Need a New SUV

"ZaqAtaq" (ZaqAtaq) 12/01/2014 at 14:44 • Filed to: None

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So we just had our second child two weeks ago and already the Honda Pilot is kind of a pain. With car seats on either side of the vehicle it makes it difficult to get a 5th person in the vehicle with the family. The options are:

- Become a contortionist and squeeze over the car seat and into the middle seat.
- Take out car seat, get in, install car seat
-Install one of the seats in the third row and have a heck of a time getting back there to buckle child
- Enter through hatch to sit in the third row

Additionally, our 2005 Pilot just fell victim to the radiator issue where all of the transmission fluid was pumped into the overflow reservoir, leaving my wife to drive with a dry transmission for 2 miles. Luckily she stopped and it was towed to a dealer to fix, however, the true damage was done; my wife losing confidence in the car's reliability.

On to the question; what SUV should I get to replace it? Some criteria:

- Budget of 20-30k
- AWD (we live in Michigan)
- Reliable and something I can work on when it breaks
- I will use it to haul my project car (66 Dodge Coronet) across the state a couple times and also an ATV trailer so it must have a decent towing capacity (4000lbs minimum)

- I kind of like the idea of captain's chairs to make the car seat issue easier

I have been thinking either a 2011-12 Durango with the Hemi or an Explorer Sport but my wife is not sold on either of those. ("Can't we get a 2012 Honda Pilot?" No.) Any input on reliability of these or alternate options would be appreciated. Thanks!

Brian Silvestro > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:46

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Maybe Suburban?

Nibby > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:47

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Toyota Sequoia

/bias

Mattbob > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:48

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Stopped reading at " all of the transmission fluid was pumped into the overflow reservoir," What in the fuck???? How can this even happen? Bad combination radiator trans cooler? How does that fluid get into the other fluid??? I shall now continue reading.

Party-vi > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:49

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"the radiator issue where all of the transmission fluid was pumped into the overflow reservoir"

The WHAT ?????? I have an '05 as well and it's the first I've heard of this O_O

OPPOsaurus WRX > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:50

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clearly the only vehicle which would do. have you looked at the Flex? I dunno about the towing but those things are pretty nice and can move along pretty quick

My citroen won't start > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:50

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GeorgeyBoy > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:51

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Durango>Explorer But yeah, Tahoe or Suburban should be up there.

Textured Soy Protein > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:52

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Not sure on towing capacity, but what about the Chevy Traverse/Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia?

You weren't using the Pilot to tow your project car, were you?

Mattbob > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:53

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I live in Michigan too! I would say get a minivan and put snow tires on it, until I saw the towing capacity requirement. Maybe a minivan could still work. But for real, I'd go with a used crew cab truck, or a jeep, or a Yukon if you are a badass. You could get a lot of used car for 20-30K How much do you want to spend in gas, versus how badly you like that extra space to maneuver the kids?

OPPOsaurus WRX > OPPOsaurus WRX 12/01/2014 at 14:53

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ummm..... are those F150 headlights?

Svend > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:55

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Nom nom nom. I could sink my teeth into that.

Sorry, was something mentioned about a car?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:57

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Ford Flex AWD w/ rear captains chairs. You will never want for space again, very comfy, superbly safe, Ecoboost can haul.

HammerheadFistpunch > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 14:59

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im confused, is this a 5 person vehicle or a 4 person vehicle? you said you have 2 kids so im not sure where the issue is with getting into the center seat.

Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 15:00

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Can you get a Ford Flex for under 30k?

Leadbull > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 15:03

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Minivan + 2 Chainz

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 15:08

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Unless you're super concerned about gas mileage, I'd look at a GMT900 ('07-'14) Tahoe or Suburban and any of their brothers. They're gonna be able to tow without issue and be pretty much bulletproof reliability wise. I can't remember what year it happened, but at some point in their life cycle they switched from a 4 speed auto to a 6 speed. They also offer 2nd row captains chairs.

cazzyodo > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 15:11

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I grew up in a couple different Suburbans so I can attest to it functioning as a good family vehicle (for three kids, two of which just a year apart). Something like this may work. Good luck with your search, though.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 15:19

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Mazda CX5, because how often do you need to carry 5 people?

Meatcoma > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 15:34

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minivan.

ntl0505 > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 15:48

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I think I am the only person who likes them, but I bought a Lincoln MKT earlier this year. Paid just as much for it as an equally equipped Ford Flex (or for that matter, an Explorer Sport) and its certified pre-owned so it comes with a ridiculous warranty. Seriously, look up the Lincoln CPO warranty. Tows up to 4500 lbs, but I feel thats more than likely a low limit. Its comfortable as hell, has all the bells and whistles, and it's quick enough to be fun. Also, it can be equipped with center captain chairs with a cooler in the middle. So far I can't complain a single bit about it.

E92M3 > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 15:50

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Sorry man... I see an Odyssey in your future.

jariten1781 > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 15:55

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Another option...teach your oldest to buckle themselves in and throw the forward facing seat in the third row. Then it just takes a visual check and reaching back there and tugging if you're still concerned. My, just turned 4 year old, niece can buckle herself in more efficiently than we can.

Otherwise, bite the bullet and pick up an AWD Sienna and an older Tahoe for when you need to tow and haul passengers simultaneously.

CAAD2 > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 16:01

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This weekend I went preliminary car shopping with my wife our goal is to replace my truck and her Jetta with one family truckster. Requirements: AWD or 4x4, captains chairs for 2nd row, third row seat, decent gas mileage, able to handle light off-roading (aka driving into corn feilds while hunting) and tow 5k+. Looked at the Durango, Grand Cherokee, Expedition, and the Flex/Explorer.

Observations from worst to best.

- Ford Flex/Explorer - 3500 tow limit so we ruled it out off the bat.

- Expedition - Nice vehicle and the 3.5 Ecoboost seems like a great fit but its too big for our needs and at 60k too expensive.

- Grand Cherokee - the 2014 and newer interior is really nice. Can handle a little off-roading, and can tow well over my 5k target. but no 3rd row seat

- Durango - Kind of a middle ground size wise between the Expedition and the Grand Cherokee. Checks all of the boxes. We drove the V6 and its ok but not great, my guess is the V8 would move it around much better but the fuel economy trade off wouldnt be worth it in my opinion.

Next up we are going to look at the Pathfinder and figure out what Toyota is doing these day. Unless something really comes up and surprises me were getting the Durango.

Good luck with your search.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 16:23

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"So we just had our second child two weeks ago and already the Honda Pilot is kind of a pain. With car seats on either side of the vehicle it makes it difficult to get a 5th person in the vehicle with the family."

Okay... so you just had your second child... meaning you have two children. Yet you have FIVE people to get into the vehicle.

So because I have an active imagination, obviously this leads me to suspect two possibilities:

1. Child#1, Child#2, Husband, Wife, boyfriend

2. Child#1, Child#2, Husband, Wife, girlfriend

LOL

Now seriously... it sounds like you could use of a minivan... a nice AWD one like this Toyota Sienna:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Or an AWD Chevy Express passenger van. This one will likely do it all for you:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

And here's a GMC Savana van that is AWD, 8 passenger and has a lift installed in the back:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

OOORRR... go for this VW Vanagon:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

No matter what you get though, if you're going to tow, I suggest getting a good quality transmission cooler with its own fan and thermostat:

http://leesdieselperformance.com/shop/index.php…

Heat is what kills transmissions and many OEM transmission coolers are fine for light daily use. But if you're in a situation where you're pushing it hard at lower speeds (like going up a mountain), having a high quality transmission cooler with its own fan isn't a bad idea for keeping the transmission healthy.

ZaqAtaq > HammerheadFistpunch 12/01/2014 at 16:32

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I have two kids and regularly travel places with a 5th person; mother in law. Jealous?

ZaqAtaq > Party-vi 12/01/2014 at 16:33

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Oh man, look it up... the transmission cooler lines in your radiator will crack and cause fluid loss. If you smell the slightest sweet antifreeze smell, take it in and get your radiator replaced.

ZaqAtaq > Mattbob 12/01/2014 at 16:35

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Trans cooler is integrated with radiator... those lines cracked in the radiator and since the transmission is higher pressure than the coolant it pumped it into the coolant... meaning transmission fluid EVERYWHERE that its not supposed to be.

ZaqAtaq > Textured Soy Protein 12/01/2014 at 16:36

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I used my pilot to tow the coronet without engine and interior on a car dolly.

ZaqAtaq > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 12/01/2014 at 16:36

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Nearly daily. Mother in law lives with us.

Party-vi > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 16:45

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...fuck. I done think I smelled that.

HammerheadFistpunch > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 16:50

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ah, there's the 5th. its the mother in law, let her deal with the center seat and be in kid zone.

Pictured: my mother, a 1 year old, a 2 year old a 3 year old and a 4 year old (only half the kids are mine). because the baby seat is easily removable we just had her get in before putting it in, it wasn't a big deal. The two in the back went in through the rear most windows (which slide open). They loved it.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 17:01

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Pfft... we all know it's your mistress and not your mother in law...

:-D

ZaqAtaq > Party-vi 12/01/2014 at 17:03

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I smelled it about 3 months ago (maybe more) and my wife told me I was nuts. Didn't use coolant, didn't smoke, didn't do anything other than a slight sweet smell before shit hit the fan.

New radiator, 4 tyranny flushes, 3 coolant system flushes, and close to 1,700. Later and we had it back.

Party-vi > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 17:06

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I've vaguely smelled a whiff of coolant after parking or running it. I'll need to check this ASAP as we have a 1,000 mile ski trip coming up in January. I've put around 1,700 miles on it in the past month though and haven't smelled anything recently so hopefully it's not an issue. I really appreciate the heads-up!

ZaqAtaq > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 12/01/2014 at 17:07

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Situation 2 would be better... But Nay, we are currently cohabitation with my mother in law. You jelly?

ZaqAtaq > Party-vi 12/01/2014 at 17:09

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For sure, check it out. They're also fairly prone to torque converter issues so be on the lookout for some shuddering shifts.

Party-vi > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 17:11

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I've felt a few shuddering shifts. It's happened a handful of times, and apparently happened when her parents still owned it.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 17:34

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Unpopular opinion but a Chevy/GMC/Buick? I think the Equinox or Traverse should be plenty fine for what you need.

ZaqAtaq > Party-vi 12/01/2014 at 17:49

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Also can be result of failing 3rd and 4th pressure switches which are an easy DIY and can be bought for about 60 bucks. You learn all sorts of things when you start googling issues with your car.

Textured Soy Protein > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 18:24

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Sounds like once you have the car more fully assembled, and if using more than just a dolly, you'd probably need something with a good bit more than 4000 lbs towing capacity.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 18:36

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Hell no... LOL... when I got married, I had a firm 'no living with in-laws' rule. Still ended up splitting up after 9 years.

Now I'm firm on never getting married... and due to common-law marriage being recognized in Ontario (after 3 years of living together, it's considered common law marriage and the person you're living with just gained a 50% share in the "matrimonial home"), I'm even reluctant to live with anyone I date. Not interested in losing half of my assets again... the 'benefits' of marriage aren't enough to offset the downsides to me. And I'm enjoying having more space to myself.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > ZaqAtaq 12/01/2014 at 18:37

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BTW... find any of those vehicle suggestions intriguing?

ZaqAtaq > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 12/01/2014 at 20:44

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I like the Sienna and I am also a fan of the new Odyssey but my wife has a pretty strict "No Minivan" rule (based partially on vanity and partially on growing up riding in them all the time and being car sick).

ZaqAtaq > Textured Soy Protein 12/01/2014 at 20:45

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Fully assembled it is close to 3,000 pounds and add a trailer on to that you'd be right around 4,000. http://www.oldride.com/library/1966_d…

JKER > Nibby 12/02/2014 at 01:39

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My parents have had a sequoia for the past 6 or 7 years, that thing is a beast. Hauls great, good 4wd, and amazing reliability. It has over 260k miles and it's in great shape I wouldn't be surprised at all if they take it to 500k.

Nibby > JKER 12/02/2014 at 08:32

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brb persuading my parents to buy the truck when the lease ends in another 2 years

Party-vi > ZaqAtaq 12/02/2014 at 08:37

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I'm starting to regret this free car now haha. The shuddering isn't really an issue yet. I'm going to check the radiator for corrosion when it stops raining here. Hopefully a visual inspection will be good enough for the transcooler issue.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > ZaqAtaq 12/02/2014 at 11:16

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Well then it's a good thing the Chevy Express and GMC Savanna aren't minivans then. :-D

But regardless of what her "rules" are, in my experience, a good strategy to take is "before we decide, I at least want to take a look at this AWD Sienna and test drive it. "

You'd be surprised how many people end up buying something they never considered an option by doing that.

The minivans of today are waaaay better than the minivans she grew up with.

PS - Tell her that the Honda Pilot she's been enjoying is really just an AWD station wagon version of Honda's minivan...