OT: Help me decide on a car/suv

[jh_on_the_cape]

Sorry to revive this...
I am also looking for something similar to replace an 2006 Volvo V70.

I want to fit 3 kids across the 2nd row. I looked at a highlander a while ago and the middle seat was really small. Still the case?

I like the new Pilot because the MPG is better but it was redesigned in 2016 and I my budget calls for an older model.

My research comes to the Pathfinder, which is an SUV/thingy like a subaru but has a 3rd row. Anyone have one and like it? Can you put a bike in the back without folding down the 2nd row with wheels on?

[stien]

Newer gen Highlander is cavernous compared to gen 1. They are best of the best in terms of reliability.

If I end up buying a car (debatable, sold mine in Jan) it's 85% probably going to be a minivan. Because 1 passenger, 6 bikes and 2 dogs in the car is a possibility.

[kurto]

I recently went through this experience, and we ended up in a weird spot. We traded in our Nissan Murano for a Buick Enclave and I couldn't be happier. It's nice (though not at the level of the lux Germans), and has insane amounts of interior room. We got it with 2 captain chairs and a split bench in the back, but you can get them with a middle bench. The kids love it cause they can stand up in the car, and it's just a really solid vehicle. We looked at all the imports, and seriously considered the Pathfinder, but the Buick just worked. Don't sleep on Buick - they sell cars to people under 70 now.

[saab2000]

I haven't really looked at GM cars much lately seriously but the current GMC Acadia Denali has me thinking twice. It's very nicely styled and gets quite good reviews.

Based on prior experience with GM, I'm gun shy. They haven't been awful, but long term durability seemed to be a weak point with a Pontiac I once owned and a GMC Yukon my family owned ran like a top for a long time, but experienced terrible underbody rust, which finally led to its demise. The fact that the fuel tank looked new after 18 years and the rest of the equipment underneath proved to me that it CAN be done. Rust of that nature and severity needn't happen.

I wish I knew that GM had turned the corner WRT long term quality and durability.

[Ken Robb]

I have little experience with SUVs but-------a pal who is a used car/RV dealer has got 150,000-200,000 miles of gopher service, trailer towing from Suburbans and the slightly smaller GMC version (Acadia or Yukon maybe?) I drove them a few times helping him move vehicles from auctions to his sales locations. Once I got used to their size relative to my MINI (No kidding) I thought they were ok--cushy ride--numb steering feedback--pleasant response from 350ci V-8 and auto trans. He gets about 18mpg on the cheapest gas available. I think his were NOT 4WD but I'm not sure. They have a bunch of room and probably are cheaper to buy/operate that many imports.

[jh_on_the_cape]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

I have little experience with SUVs but-------a pal who is a used car/RV dealer has got 150,000-200,000 miles of gopher service, trailer towing from Suburbans and the slightly smaller GMC version (Acadia or Yukon maybe?) I drove them a few times helping him move vehicles from auctions to his sales locations. Once I got used to their size relative to my MINI (No kidding) I thought they were ok--cushy ride--numb steering feedback--pleasant response from 350ci V-8 and auto trans. He gets about 18mpg on the cheapest gas available. I think his were NOT 4WD but I'm not sure. They have a bunch of room and probably are cheaper to buy/operate that many imports.

I would love a suburban but the mpg is terrible and they are more expensive than you think.

[saab2000]

Originally Posted by jh_on_the_cape

I would love a suburban but the mpg is terrible and they are more expensive than you think.

They are expensive have terrible gas mileage and are hard to park. I still want one!

The Tahoe/Yukon is the shorter version of basically the same vehicle. Still expensive with pretty bad fuel economy. Less hard to park. Huge vehicles for sitting up high.

True space efficient utility is found in minivans. The Suburban/Tahoe platform vehicles are decent in this regard but they add massive towing capability to the mix. Most people who have these heavy SUVs never use them for their intended purpose.

I really want a Toyota Land Cruiser but they're the best and the worst of the breed. Awful fuel economy and pretty bad space efficiency. Driven by lawyers, CFOs and orthodontists all over suburbia.

[marsh]

The size race in SUVs is amazing. My 96 XJ is downright dwarfed by most modern "Mid-sized" SUVs. Anybody have a Crosstrek? I might take need a new car if the job changes and I have to drive everyday.

[stien]

Originally Posted by jh_on_the_cape

Which minivan? I want Awd but the sienna Awd only fits 2 in second row. I really want an Awd minivan with a big wide bench 2nd row

Definitely a Sienna. AWD isn't be-all end-all to me though, plus I don't have kids, just the dogs. I've been very impressed by my wife's Prius in snow. Heavy+FWD does fine, would be excellent with snow tires but if we need snows, then we're riding instead!

Originally Posted by marsh

Anybody have a Crosstrek? I might take need a new car if the job changes and I have to drive everyday.

See previous post about Subaru engines. Don't get one. They have/had a class action lawsuit about the oil consumption. I had a '12 Impreza 5mt and sold it.

[marsh]

Originally Posted by stien

See previous post about Subaru engines. Don't get one. They have/had a class action lawsuit about the oil consumption. I had a '12 Impreza 5mt and sold it.

Oh man, thanks.

[Spinner]

Originally Posted by marsh

Anybody have a Crosstrek?

We bought a new Crosstrek in March to replace my wife's VW Beetle. She has the "Limited" trim level with leather seats and lots of electronic goodies.

My beloved 2001 Volvo V70 2.4T died two weeks ago (water pump seized, the timing chain broke and left the valves down to get slammed by the pistons). I looked for a suitable used replacement (either a V70 or XC 70) to no avail.

Decided to get a second Crosstrek (Premium trim with moonroof) because I think that they are fun to drive, they handle well and I didn't need or want a monster vehicle. I also like the engineering of Subarus (boxer engine with symmetrical awd) and I like the fact that they come fairly complete with accessories. Living in northern Ohio, awd has its place and we typically travel to NY and PA in the winter too.

The edgy look of the Crosstrek also appealed to me. And with the rear seats folded down, removing the front wheel on my bike makes for a clean fit.

Cheers.

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by Spinner

We bought a new Crosstrek in March to replace my wife's VW Beetle. She has the "Limited" trim level with leather seats and lots of electronic goodies.

My beloved 2001 Volvo V70 2.4T died two weeks ago (water pump seized, the timing chain broke and left the valves down to get slammed by the pistons). I looked for a suitable used replacement (either a V70 or XC 70) to no avail.

Decided to get a second Crosstrek (Premium trim with moonroof) because I think that they are fun to drive, they handle well and I didn't need or want a monster vehicle. I also like the engineering of Subarus (boxer engine with symmetrical awd) and I like the fact that they come fairly complete with accessories. Living in northern Ohio, awd has its place and we typically travel to NY and PA in the winter too.

The edgy look of the Crosstrek also appealed to me. And with the rear seats folded down, removing the front wheel on my bike makes for a clean fit.

Cheers.

how many miles on that broken chain?

[Spinner]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

how many miles on that broken chain?

90 k. I changed the belt at 110k and was ready to take the car in for another. Would have replaced the water pump at the same time.

I really like the Crosstrek, however I do miss the seats of the Volvo, the most comfortable in any car IMHO.

[soulspinner]

Originally Posted by Spinner

90 k. I changed the belt at 110k and was ready to take the car in for another. Would have replaced the water pump at the same time.

I really like the Crosstrek, however I do miss the seats of the Volvo, the most comfortable in any car IMHO.

I always wonder why some manus don't recommend water pump when changing timing belts. You are in there anyway, and while at it make sure the pulley the belt rides on turns freely.

[ripvanrando]

Originally Posted by soulspinner

I always wonder why some manus don't recommend water pump when changing timing belts. You are in there anyway, and while at it make sure the pulley the belt rides on turns freely.

Agree. Odd.

Don't the kits usually include belt, pump, gasket, tensioners, and pulleys? It did on mine. A $600-1000 maintenance every 90,000 miles (Toyota) is mostly labor but the alternative is the motor on an interference design.