Someone I know is in the market for a used large SUV with a luxury interior.
However would buying a used version of something like the Ford Expedition or Sequoia with a luxury package be a better idea than buying a used Escalade or Navigator? The prices seem lower. Goal is to spend about 10-15k on a 7-10 year old model.
As far as the big SUVs go, are there models that should be avoided due to reliability issues?
Do they all have roughly the same towing capacity and number of interior seats?
Not necessarily cheaper but more reliable. Lexus GX 460/470. Autotrader.com is your friend or the Craigslist near the friend. ALWAYS get a pre-purchase inspection - a cheap $150-$200 for peace-of-mind. The Lexus will go 200,000 miles with minimal maintenance.
At the price/age range you’re looking at; avoid BMW X5, Mercedes, Audi Q7 (probably not in price range), Land Rover.
Most big SUVs will have 7/8 passenger capacity. Towing will vary a lot.
Here’s a search for Chevy/GMC Suburbans, Tahoes, Yukons: Autotrader - page unavailable
Here is Lexus GX 460/470 and Acura MDX: Autotrader - page unavailable
Various big Fords - Expeditions, Excursions: Autotrader - page unavailable
Slightly smaller SUVs like Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX above will have slightly smaller third row accomodations, much less tow ratings.
If towing a big deal, any of the gussied up full size pickups in crew cab will have 5/6 passenger seating and great tow ratings along with a near luxury interior in the upper option classes.
smithsb, is the Lexus you mentioned the one that’s the re-badged Land Cruiser? If so, I’ve heard great things about it’s reliability. (If not its gas mileage.) The suspension can be troublesome, and I’m not sure how luxurious a 10 year old car interior will be, but they can be what you’re looking for.
Honestly, I’d consider a Suburban or Tahoe, and take the savings to see if I could after market upgrade the interior.
Do not, under any circumstances touch the Suburban or Tahoe. I have danced with that turkey, and it wasn’t pretty. It’s not just me, for the record. Consumer Reports rates those vehicles consistently very low on reliability from new to old.
The Sequoia would be a good choice. They are reliable. I have a Ford Expedition now and really like it, but it’s much newer. I can’t speak to how they last. I would suggest researching that.
Lexus LX is the Land Cruiser.
Toyota Sequoia is basically a Tundra with a back instead of a bed. Therefore it will drive forever.
I’d rather take Suburban or Tahoe over any Cadillac. Especially the unnecessary Escalade.
I checked Summer 2017 Consumer Reports Used Car Guide and they put Sequoia and Ford Expedition at highest satisfaction (increments 3 and 10 years)
The Lexus GX is smaller than the LX though both are full size SUVs. The LX is larger, bigger engine, more luxury. GX is basically a Toyota Four Runner. The LX is upscale from the Toyota Land Cruiser with the same drivetrain. The Land Cruiser has greater towing capability.
My dad is currently on his third Tahoe. He drives them hard and puts a lot of miles on them and never really had major problems. IIRC the one he currently owns has a valve issue, but it’s also got about 250k on the odometer.
I drove a 2004ish Honda Pilot for a few years. It was one of my favorite cars.
Navigators with the air suspension should be avoided at all costs. There are companies that manufacture replacement spring suspensions for them, they only last so long. I would probably extend that caution to any SUV with an air bag suspension from what I have seen.
Dennis
Interesting about the suburbans, I have seen endless suburbans for sale that have 200k+ miles on them over the years so I assumed they were reliable cars.
The Lexus GX would need to be 2-3 years older to be in the same price range as the other non-luxury models, but if it has toyota reliability that might be ok. But then again is it going to be much better than the Sequoia?
I’m not sure how much towing capacity is needed, but it needs to be able to tow a 20-30 foot camping trailer and have a family of 5 in the SUV. I’m surprised the full size SUVs aren’t much better at towing than smaller SUVs.
I once owned a Lincoln Town Car and had to have the air suspension taken out and replaced with coil springs. So I guess that isn’t surprising about their suspension issues.
I enjoy researching cars.
Isn’t the Escalade just a rebadged Yukon with leather seats and some other doodads? Perhaps a high-end Yukon would do. I have no knowledge or opinion on the reliability, however.
Essentially, yes. Some sheet metal differences, probably, based on the year. Same goes for the Expedition/Navigator.
I have an '04 Expedition, and I keep wanting to upgrade it to 2011 or newer, but I keep talking myself out of it. I like my Expedition, and other than the alternator that just quit mid-road-trip, it’s been reliable. Mostly I want the bells and whistles from the newer ones, so ultimately I decide that it’s not worth it.
“Reliable” means different things to different people. The alternator was the only reliability problem I’ve had in its 104,000 miles, but I’ve changed the keyless entry pad, the rear wiper motor, and the running boards. The driver seat back-forward motor is shot, but it’s stalled in a good position for me.
I know it’s not you, but why? (& no, I’m not trying to threadshit.) Does an older/used luxury vehicle have the cachet that a new one does? A newer, non-luxury model may have some of the same features (this was around when touchscreens were being rolled out; an 8yo luxury might have a touchscreen, but so might a 6yo non-luxury vehicle.) In general, a newer car should be more reliable just because it’s newer/less mileage.
Seconding (thirding?) this. I’ve had an LX450 and a GX470, and they were both excellent cars that lasted forever and had good build quality.
If you’re worried about mileage, you can get the smaller RX hybrid one for a little bump in mpg.
Well…have you priced that shit out when it’s new? It’s like a second mortgage. Go with a used one and you can save 60% or more and have a really nice vehicle.
Yeah, but its more like an 80% saving by the time the car is 9 years old vs new.