My mom needs a newer SUV. She has a Buick Enclave now and likes the size but would be ok with a little smaller. For the last 50 years, her sister owned a GM dealership and has thus always owned Buicks or Chevys. They sold the dealership a few years ago and thus doesn't have the same hook up. I am trying to steer her towards something like a Highlander or Telluride. What other options should we be looking at, and what should we steer completely clear of?

I am going to be the one working on it when something breaks, so I want to steer her to something parts are cheap for and doesn't have any known major problems.

Third row seats are not needed, as she never uses hers now.

Besides Highlander… 4runner limited. Palisade. Pilot. Lexus Rx, Lexus GX, explorer, telluride, armada, pathfinder

I'd stick to Toyota and Lexus first. go from there if she doesn't like those options

Ford edge is great for a small suv. A relative was having knee problems getting in/ out of a lower sedan. The edge was perfect as not too high or too low to swing into.
Lexus gx 460 if not too expensive. 23 is the last v8 in the gx460.

ccolley68 said:

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I feel like the Lexus RX is just the perfect vehicle for most older folks. Not too big, not to small, take grandkids when necessary, Lexus luxury, toyota dependability, and moderately priced.

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I agree. My wife test drove a BMW X5 last week and really liked it. Maintenance costs after a few years could be a concern.

Highlander is practical choice, Lexus is a great choice, BMW is performance with higher initial cost and some level of maintenance risk.

My wife got a Kia Seltos two years ago (I didn't know it existed before she mentioned it as an option). It's been great so far.

Is she selling her Enclave? I've been casually looking for a used one.

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I am going to be the one working on it when something breaks,

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Good for you, but if I could steer mom toward a new car under warranty, that might be easier on both of you.

The used CX-5s are a really good value. Not too big and easy to drive/park.

CanyonAg77 said:

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I am going to be the one working on it when something breaks,

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Good for you, but if I could steer mom toward a new car under warranty, that might be easier on both of you.

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Normally, she goes for 1-2 year old cars with approx. 20,000 miles, but she wants some thing cheaper that will last her 2-3 years, then go with her last car. Its a cash flow thing, and wants to pay off Dads truck first. Trans in the Buick is about to go.

Yes, but it will need a transmission fairly quickly. 200k+ miles

Kyle Field Shade Chaser said:

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Besides Highlander… 4runner limited. Palisade. Pilot. Lexus Rx, Lexus GX, explorer, telluride, armada, pathfinder

I'd stick to Toyota and Lexus first. go from there if she doesn't like those options

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I dont know about the 4runner, as I have a Tacoma and she can not get into it. It is stock, but has 265/65R17 tires.

That has more miles on it than I'm looking for.

mefoghorn said:

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The used CX-5s are a really good value. Not too big and easy to drive/park.

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I like Mazda. A lot of car for the $. Kid was in 2 horrendous accidents both totaled(not their fault) and walked away. 1 with passengers in the front and back seats. All walked away.

2021 Yukon XL AT4

Here is what I'd buy, even has TV's for the kids. This board has tons of Toyota Bros, you don't have to buy a foreign job. Most cars are going to last you a long time these days with good reliability.