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I am currently driving a 2009 Mazda5. I bought it used several years back and I LOVED it, but it has been a PITA to maintain, largely due to suspension system issues which have required (to date) a couple of large-ticket repairs. So, thinking of trading it in for something newer and better.
I have 2 kids, aged 12 and 9, and I work in healthcare, meaning that I sometimes have to drive in snow/ice (currently, I only do this in DH's RAV4 but he wants to trade that for something smaller pretty soon). What I need: a non-minivan option which I can buy used, with flexibility to seat 6-8 people at times (could have a smallish 3rd row but ideally a bit larger than the Mazda5), really reliable, doesn't need any major frills though I do love a good sound system... TIA! |
| Honda Pilot? It’s a decent step up in size, but awesome and reliable |
OP again--this was on my list, but then I saw some posts suggesting reliability/repair issues? I have owned several Toyotas but never a Honda--but will take a look! |
| +1 on Honda Pilot. We love ours. |
| I saw pilot too. However, reliability of nee cars these days is not good. I who don’t expect any new car to last for 10 years. |
| Genesis GV80, or Hyundai Palisade. You’re welcome. |
Hyundai Palisade is really nice and nicer than some of the other ones. The explorer is nice but I didn't like the 2020. |
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I would buy this as dream family car. I almost bought one a few years ago. My wife loved the look, the seating etc. But somehow a 200 MPH station wagon she did not understand. Even when I told her we could drive to Disney works in four hours from DC
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2013-cadillac-cts-v-17/ |
| Whatever you get, make sure it’s AWD if you’re essential. A lot of the 3-row SUVs come with 2WD or AWD, and the former is a lot cheaper. |
OP here--yes, I've seen that some of the 3-row SUVs offer AWD/4WD as options but it's something I need to have to get to the hospital in the snow. Since DH no longer wants an SUV, I have to factor that in to my next car. |
| What about retro car for sale https://autoclassics.us/carmarket/? In my opinion this is something special) I think many will envy) |
| Highlander, Land Cruiser, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade |
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In that price range..
I would go with Atlas, with the captain's seats in the second row and third row as a standard it is HUGE inside an super comfy and it looks very respectable on the road.
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Get a set of winter tires, we've done that. 2WD with winter tires beats AWD/4WD with all-season tires any day. Also all-season tires turn into three-season tires after approx 10k miles when the outer layer or rubber has worn off. Yes, there is some "hassle" with changing tires, but I change 4 tires in 20 minutes. Signed, someone who grew up in northern Europe with snow covered roads 4 months of the year. |
VW products handle well and feel good, but a) you'll have a much higher depreciation than a Honda/Toyota and cost of maintenance will be higher also once the warranty period is over. Ah oh, c) Atlas is a fairly new model so all issues may not have worked out yet so. |