Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community (https://thetfp.com/tfp/)
-   Tilted Motors (https://thetfp.com/tfp/tilted-motors/)
-   -   6 Passengers and a dog - recommendations? (https://thetfp.com/tfp/tilted-motors/129673-6-passengers-dog-recommendations.html)

kramus 01-02-2008 09:20 PM

6 Passengers and a dog - recommendations?
 
This coming spring the old Volvo wagon will be traded in for something or other. What, I don't know.
I wondered what your thoughts are. We have 4 kids and a large dog to drive around. We go camping for a week at a time, and go on 600 mile road trips a few times a year. We also live in a big city which gets snow a few months per year.
I am more interested in road-worthyness, cargo space and passenger comfort than I am in gas mileage and parkability (but we can't ignore these factors). My Lady is not thrilled with passenger vans, however we drove a rental for over a thousand miles this week and it turned out ok. We wondered what cross-overs there were between SUV's and wagons. I liked the Dodge Challenger until I saw one stuck in the snow 2 weeks ago.
Any thoughts on what a worthwhile vehical to check out would be?

Ilow 01-03-2008 06:36 AM

Nissan Armada, Chevy Tahoe/Suburban, Ford Expedition all come to mind. Pretty much any of the grande SUVs should do it. It will be nice to hear of someone using all of the capabilities that they are designed for!

Bill O'Rights 01-03-2008 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilow
Pretty much any of the grande SUVs should do it. It will be nice to hear of someone using all of the capabilities that they are designed for!

Very true. Pretty much any vehicle has an ultimate use. And it sounds as if a full size SUV is a good match here.

As far as getting stuck in the snow. Any vehicle, no matter how well equiped, can get stuck in the snow. As my father told me thirty some years ago; "Don't get to confident with the 4 wheel drive. All that is for is to help you get out of a situation that you shouldn't have ever been in, in the first place." Lots of wisdom in that.

BadNick 01-03-2008 08:34 AM

I don't know what your budget is, or taste/preference, but if I needed a large SUV type thing, I'd go for the Toyota Land Cruiser, new or used.

kramus 01-03-2008 08:44 AM

Thanks, guys. I haven't cracked a flyer yet and I found the idea a tad intimidating - everything will sound like it is just perfect in the dealer handouts.
The large SUV's do seem a good fit. I'll check the brands listed for sure, and especially the Toyota. Didn't their pickup get good marks recently by some consumer group?

Craven Morehead 01-03-2008 09:09 AM

I like Mazda's CX line.

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/mostw...3/article.html

amonkie 01-03-2008 09:11 AM

I would suggest you strongly try out a true pickup by having everyone climb in before getting it for a passenger load of that size. A full size SUV usually has 2 rows of passenger seats, behind the driver/front passenger, which is where you will find the extra space to *comfortably* travel with 5 people and a dog.

Scorps 01-03-2008 11:12 AM

The new Tahoe from Chevy has a E-85 option

BadNick 01-03-2008 12:04 PM

I also like the Mazda CX but I can't see being comfy in it with six people and large dog.

We just purchased a new '07 RAV4 LTD, with AWD, V6 (269hp), tow pkg, JBL, leather ...I really like it though it's not heavy off road capable since I don't need that; ride is very comfy and supple; but not large enough for what the OP defined, so I suggested the larger Land Cruisers which I ride in frequently between those owned by neighbors and friends ...a great large SUV with unparalleled reliability and durability ...imo.

silent_jay 01-03-2008 06:14 PM

Rover, Rover
http://blogimages.flashedcoder.com/i...2030070201.jpg
http://dealerimages.gabriels.net/Dea...8A447369-1.jpg
http://autoimages.gabriels.net/defau...8a452234_2.jpg
https://www.landrover.com/ca/en/Vehi...3/Overview.htm

kramus 01-05-2008 05:57 PM

I have to admit that I had a crush on the Tahoe many years ago - but not as many as the Land Rover! It was in the 60's that that car was the coolest do-anything vehical I'd ever heard of.
Rover Rover = yummy :)
Now, to find a way to finance it . . .

Willravel 01-05-2008 06:03 PM

What's your budget, Kramus?

kramus 01-05-2008 07:08 PM

Hi will - no budget as yet. This will be a spring thing, and I may be going as high as $500/month when the time comes. No idea what that will mean in vehical ticket price.
That is my dad's method of costing - monthly carry cost instead of final ticket price ;)

Fotzlid 01-05-2008 07:32 PM

$500/month will cover about $26k in financing over 60 months with around 5%apr.

Willravel 01-05-2008 08:01 PM

Fozlid, read my mind.

For around that budget, I'd get a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ($33,700 MSRP), which means around $39k when all is said and done. It's really an impressive vehicle.

Ilow 01-05-2008 08:45 PM

Nissan Pathfinder now has seating for 7, and you could probably get a 4x4 for around $33k. I like that off road package.

MSD 01-06-2008 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silent_jay

From my experience, those have jack shit for interior room. Have they improved much?

Willravel 01-06-2008 05:38 PM

A bit, but not enough for 6+animal issues.

The_Jazz 01-06-2008 05:50 PM

The Rover also has maintenance issues. They were a big thing in my office a couple of years ago (5 folks got them), and every one of them had problems. I've been told in no uncertain terms not to get one.

If you get one, I hope your results vary.

We're also looking at a new car since Bec's Infiniti M35X doesn't have enough room in the back seat. Max constantly kicks the seat in front of him, which is both annoying and damaging the seat. Moving him isn't an option with the new baby. We're thinking of going the SUV route, so does anyone have any thoughts on SUV's with a lot of leg room in the back? My alternative is to get her an Audi A8, but I'm not sure I really want to do that for a lot of reasons.

Willravel 01-06-2008 06:04 PM

Jazz—My 2006 Audi A6 was the worst investment in my life. As you said above, if you get one I hope your results vary.

If it's in your price range, the Cayenne is quite an impressive vehicle. If not, then Lexus is doing good things with SUVs.

BadNick 01-06-2008 08:23 PM

if you want a smaller SUV ...maybe now adays it's midsize... with surprising amount of rear leg room even with the front seats moved to accomodate largish adults, I am very surprised how roomy my '07 RAV4 is back there. But the big Lexus and Toyota SUV's are of course much larger.

kramus 01-06-2008 08:32 PM

I need to keep the 70 pound dog separate from the kids (dog-breath and slobber are Not welcome during a 9-hour cruise) - which means an extended vehical with comfortable seating for 6 passengers in 3 rows, and cargo space large enough for Haili to cheerfully sit in for a few hours at a time. The dog in the cargo area means a roof rack and pod (towing a trailer would be nice, but there is no trailer storage that would be cheap, secure and convenient where we live).
I have been looking at the suggested vehicals and going through links. Some fine looking automobiles. My final choice will in part depend on my future employment because it will be my paycheque that carries the loan, and I am presently looking for work. The bad vibes from Land Rover experience are noted with thanks.

Willravel 01-06-2008 08:53 PM

To be honest, most 3 row vehicles make room for that third row by making the trunk small. If you need a big trunk, fold down the back. If you need a third row, then the back seats are up. Even on beasts the size of the Expedition or Tahoe, the back is tiny when the back seats are not folded down.

You may need 2 vehicles or an economy van to transport 6 persons and a large animal.

Plan9 01-06-2008 09:08 PM

Get a Suburban with a dog-cage for the rear area.

The Suburban's "cargo area" is much larger than the Tahoe's.

The only difference between the two vehicles, really.

kramus 01-06-2008 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel
To be honest, most 3 row vehicles make room for that third row by making the trunk small. If you need a big trunk, fold down the back. If you need a third row, then the back seats are up. Even on beasts the size of the Expedition or Tahoe, the back is tiny when the back seats are not folded down.

You may need 2 vehicles or an economy van to transport 6 persons and a large animal.

We drove a Chrysler Town&Country van a total of about 1200 miles last week, and the dog seemed quite content with the cargo space, and the kids were comfortable in the rear 2 rows of seats. I had to strap the suitcases to the roof, and drove through a horrible snowstorm all the way across the top of Lake Superior at night, mind you. My Lady doesn't see herself as the Minivan type though, so that is why I am asking for advice on alternatives. Personally, I loved my Honda Oddessy 2002 that I had a while back. That predates a marital breakup and the dog though - it would probably do just fine actually.
The cage is out, Crompsin. The dog is not going to be boxed. Sometimes convenience isn't enough of a reason to do something.

Willravel 01-06-2008 09:28 PM

The trunk of a 2008 Suburban:
http://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos...._7_346x270.jpg
kramus, does that look big enough? I've got no idea how big your dog is.

kramus 01-06-2008 09:33 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Will - you wondered about size - Haili is the blonde one. She'll be seated in the back. My Lady is the dark haired one in the chair with the beautiful smile :thumbsup:
Your Suburban looks just fine.

Willravel 01-06-2008 09:38 PM

It's a big time gas guzzler, which is why I went with the Highlander Hybrid first, but if the shoe fits. At least you won't be one of those people who drives a Suburban and has one kid and a chihuahua.

The trunk of the Highlander (IN THE END THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE) is smaller and probably couldn't fit a Golden Retriever.

Plan9 01-06-2008 09:47 PM

Suburban is less of a gas-guzzler than it has been, but still a deadly sin unless you've got four kids.

Baraka_Guru 01-06-2008 09:55 PM

I know what it's like traveling with a lab. Also, I come from a family with six kids. Go big, or stay home.

But, ultimately, my votes are for the Toyota Highlander or the Nissan Armada. Hybrid option preferred.

kramus 01-06-2008 09:58 PM

In this day and age you catch flak no matter what. If I have an SUV and I am doing groceries or at the hardware store, and there aren't 7 people sitting in the damned thing while I do my errands, I am going to catch some nasty looks and probably a snide remark. So long as I can either suck it up or manage the proper rejoinder that keeps me from getting shot or my vehical keyed, I am going to do ok.
Now to choose something.

snowy 01-06-2008 10:13 PM

What's wrong with another Volvo? The Volvo XC90 has gotten good reviews. Their XC wagon also has a surprising amount of room.

Another choice would be a late model lease return, especially if you're looking at a nicer car. It'll knock thousands off of the price but the car is almost new, and some even come with warranties remaining, or a dealer certification.

Buying a car takes a lot of research. Find out if there is an auto show near you--that way you can take care of sitting in a lot of the cars you want to see all at the same time.

Ilow 01-07-2008 07:05 PM

For all those suggesting small midsize SUVs like the Volvo, Highlander, etc, I don't think that will ever work for 6+dog. you will need a full size SUV (Suburban, Armada, whatever Toyota's fullsize is, or a Expedition.) Course you could always just get a used Chevy Express full size van or something for your trips.

BadNick 01-07-2008 07:52 PM

Lately I see these Dodge Sprinters on the road once in a while and the passenger versions seem practical if you need the space; 3L V6 turbo diesel, not sure what OTD price is but looks like about mid $30k:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2..._phtgal_11.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2..._phtgal_04.jpg

Ilow 01-08-2008 06:34 AM

My roommate's girlfriend, who sells Hondas is pissed that I did not mention the Honda Pilot, which she informs me now "seats 8." So there you go...

kramus 07-28-2008 05:56 PM

Well, we got a 2006 Honda Odyssey van - EX, but I don't recall if it is an EX-L. It has 47,000 kilometers (about 28,000 miles) on it - in great shape except for some carpet staining in the trunk. Not an issue - the dog sits there on a blanket.
Remote power sliding side doors, a sunroof, DVD player, leather seats . . . . all for $27,800 Canadian. We did a lot of research, looked around at different lots and did test drives - read a few used car guides and went through a lot of online information. The end is a van for a price which seems fair to us - we picked up an extended bumper to bumper warranty and put it on the .9% financing. The total bill is less than $30,000 and the carrying charges will be under $500. Pretty good, I think.
The SUV's didn't have the trunk room we wanted for the dog. It came down to needing a people mover with cargo room, and my Lady is happy with our van. The younger kids love the van - they call it "Comfort" and the youngest one says "thankyou" when the sliding door opens and closes for her.
The basket we put on the top brings it to 6' 6" in height - something to think about when entering parking garages.
Here is a picture of the vehicle, and of our Haili sitting happy in her new space.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...ewvanfront.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...newvanrear.jpg

Thanks everyone for your input in this thread. It really helped to solidify our thinking, and gave us a lot to consider. It made our final decision seem that much more solid and happy-making :thumbsup:

BadNick 07-28-2008 07:42 PM

Wow, thanks for your follow up report. Those Odyssey vans are well built, roomy, and reliable, so I suspect you will have a good ownership experience. Good luck with it.

If my car did things for me automatically, I'd have to give it a name. Something car'ish, butler'ish and robot'ish....maybe Rodney or Rhoda.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:12 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2
© 2002-2012 Tilted Forum Project


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360