wife's looking to buy a SUV

Eagleclaw · 08-06-2008, 09:01 AM

HI guys and gals

My wife wants to trade in her car for a SUV and i'm looking for suggestions good and bad. We are a family of 5 so looking for SUV that will fit us. 2 adults 2 10 year old girls and a 4 month old baby. Make or model we have no preference. We are just looking for a good reliable SUV

thanks

spottedhawk36 · 08-06-2008, 09:13 AM

ford explorer, chevy tahoe, toyota has some cool new suv out.

Go_Getter · 08-06-2008, 09:17 AM

New used?

Duckwheat · 08-06-2008, 09:37 AM

Good timing. With $4/gal gas you should just about be able to name your price.

If you are not offering less than the trade in book value you are just not trying.

DW

TheRogue · 08-06-2008, 09:47 AM

If you're looking new.......hard to look past the GMC Acadia. We've had ours for a little over a year now. It's the 7 passenger model (dual captains chairs), instead of 8 passenger (bench seats). We have the FWD model (vs. AWD). We have averaged 20mpg on our commute, 1/2 city, 1/2 highway; regularly get 24mpg on the freeway. Rides nice, it's a great soccer-mom type rig, without looking like a mini-van!

TR

Eagleclaw · 08-06-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRogue

If you're looking new.......hard to look past the GMC Acadia. We've had ours for a little over a year now. It's the 7 passenger model (dual captains chairs), instead of 8 passenger (bench seats). We have the FWD model (vs. AWD). We have averaged 20mpg on our commute, 1/2 city, 1/2 highway; regularly get 24mpg on the freeway. Rides nice, it's a great soccer-mom type rig, without looking like a mini-van!

TR

She put her foot down and said she didn't want a mini van.. We'll have to check out the Acadia.. thanks guys keep them coming.

Mr.Kitch'nPass · 08-06-2008, 10:25 AM

Let me know if I can help.

Eagleclaw · 08-06-2008, 10:27 AM

anyone here own or have owned a Dodge Durango?? My wife really liked the one she test drove yesterday. Me i'm not a big Moper guy but it's her car. I just want something that won't cost a arm and a leg to fix and that will run for a while.

negoc8 · 08-06-2008, 10:28 AM

Honda Pilot, new or used, hard to beat for quality and reliability, and it will tow a little something if need be

ORrinker · 08-06-2008, 11:00 AM

Take a look at the Saturn Vue Hybrid. As gas prices go up you do not want to be stuck with anything less than a hybrid.

Randy

Baskett-o-fish · 08-06-2008, 11:08 AM

Compare SUV MPG at this site:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass.htm

I have a RAV4 and really liek the way it drives and handles. I have a V6 and the wife has the 4cyl. We use mine to tow the trailer and hers to drive around town in.

Currently I am averaginig 22 city/31highway in the V6. I am using a scangaugeII to track my fuel consumption, MPG and GPH.

maniacmikey · 08-06-2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleclaw

anyone here own or have owned a Dodge Durango?? My wife really liked the one she test drove yesterday. Me i'm not a big Moper guy but it's her car. I just want something that won't cost a arm and a leg to fix and that will run for a while.

I know the ride can be a little stiff on the Durango might want to check out the Grand Cherokee we had one till a drunk driver hit it in the middle of the night. My wife still talks about getting another one after 6 years.

6wapiti6 · 08-06-2008, 11:18 AM

I'd second the Honda Pilot. Mileage my not be great at 20 -22, but it's a nice ride and you can seat 8 with the third row of seats. I think the new model that just came out has the engine that adjusts cylinders depending on the type of driving your doing, so they may get do a little better on MPG's.

sandman · 08-06-2008, 11:51 AM

I have a 05 Durango with the hemi,I love it.I do only get 17mpg.I have 70k miles on it with no problems

sschwab · 08-06-2008, 11:56 AM

I've got a 2007 Durango purchase 12/06 with about 20K miles. It got just under 24 MPG on a recent road trip to the coast, but averages closer to 16 in my hilly local driving.

xdynamite · 08-06-2008, 11:58 AM

We have had 2 Tahoes and are now on to a Suburban. If you don't mind the fuel milage they are great all around rigs for getting the kids around, camping, towing the boat, ect. As our kids got older we needed more room for all the sporting equipment that the Tahoe didn't have behind the rear seat. I would suggest the rear captians chairs. Our suburban does not have them and our last Tahoe did, we really miss that. A friend just bought the new Tahoe hybrid and said he is getting around 24 with it.
Good luck with your search.
XD

FrogPond · 08-06-2008, 11:59 AM

Budget and annual costs should effect the decision. Look seriously at the new(er) Toyota Rav 4 if the budget allows.

Watch out for repair bills and less than stellar mileage out of the Durango.

Acura MDX ranked highest among used, mid-sized SUVs by Consumer reports.

Use Edmunds.com for some good research reading too.

Eagleclaw · 08-06-2008, 12:02 PM

Thanks guys... i hat car shopping with my wife... for her it has to look good and has to be Grey in color...

We've looked at some really nice rigs to have her say it's not Grey i don't want it.. oh yeah and it has to have leather seats... i'm glad i'm a guy...LOL

Pelagic Captain · 08-06-2008, 12:16 PM

I switched my wife from 17 years of chev. suburbans ( 2 ) to a small car and then back to the Ford Freestyle. This was a new model in 05. She loves it. It has 3 row seating ...very quite and soft ride..18 city and 28 hwy on the mpg. We have the fwd. model . Very peppy with a 3 liter engine and the cvt tranny. I would not recommend it for a tow vehicle at least for anything very heavy.

spottedhawk36 · 08-06-2008, 12:40 PM

my cousin has a durango with the hemi. they like it. just get a 1980 silver chevy van and call it good lol

Eagleclaw · 08-06-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spottedhawk36

my cousin has a durango with the hemi. they like it. just get a 1980 silver chevy van and call it good lol

LOL!!! i'd end up driving the van.. it old her we could buy her a little yellow short bus...

spottedhawk36 · 08-06-2008, 12:45 PM

why not if its gonna be a concrete 4x4

Eagleclaw · 08-06-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spottedhawk36

why not if its gonna be a concrete 4x4

because i don't want her driving my truck...

how did your team do in the Softball Tourney

newbeebob · 08-06-2008, 01:01 PM

Bought my wife the Chrysler Aspen (spiffed up Durango) and she loves it. Has the Hemi with MDS and 2nd row captains seats. Heard the 09 models were going to available in a Hybrid. 22K and no problems so far. Good luck

pdxkevin · 08-06-2008, 01:54 PM

I don't know if I missed it or not... new/used? size (compact/mid-sized/full)? what is it realistically going to be used for - long trips that require more personal space or smaller with much better gas milage?

My brother has a Mazda Navajo (same as the Ford Explorer) that is roughly 20yo with nearly 300K miles and is still running strong. I think a big part of reliability is keeping up the routine maintance and using synth oil.

For smaller SUVs, I like the KIA Sorento and if you plan to take it off-road - the Jeep Patriot.

Eagleclaw · 08-06-2008, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdxkevin

I don't know if I missed it or not... new/used? size (compact/mid-sized/full)? what is it realistically going to be used for - long trips that require more personal space or smaller with much better gas milage?

My brother has a Mazda Navajo (same as the Ford Explorer) that is roughly 20yo with nearly 300K miles and is still running strong. I think a big part of reliability is keeping up the routine maintance and using synth oil.

For smaller SUVs, I like the KIA Sorento and if you plan to take it off-road - the Jeep Patriot.

looking at larger suv. used for family trips to both our parents house and trips around town. Used is what we are looking at right now but if we can't find something soon that fits her bill then we are going to buy her a new one. We need the space... we have 3 girls 2 that will be 11 in Sept and one that is almost 4 months old.. so we are packing lots of baby stuff with us when we go on trips.

Dan Grbavac · 08-06-2008, 02:14 PM

We have an 06 Honda Pilot 4X4 and it is the finest rig I have ever owned.
Seats 8, lots of room, 17 mpg in town, 25 on the road. Beaverton Honda
has great service. Great resale.

Fishnfire · 08-06-2008, 02:17 PM

We really like out Trail Blazer you can get them in two sizes, with and without a third seat.
Good luck

SalmonNilla · 08-06-2008, 02:29 PM

After looking hard at durango's and explorers I just purchased a Toyota Sequoia. Third row seat, 4x4, lots of room for my 3 kids and us. Get's about 17mpg in the city. It's a 2002 with 96,000 on it. got it for $10,500.
Both my mechanic and my friends dad who is a mechanic said to stay away from ford explorers and that durangos were ok but get like 11 mpg in the city. If you want a domestic they said go with a chevy but they both said a toyota will run just about forever if maintained well.

Pinecone · 08-06-2008, 02:36 PM

Another vote for the Honda Pilot...we've got an 07, and love it. 8 passenger seating with the third row....4500lb towing capacity (with the tow package, includes transmission and power steering coolers. We tow a 17' Super V with no problems for reference.) pretty good milage for an SUV and 4WD. Great reliability and resale. Lots of room for cargo and kids.

oh yea, ours is "nimbus grey" with leather (leather is a great choice if you've got kids...easy clean up!)....it's a nice color.

- Joseph

Danno · 08-06-2008, 04:00 PM

A couple of notes from my experience:

I had two older model Durangos and they were great except fuel. It got worse mileage than my Suburban (those Durangos were slightly smaller). The new Durangos are bigger and have more fuel efficient motors but I haven't owned one so won't comment. After about 5 Chrysler vehicles over the last 20 years, they held up well.

I would not buy a Chevy (GM) again, 10 years old and 120K miles and something is always falling apart. The Chevy dealer asked what I expected for 100K miles after I complained. I asked him if he would spend $35K on a car in 1996 if the dealer told him that it would see over $6K in repairs within the first 100K miles? He had no answer.

Be careful of the mini SUVs. Only the larger ones truly fit three older kids in one row of seating. A child seat takes up a lot of space width-wise.

I'd go Durangos. You can get them real cheap these days.

spottedhawk36 · 08-06-2008, 04:30 PM

eagleclaw,

we got our butts kicked, not because we didnt have a decent team just nobody hit the ball as a team, i hit 8 for 9 for the tourney, the 1st game on saturday first pitch i hit a shot out of the park to leftcenter field, its was a bomb 300' fences and about 25 feet high in left field i was pretty pumped.

Eagleclaw · 08-06-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spottedhawk36

eagleclaw,

we got our butts kicked, not because we didnt have a decent team just nobody hit the ball as a team, i hit 8 for 9 for the tourney, the 1st game on saturday first pitch i hit a shot out of the park to leftcenter field, its was a bomb 300' fences and about 25 feet high in left field i was pretty pumped.

and you said you where a contact hitter... congrats on the long ball

Bluto · 08-06-2008, 09:11 PM

Drive an Accura MDX. It's a sweet ride. AWD - Lot's of room inside, lot's of power.

Half fast Toyn · 08-07-2008, 05:50 AM

cheap used... id go with an explorer or expedition. I think I paid $1000 for one that was a really good rig

New Id pick a Nissan Armada or Xterra, Toyota 4runner or Sequoia

spottedhawk36 · 08-07-2008, 09:38 AM

thanks eagleclaw, meant to drive it up the middle hard but good things happen when your not trying to hit one out and all the mechancis come together.

Eagleclaw · 08-07-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spottedhawk36

thanks eagleclaw, meant to drive it up the middle hard but good things happen when your not trying to hit one out and all the mechancis come together.

Yep.. i've hit a few long balls playing softball and they where always when i wasn't trying to kill it. Sorry that you guys didn't do so well but hopefully you had a good time and the weather was nice in Bend last weekend

spottedhawk36 · 08-07-2008, 09:45 AM

we mainly play on fields here during leaugue without fences, ive hit quite a few homers burning the outfielders but its a good feeling when its just gone and the outfielders cant run no more, the weather was great, got alittle rowdy in camp saturday night we stayed at tumalo state park, lets just say we put a few back that night.

zipper · 08-07-2008, 11:54 AM

My wife drives a 2005 Durango limited - all the amenities you can think of. She absolutely loves it. She says it's an SUV with "Attitude". Good luck. Zip

Pinecone · 08-07-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluto

Drive an Accura MDX. It's a sweet ride. AWD - Lot's of room inside, lot's of power.

Pretty sure the Honda Pilot is pretty much the same thing, fyi. Only the Honda has a little more cargo room since the back isn't as rounded, and it's a bunch cheaper! (and the Honda is probably not as shiney and fancy inside either)

I looked into it when I was looking to buy as well....

- Joseph

Eagleclaw · 08-07-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zipper

My wife drives a 2005 Durango limited - all the amenities you can think of. She absolutely loves it. She says it's an SUV with "Attitude". Good luck. Zip

yeah that's the SUV my wife likes...

Willis · 08-07-2008, 12:33 PM

I went with the Jeep Commander, I feel like I am driving a tank but hey thats what I like, We picked ours up used for 20 grand vs 30 for a new one had 10k miles on it.... let someone else take the hit for the new car. And right now you can almost name your price on a large suv....it has third row seats but they are only good for kids and the trunk space goes to nothing when you are using them. When we were looking I also like the toyota suvs good luck.

spottedhawk36 · 08-07-2008, 12:38 PM

what about an h2 hummer dont hear much about those they any good?

Eagleclaw · 08-07-2008, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spottedhawk36

what about an h2 hummer dont hear much about those they any good?

she want's a H3 that's her dream ride. we've drove one i wasn't that impressed.

spottedhawk36 · 08-07-2008, 01:35 PM

then again if you cant take the h3 hunting then its not worth it.

Eagleclaw · 08-07-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spottedhawk36

then again if you cant take the h3 hunting then its not worth it.

she'd never let me do that...LOL it only had a 5 cylinder engine weird. those things are to pretty to get muddy...LOL

Tilla · 08-07-2008, 05:19 PM

My 07 Explorer with V8 is a darn nice vehicle. I mean Ford really doesn't have a better idea by any sense of the imagination including the deranged Ford truck owners, but the peppy rig does a nice job and 22 mpg hwy. I would check out Dougherty Ford.

Hook-Line-N-Sinker · 08-07-2008, 06:36 PM

Was taking a look through the classifieds and found a killer deal on a Jeep Grand Cherokee!

BCF · 08-07-2008, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinecone

Pretty sure the Honda Pilot is pretty much the same thing, fyi. Only the Honda has a little more cargo room since the back isn't as rounded, and it's a bunch cheaper! (and the Honda is probably not as shiney and fancy inside either)

I looked into it when I was looking to buy as well....

- Joseph

Let me think ...Honda Pilot...Acura MDX.........same????? No way dude!!!!!

sandman · 08-07-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tilla

My 07 Explorer with V8 is a darn nice vehicle. I mean Ford really doesn't have a better idea by any sense of the imagination including the deranged Ford truck owners, but the peppy rig does a nice job and 22 mpg hwy. I would check out Dougherty Ford.

Didn't you just buy a new dodge from that place in Idaho???

Idahoan · 08-08-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleclaw

looking at larger suv. used for family trips to both our parents house and trips around town. Used is what we are looking at right now but if we can't find something soon that fits her bill then we are going to buy her a new one. We need the space... we have 3 girls 2 that will be 11 in Sept and one that is almost 4 months old.. so we are packing lots of baby stuff with us when we go on trips.

Jeep Commander 19-20 mpg, comfortable, good power, handles off roading well (not serious off roading), skid roads, etch.

Bluto · 08-09-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCF

Let me think ...Honda Pilot...Acura MDX.........same????? No way dude!!!!!

Exactly! We were looking hard at it - The MDX is one of the top-ranked (new) mid-sized SUV's... but yes it does have a pricetag. I did read somewhere where Honda was going to come out with their sister version though.

Eagleclaw · 08-09-2008, 08:55 AM

Well guys my wife is test driving a H3 as i'm writing this. She's on her way up my my office to show me... I guess i'll be elk hunting in styel this year

spottedhawk36 · 08-09-2008, 10:13 AM

I would drive it hunting i told my wife if we bought an suv we would use it for camping and me for hunting on weekend jonts only thing about them is my turck is better for hunting not real sure where id put an elk at LOL

Eagleclaw · 08-09-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spottedhawk36

I would drive it hunting i told my wife if we bought an suv we would use it for camping and me for hunting on weekend jonts only thing about them is my turck is better for hunting not real sure where id put an elk at LOL

i told my wife i was going going to take it hunting.. i said there was plenty of room for quaters in the back and i could tie the head on the roof rack

Eagleclaw · 08-09-2008, 10:43 AM

Well everyone my wife is a proud owner of a 2007 Hummer H3. thanks for all your imput. She is one very happy girl.

I'll post pics of her bright Yellow Machine when i get home... that is if she lets me near it... i might even sneak a ifish sticker on it

MsOutdrs · 08-09-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Half fast Toyn

cheap used... id go with an explorer or expedition. I think I paid $1000 for one that was a really good rig

New Id pick a Nissan Armada or Xterra, Toyota 4runner or Sequoia

I bought a 2002 Xterra new. It gets pretty good gas mileage on the highway but not so good in town. I found for highway driving (super-charged...hubby insisted...sheesh), I put "plus" fuel in it (its supposed to have premium but who can afford that?), and keep it on cruise control to get the very best mpg. I bought it because I wanted a SUV since I would be transporting my little grandson and following accounts of accidents, people who were in a SUVs fared (sp?) much better than those in cars. When they take all the SUV's and pickups off the road, I would drive a regular car. (I love those Smart cars for around town).

What I can tell you is that the Xterra has a truck frame. Although its very very sturdy (and great off-road), its not a comfy ride and is a little hard to steer. You do have to get used to it cause I think its design would be condusive to roll-overs. Narrower wheel base for the height. But I haven't had one ounce of trouble with it. Its got 60,000 miles on it...I faithfully have it maintained at the recommended times. In fact, my mechanic (oil change man) said its like brand new and he thought they were really good cars. He said so much so he is considering buying one himself and he's a jeep man.

spottedhawk36 · 08-09-2008, 12:38 PM

bright yellow? definantly a city slicker rig , oh no

Eagleclaw · 08-09-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spottedhawk36

bright yellow? definantly a city slicker rig , oh no

it sure is.. atleast it's not hunter orange...LOL it's got every bell and whistle they come with...

Pinecone · 08-09-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCF

Let me think ...Honda Pilot...Acura MDX.........same????? No way dude!!!!!

Maybe the new ones are different, but when I was looking in 2006-2007 they were based on the same platform, similar drivetrains (the new Acuras have 50 more hp then the Honda, but they were the same when I was looking). The Acura is definately a "luxury" SUV, so it's probably more tuned performace wise and the interior is definately much nicer. The Pilot is more family oriented, but they (where) basically the same car, built on the same platform. Only huge difference, practicality wise, was the price and cargo room. (Acura had about 3 sq feet less then the Honda).

Anyway, it's just one guys opinion. And I definatly could be wrong with the new models.

Oh, and Congrats on the new H3! Sounds like a fun ride....

- Joseph