need some SUV advice - Page 2

Steve Carlton · 08-03-2018, 06:04 AM

How about a Volvo XC60 CPO? No 3rd row, but nice design, safe as hell, great seats. The CPOs would be under warranty for 7 years/100,000 miles from the original in-service date, and is extendable to 9 years/125,000 miles.

The one to get is the less powerful T5 5-cylinder, but if you're under the CPO warranty, the T6 incline 6-cylinder 3.0 turbo is the nicest driving one.

Erakad · Erakad's Garage

We traded in our 2012 Rav4 for a 2017 GMC Acadia. I'm not big on GM products, but this has been a great car. No problems, same gas mileage as the Rav (19-22 around town ... 24-26 highway), a lot more room, including 3d row seats, nav from my phone on screen, sirius radio, etc. Most of all, comfortable!

Norm K · 08-03-2018, 06:26 AM

The minivan is too often rejected out-of-hand by young families - particularly by moms who attach some sort of negative stigma to them. Never mind that it's almost certainly a better choice for the majority of families who claim they desire comfort, convenience, reliability, safety, flexibility and roominess, but who are clearly willing to forego those things, instead eschewing what is obviously the best option. And all because they don't want to appear "uncool".

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billybek · billybek's Garage

Had an email from the Lexus dealer yesterday that the Rx 350 is available in a L (long) configuration with 3rd row seating.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-03-2018, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Great advice from everyone as usual thank you . While I didn't mention it in my original post the Ford Flex was/is a consideration . But I will be honest Toyota quality is hard to go away from . I know the domestics are much much better and are very close in quality but this RAV4 is the 4th Toyota we have had and ALL have been as reliable as a stove

Anyone purchased a car through Carvana ? I have looked on their website some it is an interesting business model .

I have to drive nearly to Atlanta to get to a Carmax dealership but good advice thanks . I have the money ready to go just need to find the right vehicle . I will keep you guys posted .

Toyota makes good cars, but no better than anyone else. Their reputation was forged in the 1980s and 1990s when they were making probably the highest quality cars in the world. They no longer have that lead. Our last car was a 2017 Toyota Sienna XLE AWD that we despised. It was terrible to drive, the features were poorly designed and not user friendly, it felt cheap inside, and was overpriced. Go into your search with eyes wide open.

I'm totally biased but we love our Flex. 365 HP, AWD, comfort for 6 adults (captain's chairs), and really good to drive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm K

The minivan is too often rejected out-of-hand by young families - particularly by moms who attach some sort of negative stigma to them. Never mind that it's almost certainly a better choice for the majority of families who claim they desire comfort, convenience, reliability, safety, flexibility and roominess, but who are clearly willing to forego those things, instead eschewing what is obviously the best option. And all because they don't want to appear "uncool".

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If you have young kids, totally agree. We've had a Mazda MPV, Mazda5 (mini-minivan), Nissan Quest, and Toyota Sienna. When you are in the stroller and carseats phase of family life they cannot be beat. Now that my kids are older we no longer need that level of practicality and moved onto the Flex, which offers almost the same levels of space and comfort but in a much more enjoyable package.

rfuerst911sc · 08-03-2018, 09:53 AM

I would walk before buying a mini van

. Just not my thing . It is just the wife and I 98 % of the time so the RAV4 has been sufficient and a similar vehicle would also . But it's that 2 % that has me thinking about a vehicle a little larger . Would prefer to stay with a V6 as a compromise between performance and fuel mileage . And seeing that we are both retired a more comfortable ride is wanted also . I am curious if anyone has any real world feedback on buying from Carvana .

berettafan · 08-03-2018, 10:01 AM

so why a third row?

if it's for adults you might as well forget anything mid sized and just figure out which color sequoia you want.

rfuerst911sc · 08-03-2018, 10:04 AM

Why a 3rd row ? Because of grandchildren and visiting relatives that's what makes up the 2 % .

onewhippedpuppy · 08-03-2018, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berettafan

so why a third row?

if it's for adults you might as well forget anything mid sized and just figure out which color sequoia you want.

Full sized SUVs aren't the most practical choice if you want a big 3rd row. That trophy goes to the minivan. Really the only time a full sized SUV is the right choice from a practical standpoint is if you need space and the ability to tow/haul. Otherwise you will be better served by a minivan or crossover.

berettafan · 08-03-2018, 01:01 PM

agree but if 3rd row is priority this particular SUV is the bees knees.

minivan really is hard to beat tho. easy to park/drive, slightly better gas mileage and in Hondas case you get an actual motor vs. the hamster on a wheel they give you in the CRV.

Honestly for OP the Pilot is likely the best compromise. I personally like the look and feel of the Highlander more than the Pilot in terms of luxury but for space.....

I really would check out the new GM mid size SUVs though. I had a Equinox as a rental and no kidding it was a very competent vehicle. if was a soulless millennial who didn't care about 'car stuff' like power or road feel I'd probably own one. I gotta think the bigger Acadia is pretty nice. GM does know how to do luxury.

berettafan · 08-03-2018, 01:03 PM

just looked on GMs site---traverse is what the Chevy is called.

and the Flex is indeed a very roomy vehicle. not much else like it in 'car' form at all. very reasonable pricing too!