Question for car guys (Raoul?)

[ThunderCat98]

I want to get rid of my 2008 Ford Expedition and get a smaller, but still full-sized, SUV. 4x4 or AWD is a must. I want to buy something used but reliable, so I'm not constantly working on it or having it worked on. I'm leaning towards a 2012-2015 Honda Pilot with the older, box-on-wheels body style, which I really like. Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Raoul Duke MU]

Why is AWD or 4x4 a must? Will you be doing any towing?

 

[ThunderCat98]

Winter weather and my driveway. We get a lot of freezing rain. Used to have an SUV that was not AWD and getting out of my neighborhood was a bitch. Ran fine once you got on the main roads, just had trouble getting to them.

 

[Dreh_Nagi_HC_IM]

Found one for you. A modified 1984 Yugo.

 

[ThunderCat98]

That's awesome, but it doesn't meet the "full-size" requirement.

 

[mlblack16.]

I want to get rid of my 2008 Ford Expedition and get a smaller, but still full-sized, SUV. 4x4 or AWD is a must. I want to buy something used but reliable, so I'm not constantly working on it or having it worked on. I'm leaning towards a 2012-2015 Honda Pilot with the older, box-on-wheels body style, which I really like. Thoughts or suggestions?

The only problem with this is, you'll be hard pressed to find one that's in really good condition, yet won't cost you a fortune. Used Honda are solid cars, but their resale value is so overinflated. It pisses me off how much dealers want for them.

If you go this route, try to find a private party seller.

 

[-CarlHungus-]

I just got a 2019 Honda Pilot.

Ugly as hell but it’s the most practical (reasonably priced) SUV for my family of 5. Apple CarPlay is fantastic. I liked the new VW Atlas but the front boxy end was tougher for my wife to drive and long term maintenance I felt would be more with the VW.

I too have always been a buy used guy but had trouble finding one where I thought the cost savings was worth it. I absolutely must have 100% reliability due to my job - I have zero back up. I’m planning on keeping this for 10-15 years.


There are great deals on 2018s out there to be had though. I just liked the 2019 dash and CarPlay better in the 19.


*caveat - I’m not a “car guy” but read a ton, shopped around, and drove all in class. I dearly miss my little four door basic Mazda 3 but my family got too big.

 

[mlblack16.]

Apple Car Play/Android Auto is great. It really offers more than the standard Navi/information display that has been used in the past, and apps will continue to be developed. We have this option as well, and, depending on who is driving, the media display is being used for either one, as my wife uses iPhone and I use Android.

 

[Raoul Duke MU]

Are you willing to pay the Honda Tax or Toyota Tax? That's really the bottom line. Recently when I was car shopping I was not, but I wasn't willing to spend much in the first place.

You are not going to save a ton on driving costs with the Passport. It's not like you are trading it for a Prius. Why not keep the Ford and drive it until the wheels fall off?

 

[ThunderCat98]

That's exactly what I've done. It's time to move on to something a little newer.

Any alternative suggestions? Volvo?

 

[mlblack16.]

That's exactly what I've done. It's time to move on to something a little newer.

Any alternative suggestions? Volvo?

Hell no, just go ahead with the Honda. It will cost more used, but they are a sound investment, as you can drive it for the next 5+ years and still turn around and sell it for a decent price.

Volvo is going to be a money pit when it comes time for maintenance and repair.

 

[Raoul Duke MU]

That's exactly what I've done. It's time to move on to something a little newer.

Any alternative suggestions? Volvo?

Volvo is a money pit.

Get the Honda or a 4Runner. 4Runner with locking dif if you want an unstoppable tank. Honda if you want a more comfortable ride. Both will hold value.

 

[-CarlHungus-]

Volvo is a money pit.

Get the Honda or a 4Runner. 4Runner with locking dif if you want an unstoppable tank. Honda if you want a more comfortable ride. Both will hold value.

Agree.


4Runner had definite better 4wd/off road performance. Honda capable and smooth but more of a family ride (wider, more ergonomic 3rd row, etc).

The highlander to me was like an undersized Pilot. Family friendly but smaller.

 

[mlblack16.]

The highlander to me was like an undersized Pilot. Family friendly but smaller.

I like the styling a tad better with Highlander, but never bothered to test drive the newest generation.

 

[Marine03]

SUV’s I’ve owned the past few years include
2010 Nissan Pathfinder- fvck everything and anything Nissan I hated that vehicle
2014 Acura MDX AWD- looked and drove great but a bit too small, I had the technology package so a lot of bells and whistles. Resale value is fantastic
2009 Saturn Outlook-AWD low maintenance for first 100,000 miles but after that a lot of work. Parts were cheap
2011 GMC Yukon LTZ 4WD, a tank in the snow, decked out package with premium everything, DVD, etc, etc. Gas mileage sucked but overall a great looking and driving vehicle
2016 GMC Acadia AWD also the premium package. Currently own this one and it’s my favorite, rides smooth pretty good gas mileage, great in the snow due to wide wheelbase, not one issue with it so far (47,000) miles.

Of all of these the Acadia (2016) is the best vehicle I had all things considered.

 

[WV-FAN]

my wife uses iPhone and I use Android.

congrats, your family fits the mold. women, children, senior citizens, and retards.

 

[mlblack16.]

Of all of these the Acadia (2016) is the best vehicle I had all things considered.

My in-laws have one (Denali trim level) and they love it. Thing is kind of a pain to navigate in tight parking lots though.

My father-in-law just bought a Lexus SUV, but likes driving the Acadia better.

 

[Marine03]

My in-laws have one (Denali trim level) and they love it. Thing is kind of a pain to navigate in tight parking lots though.

My father-in-law just bought a Lexus SUV, but likes driving the Acadia better.

Yes the Yukon was a bitch to try to fit on a street or in a parking garage. The Acadia is my favorite it rides smooth and has a ton of features to it. I think it’s the best SUV on the market hands down

 

[Marine03]

Do yourself a favor Cat and whatever you get make sure it has captains chairs in the second row.