Dale Gribble
Can't starve us out; Can't make us run
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What should I get? New Family/Daily Driver
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Dale Gribble
Can't starve us out; Can't make us run
Charter Member
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Multi-Factor Enabled
2002
Wife has a 2016, I have its Lexus cousin, the V8 AWD GX460. We love both but they don’t fit what you said you wanted so far, mainly because of mpgs. The V6 in the current 4Runners gets about 18-19mpg, my GX got 18mpg before mods.
While the 4Runner is as rock solid as they come and will retain resale value like nobody’s business, it’s a body on frame vehicle so it’ll ride more like a truck. Toyota’s body on frame vehicles also have much less in terms of modern tech/features.
The Toyota crossovers get the latest tech since that’s a more competitive segment. So if you want more modern features and tech, go crossover. If you want the best mpg’s, you also have to go crossover. The rav4 has a surprising amount of interior space and in some ways feels larger than the 4Runner. The Highlander looks more like a minivan IMO but the hybrid gets some crazy good mpg’s!
Another vote for minivans. I had 2006 and 2008 Siennas and a 98 Grand Voyager all at the same time. 4 kids and they started driving. Can’t beat the utility as long as you don’t need 4wd or lots of towing. I really liked the Siennas. One daughter still drives the 06.
Now that the kids are out of the house, I have a RAV4 now just for myself, and an old Tundra, and I _still_ miss the Siennas. For range trips just throw anything in there - target stands, cardboard, cart, bags, cases, whatever. It all fits. Easy load with rear hatch and sliding side doors. Nothing gets wet in the rain.
We used to keep them with one middle seat taken out, making all the seats easy to get to/from, plus a cargo spot on one side for errands in addition to the rear.
Now that the kids are out of the house, I have a RAV4 now just for myself, and an old Tundra, and I _still_ miss the Siennas. For range trips just throw anything in there - target stands, cardboard, cart, bags, cases, whatever. It all fits. Easy load with rear hatch and sliding side doors. Nothing gets wet in the rain.
We used to keep them with one middle seat taken out, making all the seats easy to get to/from, plus a cargo spot on one side for errands in addition to the rear.
My parents had a 98 grand voyager in champagne gold. The transmission took a dump on a weekend trip to Kentucky, but a shop could rebuild them blindfolded.
My parents had minivans most of my life, two Chryslers, two Kias and a Ford since 1988. If you can give up style for convenience, they are cash money.
If alternative trucks aren't out of the question... I moved my wife up from a 18 CRV to a '21 Ridgeline as the family hauler/grocery getting/weekend adventure mobile. It's a AWD Pilot with the hatch shaved off. Currently getting 24mpg combined even with her lead foot. It's incredibly comfortable seating and rides like a cloud.
With 2 consecutive Honda posts and multiple minivan recommendations, it’s worth mentioning that the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey are all the same platform, derived from the Odyssey.
My MIL has a 6yo Pilot and loves it, but it did take her a while to get used to the way it drives compared to her old Tahoe.
My MIL has a 6yo Pilot and loves it, but it did take her a while to get used to the way it drives compared to her old Tahoe.
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Tim
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I plan on keeping the F150, so leaning more toward SUV/Wagon/van
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I highly recommend giving the Pilot & Passport a test drive. I worked as a tech for Toyota New Bern, Hendrick Wilmington and Anderson Raleigh across many years. I've seen the dirty side of their lemons.. I'm certain Honda has lemons all the same, but I've got 03 Accord, 17 civic, 21 ridgeline and always rode Honda motorcycles. I'm a heavily biased loyalist in this right lol.
Yup, I filed a lawsuit, which finally got their attention, over one when they refused to make it right after >13 repair attempts. Attorney said he had never had a honda lemon case before. The sad thing is, I know they just unloaded it on someone else because I started getting the “your passport was recently in for service” every three weeks. I sent back a copy of the suit settlement and never got another one. Should have left my contact info hidden in the users manual.
Dealership's are a nightmare, I've met 1 or 2 honda technicians that try to do their job, and they tell of being blocked by management more often than not. I worked used car reconditioning at Toyota for a spell during 2020, talk about a hypertension inducing job of fighting with management about common sense. I wouldn't encourage anyone to buy used from a dealer with out the full tour up, down, inside and out and top it off with a fresh oil change and alignment check right in front of me.
I love my Mazda CX-9. Very comfortable, third row seating so I can haul up to 8 people. Rear seats fold down for more cargo room when I’m traveling and need the space.
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alpharius
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Others have said it, I will too....get a van.
I have a 2020 chrysler pacifica van. There is tons of room. Significantly more than some of the medium SUVs out there. It will easily beat a highlander or grande cherokee in terms of space. It gets great gas mileage. I've gotten 34mpg (says the computer) on long trips. Computer probably overestimates by 2-3 mpg but heck, if it got 30 I'd be happy. And its fun to drive for its size. It is not lacking in power.
I have a 2020 chrysler pacifica van. There is tons of room. Significantly more than some of the medium SUVs out there. It will easily beat a highlander or grande cherokee in terms of space. It gets great gas mileage. I've gotten 34mpg (says the computer) on long trips. Computer probably overestimates by 2-3 mpg but heck, if it got 30 I'd be happy. And its fun to drive for its size. It is not lacking in power.
We like our grand cherokee. They now make an "L" version that is a little longer for more cargo room. Take a look at those. The only thing I don't like about ours is the center console limits how much I can ManSpread, but it's not unacceptable. I'm 6' and 220#
It's difficult to convey how nice the newer Mazdas are without putting someone in the driver's seat. No respect around here, man!😆
At least we're on the same page. I knew you were smart.
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Just wait, you don’t really know it yet, but there is a huge economic change coming. In the next couple years the kids will not have time to do anything with you, and they certainly won’t be riding in the back of any vehicle you‘re driving. So wait, buy them what they want at the appropriate time, and then get whatever you and the wife want.
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Had a similar conversation last night. I’ll likely wait at least until Spring. I think a lot of folks will be dumping payments at some point next year.
milehighman1
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I have to agree on the mazdas. My in laws (Chrysler people) have had 2 cx9's now; both were bought new. The last gen they traded in without a lot of miles so sont know about longevity, but they bought a current gen a couple of years ago and have been very pleased and I can say I was as well.
I think 4Runners are awesome and the TRD pro is definitely on my list of vehicles I would love to own someday but for what you’re looking for, I think you may be disappointed. The gas mileage is awful, info tech and all that stuff is a little dated, that’s not a big deal at all to me if I were getting it to be just my vehicle.
My biggest complaint is ride comfort. Some friends of ours have a new model limited and we took a trip a little while back and I sat in the back, it was only about a 2hr trip, but man was it uncomfortable back there. I couldn’t wait to get our. I’m only 6’ and I had to slouch down to keep my head from rubbing the roof. Seats were very uncomfortable too and they ride very stiff and bumpy.
If you’re looking for something that will last forever and do awesome off road, then the 4Runner is it. Something comfortable to haul the family around town and get good gas mileage then I’d look at other options.
My biggest complaint is ride comfort. Some friends of ours have a new model limited and we took a trip a little while back and I sat in the back, it was only about a 2hr trip, but man was it uncomfortable back there. I couldn’t wait to get our. I’m only 6’ and I had to slouch down to keep my head from rubbing the roof. Seats were very uncomfortable too and they ride very stiff and bumpy.
If you’re looking for something that will last forever and do awesome off road, then the 4Runner is it. Something comfortable to haul the family around town and get good gas mileage then I’d look at other options.