Purchasing new SUV help?

[luv2hunt]

I am looking to purchase a new compact SUV for the wife. I have driven the Acura RDX and been looking at the 4Runner and Ford Explorer. Does anyone have the new Explorer and what are your thoughts. I like the 4runner for resale but I'm not a huge fan of the looks. The rig I purchase has to be a compact or it won't fit in my garage, it also has to be able to tow my Malibu boat to and from the launch which is only two miles round trip. The vehicle is for my wife so garage parking is a must. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Crunchy]

I drove a 2013 Ford Explorer for five months.  I like the car which got an average of 20mpg.  Pretty nice ride and handled well.  Its on my list to purchase this year as well as the 4runner, Durango, and Traverse.  Not sure which i will pick just yet.

[Craig]

We bought a Volvo XC60 and love it. The XC90 is a little bigger to pull the boat but still compact.

[huntnphool]

Take a look at the MDX as well.

[jackelope]

I see new Ford Explorers every day. They're far from compact. Really very few mechanical problems with them. Sync software issues are mostly all worked out, good mpg's. Id buy one and probably will in the next year or so.
I'm fairly certain if I do buy one I'll have to revamp my garage storage setup so it fits inside. Its significantly bigger than my '06 Grand Cherokee.

[Hunterman]

Have you looked into Jeep? We have a 2008 Jeep Compus, and the wife loves it. Nice and compact, but plenty big for what we need..

Hunterman(Tony)

[rainshadow1]

Maybe not as new as you're thinking, but I have a Silver 2005 Acura MDX that I'm going to sell. It's a fantastic rig, but I have a 4runner for hunting/fishing/towing, etc, and I have no economy vehicle, so I'm going to let it go and get a 4cyl. Something like 135k on it.

[luv2hunt]

I have nothing against jeeps but have never been a fan of them. I have looked at the MDX but the price substantially goes up compare to the 4Runner and Explorer. My garage door width is 8' and the Explorer is 7' 5" to the outside of the mirrors, its also 6" longer than the 4runner. Do the mirrors electronically fold on the Explorers? If not that's not much room to spare. Thanks

[jackelope]

Do the mirrors electronically fold on the Explorers? If not that's not much room to spare. Thanks

I'm not sure. I believe it is an option. I'll be at work tomorrow and can find out for sure but I think that it's an option. If you're looking at the Explorer, do yourself a favor and have a look at the Grand Cherokee too. Very nice ride. It's down to an Explorer or a GC for us.
Fortunately for me, I get deals on either one.

[Bean Counter]

I don't have much experience with the autos you're considering, but would like to add some financial advice: Pay cash for the car. if you can't afford to do that, you don't have any business buying brand new. Just my humble opinion and I respect anyones right to disagree. 

[FC]

I see new Ford Explorers every day. They're far from compact. Really very few mechanical problems with them.

Is that for more than the first couple years? I used to see an awful lot of Exploders too and their owners were generally pissed about it. Those things have been a disaster for over 20 years!

[luv2hunt]

I don't have much experience with the autos you're considering, but would like to add some financial advice: Pay cash for the car. if you can't afford to do that, you don't have any business buying brand new. Just my humble opinion and I respect anyones right to disagree. 

Can I ask why? I own both my houses free and clear and could pay cash for the rig I choose, but why would you not take advantage of 0% financing for 48 months and keep making interest on your money?

[rainshadow1]

I had a dealership for 10 years, I'm a little out of the loop now, but my standard for Fords was, never unless they're under 50k miles, and (as a private owner) always sell before they get to 100k. The only caveat was full sized pickups, and even then with caution. Toyota/Lexus, and Honda/Acura for longevity.

[jackelope]

I see new Ford Explorers every day. They're far from compact. Really very few mechanical problems with them.

Is that for more than the first couple years? I used to see an awful lot of Exploders too and their owners were generally pissed about it. Those things have been a disaster for over 20 years!

I don't know yet. They're all new as of 3 years ago. The older ones are problems for sure. The ones I see at the dealer...(Read--I don't see old Explorers much...usually 2004 or newer mostly?) are not too bad relative to everything else I've seen. They're definitely better than Jeeps of the same vintage. The new ones are a lot nicer than the old ones, and we make very few serious repairs to them. That's what I know.

[jackelope]

I don't have much experience with the autos you're considering, but would like to add some financial advice: Pay cash for the car. if you can't afford to do that, you don't have any business buying brand new. Just my humble opinion and I respect anyones right to disagree. 

Can I ask why? I own both my houses free and clear and could pay cash for the rig I choose, but why would you not take advantage of 0% financing for 48 months and keep making interest on your money?

 
Seems logical to me.

[bobcat]

Have you looked at the Subaru Forester?

(2014 Motor Trend SUV of the year)

[FC]

They're definitely better than Jeeps of the same vintage.

No argument there! Heeps are the only thing that could compete for worst POS against em! 

Toyota/Lexus or Honda/Acura for longevity indeed, tough to go wrong there.

Have you looked at the Subaru Forester?

(2014 Motor Trend SUV of the year)

Excellent choice as well.

[Dhoey07]

Have you looked at the Subaru Forester?

(2014 Motor Trend SUV of the year)

We have a 2011 forester and it has been nothing but great to us, but the OP said he needs to be able to tow a boat and i really don't think that the 4 banger would toy anything.  They do make a turbo'd Forester than might tow.

[Bean Counter]

I don't have much experience with the autos you're considering, but would like to add some financial advice: Pay cash for the car. if you can't afford to do that, you don't have any business buying brand new. Just my humble opinion and I respect anyones right to disagree. 

Can I ask why? I own both my houses free and clear and could pay cash for the rig I choose, but why would you not take advantage of 0% financing for 48 months and keep making interest on your money?

 
Seems logical to me.

Once again I go assuming that a person on the other side of the internet is of a similar background to me  If you own two houses paid for, free and clear, then you likely don't need a lecture in debt and financial responsibility. I offer that advice wholesale because most people looking for a new car usually have no business buying one.  As I alluded to above that's usually young toolbags early in their career (i.e. me) who by God's blessing have managed to  land a good job and therefore "can afford" the car payment, but otherwise are riddled with a mortgage, student loans, and no nest egg of cash. Some attach their self esteem to the condition and value of their vehicle, others find the status it brings necessary in their career growth. Ie what the boss sees you drive into work each day.

I look at a car as a depreciable tool and not a status symbol. I happen to ignore them when things are going well and find them a headache when I've got either a payment or mechanical problems.  Debt or not, I think its foolish to own depreciating vehicles that equal 50% of your annual salary. Say your annual household income is $50,000 and you own $25,000 in vehicles.  Its just beyond my comfort level. YMMV and I appreciate peoples right to disagree. I hunt, commute, like 4wd, and have a growing family. Despite all those particularities being satisfied by my vehicles, the total value of all our autos is less than 15% of my annual household income. This keeps me free from car payments, keeps insurance low, and keeps me emotionally detached from my vehicles. I got rear ended once and took the $1,500 insurance settlement and threw it in my bank account. I didn't even bother fixing what amounted to a cosmetic impairment of the bumper only.

If I were a financial advisor (I'm not) I wouldn't have a problem with you buying that new car on a loan. But to stimulate thought: what is the opportunity cost you speak of? Ie earning interest on the money. Banks are paying what, 0.25% right now? To me, I'd rather just pay cash and be done with it. That's exactly what I did with our last two purchases and there's nothing like driving them away after purchase and knowing that there isn't a bill for a payment coming in the mail in a few weeks.  Then you can focus all your energy on building up your 401k or IRA or both   

Congrats on owning the houses outright 

[luv2hunt]

I don't have much experience with the autos you're considering, but would like to add some financial advice: Pay cash for the car. if you can't afford to do that, you don't have any business buying brand new. Just my humble opinion and I respect anyones right to disagree. 

Can I ask why? I own both my houses free and clear and could pay cash for the rig I choose, but why would you not take advantage of 0% financing for 48 months and keep making interest on your money?

 
Seems logical to me.

Once again I go assuming that a person on the other side of the internet is of a similar background to me  If you own two houses paid for, free and clear, then you likely don't need a lecture in debt and financial responsibility. I offer that advice wholesale because most people looking for a new car usually have no business buying one.  As I alluded to above that's usually young toolbags early in their career (i.e. me) who by God's blessing have managed to  land a good job and therefore "can afford" the car payment, but otherwise are riddled with a mortgage, student loans, and no nest egg of cash. Some attach their self esteem to the condition and value of their vehicle, others find the status it brings necessary in their career growth. Ie what the boss sees you drive into work each day.

I look at a car as a depreciable tool and not a status symbol. I happen to ignore them when things are going well and find them a headache when I've got either a payment or mechanical problems.  Debt or not, I think its foolish to own depreciating vehicles that equal 50% of your annual salary. Say your annual household income is $50,000 and you own $25,000 in vehicles.  Its just beyond my comfort level. YMMV and I appreciate peoples right to disagree. I hunt, commute, like 4wd, and have a growing family. Despite all those particularities being satisfied by my vehicles, the total value of all our autos is less than 15% of my annual household income. This keeps me free from car payments, keeps insurance low, and keeps me emotionally detached from my vehicles. I got rear ended once and took the $1,500 insurance settlement and threw it in my bank account. I didn't even bother fixing what amounted to a cosmetic impairment of the bumper only.

If I were a financial advisor (I'm not) I wouldn't have a problem with you buying that new car on a loan. But to stimulate thought: what is the opportunity cost you speak of? Ie earning interest on the money. Banks are paying what, 0.25% right now? To me, I'd rather just pay cash and be done with it. That's exactly what I did with our last two purchases and there's nothing like driving them away after purchase and knowing that there isn't a bill for a payment coming in the mail in a few weeks.  Then you can focus all your energy on building up your 401k or IRA or both   

Congrats on owning the houses outright 

You make some great points BC, I was just asking the question because of the way you came across as to buying new. I have never bought a new car/truck in my life, hence maybe the reason I'm in the financial position I'm in, now I'm about to turn 48 and I am still having a hard time with it. Can I afford it yes, will it make the wife happy yes, is there anything wrong with whats she's driving now other than it won't pull a boat no, if I don't buy it is she going to divorce me after 27 yrs hmmm we'll see. Sometimes asking these simple kinds of questions on a forum can save a guy 40k. Thx

[4fletch]

I am looking also. Have a 93 grand Cherokee had to replace the heads. A auto machinist friend said jeep  v 8 do have problems at times. I have noticed on Craig's list quite a few used ones have had head gaskets replaced.

[Bean Counter]

You make some great points BC, I was just asking the question because of the way you came across as to buying new. I have never bought a new car/truck in my life, hence maybe the reason I'm in the financial position I'm in, now I'm about to turn 48 and I am still having a hard time with it. Can I afford it yes, will it make the wife happy yes, is there anything wrong with whats she's driving now other than it won't pull a boat no, if I don't buy it is she going to divorce me after 27 yrs hmmm we'll see. Sometimes asking these simple kinds of questions on a forum can save a guy 40k. Thx

Cheaper to keep her! Buy her the car, boss. Make it happen!

[jeepster]

Get a jeep!

Grand Cherokees are awesome

Don't forget the 4 door wrangler

[jackelope]

I am looking also. Have a 93 grand Cherokee had to replace the heads. A auto machinist friend said jeep  v 8 do have problems at times. I have noticed on Craig's list quite a few used ones have had head gaskets replaced.

99-02 or so 4.7L v8's had cracked cylinder head issues from time to time. If I remember correctly they fixed the problem on the newer ones. 99% of the time you'd get a #1 cylinder misfire. The plug gets caked up because of the cracked head burning coolant. There's also some head gasket issues too, but mostly cracked heads.

[Mongo Hunter]

Had a 96 Ford Explorer Sport back in 03. Ball joints went bad on me twice and had to put in a new tranny at 110K. replaced it with a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 60k on the clock. Over heating problems (New radiator, 2 water pumps and a thermostat) and an electrical short I chased till I sold it. This whole time I was surrounded by Toyota's (04 cammery, 03 Tacoma, 04 Tacoma, 00 Rav4), so my next rig was a 09 Tundra...Never gunna look back, its been a fantastic truck. so my vote is for the 4runner.

[luv2hunt]

Had a 96 Ford Explorer Sport back in 03. Ball joints went bad on me twice and had to put in a new tranny at 110K. replaced it with a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 60k on the clock. Over heating problems (New radiator, 2 water pumps and a thermostat) and an electrical short I chased till I sold it. This whole time I was surrounded by Toyota's (04 cammery, 03 Tacoma, 04 Tacoma, 00 Rav4), so my next rig was a 09 Tundra...Never gunna look back, its been a fantastic truck. so my vote is for the 4runner.

Thanks Mongo,
I am leaning that way, if only I could get over the looks of the newer 4Runner body style it would be a no brainer. I do like the fact that the 4Runner comes standard with the class III tow receiver where it's a $500.00 + option with all the other vehicles. My Dad had a 03 Sequoia limited and sold it to my brother, it has 230k on it now and the only thing done is water pump and timing belt replacements. I have been looking for a 07 Sequoia limited (last year of that body style) but they are next to impossible to find (in the right color that is). I guess it's time to start test driving and see who the winner is. Thanks to everyone for your help.

[Heredoggydoggy]

Look at the Honda CRV, too.

[Mongo Hunter]

If you don't like the 4runner what about the highlander, FJ, or Land cruiser? are they too big for your garage?

[6x6in6]

The Mrs. daily driver is an '08 Ford Escape.  2nd owner and bought it with 20k on it in late 2010.  74k on it now and not a single issue.  She's driven twice to southern Colorado and another trip there this summer.
Good grocery getter, decent MPG. 
I'm luke warm to it.  But I'm 6-2 and 210 lbs but I shoe horn my way in.  I'd rather drive one of my full size trucks.   

[6x6in6]

Jackelope - what's the service department skinny on the Edge?

[swanny]

Love our 2006 (aka 4th gen) 4Runner. We have the V8 4x4 which is actually a full time 4wd. Haven't towed a boat with it yet, but have towed a 10ft utility trailer several times and have had no issues. Unfortunately, it's my wifes vehicle so I don't get to drive it as much as i'd like.

[luv2hunt]

Thanks guy's, in my OP I said I needed something that would pull my boat two miles round trip to the boat launch at my vacation home. My boat is a wakeboard boat and weighs in at approx 4300lbs w/trailer. I think the highlander, escape, edge etc are a little small.

[FC]

4Runner or Sequoia really are tough to beat, both are great SUV's, keep looking at them! Some of the big Lexus SUV's are pretty nice too and are built tough as hell.

http://www.lexus.com/models/GX/

[swanny]

Thanks guy's, in my OP I said I needed something that would pull my boat two miles round trip to the boat launch at my vacation home. My boat is a wakeboard boat and weighs in at approx 4300lbs w/trailer. I think the highlander, escape, edge etc are a little small.

I'm confident the 4runner especially with the V8 would pull it. Depending on what year and model you buy the brakes are bigger or smaller. In the 4th gens the SR5 models have 16" wheels and smaller rotors than the Sport and Limiteds. My brother has 2001 Malibu Wakesetter, haven't towed it with our 4runner, only used my silverado, but am confident I could but the rear would sag a bit. 2 miles I'd have no issue with it though.

[jackelope]

Jackelope - what's the service department skinny on the Edge?

So far so good. I'd buy one but my wife isn't even luke warm to it. Escape is probably mechanically our worst based on what we see on a daily basis.