Ended up getting the Acura MDX. Got a good deal and good trade in. Liked the Audi a lot but could not justify the cost.

The new Highlanders are really nice, and Toyotas are usually excellent as far as maintenance goes.

Dont get the Q7, there is a model update coming out next year.

2016 Q7 TDI
2015 Acura MDX

Volvo XC 90. The body style will not be outdated as quickly as american SUVs.

Anonymous wrote:Japanese made Subaru. Going on strong after 18 years with minimal maintenance/repairs. As the body shape hasn't changed all that much am planning on a few more years out of it.

Question was not about station wagons - even 4WD ones.

Test drives are important. Take the vehicles on the beltway. Go up ramps. See if you feel sway. See how it handles on curvy twisty hills like Georgetown Pike from the Beltway then down Swinks Mill.

If you need the third seat go with a suburban - no one is sitting right there by the back in case you are rear ended.

Test drove the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Acura MDX. Liked each one for different reasons. Would probably jump at the MDX if they offered a panoramic sunroof really like that feature. BMW is fun to drive but gets expensive as you add options and 3rd row seat is awful. The Audi is extremely nice inside but it is like a tank, weight 1,000 more ponds then the MDX which contributes to its poor mileage. They are re-designing next year and dropping the weight by 700 pounds.

Honda Pilot. Ours is 10 years old and in storage. When we need it, it starts right up. great car.

Japanese made Subaru. Going on strong after 18 years with minimal maintenance/repairs. As the body shape hasn't changed all that much am planning on a few more years out of it.

Japanese made Subaru. Going on strong after 18 years with minimal maintenance/repairs. As the body shape hasn't changed all that much am planning on a few more years out of it.

Anonymous wrote:Acura MDX

Don't buy anything American if you want it to last 10 years.

Mine is 4 years old as as perfect as the day I brought it home.

Anonymous wrote:Acura MDX

Don't buy anything American if you want it to last 10 years.

My 2000 Grand Cherokee lasted eleven and then I bought a 2011 Acadia because we needed a third row. Has been great for 50,000+ miles so far.

My suburban is 11 with 80k miles and has had no major maintenance. Great solid vehicle. Not tinny like less expensive or foreign SUVs.

Highlander has a mini 3rd row that works for emergency car pool situations. It is kind of a mid range between an escape and suburban.

Anonymous wrote:DH has had two Tahoes that have lasted 10 years and required almost no maintenance. My German SUV started costing $$$$ after 5. As long as you stick to an American or Japanese car, you should be fine.

We also have a Tahoe that's great.