Most capabile three row vehicle

[dddonkey]

The Mazda CX-9 can be had in AWD and has 3 rows, I got mine loaded for 30K new because I it is last years model. If I had the 40K I would have gotten the 4 runner trail, I reall like those. I do know that the Toyota makes an AWD van but they too are 40K loaded.

 

[PetitFrereArmada]

I see you mentoned the Dodge Journey R/T awd. This car is pretty affordable. Go for it. But I don't think this car lasts well enough. But since you are buying new, then you are good.

Or if you do not mind a base model Armada, then Is trongly recommend the Nissan Armada. She will be very happy with you. I promise you. This is the trick, PLEASE, get her to the Nissan dealership and let her drive it. That is all you need to do. The base model drive out will be less than $35K. You truly will be pleased, I guarantee you that. Just convince her to get behind the wheel andrive it off the lot for a test drive.

 

[PetitFrereArmada]

I see you mentoned the Dodge Journey R/T awd. This car is pretty affordable. Go for it. But I don't think this car lasts well enough. But since you are buying new, then you are good.

Or if you do not mind a base model Armada, then I strongly recommend the Nissan Armada. She will be very happy with you. I promise you. This is the trick, PLEASE, get her to the Nissan dealership and let her drive it. That is all you need to do. The base model drive out will be less than $35K. You truly will be pleased, I guarantee you that. Just convince her to get behind the wheel and drive it off the lot for a test drive.

 

[4D55 Performance]

I was in a very similar situation about a year ago. I needed the extra space of a 3rd row. I looked at getting a JK unlimited and then adding a 3rd row, which is common. I looked at getting a used Montero, GX470 and several new vehicles. I came to one conclusion, some of the 10 year old vehicles had more life in them than the new vehicles. I am certain that a 10 year old Mercedes G500 has more life left in it than most new vehicles. Same goes for the FZJ100/LX470.

If you are open to getting a used vehicle you will get much more bang for your buck. New vehicles are nice but the engineering has not caught up to the CAFE standards which causes newer vehicles to be less reliable.

 

[apollo]

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

TE doesn't offer 3rd row though

 

[ChuckB]

I came to one conclusion, some of the 10 year old vehicles had more life in them than the new vehicles. I am certain that a 10 year old Mercedes G500 has more life left in it than most new vehicles. Same goes for the FZJ100/LX470.

If you are open to getting a used vehicle you will get much more bang for your buck. New vehicles are nice but the engineering has not caught up to the CAFE standards which causes newer vehicles to be less reliable.

I'm of this same mindset. I have owned/own two UZJ100/LX470s. You would be hard pressed to find a better used vehicle. I just purchased my most recent one last year, an '04 with 47,000 miles. It might as well be brand new and I saved over 50% off the original sticker price. Plus, I can't get my wife to give me the keys she loves it so much...

 

[daveyboy]

TE doesn't offer 3rd row though

Neither do Foresters... .

 

[Keanan]

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.

Why do you want a new vehicle? What are the advantages of a new vehicle over a 2-5 year old vehicle?

 

[haven]

How about a Dodge Durango? It's essentially a longer wheelbase version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. For 2014, all Durangos have an 8 speed automatic, which helps the mpg and gives a lower first gear for better acceleration. The V6 is adequate for the uses you describe, but you can step up to a v8 if you wish. The Durango has AWD available, but lacks the grand Cherokee's available two speed transfer case.

If you find the Durango to be too butch, take a look at the Nissan Pathfinder. It sits halfway between a minivan and an SUV.

 

[Scott Brady]

I would really suggest driving the newest/cleanest/lowest mileage LX470 you can find.

Our 70 Series is an eight passenger

 

[WMDunkin]

Thanks for all the input everyone, the used thing is hit or miss with both of us. We have had some sour run in with used vehicles and some good ones. But the wife still isn't fully convinced on the need for an more purpose "built" overland vehicle because she thinks we wont used it. We really don't need one for daily driving just trips. The WRX handles everything else perfectly.

 

[Rot Box]

I am certain that a 10 year old Mercedes G500 has more life left in it than most new vehicles. Same goes for the FZJ100/LX470.

I'm of this same mindset. I have owned/own two UZJ100/LX470s. You would be hard pressed to find a better used vehicle

I would really suggest driving the newest/cleanest/lowest mileage LX470 you can find.

Agreed I've owned my 100 series for a year now and there are few vehicles new or used I'd trade it for. Highly recommended.

 

[seldonseensmith]

I have a 4 runner and Suburban and they are both super fun to drive but hard to compare in any way. Buying new under 40K I would say 4 Runner is a good choice but agree that a used vehicle is much smarter. $40K used is an amazing and fun budget, where $40K new is a lame and boring budget IMO.

 

[JDaPP]

http://www.littlepassengerseats.com/

These guys can turn just about anything into a third row vehicle. I came very close to buying one for my jeep liberty, but ended up getting a JKU and adding a third row from tereflex

 

[WMDunkin]

Yeah the third row in a kj is really promising my wife really liked the idea. So a jku rubicon should be here by summer hopefully