Most capabile three row vehicle

[WMDunkin]

So we are in the market for a new (not used) vehicle and the wife wants three rows of seating. So I am trying not to get a minivan but it is hard to compete with what they bring to the table. Is there any good (expedition-ish) new three row vehicles? Also we would like it to be under $40K is our goal. So Land Cruisers are out.

 

[Mankypro]

I'm biased but I wouldn't trade in my 2001 7.3l diesel Excursion for anything...you did say new however...

 

[surlydiesel]

Who's going to use the 3rd row and how often??? What kind of terrain do you want/need to travel on? Is gas milage a big part of the equation? Price? Do you tow anything?

Since you posted here, I'll suggest a Suburban, Expedition and from the other forums, Armada, Sequoia...

If I were not in need of "reasonable" ground clearance, I would already be driving an AWD van as the 3rd vehicle and not a JEEP GC. You can fit un-believeable amounts of stuff in a van with the seats out of it. Bicycles are a breeze!!! Anyway, I like trucks and ground clearance more than I like MPG and I tow enough with the Jeep to justify having an SUV as the 3rd vehicle.

-jorge

 

[rabbiporkchop]

2002 ford excursion 7.3 diesel hands down

 

[WMDunkin]

3rd row will be a pet/smallish human transport on the short rides. So it isn't a huge need to be super roomy. I would really like some kind of AWD/4x4. I was trying to talk her into a Chevy Express but she isn't having it. No major towing, jet skis and a small trailer. Most of the terrain will be paved because it will be daily driven. But I would like to be able to take it on beaches, trials, but no rock crawling or anything that hard. But MPG isn't a huge issue since both of our commutes are really short. Again I we are looking to buy new not used and $40K is a soft limit at this time but ideally $30-40K.

 

[MACAMN]

40K is most likely going to rule out the expedition, tahoe/suburban, sequoia, and armada unless you want a base model. The ground clearance isn't great but you can get a decently spec'd 7 passenger awd/4wd Ford Explorer new for around 35k.

 

[Mankypro]

~20k will buy you a 2003' Ford Excursion in EXCELLENT shape with ~100k on the odo. You could take the extra 20k and do some pretty serious upgrading, wheels, surco rack, 4" lift, winch bumper. You could replace all the injectors, glow plugs, rebuild the transmission get a nice media system for it and still have 10k to spare.

*AND* you'd be ready for the zombie apocalypse!

Jus' saying.

 

[hoser]

Honda Pilot? It's like a mini-van but with more ground clearance and available AWD.

Dodge Durango?

 

[gavan]

Since the 2001, 02 and 03 7.3 diesel excursions were already mentioned I can offer my suggestion.. 2000 7.3 excursion!

 

[WMDunkin]

yeah I will talk to the wife about used but this is the list I have of contenders so far.

Contenders

Chevy Traverse awd
Dodge Journey R/T awd
Dodge Grand Caravan R/T
Ford Explorer XLT
Honda Pilot EX
Toyota 4Runner SR5


Maybes

Audi Allroad (base)
Audi Q5 (base)
Chevy Express 1500 AWD (probably not)
Chevy Tahoe
Nissan Armada
Subaru Forester
Volvo XC70

 

[huskyfargo]

If you're able to talk her into used, I would highly suggest a 2008/9 LR3.

 

[Buliwyf]

Expedition.
Suburban.

Still I prefer a CC truck. Just crate the pets in the back and just pile the kids in the back seat. Is a third row SUV really wise? Sometimes, but rarely. Usually the perceived need for the 3rd row ruins the cargo capability and more functional use of a truck. So just make sure you really need that 3rd row and absolutely can't use it. I usually remove the 3rd row from SUV's, but am still left with a pathetic cargo area in the back then.

 

[jkcobra]

The 4Runner is a good option.

If you are good with slightly used, a Jeep Commander, leather, video, awesome 4x4 system, hemi, etc. can be had for less than $25k. Took ours on several trips to Florida, Colorado, etc. and it always handled well.

We upgraded from that to a BMW X5 (Dinan sport package) which also has a third row and AWD, but I'm not taking a $90k vehicle anywhere near off-road, that's what the truck is for. You can get used X5's for around $40k these days... just saying. Harder to find them with the 3rd row option as its not standard, but they can be had.

 

[ChuckB]

I have similar requirements to you, but only buy used. Already have a LC, but looking for a DD for me. I'm putting a little more of a requirement on towing and I'm starting to look harder at the Excursions as mentioned above.

 

[JohnsD90]

New Toyota 4Runner Trail edition, should come in under budget.