2008 Expedition here - LOVE it.
On the inside of the tailgate, that’s where the stock first aid kit is (and a pretty good one). I have the same kit in my Pathfinder, but don’t have the bulge. Thicker tail gate I suppose. Or -
“What’s with the bulge?”.
“That’s where the first aid kit is stored”.
“Hmm.”
I agree that the new Armada is hidious looking. at least to me. Some people don’t seem to mind it. In any case, I care much less about looks than what is best suited to me. Looks don’t really come into the equation.
I wish that my Pathfinder had the option to NOT have the third row seats, and instead have an interior ‘trunk’. It would be a great place to keep tow straps, some tools, blanket. As it is, I keep a small duffle bag with emergency supplies. I’d like to get that out of the way.
EJ - We can get three adults, two 70 lb dogs (sounds like you have bigger dogs) and our gear (say 2 suitcases and three duffle bags, and assorted crap[dog bowls, dog food]) in the Pathfinder. Just start compareing interior dimensions. Make sure you compare with the same seat configuration.
Are you sure they aren’t removable? Most third rows are.
What Sam Stone said. Gas just hit $1.20/litre here this morning (the equivalent of US US$4.56/US gallon), and I’d really consider fuel prices and usage in your decision.
(And yes, that Armada is hideous.)
I’ve checked a couple of times, but sure don’t see how it could be done easily. And if I did manage to unbolt them or whatever, I’d end up with a big well in the back, with nothing to cover it. That’s the one thing that I wish Nissan had put more thought into.
They fold down of course.
I really like the new Toyota FJ.
That being said, I’m also in the market for a SUV. When I’m home, I just haul a lot of stuff. And, I hate paying for gas almost as much as I hate paying for taxes. So, I’m looking at the hybrid. Since I’m a big fan of luxury, e.g. heated leather seats, I’m going for the Lexus 400h 2006.
It’s only available with the weedy V6 from the 4Runner, so it’s about as quick as a three-legged elephant, but I love the faux-old-school-Landcruiser looks.
Suburban and Tahoe are both excellent vehicles, very comfortrable. Both have third row. Tahoe comes in a hybrid flavor that EPA rates 21 city / 22 hw.
Suburban’s have the Z71 off-road option package, but any 4wd Suburban can handle off-roading.
http://www.autotropolis.com/wiki/index.php?title=Top_10_Off-Road_Vehicles_for_2008
No, they really can’t. On a perfectly stable surface, they’re fine, but in mud or sand or any other loose surface they get stuck constantly.
(the one I rode in was on sand in Oman, and got stuck a half-dozen times on terrain that the Discovery and Pajero (Mitsubishi Montero) with us handled easily.)
I saw the engine at the auto show, and I thought it might still be quick. Oh well. I realize that the 400h isn’t truly an off-road vehicle, but I like the power and gas mileage.
Is there anything out in the market that relatively new (say '05 model as the latest) that is as quick and as off-road as the Range Rover. I was going to get one of those, but I didn’t like the way it handled, and I didn’t like cost of repairs, despite any improvements my boss claims.
Actually, having looked it up, it must be a lot lighter than I thought because it’ll do 0-60 in 7.3 seconds.
Ten years ago that would have been quick by normal-car standards. I take it back.
You might want to consider a Volvo XC90 V8.
Great power, three rows of seats, unequaled safety*, and decent fuel mileage. I cold regularly get 22 on the highway.
The V8 engine is bullet proof. It’s so reliable that some of the managers in Sweden thought there was a glitch in the warranty reporting system, the numbers were so low. 
It’s AWD and fairly capable off road**, yet civilized.
If you are only using the first two rows of seats there will be plenty of room for the dogs, if you are using all three rows, your dogs will be crowded.
If you have an interest, I can get you a deal on a new one.
- 8 airbags on 7 seat version, reinforced roof, and the world’s first rollover stability system.
** In Phoenix the Land Rover/ Volvo dealer put in a track that only a LR could handle, a lesser SUV would get stranded. It was designed by the engineers at LR who were there for it’s opening. One of our Swedes grabbed an XC90 and promptly went around the track. Pissed off the LR engineers. I wish I still had the video.
Rick, that sounds pretty damned cool, I’ll look into it.
Queen Tonya- your discount? Really? Damn girl, thanks. I may follow you up on that offer down the road.
I have an '04 Toyota Sequioa that I have been very happy with so far. Seats 8, the back row folds or can be removed. I tow a boys scout equipement trailer every month with no problem. I get 16+ to the gallon on regular gas.
Bought it after looking at Ford, Chevy, Mercedes, BMW and finally Toyota. No regrets so far.
I’ve driven on two of those tracks, and the drive is hairy scary, even in a Rover! I’d love to see a Volvo do it.
I went on the website and built one a few minutes ago… dang. Cool, pretty AND a good car…
My husband is a Toyota man from way back in the day, so I may look at the Land Cruiser- anybody driving a late-model?
If you are interested in safety, you might want to look elsewhere. Not too long ago I saw a brand new one (Paper plates) upside down on the 405. The roof over the driver’s seat was crushed to the top of the doors. :eek:
I don’t know how tall the driver used to be, but my guess is they aren’t quite that tall any longer.
Compare that to the Volvo’s roof
Here is a video of the test
ETA: As a retired employee I can get you an employee discount just like QT can.
Or if your kids are small, you might want to have them build you one.
Why do you hate the Earth?
(d&r)
I sure enjoy driving my Durango. It’s a 2wd with a tow package so the ass sticks up a bit. but when you load it with people it drops right down to a good ride height. It’s got the 5.7 hemi so it will blow the dust off of pretty much any SUV on the road. (that’s why I like It). It’s got stability control and 8 air bags to keep all the passengers safe. It’s got a fair amount of head room in the back, might be a little on the cramped side for large people but o.k. for most. It’s got a video for the kiddies and the rear air works pretty well. Pretty nice for a Dodge, not too fancy. All around a pretty good handling vehicle.
Of course, it’s a friends and family discount dealio and we know the same people, hang out at the same places, it’s just like we shared pudding cups in kindergarten.
I’m more than happy to share with any dopers, and I’m sure Rick would agree. It’s not that generous of an offer, considering I don’t have to lie and pretend you’re my long lost sister or anything, I’d be happy to help any Doper save a few bucks.