Any SUVs with updated interiors AND good reliability?

[gorcorps]

Well, I feel like I'm stuck in a world where the vehicle I want simply doesn't exist without paying over $50k. I currently am leasing a 2014 Grand Cherokee which I've really enjoyed for the ~1.5yrs I've had it. Unfortunately as of late I'm experiencing a problem where something is draining the battery, and if I don't drive it for over 24 hrs it might not start because the battery is low. I'm still trying to get that fixed but I'm at my wits end w/ Chrysler.

Anyway, with GM having problems, Chrysler being known to have these electrical issues, and stories from my friends having issues w/ Ford I feel like I just can't find anything out there I'd be happy with. I'm kind of a gadget guy, and I like the technology and interior design found in the GM, Chrysler, and Fords. Problem is I just don't trust their reliability. On the flip side, Toyota and Hondas are so boring and seem to be really behind the times with technology on the interior of the car. For their price I don't feel like I'm getting the comfort level and features I should be. Same with Subaru.

So, I'm kind of rambling but also curious of experience you've all had. Does there exist a modern SUV or small truck that has decent features AND is reliable? The new Chevy Colorado kind of caught my eye too, but I just can't get past the problems that GM has been having lately.

 

[jlee]

If you are willing to go used, look at a Lexus LX470/570 or newer-ish Toyota Landcruiser. They're spendy, though.

 

[herm0016]

the gm suvs have never had reliability problems. The ignition switch deal is from some years ago. I really don't think that there is a gap between Gm, Ford, Honda and Toyota for reliability. I still would not buy a KIA/Hyundai or a Chrysler.

I would check out the explorer, whatever GM that is the size you are looking for. I still think the GM/ford is much nicer inside and much nicer looking than the foreign badged SUV's.

 

[LTC8K6]

Well, I feel like I'm stuck in a world where the vehicle I want simply doesn't exist without paying over $50k. I currently am leasing a 2014 Grand Cherokee which I've really enjoyed for the ~1.5yrs I've had it. Unfortunately as of late I'm experiencing a problem where something is draining the battery, and if I don't drive it for over 24 hrs it might not start because the battery is low. I'm still trying to get that fixed but I'm at my wits end w/ Chrysler.

Anyway, with GM having problems, Chrysler being known to have these electrical issues, and stories from my friends having issues w/ Ford I feel like I just can't find anything out there I'd be happy with. I'm kind of a gadget guy, and I like the technology and interior design found in the GM, Chrysler, and Fords. Problem is I just don't trust their reliability. On the flip side, Toyota and Hondas are so boring and seem to be really behind the times with technology on the interior of the car. For their price I don't feel like I'm getting the comfort level and features I should be. Same with Subaru.

So, I'm kind of rambling but also curious of experience you've all had. Does there exist a modern SUV or small truck that has decent features AND is reliable? The new Chevy Colorado kind of caught my eye too, but I just can't get past the problems that GM has been having lately.

Sounds like your alternator is failing.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...list=PE14022&ModuleType=Vehicles&type=VEHICLE

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...ype=QuickSearch&rcl_ID=14V634000&summary=true

 

[Tuanies]

Mazda CX-5 is getting revamped for 2016 and looks quite nice. It's a little smaller though. I'll have the Chevy Colorado press car starting on Friday - let me know if there's anything you want to know.

 

[gorcorps]

Sounds like your alternator is failing.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...list=PE14022&ModuleType=Vehicles&type=VEHICLE

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...ype=QuickSearch&rcl_ID=14V634000&summary=true

That was the original thought, but the data doesn't add up. If I drive it every day it doesn't have a problem, so the battery is being charged while it's running. I only have a problem when the car isn't started for over a day, so it's something that's happening while the vehicle is "off".

The problem seems to be stemming from the instrument cluster, which is mostly just an LCD screen, which is constantly powering on & off despite the car being off and locked. This screen seems to be draining the battery, but we can't figure out what is causing the instrument cluster to "wake up" every couple minutes. The dealership said they couldn't replicate the problem, but I'm not sure how long they looked at it. I know it's happening, and I know it didn't always happen (it's only been a problem for the last couple months) but they just can't figure out why.

 

[LTC8K6]

We had that "system bus won't sleep - dead battery" problem with the canbus radios in the previous gen.

The radio would not go to sleep, and it would keep the whole vehicle awake, and kill the battery overnight.

If you went out and looked at night, you'd see the big LCD display on the radio still lit up. 🙂

 

[Zivic]

i'd buy a 4runner

 

[iamwiz82]

We had that "system bus won't sleep - dead battery" problem with the canbus radios in the previous gen.

The radio would not go to sleep, and it would keep the whole vehicle awake, and kill the battery overnight.

If you went out and looked at night, you'd see the big LCD display on the radio still lit up. 🙂

This is very common with keyless start cars when people have their keyfobs stored too closely to the car. Think of an attached garage and having the keys hang on the house side of the door into the garage. I'm fairly certain BMW even has a TSB explaining this. I think they recommend the keys be at least 15 feet away.

 

[gorcorps]

This is very common with keyless start cars when people have their keyfobs stored too closely to the car. Think of an attached garage and having the keys hang on the house side of the door into the garage. I'm fairly certain BMW even has a TSB explaining this. I think they recommend the keys be at least 15 feet away.

I thought of that too, so I moved the spare set further away from the garage. It didn't change anything unfortunately. I also couldn't really explain why it would be fine for over a year and then all of a sudden get more sensitive.

 

[Scarpozzi]

This is very common with keyless start cars when people have their keyfobs stored too closely to the car. Think of an attached garage and having the keys hang on the house side of the door into the garage. I'm fairly certain BMW even has a TSB explaining this. I think they recommend the keys be at least 15 feet away.

That makes a lot of sense. I really don't like the push button features everyone has switched to, but can see with GM's ignition switch issues that maybe it's a better system.

Zivic says to get a 4Runner. I've got a 2011 (very similar to current design...just with different headlights/park lights). I got a base SR5 with running boards and fold up 3rd row, then had the dealership install leather. It doesn't have DVD/Navigation in it, but I think most of those packages are junk. I paid $30,5 + $1,5 for the leather...$32k + tax.

It's been pretty solid, though now that Toyota care has run out on it, oil changes are a workout. There's a skidplate you have to drop to change the oil and it uses cartridge filters rather than canisters and 0w20 synthetic.

I'm not a big fan of the new headlight design, but definitely like the way it drives. Gas mileage on mine is 18mpg average.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I thought of that too, so I moved the spare set further away from the garage. It didn't change anything unfortunately. I also couldn't really explain why it would be fine for over a year and then all of a sudden get more sensitive.

I'll make a recommendation then....try rebooting the computer. Unplug your battery for a few hours...or overnight....then plug it back in. See if that fixes it. My guess is you probably have a relay that is stuck somewhere or a loop going on in the code somewhere. Totally shutting it all down...like *dead may give it a chance to reinitialize and reset.

Typically there is a fuse panel under the hood that contains relays. You may be able to unplug them one at a time and/or tap on them.

 

[LTC8K6]

This is very common with keyless start cars when people have their keyfobs stored too closely to the car. Think of an attached garage and having the keys hang on the house side of the door into the garage. I'm fairly certain BMW even has a TSB explaining this. I think they recommend the keys be at least 15 feet away.

No keyless ignition for the previous gen, so no key fob problem.

 

[gorcorps]

I'll make a recommendation then....try rebooting the computer. Unplug your battery for a few hours...or overnight....then plug it back in. See if that fixes it. My guess is you probably have a relay that is stuck somewhere or a loop going on in the code somewhere. Totally shutting it all down...like *dead may give it a chance to reinitialize and reset.

Typically there is a fuse panel under the hood that contains relays. You may be able to unplug them one at a time and/or tap on them.

I've done that too actually. In fact that was a giant PITA because jeep now puts the battery UNDER THE F'ING PASSENGER SEAT, so that made it difficult to take off the terminal. The dealer also replaced the battery (the only thing they've actually done). However I think you're on the right track with it being a relay problem, I just think it takes a replacement. I've read online that somebody else had similar problems, and he had to replace the TIPM to fix it. The TIPM is the fusebox & relay brick, which Chrysler has had problems with before.

http://www.chryslerproblems.com/problems/defective-tipm.shtml

 

[Scarpozzi]

Relays come from China. They literally cost $3-8...maybe more by the time they get marked up....but it would make sense for something like that to fail the way they churn crap out of those factories these days.

 

[Cowfy]

That was the original thought, but the data doesn't add up. If I drive it every day it doesn't have a problem, so the battery is being charged while it's running. I only have a problem when the car isn't started for over a day, so it's something that's happening while the vehicle is "off".

The problem seems to be stemming from the instrument cluster, which is mostly just an LCD screen, which is constantly powering on & off despite the car being off and locked. This screen seems to be draining the battery, but we can't figure out what is causing the instrument cluster to "wake up" every couple minutes. The dealership said they couldn't replicate the problem, but I'm not sure how long they looked at it. I know it's happening, and I know it didn't always happen (it's only been a problem for the last couple months) but they just can't figure out why.

I don't know if this helps, but I had a 1995 Dodge Dakota whose battery would keep dying. It ended up being a blown fuse which caused the radiator fan to continue running after the engine was shut off. Until I realized the fix, I had to disconnect the battery every time I parked the truck, and reconnect it when I was ready to drive. Good times 🙄.

It may be a partially blown fuse, so replacing the fuses should be a cheap attempt at fixing it.

 

[rommelrommel]

the gm suvs have never had reliability problems. The ignition switch deal is from some years ago. I really don't think that there is a gap between Gm, Ford, Honda and Toyota for reliability. I still would not buy a KIA/Hyundai or a Chrysler.

I would check out the explorer, whatever GM that is the size you are looking for. I still think the GM/ford is much nicer inside and much nicer looking than the foreign badged SUV's.

Tahoe is nicer than a GX/LX of similar age?

 

[child of wonder]

Well, I feel like I'm stuck in a world where the vehicle I want simply doesn't exist without paying over $50k. I currently am leasing a 2014 Grand Cherokee which I've really enjoyed for the ~1.5yrs I've had it. Unfortunately as of late I'm experiencing a problem where something is draining the battery, and if I don't drive it for over 24 hrs it might not start because the battery is low. I'm still trying to get that fixed but I'm at my wits end w/ Chrysler.

Anyway, with GM having problems, Chrysler being known to have these electrical issues, and stories from my friends having issues w/ Ford I feel like I just can't find anything out there I'd be happy with. I'm kind of a gadget guy, and I like the technology and interior design found in the GM, Chrysler, and Fords. Problem is I just don't trust their reliability. On the flip side, Toyota and Hondas are so boring and seem to be really behind the times with technology on the interior of the car. For their price I don't feel like I'm getting the comfort level and features I should be. Same with Subaru.

So, I'm kind of rambling but also curious of experience you've all had. Does there exist a modern SUV or small truck that has decent features AND is reliable? The new Chevy Colorado kind of caught my eye too, but I just can't get past the problems that GM has been having lately.

What issues have you heard about Fords? I have a 2011 Explorer Limited with all the advanced tech (Sync, rain sensing wipers, auto park, adaptive cruise control, heated/cooled seats, ambient lighting, etc.) and haven't had any issues in the 40,000 miles I've driven it. Sync can take some getting used to, but I like it and updates keep coming which make it easier to use. Everyone that rides in it comments on how nice a ride it is.

 

[gorcorps]

What issues have you heard about Fords? I have a 2011 Explorer Limited with all the advanced tech (Sync, rain sensing wipers, auto park, adaptive cruise control, heated/cooled seats, ambient lighting, etc.) and haven't had any issues in the 40,000 miles I've driven it. Sync can take some getting used to, but I like it and updates keep coming which make it easier to use. Everyone that rides in it comments on how nice a ride it is.

I guess I really haven't heard much bad about the explorers, now that I think about it. The issues my friend had were with a Fiesta.

I did drive an Explorer before I landed on the Jeep though, and it didn't seem as comfortable. The biggest problem though was that I was looking to lease and their lease rates were awful... They really wanted you to buy. I don't want to commit to a vehicle again in case my needs change or something else pops up. Like now, I'm quite glad I'm only leasing

 

[NutBucket]

Sure rates are awful. Residuals on American SUVs are terrible. Ask me how I know.....

 

[gorcorps]

The lease rate on the Jeep was pretty good. That's how they tricked me into going with Chrysler even though I was skeptical.

 

[Pacfanweb]

the gm suvs have never had reliability problems. The ignition switch deal is from some years ago. I really don't think that there is a gap between Gm, Ford, Honda and Toyota for reliability. I still would not buy a KIA/Hyundai or a Chrysler.

I would check out the explorer, whatever GM that is the size you are looking for. I still think the GM/ford is much nicer inside and much nicer looking than the foreign badged SUV's.

This.

You can expect 200k+ easily, out of a Tahoe/Yukon. They are the best SUV you can buy, IMO. But yeah, they are pricey.

Personally, I'd buy one that was 2-3 years old with under 100k. You'll get a HUGE price break, and it'll still last you a decade or more if you keep them that long.

 

[Zivic]

This.

You can expect 200k+ easily, out of a Tahoe/Yukon. They are the best SUV you can buy, IMO. But yeah, they are pricey.

Personally, I'd buy one that was 2-3 years old with under 100k. You'll get a HUGE price break, and it'll still last you a decade or more if you keep them that long.

Then you will be driving a GM... at 100k+ that is a rickity, rattly suv to drive.

If I had 50 to spend on an SUV, I'd be at the lexus/toyota dealer. Not a chance I would be checking out Chevy or GMC

there is a single reason to go shop a chevy -> corvette...

 

[jlee]

Then you will be driving a GM... at 100k+ that is a rickity, rattly suv to drive.

If I had 50 to spend on an SUV, I'd be at the lexus/toyota dealer. Not a chance I would be checking out Chevy or GMC

there is a single reason to go shop a chevy -> corvette...

They're really expensive, but..yeah. Toyota/Lexus ftw.

 

[richardycc]

trade it in for a 2015 Grand Cherokee? I've heard they fixed most of the issues in 2015...or wait 6 more months or so for the 2016 Honda Pilot, which should be like the MDX, but I have a feeling Honda will screw up the interior.