Hello! My dad always bought cars for me. I was in a 2012 Acura TL (I miss that car more after test driving cars!) and when he passed away, I drove his 21 Honda Pilot. Unfortunately, I got use to riding up high and now I want to buy a SUV but I don't know what to buy. I know I do NOT like a 4 cylinder turbo (Boo to RDX, no offense!). I was hoping to get a car smaller than the 21 Pilot.
Can you please help point me in the right direction of a car that will be dependable and reliable? I tend to keep my cars around ten years.
So far, I've tried...
1. 24 Toyota 4runner limited (last year with the V6 and stiff)
2. 24-Toyota Venza (not a V6 and being discontinued)
3. 24-Toyota Highlander (still a little big for me)
3. 22- Lexus 350 or 450 (last year with the V6-)
4. 24-Acura MDX- Really like it but it's HUGE!!!!
5. Nissan Pathfinder??- I haven't tried this car but someone recommended it to me.
Open to suggestions.
Thank you for your time and help!
The most reliable out of that group would be the 4Runner. Also, the Highlander got rid of the V6 after 2022 and now has a turbo 4.
Thank you! I test drove a Highlander. I liked the comfort of the cabin but you are right...4 cylinder turbo. Why are we moving to this? You'd think the gas mileage would be better but there really isn't a big difference.
You said you don't want a Turbo 4 cylinder, are you ruling out ones like the Venza with a regular 4 cylinder?
It is basically a Camry turned into a crossover SUV. Overall liked by it's owners, and has a nice ride.
I like 4Runners in general, but as you said, the 5th gen normal complaint is being stiff, not the most cushy ride.
The RX350 is just a solid choice for luxury car based SUV.
My suggestion would be the Venza or RX350.
I would suggest renting each for a day or two and test drive it for a while. Get used to the way they feel, and how your back feels after hours of driving in each one.
Hello and thank you! I liked the size, smooth ride and comfort of the cabin in the Venza. The gas mileage is impressive so I can justify it being a 4 . However, it seems like batteries need to be replaced after 10 years or so and cost thousands! If I drove a Venza for ten years or so, I fear it will be worth nothing because of the cost of batteries.
I guess you are talking about a hybrid? Yes the batteries do wear out eventually, but I know plenty of people with 2nd gen Prius' that the batteries are still going strong. I would be surprised if a Toyota hybrid battery died before ten years old, unless maybe you don't drive it much at all.
True. Hybrids can last a long time. I drive my grandparents 2010 Prius with 243,000 miles on the original battery
the pathfinder is FWD and Nissan/Jatco FWD automatic transmissions are garbage. any of the other ones are good choices. for the lexus, what model is it? you only said 340/450, though I'm assuming you mean the RX since it's similar sized to the others
Thank you! I hear conflicting information about Nissan. I like the looks of Nissan/Infiniti but not sure about the rest. Yes, the Lexus is RX 350 or 450. I'm having the dealership try to find one with low miles