Pick out a SUV for me to buy (1 Viewer)

[Dentist]

I need a new SUV pretty soon. I generally buy new or close to new and hold 10+ years. My current vehicle is an '04 Trailblazer.

Requirements: Must be able to tow 6200+ lbs. as I own a boat

Must not be one of the big full size SUV's like a Tahoe or Excursion or something like that because they are too big and wide and I hate them (max width like 77in)

Must be reliable as I buy and hold (no Land Rover or VW type of stuff that has horrible reliability ratings)

Must be able to haul 2 adults and 2 children plus gear around (decent cargo room)

Must be under 80K

So far vehicles I'm considering include:

Dodge Durango with the v8 - my concern is I've never owned a Dodge, but despite consumer reports loving the vehicle, their reliability is suspect... but how is today's car reliability vs. what I experienced with my '04... sure i had some troubles, but nothing that was that bad... i'm excellent and consistent with maintenance. Car looks good and is the cheapest option for sure

Lexus GX 460 Base - hate the premium gas requirement, the back door that swings wide instead of hatchback, has less cargo room that i have now - excellent reliability

Toyota Land Cruiser (2-3 years old) - great layout, strong engine, horrible gas mileage, very expensive... most reliable car on the planet tho.

Mercedes GL - vehicle looks nice, not sure I want the stigma of a Merc and I know their reliability is also suspect

or I could go in a completely different direction and consider one of the better new mid-size pickups like the GMC Canyon... i"ve never been a pickup guy, but these have the great tow capacity, seem just big enough to haul a young family, and would save me money over any of the previous options.

Anyone own any of these and have any comments about them?

 

[shadrap]

anything Toyota(Highlander or 4-Runner). Have owned both for ice fishing & hauling boat. Very dependable, which seals it for me every time. Honda in same category.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

anything Toyota(Highlander or 4-Runner). Have owned both for ice fishing & hauling boat. Very dependable, which seals it for me every time. Honda in same category.

Or Tacoma 4 door. Possibly the Tundra but it may be too big.

I'd say the Honda Ridgeline, but I don't think it has the towing capacity due to its unibody construction.

 

[AcerFC]

Im loving my GMC Acadia

 

[Dentist]

anything Toyota(Highlander or 4-Runner). Have owned both for ice fishing & hauling boat. Very dependable, which seals it for me every time. Honda in same category.

highlander hauls 5000 lbs max

4-runner is 4700

My boat and trailer fueled and loaded is about 4800 lbs. My trailblazer tows 6000 lbs and barely handles it

I doubt these would do it.

 

[Dentist]

Im loving my GMC Acadia

front wheel drive and 5200 lb. tow capacity makes me weep though. Nice vehicle

 

[Dentist]

anything Toyota(Highlander or 4-Runner). Have owned both for ice fishing & hauling boat. Very dependable, which seals it for me every time. Honda in same category.

Or Tacoma 4 door. Possibly the Tundra but it may be too big.

I'd say the Honda Ridgeline, but I don't think it has the towing capacity due to its unibody construction.

Tacoma could be an option, it's along a similar vein as my Chevy Colorado idea.. I'll keep that in mind.. I've never been a pickup guy, I'm not sure if I'd like the difference in a pickup vs. an SUV or not... trying to wrap my head around how i'd use it

Ridgeline doesn't tow enough (5000 lbs.)

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Grand Cherokee? 7200lbs

 

[Random]

New Durango is top of my list when my 03 Durango (bought new) with 150K on it finally goes - which is bound to be pretty soon.

Side question - What do you do with a the old vehicle when you get a new one. There's hardly any value on trade or sale. Hate to get rid of it for so little.

edit - also in the same boat with SUV vs truck. Though I like the Ram 1500.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

anything Toyota(Highlander or 4-Runner). Have owned both for ice fishing & hauling boat. Very dependable, which seals it for me every time. Honda in same category.

Or Tacoma 4 door. Possibly the Tundra but it may be too big.

I'd say the Honda Ridgeline, but I don't think it has the towing capacity due to its unibody construction.

Tacoma could be an option, it's along a similar vein as my Chevy Colorado idea.. I'll keep that in mind.. I've never been a pickup guy, I'm not sure if I'd like the difference in a pickup vs. an SUV or not... trying to wrap my head around how i'd use it

Ridgeline doesn't tow enough (5000 lbs.)

One thing about the Tacoma, they hold value like crazy. New ones are pushing 30k (for the models you would need), used are still 25k.

Being that you are crazy tight with funds, I figure holding value would mean a lot to you. This could mitigate buyer's remorse also since you could still sell for most of the value.

 

[Dentist]

Grand Cherokee? 7200lbs

Thanks, good idea, but Jeep is at the absolute bottom for reliability... similar to my concerns with Dodge.

Also that's a pretty small truck... If I go dodge/chrysler/jeep I'm going Durango because at least consumer reports rates it an 83... the Grand Cherokee is a #### sandwich

 

[James Daulton]

SUVs are ####. Get a truck.

 

[cosjobs]

I picked up a 12 year old GX 450 a couple months ago. Drives like a dream and I absolutely love it. Very clean one owner with 160K miles that I got for about $7500. At that price I'm only carrying liability, so the cost vs. new or nearly new is drastically lower. It took a while to find a clean one owner that I felt would last another five years, but since I only put 5-10K miles a year, I think I may be good.

 

[Dentist]

SUVs are ####. Get a truck.

Well, I have really enjoyed driving an SUV the last 12 years, I've never driven a truck.. and I'm guessing by truck you mean a full size one, and those are just too damn big

 

[pollardsvision]

Wait, Dentist owns a boat?

A cellphone made after 2008 is a frivolous, unnecessary expense, but a boat and the crazy-expensive SUV with great hauling capabilities to along with it is a sound purchase?

 

[Statcruncher]

Wife had a 2012 Durango, I hated it.

* The steering wheel didn't tilt (the entire column just pivoted up and down)

* The visibility sucked, blind spots bigger than Otis

* Interior seemed really narrow and cramped

* Storage behind the back seat was nil, maybe a shoebox or two

As for actual fit and finish it was a well made vehicle and we had no mechanical issues with it, so I give it a thumbs up there.

 

[mr roboto]

Wait, Dentist owns a boat?

A cellphone made after 2008 is a frivolous, unnecessary expense, but a boat and the crazy-expensive SUV with great hauling capabilities to along with it is a sound purchase?

Yeah this is mind boggling. Next thing you'll know he owns a timeshare.

 

[Statcruncher]

Wait, Dentist owns a boat?

A cellphone made after 2008 is a frivolous, unnecessary expense, but a boat and the crazy-expensive SUV with great hauling capabilities to along with it is a sound purchase?

Dentist launching his boat.

 

[3C's]

Had an 02 Durango. Ran solid the entire time i had it. Sold it with over 100k miles a few years ago and it was still running like new.

 

[matttyl]

anything Toyota(Highlander or 4-Runner). Have owned both for ice fishing & hauling boat. Very dependable, which seals it for me every time. Honda in same category.

highlander hauls 5000 lbs max

4-runner is 4700

My boat and trailer fueled and loaded is about 4800 lbs. My trailblazer tows 6000 lbs and barely handles it

I doubt these would do it.

Don't both have some "trailer upgrade" option? I have the RAV4, and it has a trailer/tow option which greatly increases the towing capability, though I just plan to have a bike rack or small trailer attached.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Where are you getting your reviews for the GC? I have one and love it. When I bought mine in '12, it had very good reviews. I just did a quick search of Edmunds, car and driver and consumer reports, and it looks like the '15 and '16's get good reviews too.

 

[mr roboto]

Where are you getting your reviews for the GC? I have one and love it. When I bought mine in '12, it had very good reviews. I just did a quick search of Edmunds, car and driver and consumer reports, and it looks like the '15 and '16's get good reviews too.

He's looking for 10+ years here not reviews on 0-3 yo models. Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge et al have improved recently but aren't exactly know for their longevity and build quality.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Where are you getting your reviews for the GC? I have one and love it. When I bought mine in '12, it had very good reviews. I just did a quick search of Edmunds, car and driver and consumer reports, and it looks like the '15 and '16's get good reviews too.

He's looking for 10+ years here not reviews on 0-3 yo models. Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge et al have improved recently but aren't exactly know for their longevity and build quality.

How's he going to get 10+ year reviews on newer models?

 

[Bucky86]

Mercedes. I really like the GL's.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Have you thought about a crossover?

 

[Dentist]

Wait, Dentist owns a boat?

A cellphone made after 2008 is a frivolous, unnecessary expense, but a boat and the crazy-expensive SUV with great hauling capabilities to along with it is a sound purchase?

My boat was a gift to me. It's a 1970 boat with a 2008 engine. I paid nothing for it. It is a family legacy item.

However financially unsound, my boat brings me great joy and is a centerpiece of many of our summer travels.

The insurance and storage on it is very minimal... and again I paid nothing for it.

I was going to have an SUV anyway... yes, i suppose that having to pay for one that actually tows said boat might be the worst part of owning said boat.

If it wasn't for the boat, I'd get a highlander and would be done with it.

But maybe you're right, maybe I should continue to use this trailblazer until it completely dies.. which could be another 50,000 miles away and at only driving 10K per year would be an additional 5 years of use... you may be on the right track.

 

[Dentist]

Where are you getting your reviews for the GC? I have one and love it. When I bought mine in '12, it had very good reviews. I just did a quick search of Edmunds, car and driver and consumer reports, and it looks like the '15 and '16's get good reviews too.

The car is rated well, but does not rate as a recommended CR model because:

Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 67% below average

 

[Dentist]

New Durango is top of my list when my 03 Durango (bought new) with 150K on it finally goes - which is bound to be pretty soon.

Side question - What do you do with a the old vehicle when you get a new one. There's hardly any value on trade or sale. Hate to get rid of it for so little.

edit - also in the same boat with SUV vs truck. Though I like the Ram 1500.

i have a nephew who I think my car would make a great first car for.

I've gotten all i could ask for out of this car.

In fact, a recent calculation tells me I've spent quite a bit more over the life of the car on fuel, insurance, maintenance, taxation and licensure than I did on the vehicle itself.

 

[Thorpe]

If reliability is that important, then either a Toyota or Lexus. The Durango may be more fun to drive if you get the big engine.

Be prepared for really bad gas mileage. The Lexus GX gets less than 15MPG with its V8 and full time 4WD.

 

[5Rings]

Ford F150 with ecoboost. Will haul up to 11k, provide 18mpg with a leadfoot, the twin turbo is a blast to drive, and the SCREW is huge and has plenty of room for 3 adults in the back seat.

 

[Dentist]

Tahoe is easily one of the best vehicles on the road and not much bigger than a Durango.

Dodge's are some of the worst vehicles

2007-2014 are the best looking Tahoe's in my opinion but the new ones aren't bad

Consumer Reports would disagree, rating the vehicle as a 67, much worse than the durango (and it really is quite a bit bigger)

and: Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 95% below average

 

[Dentist]

If reliability is that important, then either a Toyota or Lexus. The Durango may be more fun to drive if you get the big engine.

Be prepared for really bad gas mileage. The Lexus GX gets less than 15MPG with its V8 and full time 4WD.

I currently get 15 mpg in the trailblazer, so that will have no shock

worst part about the lexus is the premium fuel requirement

 

[avoiding injuries]

Where are you getting your reviews for the GC? I have one and love it. When I bought mine in '12, it had very good reviews. I just did a quick search of Edmunds, car and driver and consumer reports, and it looks like the '15 and '16's get good reviews too.

The car is rated well, but does not rate as a recommended CR model because:

Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 67% below average

Here's to hoping I remain in the 33%.

 

[Dentist]

Ford F150 with ecoboost. Will haul up to 11k, provide 18mpg with a leadfoot, the twin turbo is a blast to drive, and the SCREW is huge and has plenty of room for 3 adults in the back seat.

I wish it wasn't so damn big.... it is a really impressive truck tho

 

[Jobber]

Tahoe is easily one of the best vehicles on the road and not much bigger than a Durango.

Dodge's are some of the worst vehicles

2007-2014 are the best looking Tahoe's in my opinion but the new ones aren't bad

Consumer Reports would disagree, rating the vehicle as a 67, much worse than the durango (and it really is quite a bit bigger)

and: Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 95% below average

That's interesting, I haven't looked into the new generation much as I'm not a big fan of the facelift. I have worked in many different facets of the auto industry for the past 15 years and over that timespan the GM SUV's have been far superior to Chrysler. For size I was going by the weight, but the Tahoe is only an inch and a half wider than a new Ford Explorer.I wouldn't keep pushing that Trailblazer too long if you're towing that much weight with it. Honestly your best bet as some others have said is probably a quad cab pick up, they are awesome. When i was younger I thought I hated driving large vehicles but once I got used to it I actually prefer it now. I have a Chevy Avalanche that has been fantastic.

The Ford eco-boost pick ups are a blast to drive...but if you insist on an SUV I would say slightly used late model Tahoe.

Toyota's aren't all they're made up to be...my friend bought a new Tundra and he's now on his 4th windshield...they keep cracking from tiny stones...the only time I ever cracked a windshield was when I got a new Corrolla as a rental. They have their issues too.

Windshield issues? Come on. I owned a Corolla for 13 years with zero issues, with original windshield.

 

[Dentist]

Tahoe is easily one of the best vehicles on the road and not much bigger than a Durango.

Dodge's are some of the worst vehicles

2007-2014 are the best looking Tahoe's in my opinion but the new ones aren't bad

Consumer Reports would disagree, rating the vehicle as a 67, much worse than the durango (and it really is quite a bit bigger)

and: Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 95% below average

That's interesting, I haven't looked into the new generation much as I'm not a big fan of the facelift. I have worked in many different facets of the auto industry for the past 15 years and over that timespan the GM SUV's have been far superior to Chrysler. For size I was going by the weight, but the Tahoe is only an inch and a half wider than a new Ford Explorer.

I wouldn't keep pushing that Trailblazer too long if you're towing that much weight with it. Honestly your best bet as some others have said is probably a quad cab pick up, they are awesome. When i was younger I thought I hated driving large vehicles but once I got used to it I actually prefer it now. I have a Chevy Avalanche that has been fantastic.

The Ford eco-boost pick ups are a blast to drive...but if you insist on an SUV I would say slightly used late model Tahoe.

Toyota's aren't all they're made up to be...my friend bought a new Tundra and he's now on his 4th windshield...they keep cracking from tiny stones...the only time I ever cracked a windshield was when I got a new Corrolla as a rental. They have their issues too.

If I towed a lot, I probably would've replaced the vehicle by now. It's only about 10 trips a year, generally under 20 miles.. when I go on a really long voyage (2x per year) I borrow my dad's suburban.

It sucks to have to pick a vehicle out based on the boat given that 99% of the driving is regular style, which I would only need a very basic suv for.

In many ways I wish you could rent towing vehicles because that would project out as a major savings for me... but alas, rental companies don't buy vehicles with tow hitches and prohibit it in their rental agreements.

 

[Random]

It sucks to have to pick a vehicle out based on the boat given that 99% of the driving is regular style, which I would only need a very basic suv for.

In many ways I wish you could rent towing vehicles because that would project out as a major savings for me... but alas, rental companies don't buy vehicles with tow hitches and prohibit it in their rental agreements.

Why not purchase what you want (excluding towing requirement) and keep the Trailblazer for said trips?

 

[mr roboto]

Tahoe is easily one of the best vehicles on the road and not much bigger than a Durango.

Dodge's are some of the worst vehicles

2007-2014 are the best looking Tahoe's in my opinion but the new ones aren't bad

Consumer Reports would disagree, rating the vehicle as a 67, much worse than the durango (and it really is quite a bit bigger)

and: Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 95% below average

That's interesting, I haven't looked into the new generation much as I'm not a big fan of the facelift. I have worked in many different facets of the auto industry for the past 15 years and over that timespan the GM SUV's have been far superior to Chrysler. For size I was going by the weight, but the Tahoe is only an inch and a half wider than a new Ford Explorer.I wouldn't keep pushing that Trailblazer too long if you're towing that much weight with it. Honestly your best bet as some others have said is probably a quad cab pick up, they are awesome. When i was younger I thought I hated driving large vehicles but once I got used to it I actually prefer it now. I have a Chevy Avalanche that has been fantastic.

The Ford eco-boost pick ups are a blast to drive...but if you insist on an SUV I would say slightly used late model Tahoe.

Toyota's aren't all they're made up to be...my friend bought a new Tundra and he's now on his 4th windshield...they keep cracking from tiny stones...the only time I ever cracked a windshield was when I got a new Corrolla as a rental. They have their issues too.

If I towed a lot, I probably would've replaced the vehicle by now. It's only about 10 trips a year, generally under 20 miles.. when I go on a really long voyage (2x per year) I borrow my dad's suburban.

It sucks to have to pick a vehicle out based on the boat given that 99% of the driving is regular style, which I would only need a very basic suv for.

In many ways I wish you could rent towing vehicles because that would project out as a major savings for me... but alas, rental companies don't buy vehicles with tow hitches and prohibit it in their rental agreements.

Sounds like a business opportunity. Places like WI, MN, MI etc where many people vacation with boats in the summer. Buy 20 towing SUVs with sole purpose of renting out to folks like Dentist.

 

[encaitar]

Tahoe is easily one of the best vehicles on the road and not much bigger than a Durango.

Dodge's are some of the worst vehicles

2007-2014 are the best looking Tahoe's in my opinion but the new ones aren't bad

Consumer Reports would disagree, rating the vehicle as a 67, much worse than the durango (and it really is quite a bit bigger)

and: Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 95% below average

That's interesting, I haven't looked into the new generation much as I'm not a big fan of the facelift. I have worked in many different facets of the auto industry for the past 15 years and over that timespan the GM SUV's have been far superior to Chrysler. For size I was going by the weight, but the Tahoe is only an inch and a half wider than a new Ford Explorer.

I wouldn't keep pushing that Trailblazer too long if you're towing that much weight with it. Honestly your best bet as some others have said is probably a quad cab pick up, they are awesome. When i was younger I thought I hated driving large vehicles but once I got used to it I actually prefer it now. I have a Chevy Avalanche that has been fantastic.

The Ford eco-boost pick ups are a blast to drive...but if you insist on an SUV I would say slightly used late model Tahoe.

Toyota's aren't all they're made up to be...my friend bought a new Tundra and he's now on his 4th windshield...they keep cracking from tiny stones...the only time I ever cracked a windshield was when I got a new Corrolla as a rental. They have their issues too.

If I towed a lot, I probably would've replaced the vehicle by now. It's only about 10 trips a year, generally under 20 miles.. when I go on a really long voyage (2x per year) I borrow my dad's suburban.

It sucks to have to pick a vehicle out based on the boat given that 99% of the driving is regular style, which I would only need a very basic suv for.

In many ways I wish you could rent towing vehicles because that would project out as a major savings for me... but alas, rental companies don't buy vehicles with tow hitches and prohibit it in their rental agreements.

Why not keep the Trailblazer for said trips?

Exactly this.

If you have the parking room, keep the trailblazer for pulling and get yourself a smaller crossover that'll save you money on gas and comes with a much better reliability rating than any of the bigger vehicles.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I had an extra vehicle that I didn't drive much. One week I got the insurance bill, registration fee and emissions notice in the mail. I sold it later that month.

 

[Random]

Insurance should be very minimal (and most likely save you money) on insurance on an extra vehicle.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Have you thought about a crossover?

CRV! CRV! CRV!

 

[cstu]

Buy a used 2007 LX470 (last year of the J100 generation) with the lowest miles you can find. It will last you 20 years.

 

[Dentist]

It sucks to have to pick a vehicle out based on the boat given that 99% of the driving is regular style, which I would only need a very basic suv for.

In many ways I wish you could rent towing vehicles because that would project out as a major savings for me... but alas, rental companies don't buy vehicles with tow hitches and prohibit it in their rental agreements.

Why not purchase what you want (excluding towing requirement) and keep the Trailblazer for said trips?

Possible. I only have a 2 car garage currently. So i guess i need a new home with a 4 car garage... 2 regular vehicles, the spare SUV, and the toy roadster (currently in storage).. this is ridiculous

 

[Dentist]

Buy a used 2007 LX470 (last year of the J100 generation) with the lowest miles you can find. It will last you 20 years.

difference between 470 and 460?

 

[BobbyLayne]

You're buying CPO, right?

Nevermind, should have read the OP.

used Land Cruiser

 

[cstu]

Mercedes. I really like the GL's.

How do you like the maintenance?

 

[McGarnicle]

Must be reliable as I buy and hold (no Land Rover or VW type of stuff that has horrible reliability ratings)

Crap, does this include Audi? My wife has her heart set on a Q5.

 

[eoMMan]

Toyota Sequoia

Can haul 7,400 lbs.

Cheaper than the Mercedes.

Much more reliable than Mercedes and/or Dodge.

Winner, winner, go buy me a mother ####### chicken dinner!

 

[cstu]

Buy a used 2007 LX470 (last year of the J100 generation) with the lowest miles you can find. It will last you 20 years.

difference between 470 and 460?

The 460 is smaller, gets slightly better mileage, looks better (according to most people on the Lexus forums), and a not very useful 3rd row.

Can't go wrong with either.