[mamadub]

I figured since my Suburban hit 115K miles, it's time to trade that Mother Ship in on a newer vehicle. I would like a new SUV that can seat 7 and I would like to keep the price at 40K or under. Here's what I've been considering...

1. GMC Acadia
2. Chevy Traverse
3. Toyota Highlander

I'd really welcome opinions on these cars or any other suggestions.
Thanks!

[ragingclue]

Acadia seems like a solid choice, especially if you've had good experiences with your ownership of your Suburban....

Also, the Flex and Exploder are decent vehicles. What are your priorities? Amenities? AWD/2WD? Light off road ability? MPG? Do you do any towing?

[Artmasterx]

A friend of mine just bought an Acadia and they are happy with it so far (~4000 miles on it). I have been in it a few times, and it seems nice enough. I guess only some test drives will give you a good feel for all of them.

[mamadub]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Acadia seems like a solid choice, especially if you've had good experiences with your ownership of your Suburban....

Also, the Flex and Exploder are decent vehicles. What are your priorities? Amenities? AWD/2WD? Light off road ability? MPG? Do you do any towing?

I'm actually on my 3rd Suburban, and I love it! I just don't need anything that big anymore. As for priorities, really, only a 7 seater, safety, reliability, and a car that I can keep for a long time. I really don't need too many bells and whistles as I have my ///M3 for that! I only need 2WD, no off road ability and no towing. As for gas milage, anything will look good compared to the Suburban! FYI, that Suburban has really held it's value. It's an 04, loaded 4WD, Z71. It's in great condition, and I can expect to get 15K private sale! Not bad!

Originally Posted by Artmasterx

A friend of mine just bought an Acadia and they are happy with it so far (~4000 miles on it). I have been in it a few times, and it seems nice enough. I guess only some test drives will give you a good feel for all of them.

This is good to hear. I really think it's a nice looking SUV. I am going to test drive one next week.

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by mamadub

I'm actually on my 3rd Suburban, and I love it! I just don't need anything that big anymore. As for priorities, really, only a 7 seater, safety, reliability, and a car that I can keep for a long time. I really don't need too many bells and whistles as I have my ///M3 for that! I only need 2WD, no off road ability and no towing. As for gas milage, anything will look good compared to the Suburban! FYI, that Suburban has really held it's value. It's an 04, loaded 4WD, Z71. It's in great condition, and I can expect to get 15K private sale! Not bad!

Yes, those things definitely do hold value well; they last forever and are virtually tanks. With a $40k ceiling, you have quite a few options. You can get a very modestly optioned Acadia for that amount, but it's still a damn nice SUV. With the Exploder and Flex, I think you may be able to squeeze more options in under your cap. There's also the Pilot which is good vehicle. And the Highlander. There are quite a few options.

I'd say if you've been so pleased with GM so far, give them their due and at least look at the Acadia first, then look at the other options.

[Echo M3]

I would go with the Highlander. I think, when it comes to an SUV, you would want something safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient, which is exactly what a Toyota SUV is. I haven't owned a Highlander before, but I did own a RAV4, and that car was bullet-proof and incredibly practical. I would still own it today, if I were not constrained to a single parking space (my city is FAR from car-friendly).

[rdub315]

Might want to check out the Mazda CX-9.

[sanf]

I have a 2008 Highlander which has the same interior space as the 2012. How much usage is the 3rd row and trunk space will you need? The Highlander is very comfy 1st and 2nd row. Kids under the age of 10 is prob fine for the 3rd row. But trunk space is tiny when the 3rd row is up. It's just something to think about since you had the Sub. But yea, go check it all out.

[swanson]

Acadia Denali

[az34]

how about a Nissan Armada?

[M3_WC]

The Traverse looks better than the Acadia.

I would go with the GM product since you put so many miles on the Suburban.

GM has that 100,000 mile factory powertrain warranty.

[mmm def]

Honda Pilot is a solid choice

[ptack]

If you don't seriously offroad, I would look at a Flex. They are amazingly spacious inside and might give you a better ride.

[TK-421]

pilot

[yakev724]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Acadia seems like a solid choice, especially if you've had good experiences with your ownership of your Suburban....

Also, the Flex and Exploder are decent vehicles. What are your priorities? Amenities? AWD/2WD? Light off road ability? MPG? Do you do any towing?

[freshwhite335]

used GX470

[Buschy]

we looked at all those for my wife, I got her the durango RT. go look at them they are nothing like the previous versions.

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by buschy

we looked at all those for my wife, I got her the durango RT. go look at them they are nothing like the previous versions.

Not a bad suggestion. The new Durango is a lot nicer than previous models. The new Pentastar V6 is getting great reviews. Does Dodge have the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty like GM?

[ejheverest]

Won't ever own another GM product aside from a C6 Z06 Vette.
The Highlander's look good, definately a small SUV that should be somewhat dependable.