The countdown is on

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
04/24/2017 at 12:47 • Filed to: None

My buyback date is May 8th. After a HUGE pain in the butt trying to get them to deal with my paper work its finally coming to a close. Now the hard part - shopping for a new car. I hate car shopping

The problems -

Its my wifes car and she wants something bigger than her current car but she can’t decide if she wants 5 or 7 seats.

5 seats means she can get an XC70 that she really wants (that are impossible to find in Utah, BTW)

7 seats means she can take advantage of carpooling since my daughter goes to a school thats a 15 minute drive away with no busses.

Looking at 7 seat cars is a soul sucking exercise as it boils down to “mom cars” (her words) or cars with really crappy mileage

So I need your help. Can you help me think of good 7 seaters that are more or less reliable?

Looked at Gx470...but she thinks they are “frumpy” [they aren’t pretty thats for sure] and I might as well just get 100 series cruiser with the mileage they get. Great values though, I can get a low mile GX single owner for $16k. She did like the way they drove, and my buddy just bought one for his wife and she likes it. The main beef is the ugly and the 14 mpg city mileage. It would suck to have 2 cars that together can’t break 30 mpg combined.

I tried to get her to look at 3rd row rav4's (cause honestly, the rear row is for kids only and only occasionally) but she hates them.

No...she wont look at a flex so don’t ask.

She wont look at a Mazda 5 (too ugly)

Anything I missed with the requirements stated?

7 seats, somewhat interesting, reliable, in budget (15-25K), no older than 2005

Also, Any large 5 seaters I should point her towards? We aren’t really sedan people but I would be willing to look at this point. No Fords (nothing against their rep, we just can’t stand their interiors)

She doesn’t mind the 4th gen Legacy wagon ...but Im having a hard time seeing how its much bigger then her sportwagen (bench width is what she’s after)

A4 is kinda the same boat.

Camry is, sadly, an option but I think it would still be a tough sell on account of it being a camry.

The trouble is she has good taste but no sense of whats a good buy. i.e. she loves cool cars, but doesn’t know what it takes to keep them running.

Enjoy the final countdown in the best form I know exists

DISCUSSION (70)

CB > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 12:51

I mean, if you get a used E-Series wagon, there are two tiny seats in the trunk.

Nibby > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 12:52

excursion :D

HammerheadFistpunch > CB
04/24/2017 at 12:53

What generation? Volvo did that too but stopped after 2005 I think. Nothing older than that.

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 12:53

I’m not sure if you’ve looked at them, but the 2011 E350 Wagon seems like a good choice. It’s towards the top end of your budget, but I know plenty of people who’ve been happy with their E350s.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=441794158&zip=98052&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D98052%26startYear%3D2010%26sortBy%3DderivedpriceDESC%26vehicleStyleCodes%3DWAGON%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D25%26seriesCodeList%3DE_CLASS%26endYear%3D2012%26makeCodeList%3DMB%26searchRadius%3D0&startYear=2010&numRecords=25&vehicleStyleCodes=WAGON&firstRecord=25&endYear=2012&makeCodeList=MB&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=MB&modelCode1=E350

Mercedes Streeter > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 12:54

It’s slightly out of budget at $31k new but otherwise checks every other box.

Kinja'd!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > Nibby
04/24/2017 at 12:54

there was one at the lot we test drove the GX with 38 inch tires and a 8 inch lift. Turns out they have kids that also go to my daughters school because, well, its hard to miss a 10 foot black excursion at pickup time. Pics aren’t up yet, but here is the description

“ Limited Edition, Leather, 4" Suspension Lift, 4" Body Lift, 38" Wheels and Fresh Toyo Tires, Bully Dog Engine Computer Tuner, Safari Rack, Remote Start, Viper Alarm, Three Entertainment Centers.”

jariten1781 > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 12:54

The upper trim, newer Transit Connect wagons are nice but probably fall into the frumpy category.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 12:56

Toyota Venza?

Toyota Highlander?

Honda Crosstour?

Mazda CX 5

CB > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 12:56

I think all of the six cylinder newer generations have made it available. I know the newest E400 has them, and last generation had them as well.

HammerheadFistpunch > Mercedes Streeter
04/24/2017 at 12:56

yeah, new cars are out on account of getting very little for the budget. I thought about it though.

HammerheadFistpunch > jariten1781
04/24/2017 at 12:57

and the no Ford category.

HammerheadFistpunch > BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo
04/24/2017 at 12:58

Thats a thought, so long as I could get it in budget with a great warranty. She’s fond of German cars.

benjrblant > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 12:58

Was it Chris Cordezs’ gargantuan overlanding Excursion?

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:00

Mercedes E-Class Wagon

My citroen won't start > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:01

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/694486138/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/698764468/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/686849182/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/691829060/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/699231380/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/688940164/overview/

HammerheadFistpunch > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
04/24/2017 at 13:01

If im looking at Venza Im looking at a highlander...which is an unappealing prospect on account of knowing that they aren’t actually that well made (everyone I know with was has had bearing problems.)

Crosstour...ha! no.

Cx5 we test drove but its not like its bigger than the sportwagen. Just slower, louder and worse mileage.

Textured Soy Protein > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:01

I’ll focus on 7-seaters since there sounds like you have a good reason to go that route. Used MDX, Pilot, CX-9 or Highlander. Maybe lease a new CX-9?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:01

Acura TSX sportwagon?

Lexus GS hybrid?

How about a diesel Colorado?

Range Rover with a CarMax warranty?

HammerheadFistpunch > benjrblant
04/24/2017 at 13:01

No, way uglier.

HammerheadFistpunch > My citroen won't start
04/24/2017 at 13:03

We test drove the 2nd one on the list. vibration on the highway, otherwise we probably would have bought it this weekend.

NO to the Rx...just no. I hate that car.

Sadly no to the outback, we hate the way this gen looked

the QX60 (pathfinder) isn’t on our list on account of them being generally terrible.

The qx50 is a “penis car” according to my wife. She’s not really wrong, its intentionally priapic in design.

Tripper > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:04

4runna? Although if she thinks the LX is frump city, she likely will here too. I’d say highlander, but the only one I have ever driven had the A pillars in the worst place imaginable.

benjrblant > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:05

So it is possible. Did you happen to get a photo?

My citroen won't start > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:06

I mean, the only large option you have in that class is the Outback, the V60 Cross is smaller, the GOLF Crosswhatist is smaller, the A4 is smaller.

benjrblant > CB
04/24/2017 at 13:06

This E-Series, right?

Kinja'd!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
04/24/2017 at 13:07

I tried to get her into a TSX but they weren’t any bigger than the sportwagen so that was thrown out.

GS might be worth a look. I really don’t mind those.

Nope

NOPE

HammerheadFistpunch > Tripper
04/24/2017 at 13:07

I’ve got my eye out for 4th gens with the 3rd row, but they are tougher to find.

HammerheadFistpunch > benjrblant
04/24/2017 at 13:07

Well the one we saw is dark black, so its not the same.

Stapleface > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:08

I know, I know, women now don’t want to be seen in a minivan either. But time and again this question comes up, and the answer is always the same. A minivan is the best people-mover out there. Your budget could get you a barely used Sedona or Entorage.

On the SUV side, maybe a Pilot or Pathfinder? Although neither of those are 7 seaters. For that you’d have to go up to something like the extended wheelbase GMT 360s (which I wouldn’t recommend to ANYBODY). Or a full size like an Armada, Suburban, or Sequoia (which is highly unlikely to fit in budget)

Boxer_4 > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:08

Kinja'd!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > My citroen won't start
04/24/2017 at 13:08

We are also looking at XC90's. They are the current frontrunner. I have to say though, reading up on swedespeed has me concerned about buying a Volvo over 60k miles without a great warranty.

TheHondaBro > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:10

Can you find a CPO Toyota Sequoia in your budget?

HammerheadFistpunch > Stapleface
04/24/2017 at 13:10

Pilot and pathfinder are 7 seaters. NO to GMT 360. Crap trucks with decent engines.

Not really sold on a minivan at all, if we are going to get something that gets 16 mpg in the city why not 15 and have 4wd and towing capability in the back pocket? Not to mention for less money.

HammerheadFistpunch > Boxer_4
04/24/2017 at 13:11

I know its there. I know it meets the specs. I just...can’t.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:12

I know it will be a bit boring to drive but Buick enclave?

avalonian > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:12

RANGE ROVER!! Or an M5, with a warranty. How about some BMW suv’s or a Mercedes SUV?

HammerheadFistpunch > TheHondaBro
04/24/2017 at 13:12

if Im going “Big T” I’m going land cruiser. Either GX or 100 series.

TheHondaBro > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:13

How about a Lexus LX470?

HammerheadFistpunch > benjrblant
04/24/2017 at 13:13

Thats what I thought at first. I was all “hey, I know were from utah but we’ve only got 2 kids”

HammerheadFistpunch > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
04/24/2017 at 13:14

I’ve pitched it. I don’t mind the lambda trucks. It doesn’t seem to get a lot of traction (with my wife)

HammerheadFistpunch > TheHondaBro
04/24/2017 at 13:14

exactly.

My citroen won't start > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:15

I don’t know if it helps but I’m currently searching for a Tribeca replacement, and I’m looking at the same kind of vehicles you are (+anything I can buy new with 0% finance). The most likely candidate is the V60 R-Design thing, the runner up is the XC60 or an Audi A3 sedan (because new).

I looked at XC90s before buying the Passat Variant, from my search I learned that the Turbo engines were nightmarish, but I heard the V8s are good.

TheHondaBro > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:16

( ° °)

RPM esq. > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:17

4th-gen 4Runner with the third row, perhaps? The V6 is plenty powerful and gets better mileage than a GX470 or 100. Certainly better looking than a GX.

Mazda CX-9? Ford Flex?

ETA: just saw the “no Flex” note. Uh, 2005-6 Montero perhaps? Gas mileage wouldn’t be any better than the GX, but they’re comfortable, capable, and cheap.

Stapleface > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:19

The Pilot is a 7 seater? Really? I always thought it was a 5 seater until the recent update. Guess not.

HammerheadFistpunch > My citroen won't start
04/24/2017 at 13:20

The V8 is good until it grenades the transmission or the engine goes completely. The 3.0T i hear is reliable but the 3.2 is really the one to get for durability.

HammerheadFistpunch > RPM esq.
04/24/2017 at 13:21

I think the list so far is”

5 seats

XC70

7 Seats

Xc90

Gx470

4runner

Thats kinda were Im at right now.

benjrblant > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:23

ha! In CO its for your two kids and 8 dogs.

Boxer_4 > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:25

Go for the facelift model; has more standard (boring, in my opinion) looks, and you get the EZ36D over the EZ30D, which means a bit more horsepower, a lot more torque, and doesn’t require premium fuel.

At least take a look at one if you haven’t. I’ve heard the 2nd and 3rd rows aren’t the roomiest, but I’ve heard that they drive really well for what they are. I know from personal experience that the 3.6L is great (same drivetrain pretty much as the BR Outback 3.6R)

HammerheadFistpunch > Boxer_4
04/24/2017 at 13:26

its worth a shot. I like the ez engine (especially the ez36). I know MyCitreondoesdrive is trying to dump his right now for reasons and is looking at the same kinda of cars. Makes me wonder.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:27

Thoughts on the VW Touareg? My friend had one for years and she put over 200k miles on it before swapping it for a Porsche Macan.

diplodicus > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:28

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/econoline/1925098.html

Nailed it.

HammerheadFistpunch > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts.
04/24/2017 at 13:31

Its a thought, only they sure are big for only having 5 seats.

benjrblant > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:33

Is Mrs HHFP ok with driving on trails? Cause if so, 100 seems like a no brainer IF you’re ok with another gas guzzling body-on-frame land cruiser. This would be an excellent opportunity to have an 80 and a 100 side by side if you’re still considering jettisoning the 80.

Otherwise, 4th gen Runner seems like an excellent choice.

Volvos seem respectable, definitely comfortable.

A used E-Class Merc just seems like a ton of maintenance waiting to happen.

HammerheadFistpunch > benjrblant
04/24/2017 at 13:35

She will NEVER use 4lo in the Gx. NEVER. it would be entirely wasted on her. That being said, it would tow our popup SOOO much better than the 80 and have all the capability she could tolerate for family offroading, so we could do things like cathedral valley or some milder trails around Moab without having to bring down the 80...which would be nice.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 13:45

This is true however the back seat is pretty wide, we fit 4 adults back there without too much squishing.

vicali > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 14:06

Troopy Troopy Troopy..

Kinja'd!!!

or first gen Sequoia..?

Kinja'd!!!

nermal > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 14:43

What about an Explorer? 3 rows, 5k lbs towing, and plenty of off-lease options available in the <$25k range.

Kinja'd!!!

Boxer_4 > HammerheadFistpunch
04/24/2017 at 15:26

I forget, did Citroen say why he was replacing his Tribeca?

I don’t have any specific experience with the Tribeca, but the Outback 3.6R has been a positive experience the 5 years we’ve owned it so far. No drivetrain specific issues to note.