ok now some SUV questions please

[binny]

I know there are several people who have and love their SUV's.
Can you tell me what you have and what the pros/cons are?

Im looking into a MidSize, probably a Durango or Rendevous but am open to suggetsions.

I need to make my move within the next 24-36 hours so I would really appreciate the input!
TYVM

 

[ZachnElli]

LOL! {{{{{Binny}}}}}}

 

[binny]

Hey now! I have to have room to store my earings you know!!!
LOL

 

[monarchsfan16]

Binny are you looking for pros/cons of having an SUV or the specific type of SUV?

 

[enchantedpixiedust]

I had a 2001 Durango - LOVED driving it, the interior, etc. Unfortunately mine spent a lot of time in the shop. I know others who have them with no problems, but I wasn't so lucky.

I haven't been inside of the new design so I can't help there - but of all the vehicles I've had this was my favorite.

 

[binny]

HI Monarch either/ or
I just need some info about having one. Im on my 5th Caravan and thought maybe it was time to branch out LOL

Im still on the fence as to what to buy ( SUV or Van ), dh comes home tonight so tomorrow we will make the decision.

Here are my requirements...
3rd row seat
safe
reliable
Not going to be in the shop frequently

Bonus would be a DVD player LOL

 

[oogieboogie]

Get the new Dodge Grand Caravan with the stow-and-go seating.

or a Honda Odyssey.

Most of your new SUV or vans will have the option to add the DVD player in their deluxe models. If not, you can get an aftermarket one installed for about $1500 - $2000 extra.

 

[DVC-Don]

My wife drives a Cadillac SRX SUV. Very nice. And when I'm good, she lets me drive it.

Huge sunroof
6 disc CD player
Rear seat DVD system
3rd seat
All wheel drive
loaded

 

[jrydberg]

I like my Nissan Pathfinder, but a couple negatives about it. First, gas mileage sucks (literally). 15mpg or so. Second, with a young child, not the greatest. You're up so high that I have to help my daughter get out anywhere we go. Not a big deal, just moderately annoying.

 

[SC Minnie]

We have an Explorer. Bought it new in Sept 96 and still driving it. I had some problems at first but that was handled and haven't had any major issues since.

 

[janette]

We have a 1998 Durango, have had some things go wrong but it hasn't been too bad. It's my DH's so he's put less the 50K on it but it also gets very poor mpg. The newer v6 models are a little better now.

I really wanted a Toyota Sequia but couldn't see spending the difference between it and the Sienna so I settled for the van.

I opted not to get a DVD player, when we made our last road trip we used a portable one and also got a plug for the laptop. That way each kid has one.

Our van has a spot for one if we decided to do an after market it would be easy and probably cheaper than the dealer installed.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I've got a '97 Explorer and love it, mostly for the visibility. And the 4-wheel drive. 4-wheel drive has become my new best friend this summer, with all the flash flooding, ditches in driveways and mud we've got around here.
A lot of times the SUV's will have a little more storage space than the mini-vans, but I don't know if this is true with the 3rd row seating, or with the new stow and go that the dodge caravans have.
4-wheel drive is the big benefit here. Don't know whether the minivans have that or not, or whether you need it.
Visability wise vans and SUV's are essentially the same. At least from what I've seen they are. Visibility is why I chose the SUV.

 

[disneylizzy]

GMC Suburban here, I know that is a little bigger than midsize, but we have had it for 7 years, it has 118,000 and is still going strong. You can't beat those V8's. We have 2 hockey players and I can always fit 2 more (with their giant hockey bags) to carpool. Everything fits in this car, including all my DD's dorm stuff when she goes back to college in 2 days.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Binny the Toyota Highlanders are something the DW and I are looking at along with others.

 

[orvilleair]

SUV's with 3rd row seats. As for looks, I like the Durango. I can't comment on the reliability. Get a hemi engine and people will ask you, "HEY, is that a Hemi!" I'm not aware that it was redesigned.

I drive a Chevy Trailblazer with can come with the optional 3rd seat. I am surprised at the drive of it. It drives a lot smoother than the Jeep Grand Cherokee that I drove a year ago. Maybe the Buick R. is built on the same chasis. I think you can get the Trailblazer at a lower price than the Rendevous.

Ford Expedition has a 3rd row seat as well. Not sure on the Explorer. Coworker has over 100,000 on his Expedition, and it drives good on the road too.

That's my $0.02 on the SUVs.

 

[binny]

Thanks gang!

Ed, I loved the Highlander ( its looks so cool!) too and was all excited about it until I found out it doesnt come with a 3rd row seat option .
Bummer!!



My car guy is searching for a Rendevous as we speak. Ill let you know what I think

 

[Disney Doll]

I have a 1998 Ford Explorer XLT. DH has a 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition.

Mine is great. It does not have a 3rd seat. Has a lot of cargo space, 4WD(which is great for "weather"), 1 CD player(1 CD @ a time), AC, moon roof, electric seats etc. It's been a good car for me, no major repairs stuff, other than a front axle problem now that it's 6 years old which was the first thing to go wrong with it other than regular maintenance.

DH's car is VERY nice. He has leather seats, heated, the 3rd seat, which folds down fairly easily if you need cargo space. In the Explorer, with the 3rd seat open, there is very little cargo space. Moon roof, electric windows etc, a 6 CD player, AC, 4WD, the works. It's a heck of a car...amazing the differences in 6 years!

I would recommend Explorers as one to look at. We've been overall pleased with ours.

 

[Kteacher]

I'm on my second Ford Explorer. The first one was a '92- I drove it for 12 years with no problems. I loved the way it rode, and the cargo room. My almost 18-year-old son drives it now. it's needed very little work, and has been a nice reliable car for him. I'm now driving a 2002 Explorer (same color even!), with the 3rd row bench. I love it Good luck with your decision

 

[ajksmom]

Proud owner of a Chevy Suburban! It's 10 years old, has 102,000 miles on it and runs like a charm!! It fits the whole family when we take off to go somewhere, has a ton of storage space, seats 8, and it has 4 folding chairs, a rubbermaid tote, and a stroller behind the 3rd seat all the time and I can still go grocery shopping and not use any of the seats for bags!!!
We bought it to replace a '90 Suburban. The one my DS17 was driving when he had a blowout on the highway doing 65 mph. He took down one of those lightpoles. He remembers the police officer telling the EMT's by radio they didn't need to hurry - that "it's a kid in big SUV, he'll just need x-rays" And that is all he needed, to be x-rayed for seatbelt injuries!! The truck was destroyed.
I thank GOD I "budget" my gas-guzzler!! Wouldn't consider driving anything else.

 

[Mercy]

Originally posted by binny
Thanks gang!

Ed, I loved the Highlander ( its looks so cool!) too and was all excited about it until I found out it doesnt come with a 3rd row seat option .
Bummer!!

Hhmmm.... I work for Toyota, and I thought the new Highlanders did have a 3rd row option.

We have a 4Runner and I like it ok, could get better gas mileage though.