OT: Jeep Grand Cherokee

[mikebal9]

To hijack just a bit, I'm looking fora bigger SUV thatwill fit 2 car seats, a double stroller, and all the junk that comes with 2 kids. I'm looking at the Explorer, the Pilot, and I'm considering some pickups like the Silverado. Anyone have an opinion?

 

[T2Kplus10]

Interesting that you say that. I have a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire... which is a Chrysler wrapped around a Mercedes. Well, not really as I'm writing this. Seems the Chrysler parts are falling off / apart while the Mercedes drive train has been solid for 165,000 miles.

We purchased a 2016 Chevy Traverse LTZ for my wife in the spring. She's loving it. It is not a car masquerading as an SUV (ie crossover). I personally HATE Chevys, but she wanted it. I admit it drives surprisingly well with a good amount of power. I think it is a little larger and less expensive than the Acadia mentioned here, but the GMC looks better (and the Chevy logo seems like something a redneck would wear as a belt buckle).

We have an Acadia and Enclave, love them both! All three, along with the Traverse, are great vehicles, even for a Chevy. :)

 

[theRU]

To hijack just a bit, I'm looking fora bigger SUV thatwill fit 2 car seats, a double stroller, and all the junk that comes with 2 kids. I'm looking at the Explorer, the Pilot, and I'm considering some pickups like the Silverado. Anyone have an opinion?

Price range? If you look at explorer you have to look at Acadia/Traverse/Enclave options.

 

[RU to the Core]

I bought a new Highlander. Everyone who gets in in loves the car. I think they redesigned it or at least parts of it for 2016. Feels luxury but you save 10K on the Lexus version. Same guts as the Lexus.

 

[mikebal9]

Price range? If you look at explorer you have to look at Acadia/Traverse/Enclave options.

Well, I'm doubtful I can even afford the Explorer, but we need the space for the two boys. So, I'm looking on the low price end of large SUVs. I'm just stsrting my search and probably won't do anything for a while, but I also don't want to waste my time looking at lesser options.

 

[LevaosLectures]

Do minivans still exist? My first car was a 1989 Plymouth Voyager senior year of HS. The chicks loved it.

 

[RUBand]

I love reading threads about cars, my requirements are: reliable, safe, comfortable. Have 170k on my 2010 Sonata (4 cyl auto) runs almost like new, use Mobile 1, higher grade purilater (read research by scientists who were really into mechanics, they found that after AMS and Royal Purple, which are very expensive, Mobile 1 was by far the best of the rest, as well as the purilater (upgrade) filters. When I bought my Sonata it had pretty good crash test results, next vehicle defiantly will be an SUV

 

[PSU_Nut]

Well, I'm doubtful I can even afford the Explorer, but we need the space for the two boys. So, I'm looking on the low price end of large SUVs. I'm just stsrting my search and probably won't do anything for a while, but I also don't want to waste my time looking at lesser options.

I know it not the coolest choice but have you considered a mini van? You will have far more storage room then any of the large SUVs and a price that much more friendly on your wallet. The gas millage is then most SUV also. They have plenty of room for two car seats and still room for the grand parents and a double stroller. The best part is you will never find a vehicle that car seats are easier to install. In addition you never have to worry about kids dinging the car next to you with doors. If you feel you "need" all wheel drive Toyota has one. The 2017 are just coming out and dealers are trying to move the old one. Honda is offering 7k off sticker price on some of their highly rated odysseys.

 

[RU4Real]

Do minivans still exist? My first car was a 1989 Plymouth Voyager senior year of HS. The chicks loved it.

It was really nice of you to let them borrow it. You're a stand-up guy.

 

[mikebal9]

I know it not the coolest choice but have you considered a mini van? You will have far more storage room then any of the large SUVs and a price that much more friendly on your wallet. The gas millage is then most SUV also. They have plenty of room for two car seats and still room for the grand parents and a double stroller. The best part is you will never find a vehicle that car seats are easier to install. In addition you never have to worry about kids dinging the car next to you with doors. If you feel you "need" all wheel drive Toyota has one. The 2017 are just coming out and dealers are trying to move the old one. Honda is offering 7k off sticker price on some of their highly rated odysseys.

I have thought about it. My friends love their Hona Odyssey. I've also heard good things about the Chrysler Pacifica.
I guess I have to give them a fair shot too.

 

[patk89]

Did you get the 2016 XC90 that is the brand new remodel? It's funny because we're looking at both a 2016 MDX and a 2016 Volvo XC90 at the moment. My wife wants the Volvo, but it is pricey as hell.

The cost between the base AWD 2017 MDX and the base AWD 2016 XC90 were remarkably close. Of course, I opted for the T5 which does not have 3rd row seating (5 seats only) while the MDX has the 3rd row standard. The T6 was several thousand more and comes with both a turbo and supercharged 4 cylinder. The MDX has a 6 cylinder engine while the XC90 is only a 4 (as RU pointed out). But with the turbo, the XC90 is quicker off the line (or feels like it is). Some people will laugh at that point because no one buys a SUV for its 0-60 time, but it is nice to have when needed. XC90 came with a very good navigation system standard.

Bottom line was that I loved the MDX, felt like it was glued to the road in heavy rain or snow, and survived my wife putting diesel fuel into it (yes she forced the nozzle in) which required draining the entire fuel system. But the XC90 came out slightly ahead (possibly just to try something new).

 

[yesrutgers01]

To hijack just a bit, I'm looking fora bigger SUV thatwill fit 2 car seats, a double stroller, and all the junk that comes with 2 kids. I'm looking at the Explorer, the Pilot, and I'm considering some pickups like the Silverado. Anyone have an opinion?

I don't know about newer models but I had a 2004 Sequoia. Great vehicle that I put 300k miles on. Removable 3rd row that even 2 NFL OL could fit comfortable in. And even with the 3rd row in, plenty of storage in the rear.

 

[theRU]

Well, I'm doubtful I can even afford the Explorer, but we need the space for the two boys. So, I'm looking on the low price end of large SUVs. I'm just stsrting my search and probably won't do anything for a while, but I also don't want to waste my time looking at lesser options.

Because the acadia for 2017 is an all new model you maybe able to get a sweet deal on the 2016. You can get 0% for 60 plus a 750 rebate on top of anything you can negotiate. Shoot me a PM and i can give you a target to shoot for in negotiations if you end up liking the GMC. I have some inside connections.

 

[Scarlet4ever]

I will give another recommendation for test driving the Traverse. Very happy with mine. Whatever you do, test drive several different vehicles for comparisons-sake. You may be surprised which vehicles you actually like better. I thought I would like the Cherokee and aside from the reliability issues, it didn't even feel like a comfortable ride compared to many other options.