jayhawk815

My wife and I are looking to be possibly adding a fifth member to our family in the near future, and are in the market for a larger vehicle. We're primarily looking at three row crossovers, with the Mazda CX-9 and Dodge Durango currently topping the list. Anyone have any experience with either of these vehicles?

Also, any other suggestions out there? We're looking for a '10 or newer vehicle, probably in the $30-35k range, and must seat at least 6 comfortably. My wife is not a big fan of minivans, but does like the sporty look of the Sienna SE.

khannie112

I don't have any experience with those two vehicles, but I just purchased an '09 MDX with only 14,000 miles for $31k. This has technology package as well....so if you want a little more luxury for your money and don't mind a CPO car that could be the way to go.

jayhawk815

If we had a slightly larger budget, the MDX would top the list. The SH-AWD and extensive amenities list is hard to ignore. However, another criterion is that it can't have more than 30k miles. MDX's with less than 30k miles and under $35k are hard to come by, without driving halfway across the country.

pttl

I was in a rental '12 Durango V6 Crew for a week. Drove well...very large inside, room for lots of people. Plenty of gadgets. Very tight...no rattles nice dash layout, Good materials. Overall very nice vehicle if you like large.

Down side...mpgs sucked.

khannie112

Oh - guess it must be different in your area because all the ones i've seen CPO around here under 25k miles (one of my criteria) could be had for under $35k. Maybe its because there are sooooo many MDX's in my area (I probably see at least 10 a day).

what about a Honda Pilot? You can get a great deal on one that is nicely loaded. Good luck and happy hunting!

jayhawk815

When you say "mpgs sucked," just to what degree did it suck? I'm not expecting anything amazing, but hopefully not too far below 20 mpg with mixed driving.


I see a couple a day or so, but they're just not very plentiful on the dealership lots around here. I'm willing to drive a decent distance, up to 200-300 miles or so, but not much further to find one. I just haven't seen much, and most are at the very top of our range and a little older than we'd like.

Neither one of us are big fans of the Pilot's styling, inside or out.

Will Y.

Ford Flex.

As a minivan fan and hater of the urban-use SUV, I would get the Sienna.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Minivan FTW

I know some people don't like it because it gives you the image of soccer mom, but who cares? It's just so convenient and easy to drive.

I love the new Sienna SE too. I'd recommend that. The new Oddy looks to me.

jayhawk815

I like the Ford Flex, but my wife isn't a big fan of it's styling, or the Ford brand in general.

My wife's parents and sister live on dirt roads and split time watching our youngest child, so it'll at least see some off paved-road use. AWD/4WD isn't a necessity, but it is preferred. The ability to occasionally use it to tow would be a plus as well.

jayhawk815

From a practicality standpoint, you can't beat a minivan. Slightly better gas mileage, handle better than most SUV's, and the sliding doors would be awesome in parking lots. The only problem is, she doesn't like the look of most of them, and the Sienna SE would probably have to be purchased new, which is at the very top of our price range.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

I had suggested it since you stated your budget to be $35k.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

But I do understand that women don't like the look of minivan.

My wife would kick my face if I suggested a minivan for her next car.

Sarlacc

Had a v6 Durango for two weeks as a rental and LOVED everything about it.

Had all 7 seats filled and still averaged 18-19mpg.

Drives great. Tons of room. I wrote a much more in depth review in the Durango thread in auto news.

pttl

I saw consistently below 20 mpg. Long highway use would probalby yeild higher mpgs. It was never loaded with more than me and maybe a single passenger.

jayhawk815

Thanks for the input, I'll be sure to check out that thread.

McCollins23

Hell I dont even have kids and I would drive the shit out of one of those "Swagger Wagons" Toyota Siennas. They are very stylish for what they are and I would not be ashamed to be seen in one. My buddy with 2 kids said he would never be caught dead driving a mini van, but fast forward to 4 years and 2 kids later, he said it is life changing not having to worry about crawling into a backseat trying to strap kids in. He just pops the doors open via remote and they jump in the backseat with no problems.

Sarlacc

Most guys don't have an issue with a minivan...its the wives.

jayhawk815

Exactly.

rossv1

Pre-Owned LR3 or LR4?

jayhawk815

Between the poor gas mileage and worse reliability, Land Rover products are not being considered.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

I've never really heard of CX-9. Is it any good? I see a lot of them on the road, but never cared to look up on it. It looks pretty nice though.

pttl

^
CX-9 Like them a lot. Great handling...very UN-suv like....zoom zoom.

Sarlacc

I don't like the interiors on the Mazda CUV/SUVs...I find them cold and sterile...even a bit cheap (not talking about materials or quality...just design)

Just my opinion, I know many people like them a lot.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

The interior materials are cheap too. It's like 50% leather and 50% plastic.