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I am looking to buy a mid size SUV. I am looking at Honda and Toyota. It will not go off road, however, where I live, there are dirt roads and a A LOT of rain.
I am looking for a used car with about 30K miles on it.
Most important factor is dependability.
I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo with 287,000 miles, so I will drive this new vehicle forever. I do not really want a vehicle that is much bigger than the Rodeo.
Most of them are not traditional SUV's any more, rather crossovers. We are shopping for one, probably new since resale is high. This is the pro/con on our top 3 choices so far;
Honda Pilot; Pro, comes with rear-view camera standard on the base model 2013. Nice interior room. Overall expected to be reliable with good resale. Kids liked their sitting space.
Honda Pilot; Con, has timing belt (still!), needs valve lash adjustment. Has variable cylinder management that goes in & out eco mode with some noticeable vibration-I have been told this could be annoying. I could feel it on test drive. Also sits a bit higher, so wife is able to drive but not too keen on the driving position.
Toyota Highlander V6; Pro; V6 speeds great. Seating was comfortable in the front. No timing belt. Easy to DIY transmission service. Overall expected to be reliable with good resale. Wife happier with seating position.
Con; Middle seat in the 2nd row is useless (kids not thrilled about the 2nd row). Extra $2K to get the rear-view camera.
Mazda CX-9: Pro: Great handling, drives like a car. Kids rank this level with the Pilot as rear seat comfort.
Con: re-sale value not so good (might want to buy a 2 year old). Rear view camera should be added as aftermarket on the trim I am looking at. Reliability for the long term remains to be seen. Longer than the other two by 12". Starting in 2011, it has a closed transmission, so ATF level check and fluid change becomes a dealer item (I usually do everything myself as much as possible)
CR-V is small class, though great car. Great.
4 Runner or FJ Cruiser are gas hogs.
Your best bet is Highlander Hybrid. You have excellent AWD that takes you basically anywhere short of real off roading, esp if you have transmission mode selector; will give you around 30mpg; roomy enough for 5 adults with good cargo and towing.
Yeah. You really cant go wrong with one of these. Bullet proof reliable, 19-20mpg. Hoda CRV's are great too, better mpg but not as much power and space as a 4Runner.
I am looking to buy a mid size SUV. I am looking at Honda and Toyota. It will not go off road, however, where I live, there are dirt roads and a A LOT of rain.
I am looking for a used car with about 30K miles on it.
Most important factor is dependability.
I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo with 287,000 miles, so I will drive this new vehicle forever. I do not really want a vehicle that is much bigger than the Rodeo.
Subaru Outback. Best fuel economy and great reliability. Cheap too, get a brand new one.
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