Family Hauler needed! Reliability and budget. Advice needed.
 

ok,

My d.d. is not cutting it anymore for my daily. I have 3 young kids/3 child seats(must). I may single in the future, so need something reliable and under 25k.

Camaro has a note on it. Plan to keep.

I have been looking at Lexus lx460's, M.B. GL450, Tahoes etc.

What assuming higher mileage are good options for above needs?

I havent driven many. Dont want FWD based awd either. Ford, toyota are FWD based awd.

Help me out!

Lexus GX 460 runs forever

based on your requirements I would say a used Tahoe/Yukon or Expedition. All would give you the space you need, RWD and are pretty reliable. For under 25K it's probably gonna have a good amount of miles on it. I would stay away from anything german parts are expensive, and IMO a luxury suv with all it's gadgets is just asking for something electric to break and go wrong.

I have a Buick TourX as the family hauler, it's a great car, and you can usually get them on big discount because Buick wasn't moving them very well.

And it's a proper torque vectoring AWD system.

Tahoe, pre cylinder shut off tech. (i think 2005/06 is when that started showing up).
Strong 5.3L.
High mileage known issues are brakes (ABS specifically) and tough shifting tranny. I havent had to service either yet, but i'm ready when it shows up.
If you keep an eye out you can find 2000-2005 in good condition with 125-150k miles for 5-6k$.

Generally speaking, Tahoes/Yukon are ones of the SUV's for your buck. One of the few still on frame rails and true 4WD.

Of course, my opinion is biased :)

The Avalanche is very versatile with the sealed bed or opened and used for moving, hauling 4x8 sheets of plywood or an ATV. Many folks don’t like them but I don’t care. Loaded 2013 LTZs with a sunroof can be had for $20k-$25k 80k to 120k miles, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel and drop down ceiling DVD for the kids. Has the 5.3 with push button 4x4. Many similar parts to the Silverado/Tahoe. It’s a GM so they won’t leave you stranded, just have to deal with the little things. Bad-15mpg. I wish GM still offered them new. I picked up a 2013 Cadillac EXT (same body as Avalanche) with 125k miles for $22k 6 months ago. Luv it, needed some TLC and some $’s but knew that going into it. It’s got 6.2 motor and full time all wheel drive so it guzzles the gas but I luv it. Keep us posted on what you get.

I'm all all over the place, guys.

I love the avalanche looks, but around here tough winters and they all are very close too 100k or over and high teens to 20k.

Started looking at f150's w crew cabs, tundra's even 4runners. If I want peace of mind either find a certified suv or find a lease in the 3's somehow

If you may be single in the near future and you cannot spend over $25k, why buy a used Lexus or Benz GL450 with tons of mileage? If they breakdown, they cost a lot to fix ($$$). Buy a used GM product that is easy and cheap to fix (Tahoe or Yukon, IMHO). Be smart about this! If you don't have the appropriate funds, don't nail yourself to the wall by spending foolishly.

Best of luck.:happy0180:

I'm intrigued by this one as well. July discounts:

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2020/07...-in-july-2020/

Yeah I bought mine in 2018, the first year they came out and they were having a hard time moving them. Picked up a brand-new top-of-the-line Essence model for 31.5k

I think sticker was 38/39? Rides great, roomier than it looks, beats many SUVs in cargo space.

That's not my taste. (buick)


I tested a 2017 Acura mdx. It was gutless.. I don't know if it was the transmission, but man was it painful. 270 or so hp.



Anyhow, that just reaffirmed I need v8 power or Turbo V6.


Gonna have to up my budget to look for American Crew cab trucks. What do you all recommend? I see Ram 1500's are the most affordable, but I like the newer style grill's vs the 'classic'. I like the looks overall, however. Don't know about reliability.


Love the GMC denali's but what about the 5.3 isn't that a bit small? what else there?
-Also most expensive.


Yes, I do dig the F-150's look, but haven't driven either the 2.7 or 3.5 Ecoboost. I hear they are pretty good. Wife has a 3.5Explorer, but FWD based and power delivery is adequate.


Tundra also.. they are higher mileage if in the mid 20's. Thoughts?


Help me out.

unless you want the current gen, go find yourself a late model last gen Denali with the 6.2.

The 5.3L runs great and is tried and true. Unless you plan on hauling a 35' travel trailer, you'll be fine. My brother-in-law tows his 25' speedboat with his GMC 5.3L and it does the job with no problems. :cool:

Under powered though vs. the Ram 5.7. I am really liking the Ram's with the short bed. I think some though had transmission issues