everyone has their own likes/dislikes and you'll get dialed into the vehicle you'll end up purchasing pretty quickly after testing a handful of vehicles.
February 20th, 2017 at 4:08 PM ^
If you can find one pre-owned and in good shape. Most people hold onto their "Subbies." AWD is standard so it means it will do just fine in the Winters and you won't take a huge hit in the gas mileage because Subaru uses the CVT tranny, something you might have to get used to. Subarus also hold their value better when compared to other vehicles.
February 20th, 2017 at 4:31 PM ^
February 20th, 2017 at 5:59 PM ^
February 20th, 2017 at 6:51 PM ^
I'll pile on GM a little. I have been talking up the Honda mini van I owned. I had two GM mini vans that were awful. I ended trading them quickly because of the repair costs. I switched to the Honda and it wasn't perfect, but much better.
I have been buying Honda's and Toyota's for a while now. Next new car I will give Ford a good look. I hope GM has fixed the issues, but they won't get me back.
February 20th, 2017 at 7:11 PM ^
To the OP, I would consider giving the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator or Explorer a try. I love my current Ford pickup. Much less clunky and glitchy than the GMs I have owned. Just my two cents.
February 20th, 2017 at 7:01 PM ^
February 20th, 2017 at 10:25 PM ^
My old XJ was Way better in that regard.
Don't get me wrong, BMW makes a real fun car to drive, and for a fun car I'd love one. But for my family main battle car that I need available all the time? Never, unless I have a Toyota or Ford in reserve for when the BMW's unobtanium sensor throws a code and puts the car in limo home mode.
February 21st, 2017 at 3:08 AM ^
February 21st, 2017 at 10:18 AM ^
I also realize my experience is ad hoc, too.
Having said all that, they were an M3, a 'normal' 3 series, and an X3.
Sensors sensors sensors were the bain of their existence. The cars seemed to chew through them; and the dealer never seemed to be able to make them right. My brother's 3 series was a complete hangar queen. I (think?) it had an I6/auto, but I'm not sure. Nothing ever really broke, per se (I.E. its not like it threw a rod or a water pump failed) but the electronics were nightmarish. I used to joke that it seemed if the job requires a solenoid, the Germans would put in a solenoid, then a solenoid for the solenoid, then a microcomputer to run both solenoids, all tied into the OBDC via a custom bus. If something goes wrong the car throws a code and goes into limp home.
For me, I pretty much only buy used; and the cost of parts and maintenance makes the German cars generally out of reach.
Having said all that, they were an absolute blast to drive; used great steel, and always felt well planted. Maintenance on little items (headlights) was great and well thought out. This was all a few years ago now, so I'm guessing they may have gotten all that stuff squared away.
February 20th, 2017 at 8:47 PM ^
February 20th, 2017 at 8:49 PM ^
I was looking for a 3 row vehicle last year. We have 2 kids, and just wanted an occasional 3rd row for carpooling, or when the grandparents were visiting. We were looking for a small 3 row SUV, but we ended up with an Honda Odyssey. It cost less than pilot, highlander, or similar sized SUV, it got better mileage, it was easier to access the 3rd row, and the sliding doors are much easier to use the garage. So… now I drive a minivan to work. Plus, since the Odyssey is due for a new model next year, it should be even cheaper than when we got it.
February 21st, 2017 at 7:57 AM ^