coltboostin Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Goal-SUV that is wife friendly (see-auto, and OK if she wrecks it lol). She has a 14 Rav 4, but will start baby sitting and may need a 3RD row Budget-8 to 10k. 15+ if it makes sense. Most important to me-reliability. I should not expect to replace an engine/trans at 200k with proper maintenance. Buying Cash, want to keep it for 5+years. Minimum total investment. I would also like for it to be able to tow small boats and cars without worry. My F-350 is just not Family Friendly. Need- 4wd 3rd row Resale Want Remote start Nav/Roof/Do-dads Should I consider... Towing Capacity? Main Contenders GMC Envoy-04 up Price Interior 3rd Row+ I6. Reliable? Can it tow? T case issues? V8-are the issues with DOD that serious? Anyone know when they started to have remote start? Hyundai Santa Fe 07 up Girl friendlly. Do-dads Nice interior Is it realllly reliable? Basically Tow at your own risk it seems Cadillac SRX 04 up Rommy- GM price point with better fit and finish Can park next to my Caddy-get same color for maximum gay V6 ONLY?!?!? Reliable? Towing capacity? again-remote start in what year? Toyota Rav 4 (09-12 with 3rd row) RELIABLE 3rd row No towing Explorer 04 up Better Interior. Limited 3rd Low? Reliable? Worth mentioning Toyota 4runner/Highlander-EXPENSIVE. Not known for towing-less interior room for the $$$ Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade-She thinks its too big. Worth talking her into one? Why? Expedition/Navigator-you tell me. Please give any and all opinions on the matter so I can have Jordan @ JET find me the car!:lolguy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEVE-O Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Talk her into a Tahoe with the third row. I feel a navigator or expedition is just as bulky so it shouldn't be to hard to convince. I will say more 2 people at work looking for third row ( one is a big jag guy other a Honda guy) both would hop on a deal for the Tahoe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coltboostin Posted March 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Tahoe=Expedition "size" SUV though? Or, do they "drive" bigger? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEVE-O Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 I personally feel the expedition feels like it's bigger, but that's just personal opinion. If she is ok with third row and not a mini van, I'm sure once she drives a Tahoe she will be ok with its size. And at least for me being 6"1 I think the layout of the tahoe's interior is easy for people to move around/ get in and out of ( thinking of for hauling kids etc) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6 Speed S4 Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 A 5.3 suburban or 5.3 Tahoe. Stupid reliable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangsn95gt Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Another vote for a Tahoe it will pull a boat nicely too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontiacfreak142 Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 The envoy is a decent truck. We had an 04 trailblazer with the i6, never had any issues, and asside from sucking down gas while towing, it did alright, but id still get a 5.3 version. With hyundai, personally id say anything pre maybe 2010, is at your own risk. Havent found a kia hyundai yet that wasnt junk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lauren Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 First gen QX56 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 I would not own a Trailblazer or Envoy, the I6 isn't horrible, but the things feel cheap and sloppy to drive down the road. A V8 version is a PITA to work on, and yes DOD is a bitch, causes sticking rings and oil consumption on everything with it. I would delete the DOD or AFM on any GM V8 if I bought it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otis Nice Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Talk her into a Tahoe with the third row. I feel a navigator or expedition is just as bulky so it shouldn't be to hard to convince. I will say more 2 people at work looking for third row ( one is a big jag guy other a Honda guy) both would hop on a deal for the Tahoe. The Tahoe is just as bulky as the Expedition. I've driven both. Hard to tell a difference size wise. A 5.3 suburban or 5.3 Tahoe. Stupid reliable. Another vote for a Tahoe it will pull a boat nicely too. While I would say I'm not exactly a "Chevy guy", these are good suggestions IMO. The envoy is a decent truck. We had an 04 trailblazer with the i6, never had any issues, and aside from sucking down gas while towing, it did alright, but id still get a 5.3 version. With hyundai, personally id say anything pre maybe 2010, is at your own risk. Havent found a kia hyundai yet that wasnt junk. Uncle abused a Santa Fe (I mean, like never did ANY scheduled maintenance) for about 180K miles and traded it in. It had a crap ton wrong with it by then of course, but it was rust free and ran. I think it was an 04 or 05. I don't personally like them, but the reliability wasn't the issue. At the same time they had an Envoy. Had nothing but trouble. Yes, it was due to the way they treat their vehicles, but side by side the Hyundai took the abuse better. Again, just my opinion. One of my DD's is a beat up 2000 Elantra (different class, I know) with 148K on the ODO and the PO abused it as well. I can't complain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6 Speed S4 Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 The Tahoe is just as bulky as the Expedition. I've driven both. Hard to tell a difference size wise. While I would say I'm not exactly a "Chevy guy", these are good suggestions IMO. Uncle abused a Santa Fe (I mean, like never did ANY scheduled maintenance) for about 180K miles and traded it in. It had a crap ton wrong with it by then of course, but it was rust free and ran. I think it was an 04 or 05. I don't personally like them, but the reliability wasn't the issue. At the same time they had an Envoy. Had nothing but trouble. Yes, it was due to the way they treat their vehicles, but side by side the Hyundai took the abuse better. Again, just my opinion. One of my DD's is a beat up 2000 Elantra (different class, I know) with 148K on the ODO and the PO abused it as well. I can't complain. i've seen a lot of issues with the Envoys for some reason: Air suspension bags, compressor, abs issues, stabilitrak, SAI, front suspension.. etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRD2BDF Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 I say Tahoe as well I drive my moms tahoe when my car was down (not current car). I only felt that it was just a lot taller but didn't feel huge to drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoMeSomeFun Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 I have a 2002 Ford Explorer V6. Went all the way to 257k before I started having transmission issues. Just last week a bought another 2003 Ford Explorer V6 totaled and with 100k for 1200 with tailgate damage so Im just gonna swap my good panels onto the totaled ride and go for another 150K. Never really towed anything more than light loads, the heaviest was a pontoon boat for about 20 miles and it felt like it would jack knife if I had to stop suddenly but it got the job done. Just have to be careful with it, but I wouldn't tow a car long distances with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRTurbo04 Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 X15 for tahoe/suburban u can get a 150k mile for 8 all over autotrader so im with your hussle you could talk them down to 5-6 Thats what im looking at when my lease is up on my grampa car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbs3000 Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Sell your Rav4 to A.J.'s sister http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117119 she's got money burning a hole in his pocket. Use as down payment on newish Tahoe/burban. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coltboostin Posted March 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Sell your Rav4 to A.J.'s sister http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117119 she's got money burning a hole in his pocket. Use as down payment on newish Tahoe/burban. I saw that. I am sending him a PM. The Rav 4 is NICE-much nicer than previous years. Just does not fit the current need, and was a knee-jerk reaction when the wife was about to dive birth at the beginning of winter and was diving a Corolla. I dont regret it as it was amazing for her and the baby as a DD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caseyctsv Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 I have a 2002 Suburban Z71 that I am about ready to trade in on another Suburban. It has been an awesome vehicle. I am just spoiled and want a newer one. It is at the bottom of the price range you are looking at but if you would be interested I can give you the details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coltboostin Posted March 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 First gen QX56 I want to stay away from Nissan. I have never seen a newer model make 200k without a mass of issues. I would not own a Trailblazer or Envoy, the I6 isn't horrible, but the things feel cheap and sloppy to drive down the road. A V8 version is a PITA to work on, and yes DOD is a bitch, causes sticking rings and oil consumption on everything with it. I would delete the DOD or AFM on any GM V8 if I bought it. Have you owned one of these? Is the DOD issue really that bad on the V8? Does the Tahoe have the same issues? i've seen a lot of issues with the Envoys for some reason: Air suspension bags, compressor, abs issues, stabilitrak, SAI, front suspension.. etc I have read mixed reviews-but more leaning towards the problematic. I have a 2002 Ford Explorer V6. Went all the way to 257k before I started having transmission issues. Just last week a bought another 2003 Ford Explorer V6 totaled and with 100k for 1200 with tailgate damage so Im just gonna swap my good panels onto the totaled ride and go for another 150K. Good to know. I think Ford does make a good truck-my F350 has over 200k and is problem free. No 3rd row in an explorer correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coltboostin Posted March 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 I have a 2002 Suburban Z71 that I am about ready to trade in on another Suburban. It has been an awesome vehicle. I am just spoiled and want a newer one. It is at the bottom of the price range you are looking at but if you would be interested I can give you the details. How long have you owned it? Maintenance done? Any mechanical issues? And yes send details Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewtoys Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Diesel Touareg, You're welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coltboostin Posted March 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Diesel Touareg, You're welcome Maintenance scares me. Maybe if I was a VW tech I'd feel more comfortable with that. From what I have seen even minor upkeep is $$$ and many special tools required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewtoys Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Maintenance scares me. Maybe if I was a VW tech I'd feel more comfortable with that. From what I have seen even minor upkeep is $$$ and many special tools required. Cheapo car max warranty and you're golden. Every person I've spoken to with one of the diesels hasn't had any major issues, guy I just picked a car up from had two! 120+ k miles on each. No issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Bastard Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 No 3rd row in an explorer correct? Depending on the year, the Explorer did offer 3rd row seating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamgh81 Posted March 29, 2014 Report Share Posted March 29, 2014 +1 for a Tahoe. You can find an under 100k 2005 Tahoe 4wd for $9-15k. That's my vote, plenty big for family & boat at the same time. Just look for the 3rd row option as the older ones did not come standard with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coltboostin Posted March 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2014 No opinions on the SRX? Great price point for what you get, but I cant find much about the motor/trans combo in terms of reliability. I also cant find if it has a tow rating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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