need some SUV advice

rfuerst911sc · 08-02-2018, 12:42 PM

My wifes daily driver is a 2007 Toyota Rav4 with a 3.5 V6 and front wheel drive . We just turned 123,000 miles and it runs like a top it has been a very good vehicle for us . But she is itching for something a little bigger possibly with 3 row seating . We don't want to go Suburban big but a little bigger and a little more upscale/comfortable . We are both retired and I would prefer to find a clean used 2015/16 in whatever we choose .

If we stay with a Toyota we are thinking about a Highlander . Also considering a Ford Explorer . In a perfect world would like to stay with a V6 but would consider a 4 . I know Honda CRV ( ? ) is a possibility along with Mazda CX9 . Heck I haven't ruled out a Cayenne

. I asked this same question a few months ago and had good feedback but now I'm seriously looking . Besides the one's I mentioned any other serious contenders ? I think trade in value on the RAV is about 5K and we want to be at about a 20K purchase so price range max is about 25K . We will pay cash . Would like to hear from my forum brothers

on what they would do or what they have . I already have the Boxster to cover sporty and Kong my GMC diesel 4x4 dually for brute muscle/hauling now need to cover plush/comfortable hauler .

Seahawk · 01:10 PM

I had a Highlander (2011) and loved it. The only reason I sold it was I stupidly bought a 2 wheel drive version. I was dumber than two dumb things...I'd still have it if I wasn't so stupid.

You are going to hear all the, "appliance", "soulless", "plastic", etc. comments.

All true but I am not looking for a e-ticket ride going to get take-out.

How much for the Rav?

onewhippedpuppy · 08-02-2018, 01:04 PM

How usable does the 3rd row need to be? As in, does it need to be able to fit adult sized people for a road trip, or little kids for a trip across town? Also, do you need usable space behind the 3rd row while the seat is in use? Those two factors will either qualify or eliminate a lot of options. I'll throw out some options once you answer, my wife and I just went on a similar quest and we looked at and/or drove a solid 20 different options in a similar vehicle to the one you want.

rfuerst911sc · 08-02-2018, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

How usable does the 3rd row need to be? As in, does it need to be able to fit adult sized people for a road trip, or little kids for a trip across town? Also, do you need usable space behind the 3rd row while the seat is in use? Those two factors will either qualify or eliminate a lot of options. I'll throw out some options once you answer, my wife and I just went on a similar quest and we looked at and/or drove a solid 20 different options in a similar vehicle to the one you want.

The 3rd row seating which will rarely be used ( 6 - 8 times a year ) will be children only and cross town type of trips . Likewise the storage behind 3rd row not that big a deal as the 3rd row 99% of the time will be folded down . Looking forward to your comments .

stomachmonkey · 08-02-2018, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

How usable does the 3rd row need to be? As in, does it need to be able to fit adult sized people for a road trip, or little kids for a trip across town? Also, do you need usable space behind the 3rd row while the seat is in use? Those two factors will either qualify or eliminate a lot of options. I'll throw out some options once you answer, my wife and I just went on a similar quest and we looked at and/or drove a solid 20 different options in a similar vehicle to the one you want.

I'd say Tahoe but as above, how useable does 3rd row need to be?

3rd row in a Tahoe is not great.

Take a look at the new Traverse. Pretty truck and a good size compromise.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-02-2018, 01:33 PM

Ok, now we're talking. We have three kids so we needed a usable 3rd row up to adult size, along with storage space behind the seat. Our criteria were good feature content, reasonable perceived quality, second row captain's chairs, and at least decent to drive. We did not even consider a large body on frame SUV because I already have a gas guzzling truck and neither of us like huge vehicles. Plus you really don't get a lot of practicality for that big huge Tahoe or Expedition.

Our final list:
Dodge Durango R/T - this is the sport model with the Hemi. It was the best to drive of all options, had nice feature content, offered captain's chairs, had a decent third row, had ok room behind the 3rd row, and did I mention the Hemi? Negatives were a real lack of storage inside and a cheap feeling interior, and it's on the big side for us. If you don't care about the Hemi you can get a V6 and it's still a nice driving SUV.

Ford Explorer Sport Ecoboost - again the sport model, this time with the turbo V6. Again really nice to drive, fairly nice interior, good features, available captain's chairs, good 3rd row, good room behind the 3rd row. Downside was not very comfy seats and sorta weird ergonomics up front.

Ford Flex Limited Ecoboost AWD - we bought this one, a 2017 with 5k for about $31k in mint condition. If you go a few years older they are easily in your price range. Honestly I can't say enough good about it. Great power, nice controlled but comfortable ride, surprisingly good steering and transmission, adult sided 2nd and 3rd row, available captain's chairs, huge behind the 3rd row, and I think they look cool as hell.

Other stuff to look at:
Mazda CX9 - I would have bought this one if we only had two kids. Really nice inside, great to drive, comfy second row. 3rd row is for kids only, not much space behind it.

Honda Pilot - sorta boring but ok to drive and super practical.

Infiniti QX60 - has gone by several names but it has a nice interior and good features, but was too small for us.

Acura MDX - a fancy Pilot that drives a little better, again too small for us but would meet your needs.

Mazda5 - this is oddball but we used to have one. Small outside, big inside, fun to drive, great MPG, sort of a mix between minivan SUV and hatchback. And you can get a stick!

Audi Q7 - beautiful inside and out, nice to drive, could potentially make you hate life.

MB GL - see Audi above.

Land Rover LR4 - see Audi above.

Lincoln MKT - basically a fancy Flex with less 3rd row headroom.

Stuff we didn't like:
Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia - felt super cheap and dated, very big on the outside. New Acadia is smaller but still feels cheap.

Nissan Pathfinder - also felt cheap inside, very oddly styled

Dodge Journey - had them as rentals, terrible POS

Toyota Highlander - my parents have a 2018, it's the most dull car and the transmission requires flooring to downshift.

1990C4S · 08-02-2018, 02:00 PM

Pretty obvious what you need...

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

What, some pasty looking trunk monkey?

juan ruiz · juan ruiz's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Ok, now we're talking. We have three kids so we needed a usable 3rd row up to adult size, along with storage space behind the seat. Our criteria were good feature content, reasonable perceived quality, second row captain's chairs, and at least decent to drive. We did not even consider a large body on frame SUV because I already have a gas guzzling truck and neither of us like huge vehicles. Plus you really don't get a lot of practicality for that big huge Tahoe or Expedition.

Our final list:
Dodge Durango R/T - this is the sport model with the Hemi. It was the best to drive of all options, had nice feature content, offered captain's chairs, had a decent third row, had ok room behind the 3rd row, and did I mention the Hemi? Negatives were a real lack of storage inside and a cheap feeling interior, and it's on the big side for us. If you don't care about the Hemi you can get a V6 and it's still a nice driving SUV.

Ford Explorer Sport Ecoboost - again the sport model, this time with the turbo V6. Again really nice to drive, fairly nice interior, good features, available captain's chairs, good 3rd row, good room behind the 3rd row. Downside was not very comfy seats and sorta weird ergonomics up front.

Ford Flex Limited Ecoboost AWD - we bought this one, a 2017 with 5k for about $31k in mint condition. If you go a few years older they are easily in your price range. Honestly I can't say enough good about it. Great power, nice controlled but comfortable ride, surprisingly good steering and transmission, adult sided 2nd and 3rd row, available captain's chairs, huge behind the 3rd row, and I think they look cool as hell.

Other stuff to look at:
Mazda CX9 - I would have bought this one if we only had two kids. Really nice inside, great to drive, comfy second row. 3rd row is for kids only, not much space behind it.

Honda Pilot - sorta boring but ok to drive and super practical.

Infiniti QX60 - has gone by several names but it has a nice interior and good features, but was too small for us.

Acura MDX - a fancy Pilot that drives a little better, again too small for us but would meet your needs.

Mazda5 - this is oddball but we used to have one. Small outside, big inside, fun to drive, great MPG, sort of a mix between minivan SUV and hatchback. And you can get a stick!

Audi Q7 - beautiful inside and out, nice to drive, could potentially make you hate life.

MB GL - see Audi above.

Land Rover LR4 - see Audi above.

Lincoln MKT - basically a fancy Flex with less 3rd row headroom.

Stuff we didn't like:
Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia - felt super cheap and dated, very big on the outside. New Acadia is smaller but still feels cheap.

Nissan Pathfinder - also felt cheap inside, very oddly styled

Dodge Journey - had them as rentals, terrible POS

Toyota Highlander - my parents have a 2018, it's the most dull car and the transmission requires flooring to downshift.

Been doing a similar research and for the money/features /space etc The Explorer Sport seems to be the best choice or maybe is that I can't see pass the twin turbo

ledhedsymbols · 08-02-2018, 07:14 PM

Wife's DD is a ten year old CX-9. We have had only a couple of repairs in the last 7 years (we bought used.) Our next family rig will probably be a newer CX-9. We really like ours, the higher trim levels are really nice rigs for the money.

944 S2 · 08-02-2018, 07:15 PM

In the Honda family:

CRV is nice, but 4 cylinder and 2 row only.
2016 and newer Pilot is 6 cylinder and like the CRV is available in both 2WD and 4WD and 3 row. Lots of room.
Both choices can be had for your budget. Great resale!

Those would be my picks, but I’m bias!

berettafan · 08-03-2018, 03:29 AM

Sequoia has a better third row than virtually any other vehicle Including suburban. Especially if you get 2nd row captains chairs. 2nd row seats are on sliders.

On smaller suvs the pilot is supposed to be the best 3rd row and considerably roomier than Highlander.

You might also look at mdx. Doesn’t appear as roomy for 3rd row tho.

If you buy based on 3rd row room you won’t end up with the most luxurious vehicle.

Gm did just come out with a bigger mid size suv. If I were considering explorer id go gm first. Sat in an upper level explorer and the interior felt really cheap.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nickshu · Nickshu's Garage

Volvo XC90 T8. 400HP hybrid. 3 rows. I ordered mine last summer and took delivery last November. I have been so impressed with this vehicle.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-03-2018, 03:50 AM

A really good step one is to go to the nearest Carmax. Not because I like Carmax as a dealership, I think their cars are typically overpriced junk. But you can look at probably more than half of the cars mentioned here to at least get an idea of what you like and dislike. That limits the driving from dealership to dealership looking at one car each. You’ll probably rule out stuff you thought you liked and find something that you didn’t expect to like. Also make sure to check both cars.com and autotrader.com as different dealers advertise on each, and only some on both. Being that you’re looking for a pretty new car you’ll probably end up at a dealership, it’s hard to find a late model used car as a private party sale. I guess most people who buy new just trade in every few years.

Kenonom · 12:18 AM

So here is the spec:

- under R260k
- 2008 or newer
- 12km/L
- highest NCAP rating
- space

Some ideas in no specific order:

Mitsu Pajero Sport
Mahindra Scorpio
Hyundai H1
Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8CRD
Toyota Fortuner (they don't ALL get stolen)
Ford Tourneo
Mahindra TUV
Jeep Cheokee 2.8 CRD
Mahindra Xylo
Kia Sportage
Chev Trailblazer
VW Caddy Crewbus
Nissan NV200
Ford Everest

Cheers, https://diceus.com/step-step-software-development-7-phases-build-product/

NutmegCarrera · NutmegCarrera's Garage

Subaru just introduced a new model - the Ascent. I have driven one, and the back seats are actually pretty use-able. And, it doesn’t feel like a behemoth.
Worth taking a look - but may not be exactly the thing for you.
I’m happy with my Outback as a DD. We have had four of them now.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-03-2018, 04:57 AM

One other thing, after you figure out what you want don't be afraid to shop nationwide. If you don't have the time to go and see the car, pay for an inspection from a company like Lemon Squad. For a normal car in most metro areas it's about $100 and they do a pretty comprehensive inspection including a test drive and photos. They helped me avoid wasting a trip to SD based on a lying car salesman's description of a Ford Flex. My neighbor bought a McLaren MP4-12C sight unseen based on a Lemon Squad inspection, which definitely takes some balls but that's a different discussion.

Ultimately we bought a Flex in FL sight unseen and had it shipped to KS. We ended up with exactly the car that we wanted and still saved money over buying it locally.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-03-2018, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NutmegCarrera

Subaru just introduced a new model - the Ascent. I have driven one, and the back seats are actually pretty use-able. And, it doesn’t feel like a behemoth.
Worth taking a look - but may not be exactly the thing for you.
I’m happy with my Outback as a DD. We have had four of them now.

That wasn't an option when we were shopping in the spring, or I would have considered it. They look very practical and I like the tall wagon style vs a big SUV. The layout inside reminds me of our Flex. I haven't seen one around town yet, but I like them in pictures.

rfuerst911sc · 08-03-2018, 05:10 AM

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 .

unclebilly · unclebilly's Garage

This thread is timely. We are going through this process right now as well. My wife loves her 21 year old Lexus LX 450 (80 series Landcruiser) but it’s time for something a bit more modern.

The Subaru Forester looks really nice but only seats 5. The Subaru Ascent seats 7 or 8 though and looks awesome as well.

What does anyone know about the VW Tiguan? Are they typical poor VAG quality wrapped in a leather interior or is there something redeeming about them?

I think u have her convinced that we don’t need 7 seats...