including, the XC90, Q7, Pathfinder, Explorer, etc.?
I was looking forward to finally getting a 4 door Wrangler or Audi Q5 but the wife and I don't know if that'll be enough room for hauling us, the baby, family/friends, dog(s) and cargo. So we're looking for an SUV with an optional 3rd row of seats that can be stowed. We're not looking for a bus so the Suburban, Tahoe, Sequioa, Escalade-types are out.
Any feedback/experience with the above or any other comparable models?
My sister had a Nissan Armada and she absolutely loved it!!
Some background on her:
Her
Husband - around 280 lbs
Two small children (both with car seats at the time she had it)
Me - when I was visiting
Hauled a 25' boat along with above, no problems.
And she still had plenty of room for storage.
I used to drive it when I went to visit and, honestly, it doesn't feel/drive as big as it is. The Sequoia and Armada are almost equal in wheel base and overall length so it might be out for you as well but I figured I'd add my two cents.
Plus, the Armada comes in at around 3k less for the base model. Try to test drive one, you might be surprised.
I'll take a look tomorrow. Nissan is a block away. Thanks
We were given a rental Armada to drive from Boise to SLC for the WSBK races last year. It was friggin' sweet. [thumbsup] I'd at least look at a Tahoe. They really aren't all that big and I believe they get the best mileage for the class.
dude.... you just need buy and old U-Hail box van and bolt a couch to the floor.
That'll cover the moving all the time thing too.
Quote from: Triple J on March 20, 2011, 08:46:52 PM
We were given a rental Armada to drive from Boise to SLC for the WSBK races last year. It was friggin' sweet. [thumbsup] I'd at least look at a Tahoe. They really aren't all that big and I believe they get the best mileage for the class.
We took Randy's Sequioa down to Fort Huachuca once to pick up a Duc. That was a nice ride. Lots of space with about 25 cupholders. All of those vehicles are just too damn big for our needs though. I'd be happy with a RAV4 or Nissan Juke but the wife is putting the foot down and possible up my azz if I suggest either one of those again! :P The Pathfinder and XC90 are really pushing size limits for me.
BP, I was watching RVs 2011 and got the idea to just buy a toy hauler and live in that! Hauls kids, bikes, belongings, plus, can live in it! That would make things much easier!
My grandma's new Tahoe is pretty slick. I enjoyed driving it. Me, my better half, mom, dad, and grandma plus groceries and a scooter for grandma on the back was no problem at all. It also cuts 4 of the cylinders in low-load situations to save gas. Good times!
Ahh..no Tahoe!!
Since you're always moving around, just move to Europe where you can get one of these. [evil]
AUDI Q7 V12 TDI vs. BMW M5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsStoFUydfA#normal)
Audi Q7 V12 TDI - iMOTOR drive (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o47pb2Mt56E&feature=related#normal)
I was actually just checking out the Q7 passenger room when I saw your post. [thumbsup]
I think we just need the V6 however.
Quote from: IZ on March 21, 2011, 01:09:36 AM
I was actually just checking out the Q7 passenger room when I saw your post. [thumbsup]
I think we just need the V6 however.
Can't get that monster engine here anyway and besides that thing would cost north of a 100k. :P
Went looking at stuff ourselves this weekend and might end up going with a Q5. The Q7 is more than we would need both from a price standpoint and size.
Would you really need the third row you think?
We test drove the Q5 a couple weeks ago. fun vehicle and love the panoramic sunroof! I could use it for myself. I am just thinking ahead for the 3rd row option. Expecting baby soon and a lot of family visiting often.
Bought an 07 pathfinder this winter for family hauling duty. Drives really nice for it's size, gets about 20 mpg on the highway, and is rated at 6000lbs towing capacity. Plenty of power in the v6. Body on frame construction, but doesn't squeak and rattle like the old ones. I drove several SUVs and found this to be the nicest driving real suv out there in my price range. Ready to go camping now!!!
It is based upon the same platform as the Armada, Xterra, and Frontier. Biggest difference between the Xterra and it is 3rd row seats and four wheel independent suspension.
You need to decide a couple things and that will narrow your choices.
1) frame or unibody construction?
2) transfer case?
3) towing capacity?
4) what types of seats do you want in the middle row - bench or captain? (captain's chairs narrow down the list quickly)
I have been looking a lot lately also, and I haven't found the perfect 3rd row suv yet.
For 1 kid and dogs, I don't really think you need a full size suv. We have 2 kids and a dog and we can fit in a CRV & Xterra with a yakima rooftop box.
How big do you want/need?
We looked at the larger SUVs and then looked at the Kia Sorento with the 3rd row. We have two kids in baby seats and the third row works well for small/medium sized passengers. The 3rd row takes up most of the cargo space (when open), but if you're going around with 7 passengers, and want to carry cargo, then you need a trailer, imho, as the vehicle is going to be packed solid. When the 3rd row is down, the cargo area is cavernous. Huge.
The Sorento with V6 and a trailer hitch is all you need with the 3rd row. Excellent vehicle, we have had it a year now and would buy it again (2011 model).
Honda Pilot. I had the previous model and loved it. The new ones are even better. I don't have an SUV now b/c I have a company car, but if I had to do it again, that would be at the top of my list.
Ciao!
Also remember, anything in infinity has a much cheaper counter part in Nissan. We've been looking for one too, 7 seater, when money allows it.. was looking at the QX56 but notice the armada, same thing, was about 10-20 grand cheaper.. armada is huge, pathfinder has a 7 seater and is smaller, less cargo... we also liked the new darango and journey... I wanted a trailblazer ss but no 3rd with those mdels..
Edit: yes the pilot is another good option..
That four door Wrangler sure would be nice. You just have to show up with it and pretend not to know any better.
"But the dealer told me it could seat seven..."
Not much experience with all the models listed, but I was recently in the market - I looked at the models you listed plus: Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz, MB R350, Ford Flex. The Pathfinder was attractive for features:price, but I would have taken a good deal on a Pilot or a Highlander Hybrid. I like the MB, but it was a bit mini vanish, which defeated the purpose of shopping for a seven-seater SUV. The diesel motor is available (but rare on the used market) if that is your preference. The XC was the early favorite, but they don't have the best mechanical record of the group, and they are relatively gutless unless you get the V8.
In the end, I caved and bought an FX35. I bought it because I love driving it, and I counted up the amount of times I have needed seven seats for seven asses, and decided renting a seven-seater once a year was a small price to pay for driving something I like. FWIW we have two kids and a dog, and we packed for a weekend trip without needing a trailer or roof storage.
We have a 2003 explorer we bought new and have put about 140,000 miles on it. The v8 is overkill unless you tow as we get about 16 mpg overall, but we use it to tow the sailboat (and it doesn't even know the bike trailer is behind it when we use it for that). It's shorter and got a better turning radius than my ranger, but we have often gone to dinner with 6 or seven people. Rear seats fold to floor and with middle seats down it's pretty comfy to sleep in at things like DIMBY. We found it an ok compromise for our towing and city driving needs. (we've done 6 people and the kidseat pretty easity too btw)
Big change from Ford this year as Explorer is now v6 only and not body on frame. But if I had to replace it today I'd get another one.
Quote from: Statler on March 21, 2011, 09:10:48 AM
Big change from Ford this year as Explorer is now v6 only and not body on frame. But if I had to replace it today I'd get another one.
I like the new one too, but the reviews on edmunds are pretty rough on the electronics side - lots of bugs on the My Touch system.
mitt
Mitt..I started off looking at the Xterra. I like it since it pa comparable to my old Montero Sport. That had plenty of room for the us and the Mastiff and Pug way in back and two adults as passengers in middle.
Cokey, that new Pilot doesn't offer much for looks but it has a lot of room and extras. We checked them out a few weeks ago.
Stat, we're from GM/Chevy land in MidMichigan. Never even looked at Fords before my friend mentioned the redesign for the Explorer. I'd like to see one in person. thanks for heads up on electrical glitches with them though Mitt. I'm sure they'll be worked out for the new arrivals in the next several months.
which ones in this class have captain seats in the middle other than the Tahoe Mitt?
I can't recommend a seven seat SUV, but I can tell you don't go Honda/Acura
Had a Acura MDX with 2 transmission rebuilds and finally dead, in less than 130k
That's no good. I didn't really start looking at the MDX until this past weekend. What I don't like about them is that they had a cool design when they first came out but they never really change. Maybe good cars..in your experience NO..but I don't care for them much.
The wife is after me for the same thing... everyone in our neighborhood either has a Chevy Traverse or a Honda Pilot. I've borrowed both a couple times... the Traverse is great for typical suburban duty, and claims towing ability. It didn't feel too peppy loaded with people and soccer gear, so I dunno about that claim. The Honda pulled a utility trailer with a riding mower with no complaints, but rides like a truck the rest of the time.
I think mitt nailed it when he suggested you figure out how you'll be using it first.
Quote from: IZ on March 21, 2011, 12:03:08 PM
which ones in this class have captain seats in the middle other than the Tahoe Mitt?
The only "small" ones that I have found are:
GM - traverse, acadia, enclave - it is an option & Toyota highlander - it is a removable tiny middle seat. Of course most minivans do to.
Full size suvs typically have it as an option like the tahoe, expedition, armada, sequoia.
I'm supprised nobody has mentioned the Mazda CX-7 (or CX-9) or the lexus RX. The wife wants the RX for pretty much the same reasons as IZ but the CX has many of the same options but 20k less.
Mazda CX-7 - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-mazda-cx-7.htm (http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-mazda-cx-7.htm)
Mazda CX-9 - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-mazda-cx-9.htm (http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-mazda-cx-9.htm)
Lexus RX - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-lexus-rx.htm (http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-lexus-rx.htm)
Hyundai Tucson - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-hyundai-tucson.htm (http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-hyundai-tucson.htm)
Hyundai Santa Fe - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-hyundai-santa-fe.htm (http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-hyundai-santa-fe.htm)
Man, those are all ugly. [puke]
Adam...just get an Xterra or a Pathfinder. At least they still look like trucks. Of course, you liked the Honda Ridgeline, so... ;D
Oh...has anyone mentioned a Tahoe yet??? [evil]
;D
wtf?!
Quote from: Triple J on March 21, 2011, 01:41:10 PM
Man, those are all ugly. [puke]
well i mean, the CX and RX look similar to the Audi (just dont have the german flair) and the Santa fe looks like the pilot. And just because the Xterra looks like a truck doesnt mean it's got great ride quality....it's like buying a wrangler....though, the pathfinders are nice!
Quote from: djrashonal on March 21, 2011, 01:54:13 PM
Xterra looks like a truck doesnt mean it's got great ride quality....it's like buying a wrangler....though, the pathfinders are nice!
I have an '04 Xterra with 85,000 miles...it is light years ahead of the Wrangler as far as ride quality is concerned. Agreed it isn't as nice as a higher end SUV though.
Quote from: Triple J on March 21, 2011, 01:57:22 PM
I have an '04 Xterra with 85,000 miles...it is light years ahead of the Wrangler as far as ride quality is concerned. Agreed it isn't as nice as a higher end SUV though.
I agree, i suppose my analogy was more of a hyperbole to prove a point than actually an apples to apples comparison
Believe the armada has captain seats.. its either tht or new darango I'm getting. Either way ill be super or turbo charging it °_°
Look at the GMC Acadia, we have an '08 and love it. SO already said that if we trade it in this fall she wants another.
Quote from: cokey on March 21, 2011, 02:45:19 PM
Either way ill be super or turbo charging it °_°
Oh Snap! :o
Audi Q7 TDI, FTW! I didn't realize they finally found a tranny that would work. I think I need a tissue.
ETA: I know that's not what you were looking for but that thing does bad things to me.
Quote from: Dannyboy on March 21, 2011, 03:27:45 PM
Audi Q7 TDI, FTW! I didn't realize they finally found a tranny that would work. I think I need a tissue.
I need one too since we don't get that beast here, 100k + be damned, I'd sell a kidney just to be able to embarrass fast cars in that school bus, I'd paint it yellow to rub it in too. [evil]
Just saw a new durango in person today. Pretty sharp. I am leery of a Heinz 57 breed of car though (Mercedes, Chrysler, fiat). They are getting good reviews in the mags though. Either they are that good, or what they are replacing was that bad - jury is still out.
mitt
Have you considered a Ford Windstar?
*snert*
sac
Thanks for the suggestion Sac. :p
Saw the Dodge today also. Just a drive by bit it looked good. Checked out the Highlander that Randimus was driving and also looked at the Pathfinder.
Quote from: Sắc Dục on March 22, 2011, 07:26:07 PM
Have you considered a Ford Windstar?
*snert*
sac
on that note
since IZ is little and probably has a little family and friends
The Mazda 5 has a third row [cheeky]
Ford Flex with the V6 eco-boost...if you can get past the looks.
Q
Ford Flex with a chopped top and lowered would be killer.
Noooo!!!
A minivan is still your best option.
Just bite the bullet now.
Otherwise in two-ish years (or whenever the next IZlette comes along) you will start a thread titled, "Any 7-passenger minivan owners out there..."
Mark my words.
:-*
;D
(http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2007/05/VistaCruiser.jpg)
[coffee]
Quote from: IZ on March 23, 2011, 02:36:09 PM
Noooo!!!
Oh yeaaaahhhh
(http://image.automotive.com/f/tech/body/14950298+pheader/0904tr_03_z+2009_ford_flex+rendering.jpg)
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on March 23, 2011, 04:22:27 PM
(or whenever the next IZlette comes along)
Hate to tell you this Randy, but I've already copy-written that term. You owe me royalties now. ;D
Quote from: DRKWNG on March 25, 2011, 03:15:19 AM
Hate to tell you this Randy, but I've already copy-written that term. You owe me royalties now. ;D
www.IZlettes.com (//http://)..coming in July.
Just added it to my GoDaddy list. ;)
Quote from: DRKWNG on March 25, 2011, 03:15:19 AM
Hate to tell you this Randy, but I've already copy-written that term. You owe me royalties now. ;D
I know.
I thought you had posted that in this thread, but then I realized it was on the Facebook.
(http://images.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/wagonqueen.jpg)
;D
Is that the Brady Bunch wagon?!
Quote from: IZ on March 25, 2011, 08:10:52 AM
Is that the Brady Bunch wagon?!
Griswold's wagon.
Quote from: IZ on March 25, 2011, 08:10:52 AM
Is that the Brady Bunch wagon?!
Carol Brady drove Plymouth Satellite wagons.
(http://imcdb.org/i260156.jpg)
Quote from: Bick on March 25, 2011, 08:09:12 AM
(http://images.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/wagonqueen.jpg)
;D
FIRST ONES HERE! First ones here.....
Quote from: IZ on March 20, 2011, 07:58:30 PM
I was looking forward to finally getting a 4 door Wrangler
Yes, I'm quoting myself. [cheeky]
I performed a search for third row seats and Jeep Wranglers and found this..
http://www.littlepassengerseats.com/4_dr_jeep_wrangler.htm (http://www.littlepassengerseats.com/4_dr_jeep_wrangler.htm)
(http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/Rear_view_-_no_top.jpg)
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk4/BygBlu23/WheelinatKaenaPoint115.jpg)
*No, that's not me in that 3rd row seat either!! I think this may have sealed the deal on the Wrangler!
Several configurations but I think either a front-facing bench with headrests or a side-facing folding seat would be good options. [thumbsup]
Quote from: IZ on April 16, 2011, 10:53:12 PM
Yes, I'm quoting myself. [cheeky]
I performed a search for third row seats and Jeep Wranglers and found this..
http://www.littlepassengerseats.com/4_dr_jeep_wrangler.htm (http://www.littlepassengerseats.com/4_dr_jeep_wrangler.htm)
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk4/BygBlu23/WheelinatKaenaPoint115.jpg)
*No, that's not me in that 3rd row seat either!!
I think this may have sealed the deal on the Wrangler!
Several configurations but I think either a front-facing bench with headrests or a side-facing folding seat would be good options. [thumbsup]
oooooo didn't know this... I LIKE!
Yes but can you offroad with the 3rd row up?
Quote from: ducatiz on April 17, 2011, 05:07:30 AM
Yes but can you offroad with the 3rd row up?
Rollbar extentions [thumbsup]
I'm bouncing around in the 3rd row of a Saturn outlook right now. Tight fit for three in back but it's do-able. As long as 3 are of tiny stature.
I finally went and drove one of the new durangos. Everything the magazines are saying is true. They drive better than the gm platforms they are competing against (acadia, traverse). Even with the v6, they feel faster, are better handling, and quieter IMO. I can't imagine what one would be with the hemi.
I can't pull the trigger yet based on a truly first year vehicle from a company with a colorful recent history.
mitt
Go find yourself a nice used Acura MDX, we really love ours even at 10 years old and 170,000 miles.
Quote from: SA_S2R on April 18, 2011, 10:51:09 AM
Go find yourself a nice used Acura MDX, we really love ours even at 10 years old and 170,000 miles.
then you're a lucky MDX owner. outs crapped out at 114k with 2 trans rebuilds within a year of each other and eventually sold it to a shop because it needed to be replaced and I was not going to shell out 6 grand for a new trans.
And ACURA could give a crap less.
Will never buy a Honda product again.
Quote from: IZ on April 16, 2011, 10:53:12 PM
I think this may have sealed the deal on the Wrangler!
Have you ever driven a Wrangler?
I agree that thing looks cool...but from my experience, Wranglers suck on the highway. Noisy, rough ride, etc. Plus, the friggin' hood sounds like it's trying to open every time a decent sized vehicle passes in the other direction. I know 2 people that have them as daily drivers, and both hate them...or at least got tired of them in daily use.
Seems to me owning one is cool for a 2nd vehicle, or an off-road rig, or a primary vehicle if you live somewhere like Hawaii. I wouldn't ever get one for a daily driver in an area where frequent freeway travel is required though, especially if I had to deal with car seats and getting a small child in and out.
I've been looking at the MDX as well. Thanks for the feedback. Ill look into it more. J...driven Jeeps around when I worked at Budget Car rental in Flagstaff and a few test drives with the 4 door. This will be my vehicle. I ride the bike the majority of the time. So we'll see how many miles it gets. We do want to use the SUV for road trips with the little one. Thanks for the feedback.
Quote from: IZ on April 18, 2011, 11:59:05 AM
I've been looking at the MDX as well. Thanks for the feedback. Ill look into it more. J...driven Jeeps around when I worked at Budget Car rental in Flagstaff and a few test drives with the 4 door.
Talked to a friend of a friend that owns an import car shop, and he swears by the MDX's. However - he said some of the early ones did have trouble with trannys and that early high mileage MDX's often went through a couple because they had not solved the problem with the original transmission. If it was replaced later with one of the redesigned transmissions then they should be good. He told me to hang on to the one we have until 250,000 miles, as they are very good. Sounds like Raux got one of the bum ones :(
They are nice looking ride!
LR4. Plenty of power and towing (375hp / 375 lbft). Cushy ride, great offroad. Expensive as hell.
My bro has one and it hauls ass.
Tesla Model S
Quote from: rgramjet on April 22, 2011, 04:44:22 PM
Tesla Model S
I went to denver and saw a prototype chassis, they are so sexy...and very well priced too.......
17" infotainment screen! [drool]
Electric cars.
No engine heat.
Winter
How to heat the interior of the car?
Electric heaters.
No battery life.
For $5 worth of electricity for 300+ claimed miles of driving, I'll throw on an extra sweater!