Need to replace my car. Looking for an SUV with optional 3rd row

[Anonymous]

We currently own a 2006 Honda Odyssey. We have just reached the point where the repairs are happening often and the car is costing to much to keep (we have been tracking repair costs since 2014). My car now needs $1,300.00 worth of repairs. DH and I had decided that if the repairs were over $1,000.00 we would look into another car.

I LOVE my Odyssey. However, when we got it we had one child (knew we were going for a second), had my father with us 4 days a week (so we needed a car that could fit three adults comfortably on a regular basis), and frequently traveled 5 hours to IL's house with our baby gear. Now, kids are much older and not in any type of seat restraint, and my father is no longer here. BUT, we use the third row when taking other kids with us (about once a week). I'm thinking we should look at an SUV with a third row that we keep down unless we need it.

So, any suggestions of what we should look at? I like the Honda Pilot. I also like the Toyota Highlander (but only with the sport suspension as I feel it drives heavier). I have no idea what else to look at? We are going to test drive this weekend. I would prefer ample trunk space, and I know I won't get the same trunk space I have in the Odyssey. I would also like backup sensors and leather seats (never had them).

Also, what are the sites to look at as far as getting a really good deal on a 2016 that dealers are trying to get rid of (assuming dealers have 2016's still on their lots)?

[Anonymous]

Do any of these threads help?

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/617205.page#10326345

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/613791.page#10245432

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/135/603003.page#9998713

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks. I didn't even think to do a search (got a lot going on already--plus this might put me over the edge).

[Anonymous]

I'm on my second Highlander and can't recommend them highly enough.

I get great prices through Costco's car buying program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm on my second Highlander and can't recommend them highly enough.

I get great prices through Costco's car buying program.

This is the OP. I had a Camry (transmission went at 90,000). I liked that it drove like I was on a cloud. I hated that the Sienna drove that way. I prefer a heavier drive (hence the Odyssey). I have only driven the Highlander with the sport suspension (which seemed to be a tighter and heavier drive as well). How does the Highlander minus the sport suspension drive? Is the third row only good for kids (or can adults fit back there?

[Anonymous]

Love my Mazda CX-9.

[Anonymous]

OP again. I see some SUV's have optional all wheel drive. Is there any benefit to having it in this area?

[Anonymous]

Highlander Hybrid. Leather seats with captains chairs in second row (easy access to third row). Super, super easy to get the back row up or down, and you have the option of having only part of the third row up (so one or two kids can be back there instead of all three seats being used up).

[Anonymous]

Love love love the Audi Q7. On my second.

http://www.caranddriver.com/audi/q7

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/audi/q7-4-door-suv/2017

It's usually a top safety pick, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on my second Highlander and can't recommend them highly enough.

I get great prices through Costco's car buying program.

This is the OP. I had a Camry (transmission went at 90,000). I liked that it drove like I was on a cloud. I hated that the Sienna drove that way. I prefer a heavier drive (hence the Odyssey). I have only driven the Highlander with the sport suspension (which seemed to be a tighter and heavier drive as well). How does the Highlander minus the sport suspension drive? Is the third row only good for kids (or can adults fit back there?

I like that it feels like driving a car (built on the Avalon chassis), which might be the opposite of what you want. The third row is pretty small. The second row seats are huge and very comfy, but I probably would only put kids in the third row, at least if I were driving very far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. I see some SUV's have optional all wheel drive. Is there any benefit to having it in this area?

Get AWD - I would never buy a car/suv without one. You really need to test drive them and see what you like. Its great for snow, ice and rain.

[Anonymous]

I'd get another Odyssey.

[Anonymous]

I have a 2007 Pilot and still love it.
I have 2 dogs so the 3rd row is usually down. I use it about once a month for extra kids.

It has 4wd which means I choose when to turn it on, not awd which turns on and off by itself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP again. I see some SUV's have optional all wheel drive. Is there any benefit to having it in this area?

Get AWD - I would never buy a car/suv without one. You really need to test drive them and see what you like. Its great for snow, ice and rain.

AWD or 4WD is fine for this area. AWD works by itself and the torque is different. 4WD you turn on and off yourself and it has more torque/power.

[Anonymous]

I am loyal to Toyota, but imho the highlander doesn't compare to the pilot. The pilot beats it hands down for trunk space and 3rd row legroom. I love my Pilot (2016) with my 3 kids. We leave the 3rd row up. Trunk isn't huge but I can fit the stroller for baby plus groceries, diaper bag, etc with no problem. The Honda safety features are great. I couldn't be happier with my choice and highly recommend it.