Looking for a used full sized SUV UPDATE: bought it

[boomhower]

As a preface I am full aware a minivan is a more economical choice, I still don't want one.

I'm looking for a used full size SUV at sub $10k. The kids are getting bigger and our cars are just getting cramped. So I'm looking for something big enough I put the kids and dogs into and just hit the road. Right now the Toyota Sequoia is peaking my interest. Not a bunch around in that price range but a local dealer has one with 120k that looks really nice. Plus it's something different than all the Expidition's and Tahoe's out there. Any suggestions?

[SpatiallyAware]

In that price range vehicle condition trumps make/model.


I would probably get an explorer or expedition at <$10k.

[Fmr12B]

Tahoe/Suburban - Repairs are cheap and there engines/trans are very reliable.

[EagleKeeper]

Originally Posted by Fmr12B

Tahoe/Suburban - Repairs are cheap and there engines/trans are very reliable.

$10K will put you in the low 2000's for that or a decent Expedition.

You are talking about a $40K vehicle with a %50 value cut every 5-7 years.

A dealer will be trying to squeeze an extra $5-7K from you based on condition.

/edit - decade correction
thanks to posters below for catching it.

[Throckmorton]

Originally Posted by EagleKeeper

$10K will put you in the low-mid 1990's for that or a decent Expedition.

You are talking about a $40K vehicle with a %50 value cut every 5-7 years.

A dealer will be trying to squeeze an extra $5-7K from you based on condition.

No, early 2000s Expeditions are like $4000. Why would you think they're so valuable?

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3485444710.html

[Insomniator]

Originally Posted by Throckmorton

No, early 2000s Expeditions are like $4000. Why would you think they're so valuable?

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3485444710.html

this is what i was thinking... 8 MPG vehicles aren't in high demand lol

[EagleKeeper]

Typo on my part

Off by 10 years.

Thanks for pointing it out

[CraigRT]

There is not much in the realm of full size SUV's outside of North American makes. (That are any good at least)
I think if I were to get a fullsize I'd look for a Yukon or Tahoe. Or a Suburban for even more size.

[JCH13]

I would go for the Suburban option. IIRC Fords from that era can have serious rust issues. May or may not matter depending on where you are.

[mafia]

2004-2006 VW Touareg. Built alongside the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, same platform. Locking-differentials middle and rear, AWD, air suspension, uses parts from Bentley and Audi, top quality German engineering. We own one. Very reliable if you maintain it well. Also, get the V10 TDI one, gets 17 MPG EPA city and has 553 pound-feet of torque (though the V10 ones are pretty expensive used, you can get a V6 or V8 for just a bit more than 10k i believe. We bought ours with 41k miles for 11.5k. Full maintenance records and everything.)

Edit: Also haz a 12 year factory rust warranty! We drive it in Chicago roads with heavy snows and massive use of salt, still no rust! GERMAN!

Edit 2: Yeah okay, it will be hard to find one of these for $10k with low miles. But if you don't care about mileage and have some money for maintenance, this is an awesome vehicle!

[phucheneh]

Originally Posted by SpatiallyAware

I would probably get an explorer or expedition at <$10k.

For less than 10k, I would get anything other than an Explorer or Expedition. Unless you want to go ahead and set aside a few grand for repairs. Also rental companies charge a lot for SUV's, should you need one while yours is down for a trans rebuild.

[EagleKeeper]

Originally Posted by mafia

2004-2006 VW Touareg. Built alongside the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, same platform. Locking-differentials middle and rear, AWD, air suspension, uses parts from Bentley and Audi, top quality German engineering. We own one. Very reliable if you maintain it well. Also, get the V10 TDI one, gets 17 MPG EPA city and has 553 pound-feet of torque (though the V10 ones are pretty expensive used, you can get a V6 or V8 for just a bit more than 10k i believe. We bought ours with 41k miles for 11.5k. Full maintenance records and everything.)

Edit: Also haz a 12 year factory rust warranty! We drive it in Chicago roads with heavy snows and massive use of salt, still no rust! GERMAN!

Edit 2: Yeah okay, it will be hard to find one of these for $10k with low miles. But if you don't care about mileage and have some money for maintenance, this is an awesome vehicle!

Do they have the capacity that the OP desires?

[boomhower]

A high mileage VW isn't something I want to get into. Domestics are certainly on the table. I've always been a Ford guy but the Expeditions just don't do it for me. Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban are certainly on the table. Why can't the domestics use leather that doesn't turn into garbage so quick? Many good trucks otherwise are ruined do to crap leather.

[halik]

Originally Posted by boomhower

As a preface I am full aware a minivan is a more economical choice, I still don't want one.

I'm looking for a used full size SUV at sub $10k. The kids are getting bigger and our cars are just getting cramped. So I'm looking for something big enough I put the kids and dogs into and just hit the road. Right now the Toyota Sequoia is peaking my interest. Not a bunch around in that price range but a local dealer has one with 120k that looks really nice. Plus it's something different than all the Expidition's and Tahoe's out there. Any suggestions?

How many kids and dogs do you have? How about a Dodge Magnum?

I would contend that 90% of people that say they want a full size SUV don't actually want a full size SUV... they just see that as the only alternative to minivans.

[boomhower]

Originally Posted by halik

How many kids and dogs do you have? How about a Dodge Magnum?

I would contend that 90% of people that say they want a full size SUV don't actually want a full size SUV... they just see that as the only alternative to minivans.

Kids are 6 and 13 along with a 55lb English Bull and a 110lb(going on 180lb) Mastiff. The idea is take out the third row, add a partion with half dog and half luggage. It's impossible to find someone to house sit the dogs and I hate having to plan so far in advance to do something do to having to make boarding arrangements. I just want to be able to load up and go.

[thedarkwolf]

Have you considered the lift over height in the rear of these things yet? Will this 180lb mastiff be willing/able to jump high enough to get into one of these SUV? What about when he is too old to do so?

[boomhower]

Originally Posted by thedarkwolf

Have you considered the lift over height in the rear of these things yet? Will this 180lb mastiff be willing/able to jump high enough to get into one of these SUV? What about when he is too old to do so?

Good point. Collapsable ATV ramp? Certainly food for though.

[halik]

Originally Posted by boomhower

Kids are 6 and 13 along with a 55lb English Bull and a 110lb(going on 180lb) Mastiff. The idea is take out the third row, add a partion with half dog and half luggage. It's impossible to find someone to house sit the dogs and I hate having to plan so far in advance to do something do to having to make boarding arrangements. I just want to be able to load up and go.

Mastif... yeah you'll actually need something big. Expedition sized SUV would probably do; they did make diesel Excursions while back also (low/mid 20s mpg on the highway).

[WackyDan]

Originally Posted by boomhower

A high mileage VW isn't something I want to get into. Domestics are certainly on the table. I've always been a Ford guy but the Expeditions just don't do it for me. Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban are certainly on the table. Why can't the domestics use leather that doesn't turn into garbage so quick? Many good trucks otherwise are ruined do to crap leather.

Or it wasn't crap leather... It just was never taken care of.

[leper84]

I'd say stick with either an Expedition or a Tahoe. Both are similarly reliable in the age/price range you're looking at and both share parts with their truck brethren so finding parts will be cheap & easy.

I'd shy away from a toyota that age. They will break just as much, and they'll cost more to fix.

[OVerLoRDI]

Toyota Sequoia.

Otherwise, Suburban

[boomhower]

I think I may have found a winner. I went to look at the Sequoia and it had been sold. They had a 2001 Suburban 4WD that was pretty loaded. It had leather(In good shape!), quad buckets with third row bench, and barn doors on the back. It road good and drove good. Everything worked that should except a couple smalls things they are fixing. Price is $8900 which isn't a smoking deal by any means but seems to be fair from all the price guides I've looked at.

[virtuamike]

2004 Nissan Armada?

[boomhower]

Originally Posted by virtuamike

2004 Nissan Armada?

Not in my area, $12k and up. I really like them but to high. I'm really thinking of getting the Suburban. Any thoughts guys?

[DeviousTrap]

Originally Posted by boomhower

I think I may have found a winner. I went to look at the Sequoia and it had been sold. They had a 2001 Suburban 4WD that was pretty loaded. It had leather(In good shape!), quad buckets with third row bench, and barn doors on the back. It road good and drove good. Everything worked that should except a couple smalls things they are fixing. Price is $8900 which isn't a smoking deal by any means but seems to be fair from all the price guides I've looked at.

How many miles?

They're solid trucks, but that price seems a bit high from a quick craigslist search of my area. Not really a huge price difference between 2001s and 2004s and 10 might even buy a decent 2005. I think I'd just have a problem paying 9k for a truck that's basically 12 years old