Another What Car Thread: Big-ish SUV's (or Minivan?)
The family is growing, so we're looking at people haulers. I don't want a huge SUV (Suburban class), but we've been looking at two row and three row SUV's, with minivans also being an option.
We'll probably buy a used model that's 2-3 years old. AWD is mandatory. Use is probably pretty standard for this forum; plenty of winter driving, a fair amount of time on dirt roads (although most of those roads are in ok shape). Some longer road trips. Hauling skis in the winter, bikes in the summer.
Currently, the Mazda CX-9 is at the top of the list, but I haven't actually driven one (or even been inside one). I drove a CX-5 which is pretty similar, and I liked it a lot (just a smidge too small for what we're looking for). The review sites seem to love the CX-9 for most of the same reasons I liked the CX-5. But there isn't a CX-9 available locally, so I'll have to travel a bit to drive one (and, maybe, buy one). Other downside - there's no local Mazda dealer, so warranty issues are a pain. Anyone have anything good (or bad) to say about the CX-9?
I've driven a few other SUV's (Explorer, Pilot, Grand Cherokee), and they were all fine, but unimpressive in one way or another. Still need to go drive a 4Runner and Highlander, which seem like the best options purely in terms of mechanical reliability. Anything else in that size that I'm overlooking? Hyundai maybe?
I think the Sienna is the only AWD minivan option? But no spare tire has me a bit wary. It doesn't look like it gets appreciably better mileage than the SUV's, and I'd rather have a vehicle that does better on dirt roads, so I'm skeptical. But I can also see the big sliding doors being really nice. Wife is also unexcited about a minivan, purely for aesthetic reasons. I'm fine with it, and they make a lift kit for the Sienna, so there's that.
What's the collective's experience here? Anything to look for or avoid? Any features that are mandatory? Any features that are great with kids but that might not be obvious to a currently kid-less person?
Another What Car Thread: Big-ish SUV's (or Minivan?)
Congrats on the incoming family.
I have 3 kids. The younger 2 are twins (now age 10). I bought a used sienna. The sienna has been good for us. At that time, we also had an older Altima and an older legacy wagon. The infant seats worked in all 3 vehicles just fine, but 3rd kid couldn’t fit next to the infant seats. At the time, we lived in town. Did plenty of camping trips outta the minivan. With the 3 kids, it was the family vehicle. We once almost had a big problem on a FS road/trial in BFE when I tore a sidewall. We were able to limp out on the donut.
10 yrs later, we live outside of town. We still have the sienna, along with a Toyota Matrix, and a 100-series land cruiser. And we have a big lab dog. The LC is now the camping and outdoor exploring mobile. All three kids in the 2nd row, dog and some gear in the back, and (when camping or skiing) most gear in the roof box or strapped to the aftermarket roof rack. I haul shit with a utility trailer behind the LC or inside the sienna.
Another What Car Thread: Big-ish SUV's (or Minivan?)
These are great comments. It’s a real luxury to have our ‘05 Odyssey as a spare car that runs like a top, but looks like shit. Vomit, poop, old dog food, pine needles in June from the Xmas tree, whatever, climb in!
Another What Car Thread: Big-ish SUV's (or Minivan?)
We fill the fuck out of a sequoia with 2 kids and a dog getting into regional ski/bike trips. MPG is very bad, but on the plus side it’s been very solid, tows our trailer well and I got the TPMS system figured out/dialed for winter wheel swaps. The center locker has come into play every winter chasing pow.
I’d go awd minivan or awd transit for two freshies out of the oven
Buying a new CX-9 or an in warranty one sounds like a bad call if service is far.