A New Additioin to the Family... What vehicle to get?

**Naaman** · 02-23-2011, 04:59 PM

Well, my wife just gave me the news today!

So our dilemma is that both of our cars are 4-seaters (a Z28 and an Element). The Honda's gotta go, and we want to move into something that will accomodate our soon-to-be 5-person family. My wife expressed that practicality and passenger capacity were her top priorities (

... women...).

Anyway, what high capacity vehicles have you guys owned or driven extensively that you really liked?

Another consideration is that we like to explore "the back woods" a few times a year, and we live in a 4 seasons area, so AWD/4WD would be a big selling point.

The absolute MINIMUM requirement is a 5 seater vehicle, which opens the door to a lot of options, but seating for 7 or more would be preferable.

Oh yeah... budget is about $15k.

And just to clarify... independent research is easy enough, which will be ongoing up until the day I buy the car. I'm hoping to get as much first hand feedback as possible, which is why I'm posting on the forum (and hopefully, people who share my passion can recomend somthing that is enjoyable to drive as well as meets the family's needs).

**pajeff02** · 02-23-2011, 05:33 PM

Nothing beats a Suburban for "high capacity". It is enormous inside and seats 7 very comfortably. Used I was able to pick it up for $25,500, so that's a bit over your budget. We love it for tripping.

**bluehawk2000** · 02-23-2011, 05:36 PM

What about a tahoe?

**Knight** · 02-23-2011, 05:42 PM

My wife currently drives a Durango. Seats 7. Has plenty of power to haul my toys around. Quite safe to drive with AWD/4WD. Not really had any major problems with it. The only complaint is the gas mileage. She averages around 15 mph in the city and maybe 20 on freeway. Tow something and it drops.

**pajeff02** · 02-23-2011, 05:50 PM

My daily beater is a Durango. No real problems ever except for a mystery no start condition a few years ago that I never figured out. Gas mileage is horrible.

**Transamws6** · 02-23-2011, 05:55 PM

I'd recommend this, but let me tell you, mines has been an absolute piece of garbage reliability wise, I'd NEVER buy another GM truck to daily drive. But hey man, I seem to be the only person on the planet to have any issues out of them and if you're one of those GM faithful type people and really trust these things until the end, I think this would work for you. But, I wouldn't be surprised if you get some serious issues out of it though.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

**bluehawk2000** · 02-23-2011, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Transamws6

I'd recommend this, but let me tell you, mines has been an absolute piece of garbage reliability wise, I'd NEVER buy another GM truck to daily drive. But hey man, I seem to be the only person on the planet to have any issues out of them and if you're one of those GM faithful type people and really trust these things until the end, I think this would work for you. But, I wouldn't be surprised if you get some serious issues out of it though.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Don't be mad you got a lemon lol!!

**310stanger** · 02-23-2011, 06:06 PM

used nissan murano

**Zapper2003** · 02-23-2011, 06:17 PM

The Mercury Mountaineer (RIP) actually has 3rd row seating (as an option), however, you're on par fuel-milage wise with the bigger Durango.

**Zapper2003** · 02-23-2011, 06:18 PM

Jump seats in the bed of a megacab Dodge?

**FasstChevys** · 02-23-2011, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by bluehawk2000

Don't be mad you got a lemon lol!!

I'd agree. I've had a GM truck as a daily driver for over 15+ years - and haven't had any major mechanical problems.

Within any of the 'big three', you're going to have some lemons. That's the way it is, but it's certainly not the norm with any of them.

**bluehawk2000** · 02-23-2011, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by FasstChevys

I'd agree. I've had a GM truck as a daily driver for over 15+ years - and haven't had any major mechanical problems.

Within any of the 'big three', you're going to have some lemons. That's the way it is, but it's certainly not the norm with any of them.

That's why they have lemon laws!!

**Zapper2003** · 02-23-2011, 06:38 PM

Which can be a joke and a hassle all at the same time. Some of the stipulations to fall into the lemon law category are about impossible to acheive. I'd imagine the total amount of 'lemons' bought back to be very few.

Another option..

**Transamws6** · 02-23-2011, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by FasstChevys

I'd agree. I've had a GM truck as a daily driver for over 15+ years - and haven't had any major mechanical problems.

Within any of the 'big three', you're going to have some lemons. That's the way it is, but it's certainly not the norm with any of them.

I wish I had such luck.

I'll try my luck with Ford or Dodge the next time I need another gasser, never another Chevy truck, ever. I would never recommend one to anybody. This is the second piece of shit Chevy truck that's been in my family and it will be the last.

Don't get me wrong though, they're badass trucks when working properly, mines is great now that I've got the LQ9 but it's ridiculous that it needed a brand new motor at 122k miles. Especially because it's been well taken care of throughout it's life. Garaged since day one, regularly maintained etc.

The trucks themselves seem to hold up pretty well I suppose. But for us, in both my truck and our old '96 5.7 Tahoe that was traded in for this, it's been the motors/transmissions that have been giving us most of the problems for some reason.

**bluehawk2000** · 02-23-2011, 06:46 PM

I can't remember who it was on here, but they just sold there burb with 250k on the clock for like 2 grand last week and still a ticking.

**FasstChevys** · 02-23-2011, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by Transamws6

I wish I had such luck.

I'll try my luck with Ford or Dodge the next time I need another gasser, never another Chevy truck, ever. I would never recommend one to anybody. This is the second piece of shit Chevy truck that's been in my family and it will be the last.

Don't get me wrong though, they're badass trucks when working properly, mines is great now that I've got the LQ9 but it's ridiculous that it needed a brand new motor at 122k miles. Especially because it's been well taken care of throughout it's life. Garaged since day one, regularly maintained etc.

The trucks themselves seem to hold up pretty well I suppose. But for us, in both my truck and our old '96 5.7 Tahoe that was traded in for this, it's been the motors/transmissions that have been giving us most of the problems for some reason.

It's hard to say - bad luck is the most likely. That happens too. But, I certainly don't blame you for wanting to try something else.

For me, I'm just pretty hardcore. I don't really bash the others(don't go thread searching either)

, but I'll always be a Chevy guy. It's just how it is.

I'm definitely surprised and taken back that the issues are mainly engine/transmission related - espeically if it's been more than once.

**FasstChevys** · 02-23-2011, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by bluehawk2000

I can't remember who it was on here, but they just sold there burb with 250k on the clock for like 2 grand last week and still a ticking.

That would be Knightryda

**98maro** · 02-23-2011, 07:04 PM

like 1 member said, nissan murano,
or i would get a jeep grand cherokee.
im on the same situation, i think ill be buying a jeep..

**LimeNine** · 02-24-2011, 03:48 AM

I was in similar situation way back in 1997, needed room to haul my triplets.
Ordered this new white 4x4 Tahoe in May 1997, been an excellent vehical.
Has 137,000.0 on it now, gets 19mpg highway

**jrbonds** · 02-24-2011, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

My daily beater is a Durango. No real problems ever except for a mystery no start condition a few years ago that I never figured out. Gas mileage is horrible.

My bf's Durango did that, turned out to be the crank angle sensor and then the PCM went after that was replaced.

As for his Durango, its a 2002, in the back will fit 4 teenage girls and smaller girls with their 2 car seats comfortably, plus the driver and passenger. Will tow a heavy trailer and mustang, does great on ice with the AWD/4x4 but it has the biggest durango motor, 360 i think and drinks gas. He bought his for $5000. Been kind of nice. Never had a family type thing before always sports cars.