OT: Vehicle Buying Advice: Round XXX

[Husky25]

@Chin Diesel I think your best bet is a Pathfinder. When I originally bought my 2008 4Runner, I was considering a similar model year Pathfinder, but that was when the two vehicles were competing. Now the Pathfinder is more appropriately placed in the Highlander's class, but has superior towing capability to the Highlander.

As @HuskyHawk mentions, fuel economy and towing are sort of inverse of one another and a good number of vehicles that used to be thought of as SUVs have been "downgraded (IMO)" to crossover status. In search for better mileage, they forsake power.

 

[intlzncster]

I'll throw out my top choice...the new Honda Ridgeline. Ride much like a Pilot, but tow rating is higher and the suspension is stronger. Interior is a carbon copy of the Pilot and the under the bed storage is absolutely genius. New Ford Ranger might be worth a look as well.

I have a Mazda CX-5. Bulletproof after 3 years, but it won't tow anything close to 5,000 pounds. Gas mileage and tow rating don't go together very well, and I think that Ridgeline may be as close as you can get.

Yeah, the CX-5 towing capacity is like 2000lbs.

 

[intlzncster]

@Chin Diesel
As @HuskyHawk mentions, fuel economy and towing are sort of inverse of one another and a good number of vehicles that used to be thought of as SUVs have been "downgraded (IMO)" to crossover status. In search for better mileage, they forsake power.

Also people just started preferring smaller rides...and SUVs that drove like cars.

 

[NJHusky]

I would add to my prior post that the MDX is substantially bigger than the Cherokee...When I bought it, the cargo capacity was probably the largest in its class....you could put a 4x8 sheet of drywall in the back...the Cherokee is substantially smaller..with no 3 row seating...the MDX actually has storage space behind the 3rd row

 

[UconnFanNVa]

Go with a JL wrangler Sahara (because you want the AWD option). The 2.0 Liter Turbo gets over 20mpg highway with stock wheels and tires. Drives like a dream compared to past wranglers. Only SUV that gives you a convertible in the summer. Comes with all sorts of modern day features now.

 

[Husky25]

Also people just started preferring smaller rides...and SUVs that drove like cars.

SUVs are not cars (sedans), and crossovers are not trucks. So says Autotrader.

 

[Bonehead]

@shizzle787

 

[HooperScooper]

One thing to consider. The pilot and mdx are basically the same substrate with different finishes.

We have a 2010 MDX that my son now drives. Always liked it. Has never given us problems. I don't know about now but when we were in the market in 2010 the MDX drove like a sports car compared to the Pilot. The Pilot felt like I was driving a minivan. Is it better now?

 

[Excalibur]

I

One thing to consider. The pilot and mdx are basically the same substrate with different finishes.

And yet they drive completely differently . . .

 

[NJHusky]

We have a 2010 MDX that my son now drives. Always liked it. Has never given us problems. I don't know about now but when we were in the market in 2010 the MDX drove like a sports car compared to the Pilot. The Pilot felt like I was driving a minivan. Is it better now?

The Pilot was redesigned for the 2016 model year....looks more like an mdx than the pre 2016 pilot. A buddy that is a car guy bought the Pilot since as he said, it's almost the same car but its over 20k cheaper

 

[NJHusky]

And yet they drive completely differently . . .

Haven't been in the new pilot so can't comment...

 

[intlzncster]

SUVs are not cars (sedans), and crossovers are not trucks. So says Autotrader.

True, but 95% of drivers don't even take their SUVs off road, so the distinction doesn't matter to them--hell they probably have no idea of the difference. To them, the term is used in reference to form factor, rather than frame and off road performance.

 

[Excalibur]

Haven't been in the new pilot so can't comment...

Test drove both in May. Pilot still handles like a tank compared to the MDX. Ended up buying a very low mileage (5k) pre owned MDX as the primary family transportation. It fits our needs perfectly and is great to drive.

 

[J187Money]

Bought my son a 2014 XTerra. A little less plush or tech. But rugged, solid for this range of car and that engine will last forever.

And it tows 5000 lbs.

 

[mauconnfan]

Couldn't agree more on the Explorer, which has been my "company car" for the past six years or so, during which I have had three different ones, as we buy them lightly used (less than 20k miles) and tend to trade them in every couple years. Therein lies the problem, though, because I can't speak to long-term reliability, having never had one with more than 60k miles. Also, my past two have been the Sport version, which I have found to be a huge step up from the Limited I started out with. The Eco-boost turbo engine is impressive and very responsive; and the vehicle handles very well--twice allowing me to avoid accidents when I thought I was doomed. It's a really comfortable, durable ride with a nice interior. My wife's 2016 Pilot is very nice and she couldn't be happier with it, and I am fine to drive it when I need to, but I like my Explorer Sport a lot better in pretty much every way (except that it's almost 3 mph less fuel efficient). I am currently in a 2016 but I don't think he can touch one in his price range.

Added bonus if you get a black one is that people think you are a cop--including other cops.

LOL same stuff here 8893. We get brand new and go 60-70K and get new again - normally 24-36 months and I do have black yes people think you're a cop LOL.

 

[Husky25]

True, but 95% of drivers don't even take their SUVs off road, so the distinction doesn't matter to them--hell they probably have no idea of the difference. To them, the term is used in reference to form factor, rather than frame and off road performance.

To me, it's an eye test. My wife drives a Rav4. She would never call it an SUV. I replaced my 2008 4Runner with a the '15 version last month. No one in their right mind would call it a crossover (Though the '15 makes the '08 look like a Highlander). It just doesn't look the part. The gray area exists where vehicles that were formerly termed SUV in previous iterations have been introduced as crossovers in the current generation. Think the Explorer or Pathfinder.

 

[shizzle787]

@shizzle787

Get a 15 or 16 Pathfinder. The CVT issues ended in 2014.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Nice feedback so far.

This is what I am down to based on availability.

2015 Nissan Pathfinder SL- Second from the top trim level with technology upgrade and trailering package. Has about 38k miles. Red exterior, almond interior. Should get 25 mpg and can tow 5k lbs. Checks off all the boxes I need. Dealter is asking $23k.

2012 Lexus GX 460. Base model. Still loaded. 80k miles. Gold exterior, tan interior. About 20 mpg. Asking $24k.

2013 Acura MDX 3.7L Technology Package. 70k miles, should get about 22-23 mpg. This is the last year of the model run. 2014's and newer get a 3.5L engine and about 3-5 mpg more. Otherwise this is fine. Black with a dark tan interior.

2013 GMC Acadia Denali AWD. 67k miles will get about 22-23 mpg. Mrs. Diesel currently has a 2016 GMC Acadia Denali and I'm well aware of how it functions.

As for some of the other vehicles others have mentioned:

CR-V, RAV-4, CX-5- All great cars. I've owned a CR-V, my parents currently have a CX-5. None of them are close to the towing power I need.

Ford Explorer- Nice option. Nothing in my price range within 100 miles. Newer ones are still in owners hands and mostly you see 10+ year old ones for sale with well over 100k miles. Unfortunately the 2WD models on tow 3,500. Need to step up to AWD or the top of the line engine to get 5,000 lbs towing.

Subaru Legacy- Nice. Max's out around 3500 lbs for towing.

Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan XTerra and Toyota Sequoia- All great choices. Car market where I live either has 1-2 year old models still above $35k (most above $40k) or really old ones with 150k miles. If owners get past the first 25,000 miles or so, they hold on to these vehicles for another decade. Fully aware of the Acura-Honda, Lexus-Toyota and Nissan-Infiniti relationship in their model lineup.

Audi, Porshce, Volvo- Not risking reliability or repair costs.

I'm finishing up a business trip out in California and have working this all online and via email. So nice to do most of the leg work without having to go to dealerships and go through all the crud.

 

[Bonehead]

Nice feedback so far.

This is what I am down to based on availability.

2015 Nissan Pathfinder SL- Second from the top trim level with technology upgrade and trailering package. Has about 38k miles. Red exterior, almond interior. Should get 25 mpg and can tow 5k lbs. Checks off all the boxes I need. Dealter is asking $23k.

2012 Lexus GX 460. Base model. Still loaded. 80k miles. Gold exterior, tan interior. About 20 mpg. Asking $24k.

2013 Acura MDX 3.7L Technology Package. 70k miles, should get about 22-23 mpg. This is the last year of the model run. 2014's and newer get a 3.5L engine and about 3-5 mpg more. Otherwise this is fine. Black with a dark tan interior.

2013 GMC Acadia Denali AWD. 67k miles will get about 22-23 mpg. Mrs. Diesel currently has a 2016 GMC Acadia Denali and I'm well aware of how it functions.

As for some of the other vehicles others have mentioned:

CR-V, RAV-4, CX-5- All great cars. I've owned a CR-V, my parents currently have a CX-5. None of them are close to the towing power I need.

Ford Explorer- Nice option. Nothing in my price range within 100 miles. Newer ones are still in owners hands and mostly you see 10+ year old ones for sale with well over 100k miles. Unfortunately the 2WD models on tow 3,500. Need to step up to AWD or the top of the line engine to get 5,000 lbs towing.

Subaru Legacy- Nice. Max's out around 3500 lbs for towing.

Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan XTerra and Toyota Sequoia- All great choices. Car market where I live either has 1-2 year old models still above $35k (most above $40k) or really old ones with 150k miles. If owners get past the first 25,000 miles or so, they hold on to these vehicles for another decade. Fully aware of the Acura-Honda, Lexus-Toyota and Nissan-Infiniti relationship in their model lineup.

Audi, Porshce, Volvo- Not risking reliability or repair costs.

I'm finishing up a business trip out in California and have working this all online and via email. So nice to do most of the leg work without having to go to dealerships and go through all the crud.

Shizzle is your man anything Nissan and maybe others, dependent on pre-owned inventory.

 

[Husky25]

Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan XTerra and Toyota Sequoia- All great choices. Car market where I live either has 1-2 year old models still above $35k (most above $40k) or really old ones with 150k miles. If owners get past the first 25,000 miles or so, they hold on to these vehicles for another decade.

It is true that 4Runner owners love their 4Runners. That is why I upgraded from '08 to '15, but it took me 4 months to find the one I bought last month. I got it with 26K miles for $30K.

 

[Chuck]

Nice feedback so far.

This is what I am down to based on availability.

2015 Nissan Pathfinder SL- Second from the top trim level with technology upgrade and trailering package. Has about 38k miles. Red exterior, almond interior. Should get 25 mpg and can tow 5k lbs. Checks off all the boxes I need. Dealter is asking $23k.

2012 Lexus GX 460. Base model. Still loaded. 80k miles. Gold exterior, tan interior. About 20 mpg. Asking $24k.

2013 Acura MDX 3.7L Technology Package. 70k miles, should get about 22-23 mpg. This is the last year of the model run. 2014's and newer get a 3.5L engine and about 3-5 mpg more. Otherwise this is fine. Black with a dark tan interior.

2013 GMC Acadia Denali AWD. 67k miles will get about 22-23 mpg. Mrs. Diesel currently has a 2016 GMC Acadia Denali and I'm well aware of how it functions.

As for some of the other vehicles others have mentioned:

CR-V, RAV-4, CX-5- All great cars. I've owned a CR-V, my parents currently have a CX-5. None of them are close to the towing power I need.

Ford Explorer- Nice option. Nothing in my price range within 100 miles. Newer ones are still in owners hands and mostly you see 10+ year old ones for sale with well over 100k miles. Unfortunately the 2WD models on tow 3,500. Need to step up to AWD or the top of the line engine to get 5,000 lbs towing.

Subaru Legacy- Nice. Max's out around 3500 lbs for towing.

Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan XTerra and Toyota Sequoia- All great choices. Car market where I live either has 1-2 year old models still above $35k (most above $40k) or really old ones with 150k miles. If owners get past the first 25,000 miles or so, they hold on to these vehicles for another decade. Fully aware of the Acura-Honda, Lexus-Toyota and Nissan-Infiniti relationship in their model lineup.

Audi, Porshce, Volvo- Not risking reliability or repair costs.

I'm finishing up a business trip out in California and have working this all online and via email. So nice to do most of the leg work without having to go to dealerships and go through all the crud.

Not much to add other than I mentioned I have a 2014 MDX. Prior to that I had a 2008 MDX which would've been the same model as the 2013 you are looking at. We don't drive a lot, so I think we only had 66k miles on it. We had no issues outside of usual maintenance. Gas mileage did suck though.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Nice feedback so far.

This is what I am down to based on availability.

2015 Nissan Pathfinder SL- Second from the top trim level with technology upgrade and trailering package. Has about 38k miles. Red exterior, almond interior. Should get 25 mpg and can tow 5k lbs. Checks off all the boxes I need. Dealter is asking $23k.

2012 Lexus GX 460. Base model. Still loaded. 80k miles. Gold exterior, tan interior. About 20 mpg. Asking $24k.

2013 Acura MDX 3.7L Technology Package. 70k miles, should get about 22-23 mpg. This is the last year of the model run. 2014's and newer get a 3.5L engine and about 3-5 mpg more. Otherwise this is fine. Black with a dark tan interior.

2013 GMC Acadia Denali AWD. 67k miles will get about 22-23 mpg. Mrs. Diesel currently has a 2016 GMC Acadia Denali and I'm well aware of how it functions.

As for some of the other vehicles others have mentioned:

CR-V, RAV-4, CX-5- All great cars. I've owned a CR-V, my parents currently have a CX-5. None of them are close to the towing power I need.

Ford Explorer- Nice option. Nothing in my price range within 100 miles. Newer ones are still in owners hands and mostly you see 10+ year old ones for sale with well over 100k miles. Unfortunately the 2WD models on tow 3,500. Need to step up to AWD or the top of the line engine to get 5,000 lbs towing.

Subaru Legacy- Nice. Max's out around 3500 lbs for towing.

Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan XTerra and Toyota Sequoia- All great choices. Car market where I live either has 1-2 year old models still above $35k (most above $40k) or really old ones with 150k miles. If owners get past the first 25,000 miles or so, they hold on to these vehicles for another decade. Fully aware of the Acura-Honda, Lexus-Toyota and Nissan-Infiniti relationship in their model lineup.

Audi, Porshce, Volvo- Not risking reliability or repair costs.

I'm finishing up a business trip out in California and have working this all online and via email. So nice to do most of the leg work without having to go to dealerships and go through all the crud.

I may get a GX 460 myself. Gas mileage is terrible but it is an absolute tank. Indestructible and reliable, as a rebadged luxo spec Land Rover Cruiser Prado should be. Resale value on them is very high, even up to 200k miles.

Side comment, I am not fond of parking overly long or wide cars in my garage or elsewhere. All the other three on your list are a lot wider and longer than the GX.

 

[Northbound]

I may get a GX 460 myself. Gas mileage is terrible but it is an absolute tank. Indestructible and reliable, as a rebadged luxo spec Land Rover Prado should be. Resale value on them is very high, even up to 200k miles.

Side comment, I am not fond of parking overly long or wide cars in my garage or elsewhere. All the other three on your list are a lot wider and longer than the GX.

Uh, absolutely not a Land Rover Prado - as a member of many Land Cruiser forums you should be stoned for saying that. You can take a Rover or a Jeep deep into it, but if you want to get back take a Land Cruiser.

Resale on Land Cruiser, Prado, etc. in all variants is very high because there's company documentation that Toyota builds each for a useful life of 350K.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Uh, absolutely not a Land Rover Prado - as a member of many Land Cruiser forums you should be stoned for saying that. You can take a Rover or a Jeep deep into it, but if you want to get back take a Land Cruiser.

Resale on Land Cruiser, Prado, etc. in all variants is very high because there's company documentation that Toyota builds each for a useful life of 350K.

That was a typo by me. Land Cruiser Prado (not Land Rover Prado). The GX 460 is absolutely a Land Cruiser Prado.

 

[Northbound]

That was a typo by me. Land Cruiser Prado (not Land Rover Prado). The GX 460 is absolutely a Land Cruiser Prado.

Of course I knew that - but co-mingling those two deserves scorn - that's from the Land Cruiser nerd in me

 

[HuskyHawk]

Of course I knew that - but co-mingling those two deserves scorn - that's from the Land Cruiser nerd in me

Scorn accepted. While many Land Rover/Jag products appeal to me I won't touch them. A colleague at work has a Jag F-Pace. They came to get it for a routine, free oil change, and left him a LR Discovery Sport loaner. They kept it for 8 days. For an oil change.

 

[uconnfan68]

Scorn accepted. While many Land Rover/Jag products appeal to me I won't touch them. A colleague at work has a Jag F-Pace. They came to get it for a routine, free oil change, and left him a LR Discovery Sport loaner. They kept it for 8 days. For an oil change.

First they had to drill...

 

[Chin Diesel]

To wrap up this round of car buying, I ended up getting a 2012 Honda Pilot EX-L.

It was much older than I anticipated, but it had everything I needed and price was right. Also passed eye test of my daughter who insisted I not get a "mom car". She was really pining for a crew cab pick up truck but she said Pilots and Grand Cherokees were manly.

Tows 4500 lbs and got me 23 mpg on a 150 mixed use trip.

I had a few Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder I was looking at, but the Honda undercut them by $3k-$5k.

A trip back along technology lane. A 2012 Honda Pilot EX-L has hands free Bluetooth, XM Serius, leather seats which were pristine (Driver's seat was more worn but still nothing wrong), 4 12V / USB outlets, heated front seats, rear A/C, tow package with integrated 7 pin connector, variable cylinder management V-6......................

It's a Honda and their 3.5L is in millions of Pilots, Odysseys and Ridgelines.

Whether you are looking new or used, it's a golden age of quality vehicles that cater to your every need.

I'll use it for 2-3 years before my daughter takes it over for senior year of HS and college. Once her college costs are funded, I'll have a bit more fun with car shopping.

 

[minidarren]

To wrap up this round of car buying, I ended up getting a 2012 Honda Pilot EX-L.

It was much older than I anticipated, but it had everything I needed and price was right. Also passed eye test of my daughter who insisted I not get a "mom car". She was really pining for a crew cab pick up truck but she said Pilots and Grand Cherokees were manly.

Tows 4500 lbs and got me 23 mpg on a 150 mixed use trip.

I had a few Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder I was looking at, but the Honda undercut them by $3k-$5k.

A trip back along technology lane. A 2012 Honda Pilot EX-L has hands free Bluetooth, XM Serius, leather seats which were pristine (Driver's seat was more worn but still nothing wrong), 4 12V / USB outlets, heated front seats, rear A/C, tow package with integrated 7 pin connector, variable cylinder management V-6.......

It's a Honda and their 3.5L is in millions of Pilots, Odysseys and Ridgelines.

Whether you are looking new or used, it's a golden age of quality vehicles that cater to your every need.

I'll use it for 2-3 years before my daughter takes it over for senior year of HS and college. Once her college costs are funded, I'll have a bit more fun with car shopping.

Hondas are manly....said no man ever.

Thing is likely bullet proof and will make a great car for your daughter in a few years. Good luck with it.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Hondas are manly....said no man ever.

Thing is likely bullet proof and will make a great car for your daughter in a few years. Good luck with it.

I never said I thought it was manly. Daughter thought it was. Good enough for me