Justifying the cost of full sized SUVs...
#46
Super Moderator
I didn't say I liked it, and there's zero chance I would ever buy one, then or now. But for his (admittedly unique) use case, it was literally the perfect vehicle.
Last edited by geko29; 08-27-18 at 03:44 PM.
#47
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Well-equipped (but not fully loaded) Q7s can be had in that price range, and the GVWR is 6,479 lbs. Cargo space is fairly limited with the 3rd row up (15 cuft), but quite generous with it down (38 cuft). Since we'll probably never use the 3rd row, that was a non-issue for us.
Looks like it's actually 9,000. But gas mileage and powertrain longevity would be a major problem. I can't find real-world towing mpgs for the Expedition, but seeing reports on the lighter F150 of 7.5mpg towing a 4,000 lb trailer and 6.5 towing a 6,000 lb trailer. It would have to be abysmal (not to mention well beyond the rated capacity) with an 10-11,000 lb trailer on the heavier Expedition. Maybe 3.5-4 mpg? 9-10 tons total weight is a tall order for a petrol V6, even one with turbos. Also recall that this was 15 years ago, and the Expedition/Suburban were nowhere near as capable then as they are now.
#48
Super Moderator
Too small unfortunately. I love the Q7, and looked at one for myself instead of the LS but for the family vehicle the third row is too small (need to be able to put an adult back there) and too little room behind the third row. Same with the XC90, I like that a lot but its too small.
That was why he loved the diesel. Got 9 mpg on the highway, fully loaded and towing a massive trailer. Considering it got like 13mpg completely empty, that's a major accomplishment.
#50
Lexus Champion
Have you considered a Durango? They’re not for me but the third row and the space behind the third row are pretty decent. Bigger than my Highlander back there, for sure.
Also consider your twins will soon be in booster seats, which are a piece of cake to move around. When we have visitors, I move the kids to the third row, which they love, and our guests can be comfortable in the second row.
Also consider your twins will soon be in booster seats, which are a piece of cake to move around. When we have visitors, I move the kids to the third row, which they love, and our guests can be comfortable in the second row.
#51
exclusive matchup
iTrader: (4)
i didn't read through the thread but ins some way this is similar to argument between midsize to full size luxury car, like between E class and S class. when you get to a more niche market where volume is generally less, each buyer will have to pay a higher premium, but it is also an indication of "yes i can". call it status or prestige or special need, but that just works for some people.
i can't comment on specific ford models. our GL550 has a 100k tag, which was also good 20k+ over the ML, but the added performance and luxury touches here and there make it all worth it to us. recently we got the GLE350 loaner for a week and honestly i couldn't wait to get the GL back
i can't comment on specific ford models. our GL550 has a 100k tag, which was also good 20k+ over the ML, but the added performance and luxury touches here and there make it all worth it to us. recently we got the GLE350 loaner for a week and honestly i couldn't wait to get the GL back
#52
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
The Durango would work, but no more Chryslers for me lol.
Also consider your twins will soon be in booster seats, which are a piece of cake to move around. When we have visitors, I move the kids to the third row, which they love, and our guests can be comfortable in the second row.
#53
Lexus Fanatic
The Durango is close, but not a true full-sizer. However, it uses the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, so Steve, having owned two JGCs, would probably be used to that platform.
Originally Posted by SW17LS
no more Chryslers for me lol.
#54
Super Moderator
How frequent of an occurrence are things like this? Could you just get a right-sized SUV that meets your needs 350+ days/year, and rent a behemoth when you need the additional space?
#55
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
#56
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
It isn’t a super common occurrence, but it’s unpredictable. We like to be able to all get in the van and go out to dinner, etc.
#57
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
#58
Lexus Fanatic
#59
Lexus Fanatic
Again take a close look at a brand new Suburban classed vehicle, and it is significantly smaller than the vehicle it replaced, on the inside, as far as cargo goes. The < 2015 had removable 3rd row seats. Before purchasing something like that, it would be advisable to park one right next to a minivan, and be sure the shoe fits, meaning the reduced cargo capacity vs. the minivan. The brand new Suburban, has about 4 cu. ft. more than the original Traverse, which is a crossover. A brand new Tahoe class, has significantly less cargo capacity than an original Traverse.