Sadly, my beloved 2009 Tahoe is on its last legs. It's got a bad, bad oil leak that will be costly to fix and I've come to the conclusion that it's probably time to move on and get a new vehicle.
I haven't decided one way or the other if I'm going new or used (a year or two old) here. This is kind of what I'm looking at -- trying to figure out if there are any big "gotchas" to any I'm not thinking about. I am not spending $70K on a new Tahoe for several reasons -- I don't love the new body style and I've had more than a few clients with Tahoes/Yukons where the engine or transmission has completely shit the bed on them. If I'm going to spend that much on a bigger SUV, I'll consider the new Lexus GX and drive it for the next decade-plus.
Note that I've really got my eye on the electric/hybrid Scout SUV that is slated to come out in 2027 and have put down $100 to get in line to order one when available. So, this purchase could be a bridge to get to that point. Here's what I'm looking at:
Lexus ES sedan -- reliable, nice-looking, interior is very high-class (wife has a '22 350RX) but it's also very boring and I've driven an SUV for 15 years (note: I could go new or get a 2022 or 2023 as a bridge to the Scout since Lexus hold their values very well)
New Ford Bronco -- was very intrigued by these when they were first announced and then impossible to get once first released; have not driven one but have sit in a buddy's -- they're very Jeep-y feeling and I didn't love it; I don't make too many road trips but I will from time to time and I'd want some sense of good highway driving; ability to take top off, etc is very appealing (would look at either the 4-door or 2-door models) -- will definitely go test drive one before I make a decision
Toyota 4-Runner -- try as I might, I just don't love this car; some I think look great (dark grey with all-black emblems/tags) and others don't (would have to talk myself into this being my car for the next 10 years to justify the spend for the 4-Runner); interior is understandably utilitarian
Toyota Land Cruiser -- the newest version is very cool looking but also a step up in price from the 4-Runner (like the 4-Runner, it's very, ahem, rustic WRT to the interior)
Lexus GX -- this is a beautiful vehicle IMO and would give me some of the space back that I'm giving up with the Tahoe but it ain't cheap
Mercedes sedan -- I've always wanted to own/drive a Mercedes sedan and could definitely get behind the idea of buying a couple of years old Mercedes with an eye to trading it in for a Scout in a few years but I'm worried about these things when they're beyond the factory warranty (or need to have oil changed, etc -- is it a $500 oil change for instance); is this like a BMW situation? Great vehicle while in warranty but get the fuck out as soon as that period is over (wife's family mechanic who is like Seinfeld's mechanic/Soup Nazi but amazing at what he does does not work on Mercedes -- or any other German vehicles -- for various reasons
So there you go. Looking for any pros/cons here to the vehicles above. Also, wondering if there's any rush to pull the trigger between now and year's-end. Like do dealerships pay taxes for all vehicles on lots at the end of the year, etc. I also know you're limiting yourself to the vehicles on hand if you rush but Sewell and Park Place have a wide array of Lexus sedans in stock for instance.