SamDoe1

Dudes,
After buying the S2k, I've come upon a need for a real DD to keep the miles off of the S2k. I plan on selling the Yukon since it's not a great DD (too big and gets 12mpg) and getting something to replace it. I'm done with the buy a cheapo used car and use that for hauling and have a different DD so I want to combine both requirements into one car.

Requirements:
- 4WD/AWD, winter here sucks balls and I need something to go through just about anything.
- Doesn't look like a jacked up minivan.
- Reliable, plan on keeping this car for 7+ years.
- Good fuel economy (23+ on the hwy)
- 5k lbs tow capacity (minimum)
- Good space in the back to carry stuff
- Comfortable for road trips
- Techy features. The newest car I have now is 2007 and I want something that comes with the latest bells and whistles mostly just because.
- Ability to carry kids in the event the wife decides she wants one
- Ability to carry dog (next spring )
- $45k budget
- Want a new car, not used. I can consider CPO for the right car.
- Open to anything, including trucks if they meet the criteria.

That said, I'm basically down to a couple options
- Jeep GC Overland (current leading contender)
- Toyota 4Runner

What else is out there that I'm missing?

Joneill44

Qx60?

Aman

I think you should also consider the MDX, depending on what you think of its looks.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

GX460? It would have to be CPO for your price point though.

SamDoe1

Will that fit the budget? I'm not a big fan of infiniti but I'll give it a look.

Meh, I had one for a loaner for a few days and wasn't a huge fan. Would buy a Pilot (2016) long before I picked up a MDX.

Isn't that a luxed up 4Runner? Would definitely have to be CPO though. I'll look more into it.

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

I love the Jeep GC, and I'd get one with the Eco Diesel motor, but I've ALWAYS been a 4Runner fan.

I personally think either would be a great choice.

If you want to go long term, I'd get a 4Runner Trail since it has a dedicated low range and terrain select system, and I know Sarlacc with flame me for picking the Yota over the Jeep

That being said, I don't think the Toyota will meet your MPG requirements as I recall them being fairly thirsty. My dad can barely manage 20mpg in his newer FJ

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

No way. The GX has a V8, full-time 4WD, third row seating, air suspension, etc. If you had to compare it to something, I guess it would be more like a Sequoia, though I don't think it's quite as big.

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

Isn't the GX based on the last gen 4Runner?

Jakes_tl

I would say Sequoia, 4Runner or maybe a highlander?

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

With the GX having a V8, I don't really put them in the same category. I guess if you consider the wheelbase and seating they are similar, but I wouldn't go as far as to say the GX is based off it. But of course I could be totally mistaken.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Love Lexus GX460 and Jeep GC!

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

The last gen did come with a V8. The same 4.7 as the first gen Tundra.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Like I said, I could be mistaken

The GX just seems so much bigger. I guess that's why I'm having a hard time saying they are comparable. At least you'll get a similar navigation interface in the 4Runner without having to pay extra for the GX

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

My ex-co-worker had a new GX460. It's like a tank. I was surprised at the price tag. I think he got his for like a little above $50k. The car looks and feels like its +$70k. haha

wackjum

I don't think any of the body-on-frame SUVs can get you the fuel economy you are looking for. Under 20 is par for the course for those.

Not sure what you mean by a jacked up minivan, but I would look into the larger cross-overs like a Ford Explorer or Nissan Pathfinder. They'll be a lot more comfortable on long road trips too, and can handle mild to medium off-roading.

SamDoe1

After doing some research, the GX is the US market Land Cruiser Prado. The asking price online is in the low $50's so it's out of budget as I'm sure most dealers won't drop down $5k to get into my max budget.

Oh and: Fuel Consumption: Highway: 20 mpg



The 4Runner does 22mpg hwy which I guess I can deal with. The Jeep still bests it at 24mpg though. Also, the Trail Premium with KSS has an MSRP of $42k ish (selling price ~$39k) which is right around what the advertised price of the GC Overland with tech pacakge (~$43k). The 4Runner lacks the VAST majority of features the Jeep puts in for more or less the same price.

If I can get a dealer to come down in price for the diesel Jeep I'll do it, but according to my math, the extra cost for the diesel motor doesn't ever pay for itself in fuel savings.

AZuser

The last (4th) gen 4Runner uses the 120 platform from the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. This is also what the 1st gen GX (and FJ Cruiser) used.

The current (2nd) gen GX uses the 150 platform like the current (5th) gen 4Runner.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Well I learned something new today

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Your current options are pretty much it then. Hard to find something that meets all those criteria. Jeep GC and 4Runner are both awesome cars. The new 4Runner actually is a good looking car. I've seen one on the road a couple days ago. It looks much better than the last generation.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

I love the new 4Runner. I would buy one but I can't justify the MPG considering my daily commute.

MarbleGT

24mpg in a GC is a pipe dream.

00TL-P3.2

We've got an 05 4Runner Limited V8 4WD right now (temp swap with my parent's for my wife's Civic).
Getting 16mpg currently (wife does almost all city driving), but loving the space.

My parents had a 03 SR5 V6 4WD 4Runner & it could do right at about 20mpg on the highway.

Not sure if something like the Explorer or EcoBoost Flex would meet your requirements.

SamDoe1

That's what I figured but I thought I'd ask. The Jeep is amazing value for money.

I've thought about the Exploder. New one comes out soon, I'll likely go have a gander. You can get some epic power out of the ecoboost in the those Ford SUV's...like enough to embarrass a lot of cars.

SamDoe1

Highway only?

I think that's pretty likely given that's what the EPA rating is... Fuelly reports nearly 19mpg combined for the 2015 JGC.

I'm considering going diesel but dealers are really price gouging those.

1StGenCL

I love the exterior of the Jeep GC and the interior of the top of the line but the lower level looks blah (loved it until I rode in my sister in laws this weekend). The 4 Runner would be my top choice BUT my mom used to get 15 MPG with a lot of highway driving. That was with a V8 but I have heard the 6 doesn't hit your numbers either.

I would look at the Infiniti FX (no clue on the new number) but the styling isn't for all and the back isn't the biggest. I am very impressed with the interior in my wife's 2013 Edge and it was just restyled but it has the minivan look to me. MPG is around 24 though.

Sounds like the GC or maybe the Durango.

SamDoe1

^ FX and Edge are out given their low tow rating. 5000lbs min rating and both of them top out at ~3500lbs. Also the FX has zero space in the cargo area.

I'm nervous about the 4Runner but I haven't even driven one yet so we'll see. This weekend is when I'll go shop around a bit. I'm not in a huge hurry but I do need one before the end of summer.

Edit: Fuelly reports 18mpg combined for the 4Runner. Not horrible...

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

How about a pickup?

SamDoe1

I'd love one but they are so fvcking expensive for a higher end truck it's insanity. A Ram Limited Diesel is more than $50k, I'd imagine a new F150 is similar. Not a fan of newer GM cars/trucks.

chill_dog

If no truck, a Jeep GC.

RPhilMan1

The new 2016 Explorer looks sweet. You can get the Explorer Sport 4WD with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 for $44,195 and it comes with the Trailer Tow Package Class III which has a 5,000lb rating.

Or another option is to get a great deal on a 2015. You can find Sport and Limited models that MSRP for $50k+ that are now at $45k (new).

Like this one, and it has the 401A equipment group so all of the bells and whistles: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...4025/overview/ (mention the ad and you can get a free Go Pro [for the S2000])

Otherwise the JGC is very nice.

SamDoe1

^ Thanks, I'm going to have to go give the Exploder a shot. How's the interior of those? I remember them being pretty plasticy.

The Jeep is just such good value for money...the amount of equipment in that car for $43k is astonishing and when you add in the interior, exterior, and overall experience of it (off road capability)...it's really second to none. If you went to find a German SUV with the same features it would be higher than $70k.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

I was going to suggest the FJ Cruiser since it's a bit unique... but not very techie. Before modded mine I usually saw 21-22 mpg on average (mostly highway).

What about a Porsche Macan or Cayenne (CPO)? Or if you want to save a bit more... Audi Q5/Q7?

SamDoe1

^ None of the Germans have any ounce of reliability in the long run. I'm planning on keeping whatever I buy for 100k plus miles. The Porsches would need tons of expensive maintenance and the VW's would require even more plus all the repairs.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

You're missing out. Over the years since 2005 we've had several German cars and all are going strong over 100k that we know of (we know the people who bought our A4 as well as our A6). One we still have that is 100k with no problems. Just as good as any Japanese brand we've owned. Mercedes, Porsche, and even BMW have been winning JD Power and other awards for a few years now. Even the 2012 models won some reliability awards, along with the RDX. In fact, two out of the 3 Premium SUV winners were German.

You will pay more for maintenance though...

SamDoe1

What do any of those get me that the Jeep doesn't?

Yeah, the high cost to maintain is the larger part of it...

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

^ Funny b/c I'm more afraid of the reliability of a Jeep (minus the Wrangler) then I am of any of those Germans. To each their own I guess

v6cord2k5

iTrader: (1)

TDI Touareg?

1StGenCL

You did write:
- Good fuel economy (23+ on the hwy)

Crap, didn't realize they towed so little, glad the boat I want will live in the water

Touareg Diesel is a great choice and can tow BUT last I looked for the wife, we were facing $60k plus in the new form...

charliemike

I like the Explorer and JGC options. Neighbor has a new Touareg and it's really damn nice.

RPhilMan1

There's a bit of plastic but I don't think you'll notice as much. Plus with the future dog and future baby, it will hold up well.

Seriously, go check one out. And call or email that dealer I listed. Maybe you could snag it for even less.