What family Van/Crossover/SUV did you buy and why?

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

06/25/2010 07:55:10 PM · #1

This is an odd topic. But I want to get you guys' opinion on what family van/suv/crossover you bought and why? And new or used?

Thanks.

ETA:

[Current choices]

Chevy Trailblazer (1), Suburban (1), Venture (1)
Mazda MPV (1), CX9 (1)
Mercedes Benz ML-320
Ford Escape (1), Windstar (1)
Kia Sportage (1), Sorrento (1)
Honda Odyssey (1), Pilot (2)
Jeep Wrangler (1)
Dodge Caravan (1)
VW Touran (1)
Toyota RAV4 (1)

ETA2: Added # of recommendations in the braces ().

Message edited by author 2010-06-26 18:07:01.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

06/25/2010 08:13:12 PM · #2

Ha... I just picked up a '98 suburban... Why? It's a damn bus.. Used obviously.

I really do like the large interior and comfortable seats. The 4 wheel drive is also a bonus, and I was impressed by the 20+MPG fuel economy..

Oh, and on delivery, my dad hit a deer @ 50mph... Didn't do more than about $30 worth of damage to the vehicle.. I feel bad for the poor deer, but the durability/toughness is impressive... (it does have a very sturdy push/brush guard..)..

We picked this up for $3600, on payments of 300/month for a year.. Sweet interior, looks like new, and the body's got a few minor bumps here and there.. No serious damage anywhere. Obviously a pretty sweet deal, that's why I didn't pass it up.. :)

Oh, and the 40 gallon fuel capacity is a blessing and a curse..

ETA:

Here's a couple of pics from last night's dinner :)

Message edited by author 2010-06-26 02:09:01.

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

06/25/2010 08:16:33 PM · #3

used mazda MPV. We love it. Rusting quite a bit, however.

Phocal

Olympus OM-1

Olympus 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO M.Zuiko Digital ED

06/25/2010 08:29:21 PM · #4

2009 Jeep Wrangler. Got used as a demo with 5,000 miles on it for about $10,000 less than a new one. I bought it because Jeeps can go anywhere and it is the only 4 door convertible SUV made.

Morgan

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

06/25/2010 08:30:31 PM · #5

Mercedes Benz ML-320 CDI, this is my second SUV from MB and is better than the first, which was great. This one has the diesel engine. It is quiet, super clean, and offers performance and amazing mileage. I get 36 mpg on the highway with a 5,000 lb truck. Incredible. With a 90 liter tank, it runs 1000 km between fuel stops. It hauls my three large dogs with ease. It has all the features and then some. A truly wonderful product. I expect to purchase a third one.

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

06/25/2010 08:30:31 PM · #6

Thanks guys. You are helping me tremendously. I am still open to hearing from more of us, if you can, please...

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

06/25/2010 08:37:14 PM · #7

2008 Ford Escape. A smaller SUV, AWD, not really trail-rated but pretty good in the snow. Great little vehicle, super-comfortable, very reliable, 23.5 mpg highway. Two adults and two kids is all it's good for though... If you need to cart more people, get something bigger.

R.

strangeghost

Canon EOS-7D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

06/25/2010 08:42:03 PM · #8

Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Wanted to get back into an SUV after driving minivans for years and wanted a hybrid!

Message edited by author 2010-06-25 20:42:33.

fldave

Pentax K5II

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

06/25/2010 09:51:06 PM · #9

Bought my Chevy Trailblazer new in '04. The extended version (LT EXT) carries my family, the dog, and groceries very comfortably with (knock wood) never a breakdown. Still gets about 17 mpg around town with nearly 90,000 miles.

JustCaree

Canon EOS-1000D Rebel XS

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

06/25/2010 10:48:23 PM · #10

I dont know if this is something you'd be interested in but we got a Kia Sportage a year ago.

We love it cause it can haul stuff (seats go flat)
seats 5 comfortably, good gas mileage, smooth ride, runs like a car but has the umph of an SUV.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

06/25/2010 11:11:40 PM · #11

Few years ago now but Honda Odyssey.... To be honest - I found it the least worst of the vans to drive :-/ It's a good touring type thing (much better then your would expect) as is pretty stable on the highway - see previous comment though... it not a sports car so turn the wheel and you get big time understeer :-). It's a bit large for around town and some parking garages can be interesting. Like most front wheel drives... torque steer will rip your fingers off if your not careful (but I HATE front wheel drives).

The option to stick in the 8th seat is handy when driving other kids around and when grandparents are around. I found the non-drivers seats in it FAR better then the others (could have changed in the last few years but the dodge in particular were pathetic). I have the passenger back seat in the garage most of the time because it leaves a good area just inside for the kids to dump bags and what not (3 kids and 4 seats with a big area just inside the door). Those automagic siding doors as just great!! (the back is still manual on mine) - By FAR the best feature and it's not something you think about until you have them - although I could do without the nanny state crap... they stop/will not open when not in (P)ark or (N)owhere... and the bloody thing beeps for all sorts of crap.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

06/26/2010 12:14:04 AM · #12

Thank you all again!!! Please continue to add any more insights you may have....again thanks a bunch!!

MattO

Nikon D4

06/26/2010 12:39:45 AM · #13

I have two Mini-vans one Ford Windstar that other a Dodge Grand Caravan. I also have a Ford Explorer I drive in the winter.

Why did I buy them? Well the Windstar was a present to my wife when she was pregnant with our son. The Explorer I bought used to use as a winter vehicle and to tow my boat. The Grand Caravan was to replace the Windstar for my wife when our son went into a Wheelchair full time as it's accessible with an automatic ramp and tie downs for his chair. The windstar is now my driver.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

06/26/2010 12:42:00 AM · #14

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

I'm with Robert. I use mine to cart 4-5 climbers/hikers up in the mountains.

karmat

Apple iPhone 7

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

06/26/2010 12:52:15 AM · #15

A 2000 Chevy Venture (mini-van).

Why? We needed a vehicle that keep our kids an arms distance from eachother, it was available when we needed it, and this one was cheap.

I would not, however, recommend one to my worst enemy. It gets us there; it is paid for, and that is about all I can say about it.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

06/26/2010 02:07:48 AM · #16

Originally posted by karmat:

...
I would not, however, recommend one to my worst enemy....

Does that mean you would recommend one to a good friend?? :)

GiorgioBaruffi

Apple iPhone 5s

Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS

06/26/2010 03:25:07 AM · #17

here my little van...

7 seats or 5 seats with a big space on the rear (i have a big dog, but i want to have little photographer too!)...

it is a very good car, i love it...

cdrice

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

06/26/2010 05:44:33 AM · #18

Just took the plunge a few weeks ago -- replaced my wife's car with a Toyota RAV4 (I still only own motorcycles, but I do enjoy sharing the RAV4 with her on our getaway/vacation trips). We were about to buy a used Kia Sportage from Enterprise Car Sales (a great used vehicle resource in my opinion -- worth looking into if there is a location near you). Wife always wanted a RAV4, though -- found one that came in at the last minute at a local dealer (we were going to buy the Kia the next morning); it was their first "Certified Pre-Owned Toyota"-or-whatever-they-call-it RAV4. 2006 model, but looked positively brand new, inside and out. Did a good deal for us, and haven't regretted it a bit. Great gas milage, and really surprising storage/luggage capacity. Not the "cushiest" ride, and most reviews confirm the stock suspension is a bit tight. Haven't had time yet to see if it can be adjusted, but I don't mind, since I'm used to plenty of road feedback on the bikes. Recommended highly if you can find one at a good price.

bassbone

Nikon Df

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

06/26/2010 06:05:07 AM · #19

We have had our Honda Pilot(2009) for about 2 years now. It fits me, my wife, two teenage sons, our 60 pound dog, and all our gear on weekend hiking trips without any issue. In addition, it can be configured to sit up to 8 (7 comfortably) and still has a bit of extra room for some bags. Some of the options on traditional SUVs come standard on the Pilot - rear hitch for bike rack, roof rack, etc. It is very functional inside and comfortable to drive

It is a great vehicle and drives more like a car than you would think for its size. It handles snow pretty well and has very good visibility throughout. The only downside is the less than stellar gas mileage - 18 round town and 22-23 on the highway. But for all it has and the size and weight - it still isn't bad!

shamrock

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

06/26/2010 04:36:42 PM · #20

used to have a suburban. loved it, great for camping, hauling kids and dogs. it was getting on up in mileage, a/c went out and hubby wanted me to have something new and reliable. bought a mazda cx9, for capacity, all wheel drive and towing. love it.

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

06/26/2010 05:07:17 PM · #21

Because it's amphibious.

ErinKirsten

Nikon Z9

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED

06/26/2010 05:29:44 PM · #22

A friend of mine just got a 2010 Kia Sorrento. Darn nice car - loaded with features and cheap (comparatively) for like options. Pretty impressive little car.

Message edited by author 2010-06-26 17:30:21.