Need a new vehicle

[TwiceHorn 31539]

2 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

No love for explorers in here? I know it seems like every other person owns one, but there’s a reason for that. Huge interior for a mid sized and in my experience they last forever. 

I have no experience with the latest two iterations, FWD until 2020, I believe and RWD after.  Look pretty sharp, always get pretty good reviews.  But the intro of the latest version was rough.  If they have worked out the kinks in the latest, RWD plus an Ecoboost variant sounds pretty compelling.

[Dbeasy 15093]

2007 Malibu Wakesetter - 3600 pounds, trailer 1400 pounds
4runner is rated for 5000 pounds. I wouldn't drive a couple of hundred miles down the highway, but it's fine for the mile to the lake and back.

Ah I was wondering. I ruled out the 4Runner because I may need to tow the same weight and didn’t want to be that close to the limit.

[luke duke 6414]

New highlanders come with 3rd row seating right?

When I was looking a couple of years ago I found that the Enclave/Traverse/Acadia had the best rear seating arrangement vs vehicle size.

[luke duke 6414]

I like my Fords, so I'm sure you don't want my input.  The bolded is why I laugh every time I see a commercial about how the video doorbell is going to save your packages from porch pirates.  Unless it sends an alert to your phone and you happen to be walking the dog a half a block away it won't do shit.  If I'm a porch pirate and your doorbell whistles at me while I'm stealing your package the only effect it will have will be to give you a good video of me giving you the finger while stealing your package.  I'm sure the PDs all over the country are rapidly processing the clues provided by these videos to track down the thieves.

This times eleventy billion.
Any doorbell cam w/o a license plate camera is worthless.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13523]

 

delete. off topic.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2020 by Nice Guy Eddie

[Chewbacca 7787]

21 hours ago, Bigpoppapump said:

Basically massaged the wife into a turd pro, love that that vehicle.  Took it offroad in Colorado, only other vehicles we saw on the trail were jeeps.  Feels old in a solid, reliable, old fashioned way.  The offroad technology is great, like crawl control, but the radio and comfort technology is dogshit.  

Yeah, Jeeps and TRD 4Runners make up probably 80% of the offroaders in CO, that's for sure.  4Runner desperately needs a makeover, though.  

[pearlandhorn 3274]

Insurance company contacted me yesterday and made me an offer for about $34k.  That's more than I figured it'd be.

Looking at 4Runners, Explorers and Edge.  Probably hit direct auto this weekend and drive a few.  Thanks for the recs everyone.  If I can get a tahoe for a good deal, I may pull the trigger on one of those.

[ZB'Tejas 593]

I just got a new 2021 Tahoe and it’s pretty nice. Way better space in the third row than previous generation and with 2nd row captains it’s easy to access. Definitely aren’t giving those things away however.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TwiceHorn 31539]

Suburbans and Tahoes used to be really compelling just based on the amount of steel you got for your money.  Now that they've seriously crested 50k to nearly double that, it's a bit less compelling.

I'm old, though, and the price of cars continues to kind of shock me.  But, as noted on another thread, you can still get a really damned nice vehicle for under 30K.

 

[nycHorn 3042]

I got a CX-5 GT over the summer and love it. Just me and the gf and our dog. If you have a family I can see how it’d get small quickly.

[pearlandhorn 3274]

I have absolutely zero use for a third row seat. We have one kid and will only have one kid due to health issues for my wife. I had a Tahoe in high school (2003 model) and took out the third row seat for more room in the back end. Can you do that with explorers?

Anyone have experience with Texas Direct Auto in Houston?

[Nice Guy Eddie 13523]

4 minutes ago, pearlandhorn said:

I have absolutely zero use for a third row seat. We have one kid and will only have one kid due to health issues for my wife. I had a Tahoe in high school (2003 model) and took out the third row seat for more room in the back end. Can you do that with explorers?

Anyone have experience with Texas Direct Auto in Houston?

I’ve sold cars to them before. Nothing but a good experience. I knew I could make more selling it myself but they offered more than a regular dealer would on a trade in and i didn’t want to spend time selling it myself.

[Dbeasy 15093]

Make sure you are comfortable with the reliability record of Explorers. They have a lot of important features, like food towing capacity, etc but that reliability record is bad. Not sure what is causing it.

[ZB'Tejas 593]

I have absolutely zero use for a third row seat. We have one kid and will only have one kid due to health issues for my wife. I had a Tahoe in high school (2003 model) and took out the third row seat for more room in the back end. Can you do that with explorers?
Anyone have experience with Texas Direct Auto in Houston?

Recently had my second which promoted the interest in third row. Even with one kid it becomes interesting because parents or when we get back to real life where you might be hauling kids friends to soccer practice/ games etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Deej 76935]

3 hours ago, Dbeasy said:

Make sure you are comfortable with the reliability record of Explorers. They have a lot of important features, like food towing capacity, etc but that reliability record is bad. Not sure what is causing it.

?

[ZB'Tejas 593]

?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[tbone_ 14166]

Ability to tow food is important.

[SDG 3319]

On 11/29/2020 at 7:06 PM, blacklab said:

I have a 97 4runner and love it. Mileage does suck but I work from home now so don't give a fuck.

I drove a new one and a 2015 before I bought the 97 and the only difference was the electronics and the seats. Had the seats redone and bought a nice stereo and it's pretty close to the same as the new ones. Bought it for $4k and have put around $4k into it. Gone off road several times and to the beach and it's great for that. I'll eventually get a nice car again but this will do just fine for now. Even after I get a car I'll keep this for the dogs, off roading and pulling the boat.

I have a 1997 that I bought for college in 2000.   In 20 years it’s never broke down or left me stranded.   It’s bullet proof so I’ll never get rid of it.   

[BradInATX 9208]

Triple. Furk.

[BradInATX 9208]

Double

[BradInATX 9208]

Any opinion on Acadia Denalis? Bout to pull the trigger on a kid hauler for the wife. She commutes 30miles per day so she wanted to stay smaller than the Tahoe/Burban/Armada group but still get 3 rows of seats. Of the Acadia, Atlas, Telluride, Ascent and Palisade only the Acadia had enough leg room in the front with car seats behind (she's 6 foot and I'm 6'3).

Seems like a good vehicle. Any red flags or experiences?

[horn4life 3783]

On 12/5/2020 at 8:55 AM, pearlandhorn said:

I have absolutely zero use for a third row seat. We have one kid and will only have one kid due to health issues for my wife. I had a Tahoe in high school (2003 model) and took out the third row seat for more room in the back end. Can you do that with explorers?

Anyone have experience with Texas Direct Auto in Houston?

this is why I went with the Ford Expedition back in 2006, as I could with the flip of a button, have the rear seats lay flat.  I haven't had put them up for years.  And I could have gotten the Tahoe at employee cost.  I do miss the indoor storage but with the kids out of the house a Truck is the prescription now.

[torre 1286]

19 hours ago, BradInATX said:

Any opinion on Acadia Denalis? Bout to pull the trigger on a kid hauler for the wife. She commutes 30miles per day so she wanted to stay smaller than the Tahoe/Burban/Armada group but still get 3 rows of seats. Of the Acadia, Atlas, Telluride, Ascent and Palisade only the Acadia had enough leg room in the front with car seats behind (she's 6 foot and I'm 6'3).

Seems like a good vehicle. Any red flags or experiences?


 

No personal experience,  but may want to check edmunds.com, nhtsa.gov for recalls, car and driver, and other sites for reviews.   I did see a Consumer Reports article awhile back(don't have link) that reliability was not the highest for the 2020 Acadia and Chevy Traverse.

Great looking vehicle  !

 

[VolenteHawk 495]

20 hours ago, BradInATX said:

Any opinion on Acadia Denalis? Bout to pull the trigger on a kid hauler for the wife. She commutes 30miles per day so she wanted to stay smaller than the Tahoe/Burban/Armada group but still get 3 rows of seats. Of the Acadia, Atlas, Telluride, Ascent and Palisade only the Acadia had enough leg room in the front with car seats behind (she's 6 foot and I'm 6'3).

Seems like a good vehicle. Any red flags or experiences?

Just bought a 2018 for the wife.  Good vehicle. The one downside to consider is that you either get 3rd row seating OR you get storage space...but you don't get both.  With the 3rd row seats up, there's not even room for the boy's baseball bag or a decent grocery run, as an example.  This is different than her previous Explorer, which had both (though the 3rd row seats weren't as roomy) or something like the Traverse which is still midsize but a good porno dick longer.

[956 Worldwide 34784]

My terrible hot take, which I’m sure I’ll get crucified for. But my parents bought an Odyssey solely to ferry me and my family around when we come to visit, but I went with the Pilot and live with it full time. And I frequently wish I had just bought the damn minivan. Sliding doors, captains chairs, all the storage space I want. A loaded Sienna or Odyssey is a very nice place to spend time. You are not having more fun driving a three row crossover.
 

https://jalopnik.com/parents-just-buy-the-damn-minivan-1597502940

[VolenteHawk 495]

20 hours ago, BradInATX said:

Any opinion on Acadia Denalis? Bout to pull the trigger on a kid hauler for the wife. She commutes 30miles per day so she wanted to stay smaller than the Tahoe/Burban/Armada group but still get 3 rows of seats. Of the Acadia, Atlas, Telluride, Ascent and Palisade only the Acadia had enough leg room in the front with car seats behind (she's 6 foot and I'm 6'3).

Seems like a good vehicle. Any red flags or experiences?

Also, if you're going new in Austin and don't mind driving out to Bastrop, I can refer you to a guy that won't feel like a car salesman.  Good dude, our kids play sports together.

[Hate 20146]

We have a 2019 Highlander and love it. It gets great mileage and has plenty of power when needed. It’s a great road trip car. When we bought this one, we traded in our 2008 Highlander that had 150k miles on it without one single necessary repair (other than brakes and tires).

[Hate 20146]

Any opinion on Acadia Denalis? Bout to pull the trigger on a kid hauler for the wife. She commutes 30miles per day so she wanted to stay smaller than the Tahoe/Burban/Armada group but still get 3 rows of seats. Of the Acadia, Atlas, Telluride, Ascent and Palisade only the Acadia had enough leg room in the front with car seats behind (she's 6 foot and I'm 6'3).

Seems like a good vehicle. Any red flags or experiences?

It’s a GMC so it may not make it to 50k miles without some issues.

[BradInATX 9208]

It’s a GMC so it may not make it to 50k miles without some issues.

Lol that's what I told her but her favorite car ever was this shitty Jeep Compass that she drove to 200k miles. For some reason she thinks that equates to a gmc acadia. What are you gonna do I guess. Prob belongs in the stupid shit your wife says thread.

[conVINCEd 21469]

My sister has an Acadia that I’ve had to drive on a few occasions because I didn’t feel like swapping out the car seats.  It’s not a Denali, and I don’t know if those have upgraded brakes and suspension, but hers could use an upgrade in those departments.

[elfenix 34333]

On 12/7/2020 at 6:02 PM, BradInATX said:

Any opinion on Acadia Denalis?
 

GM finally figured out how to sell minivans.

Edited December 9, 2020 by elfenix

[Updawg 2286]

It’s a GMC so it may not make it to 50k miles without some issues.

Yep. I remember my coworker telling me how big of a bitch he had to replace a headlight on one without spending a fortune at the dealer.

[TwiceHorn 31539]

8 minutes ago, Updawg said:

Yep. I remember my coworker telling me how big of a bitch he had to replace a headlight on one without spending a fortune at the dealer.

That's not a problem unique to GMC.  Modern HID headlights are expensive af to replace if the enclosure is damaged in any way.  If it's just the bulb, that should be NBD.

[BradInATX 9208]

16 minutes ago, TwiceHorn said:

That's not a problem unique to GMC.  Modern HID headlights are expensive af to replace if the enclosure is damaged in any way.  If it's just the bulb, that should be NBD.

Yep. I had to do it on her previous car. Expensive and annoying.

[williemackgarza 1826]

It is macho bullshit.  Quien es mas macho?  Es yo.  Yo soy mas macho.

*Soy yo

[williemackgarza 1826]

So looking at the yukon denali.
Higher than giraffe ass and no deals to be had but wife wants 1, so happy wife hsppy life yada yafa.../Stupid shit husbands say.
But its pretty legit. But, No more dvd player, all streaming in entertainment center. What the fuck? Now what to do with my kids 8000 disney/marvel curious george and dora dvds??
Any transfer them to a usb or external drive?? Im a technology idiot. Didnt go to college for computer technology (steve harvey).
Its has HDMI, usb-c and reg usb ports. Uggh

[pearlandhorn 3274]

Went with an explorer. Got a 2018 XTL 3.5L v6, black, black leather, black wheels, 28k miles for $25k+TTL.

Feel like I got a good deal. Car is in great shape. Gotta get some rubber floor mats and mat to go in the rear to cover up the third row seats.

Thanks to all for the recommendations.

[elfenix 34333]

On 12/9/2020 at 7:49 AM, williemackgarza said:

So looking at the yukon denali.
Higher than giraffe ass and no deals to be had but wife wants 1, so happy wife hsppy life yada yafa.../Stupid shit husbands say.
But its pretty legit. But, No more dvd player, all streaming in entertainment center. What the fuck? Now what to do with my kids 8000 disney/marvel curious george and dora dvds??
Any transfer them to a usb or external drive?? Im a technology idiot. Didnt go to college for computer technology (steve harvey).
Its has HDMI, usb-c and reg usb ports. Uggh

if it has hdmi just get a cheap dvd player and plug it in through hdmi.  even better if the denali has a 110v power outlet somewhere because then you won't need an inverter as well.

or have the jr high kid next door rip them all to a USB stick. 

Edited December 12, 2020 by elfenix

[RDCanecutter 26474]

On 11/28/2020 at 12:34 PM, NeverMarryAStripper said:

I like my Fords, so I'm sure you don't want my input.  The bolded is why I laugh every time I see a commercial about how the video doorbell is going to save your packages from porch pirates.  Unless it sends an alert to your phone and you happen to be walking the dog a half a block away it won't do shit.  If I'm a porch pirate and your doorbell whistles at me while I'm stealing your package the only effect it will have will be to give you a good video of me giving you the finger while stealing your package.  I'm sure the PDs all over the country are rapidly processing the clues provided by these videos to track down the thieves.

Stealing packages is so 2019. I walk around the neighborhood stealing video doorbells.

[CooterBrown 18031]

So looking at the yukon denali.
Higher than giraffe ass and no deals to be had but wife wants 1, so happy wife hsppy life yada yafa.../Stupid shit husbands say.
But its pretty legit. But, No more dvd player, all streaming in entertainment center. What the fuck? Now what to do with my kids 8000 disney/marvel curious george and dora dvds??
Any transfer them to a usb or external drive?? Im a technology idiot. Didnt go to college for computer technology (steve harvey).
Its has HDMI, usb-c and reg usb ports. Uggh

I haven’t bought a DVD in years but they had started coming with a download code in the box.

[VirginiaLonghorn 4781]

SIOP .. Toyota Sequoia

[Updawg 2286]

Went with an explorer. Got a 2018 XTL 3.5L v6, black, black leather, black wheels, 28k miles for $25k+TTL.
Feel like I got a good deal. Car is in great shape. Gotta get some rubber floor mats and mat to go in the rear to cover up the third row seats.
Thanks to all for the recommendations.

That actually seems like a really good deal

[pearlandhorn 3274]

Mac Haik in Houston over near the energy corridor at BW8 and i10 is a great place to buy a Ford. No bullshit, will haggle with you and won’t waste your time. 10/10 would recommend. Second vehicle we’ve bought from there. Got my wife an F150 a few years ago from there.

[GottaB 595]

Went with an explorer. Got a 2018 XTL 3.5L v6, black, black leather, black wheels, 28k miles for $25k+TTL.
Feel like I got a good deal. Car is in great shape. Gotta get some rubber floor mats and mat to go in the rear to cover up the third row seats.
Thanks to all for the recommendations.

Seems about right.

Last year my wife bought a “new” 2019 Ford Explorer XLT from Covert.

Sticker $43k
Mileage 3000 miles on it (must have been a manager user, but still new since it had never been registered.)
Selling price $30,500

It seems like a pretty good car. We’ve been back and forth from Austin to Houston and she’s gone to Tennessee and back with our three kids. There is plenty of room for seating but if you don’t fold down the third row, there is not a lot of room for luggage.

I was doing the shopping for her and test drove the Explorer, Toyota 4Runner & Highlander, Subaru Accent, Honda Pilot.

Of the lot, the best for her was the explorer. She’s partial to Fords so it would have been a hard sell to get her to change. If I were driving as a short commuter I would have gone 4Runner. For a long commute, the Highlander.

The explorer seemed to have a bigger interior than the Highlander.

My issue with the explorer is that to me it’s hard to see out of the right rear window when changing lanes. It had the worst sight lines between the group.

[conVINCEd 21469]

13 hours ago, pearlandhorn said:

Mac Haik in Houston over near the energy corridor at BW8 and i10 is a great place to buy a Ford. No bullshit, will haggle with you and won’t waste your time. 10/10 would recommend. Second vehicle we’ve bought from there. Got my wife an F150 a few years ago from there.

Mac Haik tried to sell me a car that had flood damage and didn’t disclose it.  I was ready to hop on a plane to pick it up and wisely paid for a third party inspection.  Fuck them in the ass with no lube.

[pearlandhorn 3274]

16 minutes ago, conVINCEd said:

Mac Haik tried to sell me a car that had flood damage and didn’t disclose it.  I was ready to hop on a plane to pick it up and wisely paid for a third party inspection.  Fuck them in the ass with no lube.

Well then. I stand corrected.

[Nueces River Rat 5539]

I drive an F-150 right now.   I'm also getting ready to turn 49.    

Question:  Am I turning feminine or something because my eyes keep on looking at smaller SUV's as an alternative?  I've driven a truck for decades now, but with two of my three kids gone from the house and soon the third, I don't really  utilize the capacity in the truck like I once did.    I see the new Toyota and Acura SUV's and I like their styling. A few of the German brands look appealing too.  

If I had to jump in  for a new vehicle in the next year or two , I'd probably go with a Ranger, Canyon or Tacoma.  Or even a Bronco as they become available.   Just wondering if this  change of taste has occurred to any of you other middle aged dudes with the M.O   I would always drive a truck and then you find yourself looking at what you called mom vehicles.

[Jerry Callo 8731]

On 12/5/2020 at 8:55 AM, pearlandhorn said:

I have absolutely zero use for a third row seat. We have one kid and will only have one kid due to health issues for my wife. I had a Tahoe in high school (2003 model) and took out the third row seat for more room in the back end. Can you do that with explorers?

Anyone have experience with Texas Direct Auto in Houston?

The third row seat in the Tahoe folds down flush.  I keep mine folded down with a weathertech liner on top.  Easy to put it back up if needed.  Don't know about explorers.

[torre 1286]

2 hours ago, Nueces River Rat said:

I drive an F-150 right now.   I'm also getting ready to turn 49.    

Question:  Am I turning feminine or something because my eyes keep on looking at smaller SUV's as an alternative?  I've driven a truck for decades now, but with two of my three kids gone from the house and soon the third, I don't really  utilize the capacity in the truck like I once did.    I see the new Toyota and Acura SUV's and I like their styling. A few of the German brands look appealing too.  

If I had to jump in  for a new vehicle in the next year or two , I'd probably go with a Ranger, Canyon or Tacoma.  Or even a Bronco as they become available.   Just wondering if this  change of taste has occurred to any of you other middle aged dudes with the M.O   I would always drive a truck and then you find yourself looking at what you called mom vehicles.

🙂🙂🙂

 

I am older but went thru same dilemma.   Keep that F-150 for a few more years.   You'll miss it  !    🙂

[royiv 9363]

On 12/13/2020 at 9:45 AM, conVINCEd said:

Mac Haik tried to sell me a car that had flood damage and didn’t disclose it.  I was ready to hop on a plane to pick it up and wisely paid for a third party inspection.  Fuck them in the ass with no lube.

Have a friend that had his almost new F150 stolen from their lot when it was in for service. Supposedly no cameras caught any footage of the theft. Pretty sure it was an inside job.

Edited December 15, 2020 by royiv