SUV buying help

[aShufflinZombie]

I agree with nerp. My parents have owned an 03 Durango since new. A lot of power, decent space in the front and back seats. The only real drawbacks are the fuel efficiency and the third row can be a bit cramped if you are over 5'4".

 

[NutBucket]

The redesigned 2015 Chevy/GMC SUV's are a complete redesign and IMO are very current.

The interiors are awesome. Finally it doesn't look like a truck with extra sheet metal!

 

[waffleironhead]

My baby begs to differ....she sleeps all the time in our 4Ruuner.

Honestly, 4Runner is like a Tacoma (small truck) with a decent interior @SR5 features.

Highlander around here is actually more expensive because its market is slightly older folks that may not need/want the slightly larger capacity. You can get 4Runner with optional 3rd row....not available in Highlander.

Go drive a 4Runner....it drives like a car....nothing like my F150.

Third row seating has been standard since 2011 in the highlander, and optional before that. Looks like they now claim seating for 8, where before it's 7.

 

[UNhooked]

Well right now Dodge is the front runner. I can get a nicely loaded one for 4K off MSRP. I might wait till Sept tho when the new one comes out.

 

[chucky2]

The MKT doesn't have a 2nd row bench though, I think it's only 2nd row captains chairs, with a center divider thing. Maybe I'm wrong on that, don't know. If she likes it though and has the space you need, I doubt you'll find a nicer riding vehicle out of the options listed thus far.

One thing I'd stay away from on the Flex/MKT is the Vista roof (aka sunroof). They are leakage prone and don't have a high success rate for fixing. Also if you get AWD, don't believe the 'fill for life' claims of the transfer case (aka Power Transfer Unit or Power Takeoff Unit). That thing to ensure long life needs fluid changes probably every 30-50k mi. www.fordflex.net is a good forum for that community.

 

[Mermaidman]

Well right now Dodge is the front runner. I can get a nicely loaded one for 4K off MSRP. I might wait till Sept tho when the new one comes out.

Seems like a good choice. Look at USAToday today for a comparison of 3-row SUVs. The Durango came in 2nd. In first place was the Santa Fe, but it has the worst passenger/cargo space. ("Feels like a 2-row SUV; some compact cars offer more trunk space.") This is a fatal flaw, IMO, for a class of vehicles in which people buy them for hauling family and stuff.

 

[Legios]

If there are any 2013 highlanders around you take a look at them. They have removable bench/console part in the second row giving a unique feel with the ability to change between the too. There is a lot of room in the 3rd row but it does eat into the cargo space when the seats are up. I think all standard SUV suffer from this until you get into the Expedition/Suburban class size.

 

[NutBucket]

One thing I'd stay away from on the Flex/MKT is the Vista roof (aka sunroof). They are leakage prone and don't have a high success rate for fixing.

How hard is it to design/build sunroofs? It's not like they're some whizz-bang gadget that just came on the market. The GM triplets also had/have sunroof issues. (I ordered them anyway since SoCal is a perfect climate to have them)

 

[chucky2]

How hard is it to design/build sunroofs? It's not like they're some whizz-bang gadget that just came on the market. The GM triplets also had/have sunroof issues. (I ordered them anyway since SoCal is a perfect climate to have them)

Beats me. There are so many horror stories over at www.fordflex.net (Flex and MKT are essentially the same vehicle) that when my parents bought their 2014 Flex, even though they love sunroofs, they elected not to take the chance. I'm sure the bulk of people with sunroofs don't have any issues. The problem is, to me, the issue rate on them seems way too high, especially for such an expensive vehicle. Worse, the success ratio on fixes is not good. So what you're talking about is taking on a higher than usual amount of Risk that you're expensive vehicle will have wet headliners, floors, mold, smell, and then all the affects from the stealership (or sunroof subcontractor, as some stealerships don't actually fix the sunroof/leak issues themselves) from trying to fix it...all while you're paying for a fairly expensive vehicle you're making payments on.

Not worth it IMO...

 

[Soapy Bones]

Had an Enclave as a rental a week or two ago. I was really impressed and I have a high series GMC Terrain myself. The Enclave felt very sharp and i was pleased with the power and handling. I dont have a need for the third row today but in the future I can see that being a pretty good fit.

 

[desy]

My 09 Flex has a sunroof and I'm Paranoid about using it
It doesn't leak. . . for now

 

[Scarpozzi]

My 09 Flex has a sunroof and I'm Paranoid about using it
It doesn't leak. . . for now

I don't personally see much use for a sunroof myself. We have one in our 4Runner, but rarely have it open....though my daughter likes the 'auto' open feature...she likes to watch it open and close when I hit the button.

Don't be paranoid of using it though. If it does ever leak, just get it somewhere dry quickly and know that all the manufacturers have replacement gaskets for not a whole lot of money. As long as they seat well and don't have problem mechanically, they can be replaced pretty easily.

 

[NutBucket]

The problem for my vehicle is if the sunroof leaks the water tends to run down the a-pillar and soak the electronic modules under the dash.

 

[sdifox]

The problem for my vehicle is if the sunroof leaks the water tends to run down the a-pillar and soak the electronic modules under the dash.

I lost the overhead light dome that also has the sunroof control to the stupidity of MB. They put a water tray, but did not run a drainage line. I guess they figure that is harder to fix if clogged, but replacing that 700 dollar dome is easy...

 

[sdifox]

Well, test drove the Enclave, not bad, except not a lot of room, I figured I might be able to get by with something Enclave sized. Nope, going to have to go minivan.

 

[colorblind]

I realize you said no Toyota. However, I am in the automotive industry. There is no better SUV made then either aToyota 4runner or a Toyota land cruiser. While the price of the Land Cruiser is higher originally it will save you in the long run with less maintenance & repairs.the shop I work at specializes in Toyota Land cruisers. I would suggest you purchase one as new as you can afford. No older though then a 1997. We see these daily with well over 250, 000 miles.

 

[rommelrommel]

I have to say, I have a GX470 (Lexus 4Runner version) and the thing is a damn tank.

Fuel economy is not great but for full time rear biased AWD, locking diff, body on frame, can actually tow, etc... they can even be a bargain. Once they are a few years old the price gap between 4runner V8 limiteds and the GX470 is not all that much.

 

[colorblind]

I have to say, I have a GX470 (Lexus 4Runner version) and the thing is a damn tank.

Fuel economy is not great but for full time rear biased AWD, locking diff, body on frame, can actually tow, etc... they can even be a bargain. Once they are a few years old the price gap between 4runner V8 limiteds and the GX470 is not all that much.

The GX470 is a great vehicle. My wife has one. I personally prefer the size of my Land Cruiser though. As long as one replaces the timing belt, water pump, and tensioners then they give many years of service. Not like a GM product that by 200,000 miles would have already received a new fuel pump, transmission, etc, etc.

 

[Scarpozzi]

The GX470 is a great vehicle. My wife has one. I personally prefer the size of my Land Cruiser though. As long as one replaces the timing belt, water pump, and tensioners then they give many years of service. Not like. GM product that by 200,000 miles would have already received a new fuel pump, transmission, etc, etc.

The GM Series II 3800 can go to 250k+ as well. The typical problems for it are heater hose elbows ($4), water pumps, belts, radiator hoses....standard maintenance stuff. I know a lot of people who own this engine with 180-220k miles on them (personally). Most of the problems are caused by normal wear and tear, plus parts simply reaching the end of their useful lives.

My gripe with most cars is cheap door panels (shows dings) 4Runner is bad for this lately. I own one. Cheeap frames with little or no steel scares me. This goes with the perception that crumple zones only account for direct front impacts.... Cheaply made/configured interiors is last on my list. This includes everything from floor carpet shedding to cheap radio controls, short-lived gadgets, and inferior dashboards, uncomfortable seats...

I buy cars for longevity. It's hard to tell which ones will hold up since so many look good on the car lot and parts are constantly changing between model years.

 

[TheAdvocate]

Don't know what your hangup is with Toyota, but my wife and I had the use of a 2014 Highlander limited last week. It was extremely impressive. Absolutely loaded, and very comfortable family roadtripper. Kids loved the blu ray player, I loved the upgraded interior, huge touchscreen, ample leg room, ease of 3rd row access, and the split opening tailgate, which I dont think anyone else is doing. Only downsides were cost and fuel economy.

Seriously thinking about getting one now. May wait a year and pickup a used one with the first year depreciation already off. It's a helluva nice people mover. So much better than last gen.

 

[Yuriman]

Dunno how much of a concern it is to you, but I was rather surprised by (EPA rated) gas mileage figures. I was expecting Toyota to come out on top, but the Highland and especially 4Runner are actually relatively poor.

Rogue : 26/33
Explorer : 20/28
MDX : 20/28
Odyssey : 19/28 (for giggles)
Q7 : 19/28
Pathfinder : 20/26 23
Sorento : 20/26
Highlander : 20/25
Enclave : 17/24
4Runner : 17/22
Durango R/T : 14/23
Sequoia : 13/17

I realize they're not all in the same power/size brackets, but it's a strong showing for the Explorer. That Ecoboost engine really lives up to its namesake. I wonder how well the EPA numbers translate to the road.

 

[rommelrommel]

4runner is heavy as hell and RWD. Anyone cross shopping a FWD turbo 4cyl explorer and a 4runner is confused about what they want IMO.

 

[shredz]

We have 2011 and 2014 enclaves. Really pleased with them. Quiet. Powerful. Great 3 rd row. Wife loves them. Remote start with heat/air is a big winner.

 

[UNhooked]

So I bought a 2014 Dodge Durango R/T AWD in Granite Clear color. Has everything minus the kitchen sink.

I all honestly I couldn't find any other SUV that gave me all the options at that price point. Not to mention it looks badass on the road and not like a mommy SUV.

I have had for 3 weeks now and put about 3K miles on it driving it all the way to Canada from Atlanta.

For now very happy with the vehicle choice and as a bonus wife likes it too.

The BUICK Enclave did come close but once I priced it with the same options, the DD won. Plus not sure if Buick has Adaptive Cruise control which IMHO is one kickass feature for long drives.

 

[desy]

Nice I saw one on the road the other day from the back
surprise how Dart like the taillights are