The time has come to vehicle shop. We initially talked about replacing the Subaru, but my wife barely drives it (maybe 6k a year at this point) and my vehicle is 100% the day-to-day family hauler, so it's getting a refresh first. Pilot is at 8 years, 160,000km and my rough "to do" list is now around $4k....money I would need to spend to keep driving it beyond the spring. Brake pads and rotors on all 4-corners are on the horizon, my all-season tires are shot, as is the front suspension. The rear hatch is rusting. In its current state, I figure I can sell it in the $18k-$20k range without too much trouble. Besides that, I'm adding mileage for work now that I get reimbursed for, which will take the sting out of a car payment.
Default is another Pilot, maybe even the base Sport model. My wife would like middle row captains seats and a sunroof, but you gotta go TrailSport or higher for that, not worth it in my book. Kids butts can freeze on the unheated middle bench on the Sport
Alternative thought was a full-size truck given lower financing rates and some cash on the hood...but it won't fit in my garage, and I'm spoiled that way. I also really like AWD and we do use the 3rd row on occasion. So....full-size truck or BoF SUV are likely out.
So requirements are:
- AWD
- 7 passenger minimum
- Minivans are fine
- New-ish design (not interested in the current Acadia/Traverse, Explorer, etc)
Other ideas:
- Acura MDX (new, or I could buy my father's 2022 Platinum Elite)
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Toyota Sienna
- Kia Telluride
- VW Atlas
- Audi Q7 (it's getting old, expensive)
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Infiniti QX60
- Subaru Ascent (getting old, but pricing is attractive)
- Mazda CX-90 (Blueprint's current experience with his is leading me away from that one, at this point)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Toyota 4Runner Limited (these have AWD and 7 seats, right?)
I don't particularly care about fuel economy, it's a tie-breaker but not a deal maker. Prefer 6+ cylinders and no PHEV. Toyota Hybrid is fine, it's well proven. I'd like to get something by spring, and avoid any 12-18 month wait lists....which may take Toyota out of the running.
My gut tells me just to order a 2024 Pilot Sport in Radiant Red Metallic II and turn my brain off. But it's a big purchase, so I should think through and consider other options.
Go!