Best SUV for college grad??


GTdrummer

GTdrummer

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Mar 13, 2010
2,134
Richmond Virginia
Jr. graduates college in May. His 15 year old brother has his learner's. I am a car short and thinking about getting Jr who is 21 a new SUV. He currently has a Honda Pilot.

The Hondas have been bullet proof--my daughter, a law student has had 2 Accords. My son hates the way the new Pilot looks and they are kind of small. Both boys are 6'7".

By looks I like the GMC Acadia Denali/Buick Enclave but worry on reliability (though I have an Escalade which has been pretty good) .

At the risk of DBK's ire I am not wild about the new Explorer but would like to buy Ford. Yukon et al are too much gas for a 21 to handle.

Any thoughts?
 
My congrats to Both of you.

21 and college grad ....he'll figure out how to pay his fuel bill!

Why not ask him what he "wants"......the answer may surprise you.

(I kinda remember those days .....buy gas or pay for insurance or rent or Party?)
 
I like the Epsilon platform but if your boy is 6'7" and has trouble fitting in a Pilot, I think the front seat is even smaller on the Acadia / Traverse.

How about a Highlander Hybrid for better mpg?
 
Congrats on both fronts. I am having a similar dilemma with my soon to be 16 yr. old - this month. He wants the F-150 Lightning or the GMC Terrain. I offered him his Mom's ML350 but he said it was too feminine. FWIW, the reliability on the Acadia and Enclave are excellent and this is from a close friend who is the local GM Regional Service Rep.

Regarding brands, most of the components are Chinese and Mexican products anyways. I will even bet that the chrome and shiny plastic Emblems adorning most American vehicles are probably made in China.
 
And I here thought all kids had to start out in a 65-68 Mustang .....
 
Thanks. Jeff, asking him is probably a good idea even though I fear that he would want a tricked up Escalade. Sadly, none of my children like exotics nor can they even drive a stick (which is why I am letting them assume the 458 has a stick for now)
 
I like the looks of the Jeep Cherokee the best. Ford Explorer would be my second choice. Maybe a used Raptor? If your son likes to express himself I would look at the JK Wrangler as well. A young man can have a lot of fun with getting it to look just right! I believe Dave said he had a friend with AEV(aftermarket jeep company). http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/
 
GT, My buddy owns the local gmc/buick dealership.....has had more than 4 engine replacements on the buicks.........something is going on with the 2011's...
The hondas are bullet proof, at 6 foot 7....it would be nice if ford did bring back the bronco......
Is the expedition too big?
The new f 150 is nice with all different trims...plus simplier dash less distractions.......The caddooo is all bling, but your insurance will triple with jr....
Good luck, lots of stress, safety,looks,cost,insurance....You didnt mention jeep but joey drives the stink out of his wrangler...for the money they are GREAT....and you have option packages for ever and a day.............good luck gtjoey1314
 
I have a full size Expedition with 178,000 miles on it and it runs like it's brand new. It has seen lots of hard towing with both a big boat and car trailer. I have pulled my Ford GT from AZ to Florida and back, and to Texas and back several times. Tons of room, it has been bulletproof, and most important, IT'S A FORD!! Screw ****** Motors. Now go do the right thing.

Chip
 
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Go to thier www. Many vehicles are rated.
 
Lambo and Bugatti Veyron are 4 wheel drive. Seriously, if you want a reliable "big" Ford, get an Expedition. We have had 5 of them since they were introduced and they are great all purpose...but not great on mpg if that is a factor. The IRS makes the third row seats easy to put up/down for more room and the ride is great.
 
I have a 2011 GMC Yukon (30,000 miles) and a 2011 Sierra 3/4 ton diesel (55,000 miles). The mileage on the Yukon is low 20s at best (no matter what they tell you) with my wife driving. The quality on both is ok; however it has its share of squeaks and creaks thats for sure. Crash safety I cant comment on (thankfully).

I have put on more than 5000 miles in a 2011 F150 and in my opinion the F150 is a better truck overall for a DD. The power unloaded is great and the interior seems absolutely huge compared to my GMC, in particular the back seat. Now I understand that I am not comparing apples to apples here however when attached to a heavy trailer the 3/4 ton diesel is better than the F150 for obvious reasons.

I wouldnt advise against the Yukon or for that matter a half ton GMC, however I can say that the F150 would be my choice over a SUV. Now the wife has a different opinion and would take her SUV over any pickup offered. I think if you need the enclosed storage of an SUV, throw on a soft or hard box cover.

My two cents, hope it helps.

Steve
 
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Copenhagen GT said:
And I here thought all kids had to start out in a 65-68 Mustang .....
Click to expand...

+1
I know I did.
 
Colton74 said:
I have put on more than 5000 miles in a 2011 F150 and in my opinion the F150 is a better truck overall for a DD. The power unloaded is great and the interior seems absolutely huge compared to my GMC, in particular the back seat. Now I understand that I am not comparing apples to apples here however when attached to a heavy trailer the 3/4 ton diesel is better than the F150 for obvious reasons.

Steve
Click to expand...

+1 - drive an eco-boost F150 in your evaluation. Put a cap on it.
 
i have 2 new explorers, 5 edges, 2 flex for suv cross over types. everyone wants the explorer and flex for monster headroom. but Edge wins on mpg. If economy is a consideration look at the all new Escape..... now if my son was that tall it would be a ecoboost FX4 F150 young people will be moving and playing and a truck is the ultimate
 
Just bought a 2012 Jeep Wrangler for my sixteen year-old daughter and I really like it. It'll go anywhere, is great in the summer with the top pulled back yet is very comfortable in the winter with the optional hard top. It's very well built and it has the best resale of anything you can buy. The 2012's come with a new 3.6 liter engine that has 40% more horsepower yet gets 20% better fuel economy than the 3.8 liter it replaced in the 2011 model. All this with lot's of headroom for your tall sons.
 
Stop the presses......the NEW BENTLEY SUV will be here .....just what a kid wants...gtjoey1314
 
^^
Or a used R63 Mercedes station wagon.
My Dad has a Traverse that he loves. Might go look at that.
 
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