What SUV for passengers and hauling stuff?
 

We currently only have a Boxster. We are buying a 100 year old, rural home on some land. We're going to need (a bigger boat) something with more hauling capacity. This will be used mostly by my wife, and for hauling the grandkids and guests so it needs to be nice and comfy. The missus won't want something that rides like a truck. She also doesn't want something like an expedition. I figure if we need to haul something that isn't appropriate for the back of an SUV, I can get a small trailer for that sort of thing. The missus would like a Macan or Cayenne (probably better for size and carrying stuff).

I'm also wondering what else is out there that would be 1) nice/comfy, 2) reliable, 3) useful for hauling people and stuff, and 4) reasonably priced for one with low miles (definitely under $40k max).

I know in another thread, I think, OneWhippedPuppy had mentioned getting some Ford instead of a Cayenne because you got something nearly as good for a lot less money and could even upgrade suspension and power and come out ahead.

Since this is going to be primarily used by the missus, we are not considering anything as large as a full sized pickup.

Thoughts?

Landcruiser?

I needed a tow vehicle for my track car back in 2012, I picked up a 2006 Touareg V6 and it served me well for over 45,000 miles of towing car+trailer. The surprise was what a nice ride it was for passengers, and the size of the hauling area with the seats down.
I still regret getting rid of it.
Bill K

If you can go a bit higher I’d suggest the 2019 or newer Ram 1500 Limited with the adult size cab option.
Seriously. And I did read not considering a pickup - hear me out...

The backs big enough for 3 adults - was the same size as the A8L - and while the beds short you can still fit lumber or bikes easily.

My wife was vehement that she’d never drive it. Too big. Ridiculous. You know the drill.
Until the one time she *had* to.
Now she wants me to trade the Tiguan in for one for her.
She will be getting mine when her lease is up.

If not, I’ve had 3 Touaregs. The diesel is way better than the gasser IMO if you can find one.
Both are good. Both will pull 7k uphill through the NC mountains at 70 but the diesel does it easier and gets better mileage. The atlas sucks in comparison.

Edit - I’ll bet there’s a dozen of the Rams f/s local to you in Tx. They were harder to find here.
Try one before dismissing out of hand.

I'm a little surprised that there's so much VAG love since much of what I've been hearing for the past several years is about them having electrical gremlins (not the SUVs specifically, just VAG stuff in general).

First of all, I love the house you are buying. Well done.

Second, the trailer idea is best, especially given your storage capability.

So, not a lot of off road capability is required or desired.

An AWD Toyota Highlander with the third row seating would be my choice. Trust me, the oldsters won't be able to get back there but it is usable seating for others.

I had a Highlander that was great, but I should have gotten the AWD. That is the only reason I sold it after 50k trouble free miles. I'd still have it if I didn't make the wrong drive train choice.

I just got back from buying fence boards from the local Amish wood mill. I took my Tundra and my 18 foot trailer. After driving my old LC daily, the Tundra is huge, as are all 1/2 ton pick ups. My son came home to help with the fences. He has an FJ Cruiser and we laughed about the Tundra: Great truck, complete luxury ride with more sheet metal than the Enola Gay.

How many people? Little people in 3rd row ok? Or just 4-5 tops?

I was gonna suggest a Honda Odyssey but you guys would just laugh at that.

Probably mostly 3-4 with 5 tops. I don't think we need a 3rd row unless they were like jumpseats that you'd only put little kids in.

I don't think I could get the missus into one of those with a crowbar.

Yeah, a lot of ignorant people hold that opinion of them. You have to drive one to really appreciate what a capable machine it is. I loved hustling around in the one we had. The V-6 surprised a lot of people. There is/was a reason Car and Driver loved them back in the day. Don't know if they still do or not as I don't read that mag any more.

I really like our 2011 Lexus RX350. Bought it in 2014. I would not buy new as they are too much money. Solid, dependable and not expensive to run. It has five seats. I put the back seats down, put a tarp in and carry all sorts of crap.

Toyota Highlander. Ride is smooth. I think you need to buy a XLE to get the split bench rather than captains chairs front and middle row. IIRC the Limited and Limited Platinum come with captains chairs in the second row.
The brand new on I bought was 38K plus tax.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/1072815-gonna-snag-toyota-highlander-limited-platinum-wondering-about-gas-mileage.html

Highlander... Pilot... though I don't like the look of the new Highlander. Too bulbous.

Mom has a Highlander. Great little SUV thats comfortable and surprisingly fun to drive in the manual mode.

a couple guys used the base model cayenne which is very close to the Touareg to pull fully enclosed trailers with racecars and tools in them on PRC race weekends. i always thought it was nuts.

one close friend that would rent an open trailer to pull his car used a Touareg for a year or so with no reported issues until he hit a deer on 101 in marin heading to sears point one morning totaling it. his biggest gripe was waiting nearly 4 months to get a slide hitch unit delivered & installed for the thing. this was 7 or 8 years ago so maybe they are more available today.

there are rigs such as the chevy tahoe that you can get a dealer installed or optioned tow package with hitch, trailer brakes and lights ready for plug and play.

Cayenne

If you’re looking to do Home Depot type trips and don’t want a pickup, the Chrysler vans are hard to beat for one reason and that’s the fold down seats. They recess into the floor rather than having to pull them out.

Buy one second hand for the reno project and then unload it. You’ll take a bigger hit on depreciation but you may find it more useful.

Interesting, lots of VW mentions, some Porsche, and Toyota, but no Audi.

Thanks for the info, folks.

We're quite happy with our 2018 4Runner. Comfortable, good HVAC, and decent performance. Lots of cargo room, and the rear seats fold flat for big loads.