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Recommendations on new wheels for the season?...big DOG in tow!!

#1
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9/27/09 at 10:04am
  • Joined: March 2007
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I currently drive a Mercedes GL SUV which has been terrific but have run up so many miles on weekend jaunts to/from Mt Snow, VT, that it's time to exit the lease (I have about 4 months remaining but because we have so many miles on the truck, more cost efficient to get out of the lease now versus paying for all the extra miles).

I'm looking for something that's kick-@ss in the snow and ice, comfortable for the 4 hr drive from NJ to VT, can haul 5-7 kids and adults, AND has a roomy enough trunk for my 130lb Bernese Mountain dog!

I've considered a few options, but interested in others views here. Options I've considered is to either buy the Mercedes outright (although I'd prefer to get something new with the warantee no longer in effect) or getting the likes of an Audi wagon, Range Rover (although outrageously priced and no real lease deals), or the Mercedes G series (although also crazy priced and I've been told closer to a Jeep ride) or back to a new GL.

Looking to hear from others on my new ride
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#2
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9/27/09 at 10:12am
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 Hard to say much bad about Suburbans and Yukon XL's if you need that room. 
Click. Point. Chute.  
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#3
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9/27/09 at 11:02am
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Thanks Phil...Yukons and Suburbans just seem massive to me and generally not a fan of the cheap looking interiors of either car....quality of a Mercedes or a Range Rover compared to that of a Yukon...night and day for me.
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#4
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9/27/09 at 11:26am
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My 180 lb Newfy decided he couldn't handle the Subaru anymore.  He roasted in the sun back there while we froze.

We bought him a Toyota Sienna AWD.  Rear dog AC, great snow handling, cavernous interior space, mileage about as good as the Subaru.  At highway speeds on snowy roads it definitely handles better than an SUV.  Not a cheapo car either,,, you can run up quite a tab in the upscale models.
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#5
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9/27/09 at 11:55am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swisstrader View Post

Thanks Phil...Yukons and Suburbans just seem massive to me and generally not a fan of the cheap looking interiors of either car....quality of a Mercedes or a Range Rover compared to that of a Yukon...night and day for me.

They are years better than they were. Personally I haven't been a fan of the newer Benz's since the been counters took over and Range Rover quality is still an oxymoron to me. Resale of the 'Burbans and 'Kons  are probably about best in class. I haven't owned a domestic vehicle in 20+ years but if I needed something in this range, this is where I would look. 
Click. Point. Chute.  
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#6
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9/27/09 at 2:36pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Philpug View Post

 Hard to say much bad about Suburbans and Yukon XL's if you need that room. 


I always thought of Suburbans/Yukons as the gigantic thing other people drove, until we rented one  on a trip to Colorado a couple years ago.
My husband, who drives 3/4 ton or 1 tone trucks for work(or bigger) on a daily basis fell in love with the Suburban.

Last winter when GM was dropping their prices on big cars we bought a new 08 Yukon XL, with all the bells and whistles for 20,000 under sticker. 

Our Dog(Lab/Rott) LOVES the back of the Yukon!!!
We've taken two trips west in our Yukon XL with a Yak on the top we have room for 8 pr skis, 4 adults and tons of cargo for a very comfortable road trip!
Check out this thread.
http://www.epicski.com/forum/thread/84608/i-love-my-gigantic-suv

 

Surviving is essential, thriving is incredible!
EpicSki Academy

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#7
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9/27/09 at 2:59pm
  • Joined: November 2005
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swisstrader View Post

Thanks Phil...Yukons and Suburbans just seem massive to me and generally not a fan of the cheap looking interiors of either car....quality of a Mercedes or a Range Rover compared to that of a Yukon...night and day for me.

You could check out the Toyota Sequoia. You will probably be limited to 5 people with the dog (3rd row removed) or could go 7 without the dog. Put a big roof box on it and you would be good to go with 5 plus dog.

Toyota is finally feeling the same slump as all of the others and you can deal a bit more than a few years ago, especially on the gas guzzlers.


Harrisburg PA Web Design & Internet Marketing
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#8
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9/27/09 at 5:30pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swisstrader View Post

I'm looking for something that's kick-@ss in the snow and ice, comfortable for the 4 hr drive from NJ to VT, can haul 5-7 kids and adults, AND has a roomy enough trunk for my 130lb Bernese Mountain dog!
 

So you're talking about all of this at the same time? It sounds like you are already in the right place with the GL. I don't think any of teh Rovers are going to be big enough. Q7 might be.
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#9
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9/28/09 at 12:56pm
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7 humans plus 130lb dog means you need three rows plus cargo space.  That leaves few options.  For SUVs, the Suburban/Yukon XL/Escalade ESV option is the classic, although I've heard good things about the Ford Expedition EL/Lincoln Navigator L.  You might also consider a full size van with 4WD -- I think that only GM makes one stock, but Sportsmobile modifies Fords and has a loyal following.

If you need only 5 humans plus dog, or 7 humans without dog, you have many more options.  Even 6 people plus dog allows you to go with SUVs and CUVs with a split third row and second row bench, like the Mazda CX-9.  Query how often you'll need full carrying capacity.

Personally, I'm on my second Suburban and my wife's family currently owns four, so we're pretty loyal that way and generally satisfied.  But the mileage is a major downer, and I'd prefer the connection to the road that a CUV provides.
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