we're in the same position. replacing volvo v70R with suv. wife likes Enclave, I think they look awful.

I plan to contact Eric once I get my ducks in a row and choice figured out.

one thing I've noticed and appreciate is the feeling of safety and substantial-ness of our Volvo. I drove a '10 Accadia w/25,xxx anb '08 Cayenne w/52,xxx back to back and there's no comparison. These were in the same price range. Safety is high on our list.

From an SUV guy, I'd go with the Edge. I'll buy another. Went from Greand Cherokee --> Grand Cherokee --> Sub OBW (not the best move) --> Edge.

Wouldnt go back. Next step will be either another Edge or Explorer.

i must say that every time i drive my Touraeg Diesel I am extremely pleased with it. Huge tourqe, quiet ride, will tow what you need and very solidly built

Here's just an example of a rental return 2013 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD located in San Francisco, CA

14K miles
Dual power seats
Rear camera
Ford My Touch touchscreen/Sync
Dual zone digital climate control
Etc, etc (see sticker)

Grade 4.2 of 5.0 (above average)
No paintwork, no damage, no accidents

Should stay under $29K with everything

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355848703.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355848709.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355848715.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355848722.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355848728.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355848732.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355848738.jpg

Great Scott! Dead? You have my condolences.

Scott's explorer group is also gone, but I'm sure there bound to be new explorers out there.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1355849496.jpg

If she liked the old Explorer she will really like the new version. Either that or a Tahoe. I think she would like/be comfortable with either.

Considering how I have driven rental cars in the past, I would REALLY not want to buy one. Just thinking out loud here....:cool:

+1 ...I generally drive rental cars gently but I've been in a few that felt like they had been ridden hard and put away wet. We recently rented a car in Dallas... it was night time when we arrived, the car was black and it had been raining. The following morning revealed we had missed a large buttprint (dent) right in the middle of the roof. Fortunately, nobody said anything when we returned it.

I tend to wash my hands everytime I get out of a rental car. My advice is this: while perhaps a rental car is a good deal financially, I would look it over REALLY close and then go spend a decent amount of money of a good detailing and disinfection...

I have many, many stories. Given the right gravel road, you can get really good air in a Dodge Journey.

The vast majority of rental drivers drive them like any other car: poorly but slowly.

Eric arranged the purchase of a rental return Mazda 3 for me. It's been great these first couple of thousand of miles and is in no better or worse condition than any thee 30k mile car. I plan on posting a thread on it later today.

Replacement vehicle..........
 

If she likes driving the SUV, get a new Explorer. My son has a 2013 model and loves it. If she would like a sedan, take a look at the new Ford Fusion or Taurus. I got my wife a 2013 Taurus Limited a few months ago and it is a great car. If the new Fusion had been out then, it would have been a difficult choice between the Fusion and Taurus.

Whatever you do, never let her drive a Lexus RX 330. You will never get her out of it. My wife is on her second RX and absolutely loves that car (sold the 1999 to our daughter with 240K and it still looks and runs like new) . Available with FWD or 4WD. I call it the mountain snow capable leather couch with wheels.

I know a couple people with the Lexus you describe. They were driven until they wore out, then traded in on a second one.

We just got a dodge journey. Its roomy. Good pep. Awd. Got that sensor key thing. Nice sport ute for the money. Will check back in two yrs for update

There are 3 ways to drive cars

Drive it like you own it
Drive it like you stole it
Drive it like you rented it

:)

Needless to say, I am in the "don't buy a rental car" camp. I have had friends rent a car for a large road trip, often 15k miles. No oil changes.

G