Ditching the MiniVan

#51
#51
Orangedogsrule said:
Ford Expedition

Kids get big fast. The Extended Expedition will carry your family and three of their friends comfortably, and all your gear for a day in the mountains. My Jeep Grand Cherokee, which I love, will only do that with a car top carrier because space behind the third row is miniscule. Thinking small vehicle forces you into smaller outings. What do you want to carry with you? A small grill? Pic-nic basket(s). Beach umbrellas or canopy? Snorkel gear? Dump camping in wilderness areas? Do you go antiquing? With smaller SUVs you are limited and have to choose between not being able to ever bring your kids friends along so you can fold down the third row for gear. Or you bring them too but you have to get a roof rack system like Thule or Yakima, or a hitch carrier you can get the cooler and a grill on. If your kids are reaching middle school to high school you'll want one anyway, and a hitch receiver four bike carrier to be able to bike on the beach or on the "rail trails"- which are amazing by the way.

10 of the Best Long Rail Trails in the US | Bicycling

Good luck. I hope you get a vehicle that doesnt crimp your possibilities but expands and facilitates your family's lifestyle.
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Yeah, we have thought long and hard about travel, camping, etc, but my wife prefers a smaller vehicle, and we will use a hitch or roof mount for the one or two times a year that folding down the third row won't be enough.
 
#55
#55
In other news, we got jerked around royally by a dealer today. If they don't make it right, I'll be broadcasting.
 
#57
#57
We are currently going through the same thing as you. We have an Odyssey, looking to make a change. It is hard to beat the overall practicality of a minivan, but I wouldn't dare tow much with one.

I like the Explorer and the Volvo XC90. The Enclave looks really good too. It's basically a luxury minivan without sliding doors.

We have a roof mount cargo carrier so rear inside storage isn't as critical, but fuel economy is.

So it will probably be another Odyssey.
 
#58
#58
kiddiedoc said:
In other news, we got jerked around royally by a dealer today. If they don't make it right, I'll be broadcasting.
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Sorry to hear. We had a bad experience the last time we dealt with a dealer as well.

This is a big reason I believe the Tesla sales model is the future of car buying. Direct sales online or through showroom assistance at no additional fee. Vehicles have a set price by configuration. No haggling, no nickel-and-diming. Design or select the desired configuration, decide between purchase or lease and go.
 
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#62
#62
kiddiedoc said:
So, looking at 6-7 seater SUVs, avoiding monster trucks and $50k+ options, we have listed the Traverse, Durango, Atlas, XC90 as contenders. I just don't care for the Pilot.

Any suggestions/input (other than "get another van" -- my wife is ready to move on)?
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Infinity Dealer in Memphis was showing pretty good prices for the QX60, I believe around 40k.
 
#64
#64
Update:

We went with the VW Atlas with the R-line trim and have been very pleased. It drives/handles very well for its size, and I really like the different drive modes -- I prefer "sport" for zipping around town, but the "normal" setting is more comfortable on trips. It's very roomy in the first and second rows, and my 13 yo son fit fine in the third row all the way to Florida. Cargo space is as good as it gets in this class, aided by folding down half of the back seat.

The technology package is well worth the $, IMO. The adaptive cruise control may be the coolest automotive feature ever, and the lane-assist is good enough that you could literally drive on the interstate without touching the steering wheel. I wasn't sure how I would like phone-based nav, but Android Auto works very well with Google integration and Spotify voice controls.
 
#67
#67
kiddiedoc said:
Update:

We went with the VW Atlas with the R-line trim and have been very pleased. It drives/handles very well for its size, and I really like the different drive modes -- I prefer "sport" for zipping around town, but the "normal" setting is more comfortable on trips. It's very roomy in the first and second rows, and my 13 yo son fit fine in the third row all the way to Florida. Cargo space is as good as it gets in this class, aided by folding down half of the back seat.

The technology package is well worth the $, IMO. The adaptive cruise control may be the coolest automotive feature ever, and the lane-assist is good enough that you could literally drive on the interstate without touching the steering wheel. I wasn't sure how I would like phone-based nav, but Android Auto works very well with Google integration and Spotify voice controls.
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That's an interesting addition to the VW line. The smaller Toureg wasn't attracting buyers who need the mid size (or larger) SUV. By sizing with a 4.5 in. longer wheelbase than the Ford Explorer they seem to have hit a niche as both will tow 5000 lbs with their big engine and factory towing, but the added wheelbase is a positive for the Atlas.

However, VW specifically tells owners NOT to use a load leveling hitch that adds strain on the vehicle's unibody to keep it level; just don't ever exceed their max tounge (500#)and tow weights (5000#) and GVWR-Gross Vehicle Weight Rating- (5997#).

I haven't yet found an article about towing in the Smokies or Rockies or over a continental divide with an Atlas yet, but so far, I really like it. Good choice.
 
#68
#68
Orangedogsrule said:
That's an interesting addition to the VW line. The smaller Toureg wasn't attracting buyers who need the mid size (or larger) SUV. By sizing with a 4.5 in. longer wheelbase than the Ford Explorer they seem to have hit a niche as both will tow 5000 lbs with their big engine and factory towing, but the added wheelbase is a positive for the Atlas.

However, VW specifically tells owners NOT to use a load leveling hitch that adds strain on the vehicle's unibody to keep it level; just don't ever exceed their max tounge (500#)and tow weights (5000#) and GVWR-Gross Vehicle Weight Rating- (5997#).

I haven't yet found an article about towing in the Smokies or Rockies or over a continental divide with an Atlas yet, but so far, I really like it. Good choice.
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Ours has the factory tow pkg. It will only be used for a bike rack for now, but it is much cleaner (built inside the bumper structure) than adding an after-market one at U-haul that hangs down.
 
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