New family transport time. Used recommendations?

[Tobit]

Mrs. Tobit's '95 Volvo 855T is due for replacement.  225,000 miles and it's just time to go.  No need to go into all the maintenance I've done over the years, it's just tired.

Buying used so anything from say 2006 - 2010.  I'd really like a Ford Flex but they're just out of reach with two kids in private school.  I keep ending up looking at an Expedition or Suburban but there must be other options.  So, I'm looking for input from owners of something that meets the following criteria. 

Must comfortably seat family of four 6'1" bodies, plus 2 on occasion.  (Mothers in law or friends)   
Cargo space enough for travel with a large dog carrier, trips to Lowe's, etc.
Optional:  Occasional towing of utility trailer under 3,000lbs.
Minimal superfluous electronic cellulite.
Must be comfortable for travel as we're on the high-school wrestling team circuit.

So?  I still come back to Expedition.  Plus, I already have an '07 F150 with the same drivetrain and am familiar with it. 

Thanks,

Tobit

[Scud]

We've had a Mazda CX-9 for about 5 years and 60,000 miles. It seats 7, has been reliable, and is fun to drive. However, I think we might be downsizing to a 5-seater Subaru for the AWD and due to the fact that two of our three girls now have their licenses.

If your a "Ford Man" then you probably already know that the Mazda is basically the same as the Ford Edge. The foldable third row of seats are good size, but probably not ideal for 6"+ wrestlers... so if the 7-seater need is truly occasional, one of these with tow-package would be worth a look.

[pauldaytona]

Just get another volvo, My 2002 v70D5 has done 250000 miles with just normal maintenance. With 2008 you get the last new model.

[Tobit]

Both good posts.  I've given the Mazda a look, actually rented one or maybe it was a CX-7 (?).  After three Volvos my only issue with DIY maintenance on anything more recent than our '95, is the level of electronics.  Probably about time I at least bought a good scanner.

The 2001 V70 was an awful car and I won't have an XC anything after the issues the XC90 had with it's drivetrain eating itself.

But, being a regular on Brickboard.com I'll check into later V70s.  Mrs. Tobit does like her Volvos.

Tobit

[RinkRat II]

 If your the least bit serious about an Expedition or Suburban it might be worth a look into a Chrysler Aspen. They only made them 2007 thru2009 . Built on second Gen Durango platform they offer a couple different drivetrain options . We bought  a 2007 with the Hemi and all wheel drive. It's Huge inside and my wifes Kayak fits with all the doors shut. After 90,000 miles I've had to replace an oil pressure sensor and the normal stuff, Tires,brake pads etc.
 Mileage runs from 15-16 around town and 27-28 on Hiway.  The Hemi has the Cylinder Reduction system that shuts off four cylinders at cruise. Happy Hunting 

     PaulB.

[Orange Guzzi]

I am a Ford fan, but don't by an Explorer.  They are all junk. 

[rboe]

Had a 2007 Edge for 7 years. best car I ever had. Flex, one of the best riders I've driven. Nice! A friend got a used one at a good price - look around before writing it off.

Taurus-X, good car but has the CVT - I'd be a wee bit reluctant to buy a used on unless very low miles.

Chryslers - stopped buying them, too many annoying electrical issues. Got better things to do than constantly sorting my car.

Explorer, you may find it impossible to rent a trailer from U-Haul - if that important to  you.

[Cool Runnings]

Mrs. Tobit's '95 Volvo 855T is due for replacement.  225,000 miles and it's just time to go.  No need to go into all the maintenance I've done over the years, it's just tired.

Buying used so anything from say 2006 - 2010.  I'd really like a Ford Flex but they're just out of reach with two kids in private school.  I keep ending up looking at an Expedition or Suburban but there must be other options.  So, I'm looking for input from owners of something that meets the following criteria. 

Must comfortably seat family of four 6'1" bodies, plus 2 on occasion.  (Mothers in law or friends)   
Cargo space enough for travel with a large dog carrier, trips to Lowe's, etc.
Optional:  Occasional towing of utility trailer under 3,000lbs.
Minimal superfluous electronic cellulite.
Must be comfortable for travel as we're on the high-school wrestling team circuit.

So?  I still come back to Expedition.  Plus, I already have an '07 F150 with the same drivetrain and am familiar with it. 

Thanks,

Tobit

Look for a used Grand Caravan with the new 'Pentastar' engine.

[Tobit]

Chryslers - stopped buying them, too many annoying electrical issues. Got better things to do than constantly sorting my car.

Precisely my experience with two Caravans and an '07 Grand Cherokee bought new.  Got a line on a Flex I might be able to check out next weekend.  Explorers are out.

Check out this site.

carcomplaints.com


Tobit

[Nic in Western NYS]

Ford Freestyle (has the CVT, some like it, some don't, some are scared of its high replacement cost)
Ford Taurus X 2008-9.  Same car with a facelift and without the CVT.

[rboe]

truedelta.com   great for real world repair reports.

Taurus X lost the CVT? Cool!

[Nic in Western NYS]

truedelta.com   great for real world repair reports.

Taurus X lost the CVT? Cool!

Looking at a nice trex with 85k miles, at $9k I was hoping for one owner but it's two so might pass it up at that price.  We've had great luck with both the Ford 500 and the Freestyle.  I'm not eager to enter the world of MyFordTouch or other electronic nightmares so the Taurus X might be the most modern car without the electronic time bombs (as I see it).

[BRIO]

Mrs. Tobit's '95 Volvo 855T is due for replacement.  225,000 miles and it's just time to go.  No need to go into all the maintenance I've done over the years, it's just tired.

Buying used so anything from say 2006 - 2010.  I'd really like a Ford Flex but they're just out of reach with two kids in private school.  I keep ending up looking at an Expedition or Suburban but there must be other options.  So, I'm looking for input from owners of something that meets the following criteria. 

Must comfortably seat family of four 6'1" bodies, plus 2 on occasion.  (Mothers in law or friends)   
Cargo space enough for travel with a large dog carrier, trips to Lowe's, etc.
Optional:  Occasional towing of utility trailer under 3,000lbs.
Minimal superfluous electronic cellulite.
Must be comfortable for travel as we're on the high-school wrestling team circuit.

So?  I still come back to Expedition.  Plus, I already have an '07 F150 with the same drivetrain and am familiar with it. 

Thanks,

Tobit

So you already have an F150? That will do everything you listed if it has a bench seat. If not you could trade it for a crew or mega cab with one.  Get a cheap used sedan on the side.

Or this for around 6000

[boatdetective]

I have a 2012 Toyo Rav 4 with a V6. Great vehicle. Extremely versatile, can tow, plenty of pick up- and of course reliable. There's a reason why they sell so many of them.

[Tobit]

So you already have an F150? That will do everything you listed if it has a bench seat. If not you could trade it for a crew or mega cab with one.  Get a cheap used sedan on the side.

Or this for around 6000

More good suggestions.  My F150 is a Super Cab with the bench and rear suicide doors.  It's too cramped for four or five adults.  Going to a Super Crew with four real doors and full-sized rear seat eats into the bed space, but could be an option.  Bigger truck and newer sedan or sport wagon for the wife.  My sister has a Rav 4 which the wife likes, forgot about that one.

First world problems.

Thanks for the replys,

Tobit

[elvisboy77]

Late model Lincoln Town car or Mercury Grand Marquis (yeah, I know they quit making them except for fleet orders.).

Good fuel economy, mid 20's on the road- very comfortable for 4 or even 5 and will seat 6.

And way more crash worthy than a Honda Fit.  You are hauling precious cargo- can't beat a full frame vehicle.

Will also tow circles around a small SUV.

[Cool Runnings]

Look for a used Grand Caravan with the new 'Pentastar' engine.

27/ 28 mpg

283 hp

6 speed auto

3,800 lb towing

5 year 100,000 power train warranty

Stow & Go seating

[Murray]

Pontiac G8 :P

[Cool Runnings]

Pontiac G8 :P

lol - thing is V6's are as quick nowadays. 

[Rough Edge racing]

 This is all you need.....

                           http://www.ebay.com/itm/Buick-Electra-SOUTHERN-SURVIVOR-A-C-41K-MILES-/361428923306?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5426d7b3aa:g:W8EAAOSw2XFUjF5e&item=361428923306

[Orange Guzzi]

Late model Lincoln Town car or Mercury Grand Marquis (yeah, I know they quit making them except for fleet orders.).

Good fuel economy, mid 20's on the road- very comfortable for 4 or even 5 and will seat 6.

And way more crash worthy than a Honda Fit.  You are hauling precious cargo- can't beat a full frame vehicle.

Will also tow circles around a small SUV.

I own a Grand Marquis.  It is the last body on frame car built.  A large body Mustang.   The Caravan was worn out and was needing repairs every few months.  My wife leaves these decisions to me and then she gives final approval.  I looked at several cars and found them to be very expensive.  I was not going to buy new.  I have found that there are too many like new deal out there and worked that angle.  After looking at several $30-$35,000 new used/demo's, I was driving by the local Ford dealer.  There were several Grand Marquis on the lot.  I waited until Sunday to check out the cars while the dealer was closed.  Came home, did some home work and found the car to be a very good value.   I sent the wife to look at the car and she said it was nice, but an old ladies car.  Not backing down, I told her to go look in the mirror.  After some discussion, she agreed to go look at the car.  She called me and was very excited.  She said it was a very nice car and liked it.  I told her to go make a deal and call me back.  A short time later, she called me back and said the dealer would take our Caravan and sell us the car for $7,500.  I told her to write him a check and get out of there fast.  2011 model, 8,500 miles with a 60,000 mile warranty, 36,000 mile free oil changes. 

The Caravan was 10 y.o.  We traded a worn out Taurus for it.  That dealer gave us $3,500 trade, sold it back to us for $.01, $6,000 buy down and then the Ford A plan.  We had less than $8,500 in the Caravan and drove it for 8 years. 

Finding a Crown Vic. or Marquis with low miles will be hard since they quit making them.  It's a sleeper.  Mustang in sheep's clothing. 

[oldbike54]

 Whatever you buy Tobit , make sure the GPS actually works 

  Dusty

[rocker59]

I vote for Expedition or Suburban.

I drive a Suburban 1500 4x4.  Great all-around use vehicle.

4 captains chairs and a 3rd row, so will haul up to seven people.  Four big adults, plus two or three more when needed.

Even with the 3rd row in place, there is lots of luggage room behind the seat.  I've hauled me and four friends to Chicago for a long weekend in it.  Plenty of room for people and luggage.  With fewer people, start folding seats and there is a shite-tonne of storage space.  I even camp in mine with a full-size mattress.

More towing than you need, but hey, it's there.

Great in mud/snow/gravel.

Durable and reliable, with a dealer in every little town.

[rocker59]

Late model Lincoln Town car or Mercury Grand Marquis (yeah, I know they quit making them except for fleet orders.).

Good fuel economy, mid 20's on the road- very comfortable for 4 or even 5 and will seat 6.

And way more crash worthy than a Honda Fit.  You are hauling precious cargo- can't beat a full frame vehicle.

Will also tow circles around a small SUV.

Last year model was 2011.

Fantastic durable/reliable cars, but probably not enough room for people, pet carriers and luggage he's talking about.

I'm kind of wanting to get a late 2009-2011 Lincoln Towncar for use as a roadtripper, but it would only haul me, Red and the dawg, so plenty of space for pet carrier and luggage.

[dee g]

Finding a Crown Vic. or Marquis with low miles will be hard since they quit making them.  It's a sleeper.  Mustang in sheep's clothing.

Our work attorney (who drives Volvo's and Benzs') bought his 17 yo daughter a Crown Vic. I laughed at him, until he explained why.  The thing is huge. Rides like a tank and she fit can all her friends and all their crap in it. (She's on the swim and volley ball teams).  And would do a better job of protecting them in an accident than the usual choices of a small Toyota or such. And the engine and trans are bulletproof.  Says she hated it until she drove it, now she's the envy of her friends. Except mom doesn't want it parked in front of the house. hahahahahaa

[rocker59]

Finding a Crown Vic. or Marquis with low miles will be hard since they quit making them.  It's a sleeper.  Mustang in sheep's clothing.

It's pretty easy, around here, to find one-owner Towncars as old as 2002/2003 with under 100,000 miles.

The demographic of the owners is probably the reason.  Mostly owned by retirees who don't drive them a lot.

I see Towncars all the time with 40,000 to 60,000 miles on them.  Model years 2006-up.

[Tobit]

My mother has an '07 Town Car.  Actually, my wife is driving it this week while I do damage repair on the Volvo.  Sunday morning she was on her way to run a half marathon, came over a rise and hit "something" hard.  She called at 6:30am, "hon, I have a flat tire."  The drivers side front tire has a huge bulge in the sidewall and the driver's side rear wheel is bent (OEM Volvo 15") and the tire sidewall ruptured.  Found an identical wheel at U-pullit for $40, now need to get tires and alignment.  With the hit the rear wheel took I'm surprised the front is still attached to the car.

Anyway, I think the Town Car is great.  the 4.6L V8 runs very strong, it's big and comfy, but as mentioned above, not enough room for dog, family and stuff.  And yes, the kids hate it and wife thinks it's an old lady's car.  That said, we may inherit it should mom stop driving but at 82 years young, she's still hot rodding in her Lincoln.  She drives with gloves on.  Those old style with the ventilated knuckles.

Dusty, re GPS.  LOL.   

Rough Edge, that Electra reminds me of my old Ford Elite.  Wish I still had that car.  Huge, 351 Windsor, I had about 12 people in it once.  Arms and legs everywhere as we headed to the white water put in point.

Re Chrysler?  No, not ever again in my life.  I don't need an 8-speed transmission when the service department couldn't make my 4-speed electronically controlled unit shift correctly.  After spending way too much time with Chrysler electrical system schematics for three vehicles, they're permanently off my list.  I think they developed the GPS system for Harley. (Not Harley bashing, I LOVED the 2014 Street Glide I rented.)

Tobit

[elvisboy77]

Our work attorney (who drives Volvo's and Benzs') bought his 17 yo daughter a Crown Vic. I laughed at him, until he explained why.  The thing is huge. Rides like a tank and she fit can all her friends and all their crap in it. (She's on the swim and volley ball teams).  And would do a better job of protecting them in an accident than the usual choices of a small Toyota or such. And the engine and trans are bulletproof.  Says she hated it until she drove it, now she's the envy of her friends. Except mom doesn't want it parked in front of the house. hahahahahaa

Kid number 1: 2000 Grand Marquis.  Two wrecks, still running, 200k miles.  Painted with Jurassic park theme on one side, Star Wars on the other, and a big red Rolling Stones tongue on the hood.  She was an art major in school.

Kid number 2: 2003 Grand Marquis.  One major wreck, had to replace radiator subframe and radiator, front end stuff.  She walked away from it.  Would have been a fatality in a smaller car.  110k miles and still trucking.

Kid number 3: 1999 Lincold Town Car.  The only kid in high school with a real full size car.   She's only 17, drove it to DC and back this weekend.  All of her pals love the thing.  White with white leather interior.  I paid $4900 for it with 75k on the clock.

They are awesome cars, I hate they quit making them.  Victim of marketing and perception.

America put so many of our police officers in them because they were very comfortable and safe.

[Rough Edge racing]

 Crown Victoria? Those are the one that burst into flames when rear ended...Some cops refused to drive them after a series of gruesome accidents...Was it just the cop car version or all of them?

[rboe]

I believe all of them. You had to be rear ended pretty darn good (the dental assistant at my dentists, her husband was a cop in Phoenix and got rear ended by a taxi going about 100. Probably should have killed him, very nasty burns). Rear suspension bits would zipper the gas tank as the gas tank was pushed forward.

Since they made them like that for years and only became a problem in the latter few I suspect it was not all that bad. Certainly did not rise to the same danger as the Pinto.

Dad rented one when he visited us in Tucson over twenty years ago. Did the Mount Lemon road (twisty bits, pot holes - many unavoidable due to said twisty bits), I was very impressed with the ride. Ford had that car dialed in.