Family Vehicle Choices - You Be the Judge

"Mosqvich" (mosqvich) 05/28/2014 at 00:45 • Filed to: Family, Station Wagon, Brady Bunch, BMW X3, Ranger Rover Evoque, Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

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Imagine, if you will, that you have a family. A wife, 2 large boys, a smallish dog, and you live in a mountainess area. Suspend reality if you must. There will be no Miatas for this family. Also no Brady Bunch station wagon - remember, mountains. Your budget is $50k ish, but you don't have to spend that much. Let me know if the comments which of the following three you would pick. I'm not terribly open to other alternatives (i.e. no Volvos, nothing used, it must be new, the Jeep is the only American I'd consider), but you might come up with something I haven't thought about yet.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

The Jeep is pretty well optioned out with the 3.2L 6-Cylinder engine, a leather interior, towing package, etc... The suggested price comes out at $39, 150. It's well below the budget, but the vehicle seems compelling.

2015 Range Rover Evoque

This one is a Pure Plus package and is fairly well optioned out. There aren't a lot of choices to be made other than fru-fru stuff like navigation, etc... It comes in at $48,000. A hair under budget. I'll say it out loud, the main issue here is legroom and storage of stuff in the back for road trips and camping. You have to drive one to appreciate it though. It's a monster off-road too consider its demure size and place in the Range Rover pecking order.

2015 BMW X3

This one is nearly maxed out, except it is an X328iXdrive model, so it has a pretty potent twin-turbo 4-cylinder, the 35i blows the X3 out of contention in terms of price. However, this does have the M-Sport Line and is very well optioned including leather, etc... It tops the list at $50,175. So it goes over the budget a wee bit. However, even BMW has deals, so in the end, it'd be just at or under $50k.

So, give me your thoughts. Remember, no Miatas, no Lincolns, no Cadillacs, Sweden is out too. VW is not going to work either. Audi, I just don't know - the four rings of hell, etc..

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 00:50

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I'd take the Evoque simply because I think it's the best looking. If the two-door can be had for under $50k I'd definitely go with it regardless of having multiple children; I just think two-door cars look better than their four-door versions.

Also, you didn't say I couldn't have a Porsche, so I'd take Macan or Cayenne too! :)

Mosqvich > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 05/28/2014 at 00:53

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So, I love the Evoque. I drove it. It is great. The Macan is actually too small on the inside. The Cayenne started us down this road, but new ones are out of reach. Plus Porsche just kills you with options. A two-door is out of the question, but I did see a two-door Evoque at the airport and it looked great.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 00:54

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Of those three, I'd get the Cherokee. It has the ability to do some proper off-roading and the only one to have a V6. Plus like you said its the cheapest.

I'd personally also consider a GMC Terrain Denali V6 AWD, but that's just me. GM is giving big rebates out right now. Plus the Terrain is an attractive car, in my eyes at least.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 00:58

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Well with Porsche, I say it's nice to have options, expensive as they may be, you don't have to get them all only the ones that are most important to you.

That being said. What about a(and my dad would kill me for saying this) Honda Crosstour? I love the way it looks and you can get a V6!

Other than that, go Evoque! :)

What's it like?

Burrito de EJ25 > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 01:00

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Subaru Forester XT Touring.

It's Motor Trend's 2014 SUV of the year .

Relatively reliable, cheaper than all of the SUVs you listed, ample power, handles like car but can take rough terrain fairly well.

Interior isn't so hot, but at least they've ditched a lot of the hard plastics!

I got a base model as a loaner. I really liked it, though I don't have much experience in the segment.

lone_liberal > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 01:02

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I'd want the RR but buy the Jeep. I keep cars a long time and there is no way I'd want an out of warranty Range Rover. To a lesser extent that would apply to the BMW as well.

catkam623 misses his 944 > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 01:05

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I'd also get the evoque since it looks nice, offroads well, and is nicely equipped. If I wasn't limited to those three if suggest a CTS-V wagon you can pick those up for under 50 they've got plenty of space for everyone, 550 horsepower will never fail you on a mountain, they come with a manual transmission, they look absolutely fantastic, and doug demuro had and loved one. ( can you tell in a rwd manual station wagon fan)

They also come in brown.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 01:11

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What about an Audi Q5 TDI ?

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 01:55

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TSX Wagon?

But out of those three, I'd probably go Cherokee.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 02:05

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I say get the jeep, trailhawk with the v6. It's fast enough, it'll go offroad well, and it's the cheapest by a quite a bit

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Burrito de EJ25 05/28/2014 at 02:09

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I'd pick that too, but then I'm somewhat of a Japanophile when it comes to cars.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 02:20

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Let's see here...

The Ford Escape starts at $23k. It's only available with an I-4 but the top models push out a respectable 230hp, which is just barely less than the Evoque.

The Dodge Journey looks cool (y'know- for the boys) and starts at only $20k, but for a little bit more it can be optioned up with essentially the same engine as the Cherokee.

The Kia Sorento might be worth looking into too. I've never been in one but Kia's been on a bit of a roll lately and this new model is available with an impressive 290hp. It starts at $24k but can be optioned up to $40k.

KnowsAboutCars > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 05:15

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I know you said you're not very open to other alternatives but if I were in your position I'd be seriously considering Wrangler Unlimited.

KnowsAboutCars > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/28/2014 at 05:21

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The Journey isn't the most reliable car. They're known to have brake and steering rod and joint problems after only few years of use.

JGrabowMSt > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 07:45

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NO WAGONS?! WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU!?

CTS-V Wagon, or just regular CTS Wagon. Alternatively, theres the BMW 328d Wagon, which is a real looker. I would even look at the Benz E350 Wagon, or VW Toureg V10 TDI because torque. That said, I would say the Forester XT Touring is a great suggestion, as is the TSX Wagon and Q5 TDI, and should all be considered. Just because the budget is 50k doesnt mean you need to nail it.

SUVs are positively unsafe, especially Jeeps, have you never watched Moose Test videos? If you value safety, leave Jeep behind. The Trailhawk was also sculpted by the ugly stick, so thats two strikes. I simply dont get the appeal for such dangerous cars, especially for families.

Get what you want, but honestly, it better be a brown wagon. Your "no" list cuts out some of the safest cars on the road...want stability in the winters? Get real snows tires for it, studded if theyre legal.

Every brand has lemons that leave the factory, new doesnt guarantee anything, used doesnt mean problems either. My 9 year old magnum with 144k miles has just cosmetic problems, and runs great. Probably plenty for you, and at 7k, well within your budget to completely rebuild it, and still have half your budget...

Mosqvich > JGrabowMSt 05/28/2014 at 10:40

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I definitely use snow tires. Clearance is an issue for some of the recreation we do. The Subaru is a thought. I do want a nice interior. We do have Moose here, but the test seems specious at best.

Mosqvich > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 05/28/2014 at 10:41

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Honda? NEVER!!!!! :-)

Mosqvich > Burrito de EJ25 05/28/2014 at 10:42

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The interior is the issue, but it's worthlooking at.

Mosqvich > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/28/2014 at 10:43

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I won't buy Ford anymore due to dealer issues. The others are too cheap. We want an upscale car. I looked at the Lincoln, but it's ugly and the same crappy dealers sell Lincoln as Ford.

Mosqvich > catkam623 misses his 944 05/28/2014 at 10:45

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:-) I've driven a rental Caddy in the mountains. It didn't end well.

JGrabowMSt > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 10:46

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Well, wagons aren't exactly that low. My Magnum has more clearance than my Neon. Big misconception if you rule out wagons based on clearance alone. If you're going hiking though, I wouldn't want too nice an interior. Unless you enjoy detailing it several times a year. A set of rubber floor mats will tide you over for a while.

I'd look for an older Land Cruiser personally, but that's just me. Biggest reason would be the body shop costs once it starts to collect scratches, dents and rust.

Mosqvich > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 05/28/2014 at 10:47

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The four rings of Hell? I'm just not an Audi fan. I have a 3-series and my local dealer is pretty good.

Mosqvich > KnowsAboutCars 05/28/2014 at 10:47

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it's a thought. Thanks.

Mosqvich > DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully 05/28/2014 at 10:48

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I don't care for Hondas. It's prejudicial, I know.

tywebb > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 11:13

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Having been there and done that... If you don't buy something with sliding rear doors you're just stupid. Get a mini van! Toyota Sienna AWD would be the one I'd get if I thought I needed the traction.

Mosqvich > tywebb 05/28/2014 at 11:23

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I have older kids. One who rides with us, the other infrequently. PLUS, I won't be emasculated by driving a Mini-Van. Sheesh.

catkam623 misses his 944 > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 11:24

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but did it have 550 horsepower?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 12:06

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Did I mention that the Sorento comes with a 6MT?

atfsgeoff > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 12:17

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I'd recommend a new Toyota 4Runner. Starts at $32k MSRP (goes up to $42k for the Limited 4wd model), 270hp, 4 doors, plenty of room, as reliable as it gets.

Mosqvich > atfsgeoff 05/28/2014 at 18:08

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I hadn't considered a Toyota. I pretty much a Toyota hater after a bad experience, BUT, I think it's worth looking at. Thanks for the suggestion.

Mosqvich > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/28/2014 at 18:09

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I hate to say it, but my days of shifting are coming to an end. I have a bullet wound in my left leg and it's starting to hurt when I shift my car with a manual transmission.

Mosqvich > catkam623 misses his 944 05/28/2014 at 18:09

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LOL!!! No it didn't!

catkam623 misses his 944 > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 19:08

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well than how can you be sure. You might love it.

yamahog > Mosqvich 05/28/2014 at 23:33

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You know you want those red tow hooks! Also, FWIW, I slept very soundly in the front passenger seat of one of these a while back. Unfortunately I was supposed to be observing a water fording test at the time, but hey, comfort!

aa20xt6 > Mosqvich 08/05/2014 at 22:26

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Get the new Outback, with 6cyl, leather, and Eyesight.

It has a better build quality than the Forester, a Massive rear seating area(also reclining), towing capacity, almost 9 inches ground clearance, and the company loves dogs! Also, according to Jeremy Clarkson, it's the perfect car!

Mosqvich > aa20xt6 08/06/2014 at 21:20

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That wouldn't even be possible. I live in Colorado. Subaru drivers are pariahs. Left lane hogs.