Help me pick a new family truckster

Wife's lease on her 14 Forester is almost up. It's been a great first family car and if the residual wasn't so high we'd probably purchase it (other factors as well to not purchasing it). The wife is in love with Subaru's now, even convinced her mother and sister to go buy Foresters as well (that sales guy loved us). We would like something with a bit more space (like a 3rd row) and towing capacity for under $35k.

I'm ditching my WRX because my commute is so minimal that I don't need a brand new car because I can bike instead. We've been thinking the new Pilot EX or EX-L with AWD (for towing). I really like the 4Runners exterior looks; but, Toyota dealers around me don't do anything for me on trade-in and don't come down on price at all for the 4Runner even with H Plan and military rebates it's nothing great. I've been able to work Honda dealers down $3k off MSRP on Pilots. Just curious if anyone has any other recommendations. Used cars are in question as well - used Pilots and 4Runners are running just as much as new so we've been looking new on those fronts.

I sat in every three row SUV out there, and the Mazda CX9 was the only one that I thought had a real, usable third row. It is a lot older than the Pilot, but was a great chassis and is probably cheaper.

We did this same exercise a year ago and came away with a Dodge Durango. I believe thisnisntheblast year for them so I bet they are making good deals to get them off the lot . Up to 7500 lb tow rating and a useable 3rd row

Toyota Sienna! Lots o' room.

Towing? Chevy Suburban.

I shopped in this category looking at 4wd and towing and came away with a 2015 Explorer to replace a 2007 Explorer. Third row use is occasional when the inlaws can ride with us rather than taking two cars. 2 adults can fit comfortably for an hour or 2, I would say. Your knees are not in your chin like some "3rd rows". It is not a suburban though. I preferred the Explorer over the Yukon overall - price was a big factor but there are others. Durangos are substantially narrower at the second row shoulder. I forget why the Pilot was out - perhaps not quite enough towing capacity?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OBN9Qilu8Y

What about the new Mazda CX9?

For something used I would get an Explorer Sport with the 3.5 Ecoboost. Total sleepermobile

The Ford Flex is an Explorer in bigger skin. Interior volume is pretty incredible. Available with the 3.5 turbo. With the towing package it will tow 4500 lbs.

I'd say go CX-9. You might be able to get a good deal on one since the newer ones are coming out in the next year or two.

mazdeuce wrote: The Ford Flex is an Explorer in bigger skin. Interior volume is pretty incredible. Available with the 3.5 turbo. With the towing package it will tow 4500 lbs.

Plus the Flex has that weird new/retro styling and the fairly low volume is making people think they will be a future cult classic.

The new breed of crossovers (Ford Explorer/Flex and the Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave...Really GM? You wonder why you loose your ass?) are great for family truckster duties and light towing.

If you want real towing buy a Suburban, something in between buy a Sequoia/Armada/Expedition/Tahoe.

Just remember the 80/20 rule, which in this case I think applies very well. You are about to spend 80% in purchase price and operating costs for 20% of your usage.

Is that what you want/need to do?

Pretty much spot on Flight Service.

I talked to a really close friend who's a tech for a Fiat/Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Dealer and he says stay far away from it and the grand cherokee. Actually he said that about their whole lineup. I've been in a newer one which had the captains seats in the middle row and the lcd screens in the headrest with HDMI inputs and 3 prong 110v outlets - which really got me a hardon (Xbox/N64 hook ups for road trips!)

Wife likes the Explorer limited and the Flex intrigues her artsy side. She's only ever had Honda or Subaru so trying to get her off that wagon has been tough. Used American cars are great because they take such a huge hit in depreciation.

i just scored a 5.3 suburban 4x4, 3 rd row, LTZ, leather, under 100K miles, for $19k.

it will do everything you are asking, and be comfortable, reliable, quiet, and not dodge.

-J0N