Wife's car is fixing to crap out again (transmission) and we are being told by multiple mechanics that it would be in our best interest to get rid of it now. She has a Saturn Outlook now and we are thinking that Sequoia, Tahoe, Yukon or Expedition should be next. Likely going used because the thought of paying $50k+ for a car gives us both heartburn. Of those options, which is more bang for your buck? Which should be avoided (reliability, etc...)? Any other thoughts?

Sequoia will have the best reliability because Toyota, but it is also the most expensive of all of those.

The Yukon and Tahoe are the same mechanically. The difference lies in the interior. I don't have experience with the most current gen, but my mom's 07 Suburban has the dash crack pretty bad a few years ago and I don't care for it's driving systems compared to Ford (spongy brakes, weird throttle feeling in the drive by wire system, etc.)

The Expys are nice, if not a little dated depending on what model/gen you're looking at, but they came with teh 5.4L up until 2013 I believe. That motor has a long and proven track record if cared for (the spark plug issue notwithstanding).

Best advice is to find something with complete service records available.

CanyonAg77 said:

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...............minivan............

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We are both trying to avoid that like the plague.

The wifey has a 2015 Yukon fully loaded. She freaking loves it and gets great gas mileage. The interior is and exterior supersede the Tahoe. It just looks a lot cleaner.

We bought a used Sequoia last year and my wife and I both love it. We got captains chairs in the 2nd row with a center consol and wish we had gotten the 3 seater 2nd row. It's tough with a car seat to only have 1 extra seat with the back row down. It's sized about right for 3 kids. I think any more and we would go suburban or mini van. He trunk disappears with the 3rd row up.

Overall great car and would reccomend it to anyone.

CanyonAg77 said:

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The Wonderer said:

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Corps_Ag12 said:

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Listen to this guy, he has a Ferrari too.

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AND 4 kids.

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The amazing thing is that the 3rd isn't even born yet, and the 4th is on the way. He's one manly man!

Quote:

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2-kids later and a 3rd on the way (and for the hell of it a 4th)

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yes, worded poorly...3rd was just starting when the Odyssey was purchased. 4th came a few years later.

I like the original wording better

16 Ford Expedition EL

We love our Sequoia, got a new one from Buck a few months ago. Two thumbs up

Minivan Highway

I joined the minivan side after rolling a 20 year old explorer. Aunt had 20+ years of suburbans and while they carry a lot, they drank gas like crazy. Plus, getting people in and out could be a pain.

The Pacifica I have is like driving a cloud. Plenty of power (done a few times in Houston traffic), my 3 year old can (and does) open and closes doors with ease, as well as gets into the seat with no issues.

Plus I can haul about 15 sheets of plywood inside the car no problems. And 10' boards (2x8 is the biggest, IIRC).

~egon

Outlook transmission problems? Let me guess - 35R waveplate? I believe there's an extended warranty on that.

We are at 124k miles. Extended warranty is in the past. Plus we are tired of dealing it.

howdydamnit04 said:

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CanyonAg77 said:

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It's sort if a running gag here on the AB. But they really do a great job for a family.

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I'm a AB lurker... But we just had twins so we got an Odyssey. Thing is freaking sweet. Rides smooth and comfortable kinda wish there was a mini minivan that I could use as a commuter. Screw what other people think about you!

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They just recalled a ton of newer model Odysseys (I think 09 thru 16) . Might check to see if yours is one.

jftx04 said:

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howdydamnit04 said:

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CanyonAg77 said:

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It's sort if a running gag here on the AB. But they really do a great job for a family.

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I'm a AB lurker... But we just had twins so we got an Odyssey. Thing is freaking sweet. Rides smooth and comfortable kinda wish there was a mini minivan that I could use as a commuter. Screw what other people think about you!

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They just recalled a ton of newer model Odysseys (I think 09 thru 16) . Might check to see if yours is one.

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11-16 were recalled due to the 2nd row seat not latching correctly after opening for 3rd row access, and several people have been injured in crashes because of this.

I did just get my wife and new Escalade ESV. I really like it. She's kinda "meh" about it.

She is getting out of an infiniti QX80(56) because we needed more room beyond the third row. That room is priceless in our family of 5 possibly 6 in the future.

She preferred the short wheelbase truck due to its maneuverability and more spirited driving characteristics. But to me the Cadillac is MUCH more comfortable to ride and drive. The infiniti has a very awkward seating position that I could never get over.

So a suburban or Tahoe or escalade certainly get my vote over a minivan or the expedition (unless the new 2017s come out soon to match my new f150- love my truck). The sequoia simply isn't as big as the GM triplets or the Ford offering, but it's a great truck. I drove a Tundra for many trouble-free years.

Large families need large vehicles. Large vehicles aren't fun to drive. Oh well, nothing we can do about it.

I would look at the 4runner. It isn't full size but the room in there isn't that much of a drop off of what is in a Tahoe. You'll miss the V8 of the bigger SUVs and a little room but I think you can get buy. And those things hold the hell out of their value. You can't sling a dead cat without hitting a 4Runner of any model series that is still on the road.

Family of 5 or 6? I'd start thinking seriously about a Transit or something similar.

We have a 2013 Expedition EL Limited. Couldn't wait for Ford to get the new ones out. Ordered it from the factory with the 5.4L and 4WD. It's a fantastic vehicle. We haul two kids and all their **** to games and stuff and we also haul a travel trailer with it when we go on vacation. Never considered a minivan due to looks and usability. When the Expy is ready for replacement, hopefully the new Expy and motor will be as proven as the old one and we'll get a new one. It's a nice ride. Camera, video in headrests, ..... It doesn't ride or handle like the 1997 Expy 4x4, which kinda sucks, but she likes it and doesn't know the difference.

Let me clarify. That includes us...the two parents.

So only 3-4 kids.

I recommend looking into the Ford Flex ecoboost. Lots of room, comfortable, and fun to drive.