Family SUV is exploding, what to buy
#1
Family SUV is exploding, what to buy
Hello all, figured I could source a few opinions from you guys. Just found out this morning my 2008 GMC Acadia SLT-2 **** the bed (165,000 miles). Entire steering system is failing, cat failed, and a bunch of other crap all within the last 2 days. $3500 bucks to fix a car thats maybe worth 5k seems like a losing proposition.
I dont want to spend more than 30k, and if I can get nearer to 20k that would be ideal. We have looked at new CX-9s in touring trim, but are also looking at a 2014 and up MDX, Santa Fe Sport (its a hyundai, but its cheap in top trim), could look at a new Acadia, brand new Terrain etc. The main requirements are the wife wants some niceties, leather seats, moon roof, back up camera, and something thats faster than 0-60 in 8.5 seconds like our Acadia. We do lots of road trips, 1 baby, and 2 dogs, so cargo capacity is extremely important, mpgs that are above 20, and something that doesnt rattle like a tin can.
Besides the brand image of a Hyundai, is it worth looking at? Any experience? Some of the people on here have the new CX-9s, I assume they are holding up well. They really impressed me with interior quality and road noise. I can't find anything made in 2012-2017 that isn't a bin of crappy parts and rattly interiors for 20-30k worth looking at. Ideally I want to find something sub 50k miles so I can get some good years out of it before repairing things.
Any suggestions are helpful. Thanks.
I dont want to spend more than 30k, and if I can get nearer to 20k that would be ideal. We have looked at new CX-9s in touring trim, but are also looking at a 2014 and up MDX, Santa Fe Sport (its a hyundai, but its cheap in top trim), could look at a new Acadia, brand new Terrain etc. The main requirements are the wife wants some niceties, leather seats, moon roof, back up camera, and something thats faster than 0-60 in 8.5 seconds like our Acadia. We do lots of road trips, 1 baby, and 2 dogs, so cargo capacity is extremely important, mpgs that are above 20, and something that doesnt rattle like a tin can.
Besides the brand image of a Hyundai, is it worth looking at? Any experience? Some of the people on here have the new CX-9s, I assume they are holding up well. They really impressed me with interior quality and road noise. I can't find anything made in 2012-2017 that isn't a bin of crappy parts and rattly interiors for 20-30k worth looking at. Ideally I want to find something sub 50k miles so I can get some good years out of it before repairing things.
Any suggestions are helpful. Thanks.
#2
We have a new CX-9, it's great. Had it about a year, nothing has failed on it yet.
If you're a Mazdaspeed Motorsports member, you can get S plan pricing on new Mazdas. I also got a $500 "loyalty discount" for showing them the FD registration, but they wouldn't give me another $500 for the Miata as well.
--Ian
If you're a Mazdaspeed Motorsports member, you can get S plan pricing on new Mazdas. I also got a $500 "loyalty discount" for showing them the FD registration, but they wouldn't give me another $500 for the Miata as well.
--Ian
#6
2015+ Subi Outback?
We have a 2015 3.6r with the leather niceties and all the Eyesight stuff, and like it a lot so far (only owned a couple of months). Bought second hand to clarify... I'm in Aus so not sure what $30k USD will buy you there.
Also driven the Diesel manual and I liked it too and it does have nice low down gogo. Don't recall if it had leather.
I'm a Mazda guy and the CX-9 was on our list but I like that the Outback feels a little less SUV.
We have a 2015 3.6r with the leather niceties and all the Eyesight stuff, and like it a lot so far (only owned a couple of months). Bought second hand to clarify... I'm in Aus so not sure what $30k USD will buy you there.
Also driven the Diesel manual and I liked it too and it does have nice low down gogo. Don't recall if it had leather.
I'm a Mazda guy and the CX-9 was on our list but I like that the Outback feels a little less SUV.
#7
I drive Toyota Highlander as daily. MPG is at 22 in mixed cycle, about 26 on the highway, been reliable for the 9 years I've owned it, roomy enough for our family with a dog (used to be two of them) and long trips. We love to camp and go to desert, mountains, up and down the coast. Having said that - I was seriously considering switching to Subaru Outback.
#11
Unless you want to use it to tow at the upper limit and often, which might be risky with CVT, I didn't see anything in my research that would make the CVT in the Subadoo a dealbreaker.
Certainly it drives well and feels pretty much like any other auto with the added bonus fun of paddles and different options for driving if you really need to go there.
Certainly it drives well and feels pretty much like any other auto with the added bonus fun of paddles and different options for driving if you really need to go there.
#12
2013-14 Toyota Highlander with <36k miles in Limited trim (packed with goodies) is probably about $23-25K in today's used car market. Find a good one with <50k miles and you won't have to worry about maintenance for a long long time.
2014-15 or 2016 re-designed CX-9 - again, a great value in the Touring trim with all the goodies - just have to find that low miles car.
2014-15 or 2016 re-designed CX-9 - again, a great value in the Touring trim with all the goodies - just have to find that low miles car.
#14
Ill have to look at the Highlander, last time I looked I thought 30k got you a 3 year old model with 50k miles on the clock. Seems crazy to pay that when I can get a brand new cx9 touring for the same cost.
Subarus just...... dont do anything for me. Ill look at the outback, but they always seemed unrefined, uninspiring cars that have a cult like following that drives the prices sky high. My neighbor owned 3 subis in the past few years. LGT started to show lots of metal in the oil changes, Impreza went through 3 head gaskets in 3 years, and his FXT blew the turbo. But... perhaps the newer ones are different.
Subarus just...... dont do anything for me. Ill look at the outback, but they always seemed unrefined, uninspiring cars that have a cult like following that drives the prices sky high. My neighbor owned 3 subis in the past few years. LGT started to show lots of metal in the oil changes, Impreza went through 3 head gaskets in 3 years, and his FXT blew the turbo. But... perhaps the newer ones are different.
#19
Im having that internal argument with myself right now. On paper some of these cheaper economy based suv's come loaded with tech, lower price, but match performance and cargo. But I know over time the slightly higher initial quality suv with less options is going to be just as comfy 5 years down the line as it is when new. I just sold my Ford Explorer as well, so new car is happening within a few days... if we can agree on something.