Looking at midsize SUVs

chewy94

I am looking to buy a used midsize SUV, 2004 to 2010 model with no more than 100,000 miles. I love the GMC Acadia and the Chevy Traverse but have read numerous things on the net about problems with these vehicles, especially the Acadia. I need some honest opinions about these two vehicles so I can decide whether to pursue one or move on to something else. I've also been looking at the Honda Pilot and the Toyota 4runner, but they obviously come with a higher price tag. FYI, I'm a big guy 6'3" 300lbs. so the drivers side space in the Acadia/Traverse is great and I also need the ample cargo area like in these vehicles.

qbrozen

What would you be using the vehicle for? Towing (if so, how much weigh)? Carrying passengers? Carrying manure?

nyccarguy

If you are looking at older, high mileage SUVs. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a 2010 Honda Pilot (2nd year of the current body style) or a Toyota 4Runner. These 2 will be more expensive than their GMC/Chevy Counterparts, but as long as they check out with a mechanic, should be pretty much reliable as the sun. Good luck. Any chance you want to look at a minivan or do you need 4WD? What's your budget?

graphicguy

@nyccarguy said:
If you are looking at older, high mileage SUVs. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a 2010 Honda Pilot (2nd year of the current body style) or a Toyota 4Runner. These 2 will be more expensive than their GMC/Chevy Counterparts, but as long as they check out with a mechanic, should be pretty much reliable as the sun. Good luck. Any chance you want to look at a minivan or do you need 4WD? What's your budget?

Budget would be helpful. I agree with NYCCARGUY.....Toyota 4 Runner or Honda Pilot.

I had a 4 Runner some years ago. Put 80K miles on it with nothing more than oil changes and tires. Sold it to a neighbor who put another 100K miles with about the same amount of maintenance (think he also tuned it up and put some brakes on it, too). He sold it to his nephew, who's still driving it with over 225K miles on it.

Robust vehicles.

nyccarguy

"Robust Vehicles"

And they hold their value INCREDIBLY well.

chewy94

I need 4wd or awd for sure. I wont be towing anymore than 1 ton. My max budget is $15000. I need the cargo space more than the 3rd row seating but I like the 3rd row if I need it. I know in my heart the Pilot or 4runner is the way to go, l was hoping there was enough positive about the Traverse, Acadia since I really like their styling and features.

qbrozen

The Pilot would be tough to do in that pricerange. To get it, you'd have to go down to a 2010 LX model with 100k. Or you could go older and get an '08 EXL in that range with about 100k. The Acadia values are really very similar to that. A 2010 SL AWD with 100k or a 2008 SLT AWD.

Doesn't seem to be any such thing as an '08 Traverse, but the '09 LT AWD would be in your wheelhouse. 4runner? Gotta be an '08 SR5 to get into your budget.

I'd also suggest looking for a Saturn Outlook XR AWD. Thanks to people's lack of knowledge and the desire to not be seen in a defunct brand, the prices are more reasonable than its Chevy/GMC twins. A 2009 model with 80k on the clock is comparably valued to the previously mentioned 2008 GMC Acadia SLT AWD with 100k.

By the way, an '08-'09 Sienna XLE AWD would also be attainable for you. As would an '09-'10 CX-9 Grand Touring AWD.

chewy94

Any thoughts on the Ford Explorer. Should I stay away from the Acadia/Traverse/Outlook due to problems. I have seen alot of negative comments and very few positive.

stever

One thing to keep in mind is that owners who don't have problems aren't as likely to post. Most of us like to vent about our car problems, but if the car runs as expected, we don't tend to brag on it, unless we hit some milestone, like 100k.

That said, the Consumer Reviews can be pretty good indicators of your odds.

Edmunds tends to favor the Explorer although the Highlander took over the midsized Used Car Best Best crown for 2013. Those may be over your budget though. And you have to make sure you can fit comfortably in whatever one you pick. Bottom line is that most used cars are pretty reliable these days.

qbrozen

Ya know, I totally missed a really good suggestion, so here it is: 2010 Ford Flex SEL AWD. 80k'ish miles should fit your budget nicely.

chewy94

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm still undecided but i like the Pilot alot more now. I really needed someone to flat out tell me to stay away from the Traverse and Acadia but maybe they are ok.

nyccarguy

The Flex is a nice rig. My Mother in Law has one & loves it!