Small/Mid Size SUV

[ZenGolfer]

22 hours ago, Rickp said:

Only exception is our personal experience w Subaru is maintenance costs. 2 oil changes a year that can be done anywhere and windshield wipers. Only parts that quit on us was a battery.
Honda great vehicle and Hyundai is making great improvement every year.
Every Spring they shut down a Town Square and bring in ALL cars/models from the Dealers. The Telluride model is no freakin joke. I really liked it but too big for SWMBO.
We have a deal, she picks out the car I pick out the cart.


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Wait until that Subaru needs spark plugs.  Flat engines are great for center of gravity but they can be a bear to work on.  They also known for smoking at start up as the engines accumulate miles and wear because the valve seats start to leak.  Valve seats leak on all engines when they get some milage on them but the design of a flat engine makes them smoke more than on engines where the cylinders are more vertical.  Just my opinion, I love Subarus but I wouldn't own one.

Im with you on the Telluride/Palisade though.  Those things are for real and if someone were looking at an Explorer/Pilot/Highlander, Id take a serious look at the Telluride/Palisade.  If you aren't set on a certain brand, chances are you could get the Kia/Hyundai for less money with a better warranty and lower ownership costs.

[ZenGolfer]

20 hours ago, Shankster said:

That new Bronco... looks like a blade, but has some tech!  Love it!

That is going to be my make Chief incentive... getting one of those.

Amen.  If you look at the new Bronco, its going to be a real problem for Jeep because it takes everything that people love about the Wrangler and fixes all of its shortcomings.  I may be a bit biased because I learned how to drive in a '91 Bronco and my mother always drove Broncos when I was growing up but if I were in the market for something new and didn't care what it cost or what kind of gas milage it got, Id go Bronco in a heartbeat!

[Rickp]

Wait until that Subaru needs spark plugs.  Flat engines are great for center of gravity but they can be a bear to work on.  They also known for smoking at start up as the engines accumulate miles and wear because the valve seats start to leak.  Valve seats leak on all engines when they get some milage on them but the design of a flat engine makes them smoke more than on engines where the cylinders are more vertical.  Just my opinion, I love Subarus but I wouldn't own one.
Im with you on the Telluride/Palisade though.  Those things are for real and if someone were looking at an Explorer/Pilot/Highlander, Id take a serious look at the Telluride/Palisade.  If you aren't set on a certain brand, chances are you could get the Kia/Hyundai for less money with a better warranty and lower ownership costs.

We’ve had Outbacks/Foresters (one or the other) for a couple decades w no problems either in CT or FL.
1st Outback 1980, front end had a problem and that went 100+miles.



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[Shankster]

4 minutes ago, Rickp said:

We’ve had Outbacks/Foresters (one or the other) for a couple decades w no problems either in CT or FL.
1st Outback 1980, front end had a problem and that went 100+miles.



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I used to work at a Subaru dealer.  One of the most reliable cars I ever had the pleasure of working on.  My mom had one with nearly 350,000 miles.  Great vehicles, and not over priced like some of their competitors.

[dhartmann34]

I work for Honda, so take what I say for whatever its worth and through the lens of someone who works for one of the OEMs. 
So, its really depends what you want.  The midsize SUV market is so competitive and cutthroat right now that theres so many great options.
The CRV and RAV4 are great options and either would serve you well for years, if not decades; if you take care of them.  The Ford Escape is a great option too.  It probably would be slightly less reliable than the Honda or Toyota but probably not by much and IMO the styling, performance and ergonomics of the Escape are slightly better.  Styling is highly subjective though, so you may or may not agree with me on that.
I personally wouldn't go Mazda.  My wife currently drives a Hyndai Tucson and before she settled on the Hyundai, we test drove a CX-5 and it was just blah.  The interior was bland and the performance was fine but it was just boring.
Speaking of Hyndai, a Tucson or Kia Sportage would be great options too.  IMO, the Hyundai/Kia is the best option if you are on a budget and want something that is affordable, reliable and cheap to maintain.
Subaru is fine but they can be expensive to buy and expensive to maintain/repair.  People love them though.
All in all, theres lots of great options and you really need to just go and test drive what you think you might like.

We've got a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe for my wife and absolutely love it. Thinking about buying a used one for me as I really like driving it. Can't beat the warranty either.

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[MattF]

I'm looking like a mad man for next year and my primary focus is MPG. Subaru so far has them all beat in the Outback for MPG and storage. I need to be able to put my clubs and cart in the back without folding the seats down. What say youse?

[fozcycle]

Bought an F150 XLT with 110k on it last year. Plenty of room for my clubs and our recumbent trikes in the back. Since I am only putting 10k a year on it I figured I would get 10 years from it. Gotta say, from a sports car enthusiast I love driving it!


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[Rickp]

I'm looking like a mad man for next year and my primary focus is MPG. Subaru so far has them all beat in the Outback for MPG and storage. I need to be able to put my clubs and cart in the back without folding the seats down. What say youse?

Had clubs in Subi Outback w/out any problems for years. Had many company cars sedans for years and they were PIA.


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[MattF]

17 minutes ago, Rickp said:

Had clubs in Subi Outback w/out any problems for years. Had many company cars sedans for years and they were PIA.


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That's why I narrowed down to the Outback, plus 24mpg around town beats my 15mpg truck.

[Middler]

3 hours ago, MattF said:

I'm looking like a mad man for next year and my primary focus is MPG. Subaru so far has them all beat in the Outback for MPG and storage. I need to be able to put my clubs and cart in the back without folding the seats down. What say youse?

Maybe the refreshed model is different, but one of my biggest disappointments with my 2018 Outback has been golf clubs won’t fit across - even if you pull the driver out. I have to put them in diagonally. If I’m taking my push cart too, my cart, bag and shoes fill the cargo space. I assumed I’d be able to fit 4 passengers and 4 golf bags - but not even close, no chance. When there’s 2 of us, I have to fold down one of the rear seats. Even 3 passengers and 3 golf bags would be trouble, though doable if you’re willing to stack a lot. No way with push carts too.

Anyone considering a Honda Pilot, the 2022 is a complete redesign. FWIW

[Shankster]

Man, all this Subaru talk has me missing my WRX... ...don’t need one... ...don’t need one...

[Kenny B]

1 hour ago, Middler said:

Maybe the refreshed model is different, but one of my biggest disappointments with my 2018 Outback has been golf clubs won’t fit across - even if you pull the driver out. I have to put them in diagonally. If I’m taking my push cart too, my cart, bag and shoes fill the cargo space. I assumed I’d be able to fit 4 passengers and 4 golf bags - but not even close, no chance. When there’s 2 of us, I have to fold down one of the rear seats. Even 3 passengers and 3 golf bags would be trouble, though doable if you’re willing to stack a lot. No way with push carts too.

Anyone considering a Honda Pilot, the 2022 is a complete redesign. FWIW

Which is why I didn't want another SUV.  In 2014 I bought a new Dodge Charger R/T because I can get 2 golf bags across AND 2 push carts (or 2 roll aboard suitcases) in the trunk without putting the backseat down.  If my wife had a carry bag instead of a cart bag, I could get 4 bags in the trunk.  It's also more fun to drive than an SUV.

[Kenny B]

54 minutes ago, Shankster said:

Man, all this Subaru talk has me missing my WRX... ...don’t need one... ...don’t need one...

Shouldn't have one.  WRX is car most likely to get a speeding ticket.

[MattF]

2 hours ago, Middler said:

Maybe the refreshed model is different, but one of my biggest disappointments with my 2018 Outback has been golf clubs won’t fit across - even if you pull the driver out. I have to put them in diagonally. If I’m taking my push cart too, my cart, bag and shoes fill the cargo space. I assumed I’d be able to fit 4 passengers and 4 golf bags - but not even close, no chance. When there’s 2 of us, I have to fold down one of the rear seats. Even 3 passengers and 3 golf bags would be trouble, though doable if you’re willing to stack a lot. No way with push carts too.

Anyone considering a Honda Pilot, the 2022 is a complete redesign. FWIW

Thanks @Middler. Exactly the comment I'm looking for. That then makes it a quandary. I'd look at a Santa Fe Sport but I don't know what Hyundai's 4WD system is like. Is it a "proper" 4WD or the goofy one that kicks off at 25mph.

[Shankster]

1 hour ago, Kenny B said:

Shouldn't have one.  WRX is car most likely to get a speeding ticket.

Really eyeing a Golf R... see it?  GolfR.

haha. This game has me hooked.

Edited October 20, 2020 by Shankster
Whoops

[Kanoito]

I guess the CX5 won't meet your needs either. My wife has been driving one since 2013 and it works great.

We have 2 child seats installed so we never flatten the 2nd row.

If I take out the drivers, I can fit 2 cart bags + 2 Clicgears + 2 junior carry bags. But now that I think about it, if I take out all drives, I could probably for 4 cart bags? Lol

[Kanoito]

I was THIS close to getting the GLE Coupe this year, but a call to my parents and they reminded me how my brothers and I would eat in my dad's new car, getting on with sandy/muddy shoes so the car had to be cleaned every week.

So my dad asked me: do you want to invest the time to keep the car looking like new or do you want want to have an argument with your 3 and 6 year old kids every time they make a mess? The answer was neither, so the purchase was postponed

[Rickp]

Maybe the refreshed model is different, but one of my biggest disappointments with my 2018 Outback has been golf clubs won’t fit across - even if you pull the driver out. I have to put them in diagonally. If I’m taking my push cart too, my cart, bag and shoes fill the cargo space. I assumed I’d be able to fit 4 passengers and 4 golf bags - but not even close, no chance. When there’s 2 of us, I have to fold down one of the rear seats. Even 3 passengers and 3 golf bags would be trouble, though doable if you’re willing to stack a lot. No way with push carts too.
Anyone considering a Honda Pilot, the 2022 is a complete redesign. FWIW

Pilot really nice vehicle, daughter has had them and loves them.



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[Middler]

4 hours ago, MattF said:

Thanks @Middler. Exactly the comment I'm looking for. That then makes it a quandary. I'd look at a Santa Fe Sport but I don't know what Hyundai's 4WD system is like. Is it a "proper" 4WD or the goofy one that kicks off at 25mph.

Don’t make the same mistake I did (shouldn’t have bought an Outback for golf with friends), take your clubs car shopping or at least a tape measure. You want about 48” wide unless you want to pull your driver out of the bag since a driver is about 45.5” plus headcover and a little for bag bottom.

[Middler]

2 hours ago, Rickp said:

Pilot really nice vehicle, daughter has had them and loves them.

No doubt, but my point was the 2022 Pilot might be a very different vehicle with a complete redesign - IOW I’d wait if it was my purchase, less than a year away.

[Rickp]

Don’t make the same mistake I did (shouldn’t have bought an Outback for golf with friends), take your clubs car shopping or at least a tape measure. You want about 48” wide unless you want to pull your driver out of the bag since a driver is about 45.5” plus headcover and a little for bag bottom.

Outback is not a “Buddy” golf car. 2 people & gear max. Maybe 3 w considerable pain.
It was good for me because I was alone, just me and my bag so that was fine.


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[MattF]

53 minutes ago, Middler said:

Don’t make the same mistake I did (shouldn’t have bought an Outback for golf with friends), take your clubs car shopping or at least a tape measure. You want about 48” wide unless you want to pull your driver out of the bag since a driver is about 45.5” plus headcover and a little for bag bottom.

I don't have any friends so I should be sweet! My biggest problem is I want something the same size as my Trailblazer but with Outback MPG.

[THEZIPR23]

48 minutes ago, MattF said:

I don't have any friends so I should be sweet! My biggest problem is I want something the same size as my Trailblazer but with Outback MPG.

I haven't read this thread so excuse me if it has been talked about already.

I have a 2018 Rav 4 hybrid. 29 MPG, actual (I track everything) family of 4 fits perfect. 2 buddies on golf trip it's ideal. I bought a cargo carrier for the top rack and if the 4 of us want to go on vacation we can get everything in it. 

Only complaints about it is that the inside is very bland. 

[Rickp]

I don't have any friends so I should be sweet! My biggest problem is I want something the same size as my Trailblazer but with Outback MPG.

In the Subi line the Forester is better suited.


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[yungkory]

I have the same problem with cars as I do with golf clubs -- after 2 or so years I get bored and want something new. Now that I'm getting older I feel less-inclined to just dump money on cars as I did in the past, so I'm kind of in the same boat looking for a smaller SUV/SAV/Crossover. My $.02 after reading through the thread:

Subaru - I wouldn't worry about the few who have stated issues with Subi's/boxers/etc. I currently have a WRX and it's honestly been so stress-free vs. my previous bimmers (335 and M3). Most people who have a Subi and keep the oil topped up run them easily into the 100k-200k range

BMW - is probably the most annoying car to work on because it seems like every job requires some special tool. Had to buy a dumb wrench/adapter just to get the drop-in oil filter out, so lame. That said, they're hands-down the nicest. One day I'll have an F80 M3. Lease if you can afford it, and make sure you pay down the lease rate if they still allow you to. BMW Hawaii, because they have no other competing dealers, doesn't allow this anymore and really makes BMW unattractive now, in addition to their horrible grilles/bumpers on the recent models, yuck.

Toyota - Wife has a '16 RAV4 Limited. Great car so far. I really like the top-down cameras that it came with. Super nice, especially because she can't park for sh*t. So far it has been low-maintenance as well, just the usual wear-and-tear items like brake pads, filters, etc. in addition to oil changes. I like her generation in terms of looks a little more than the current "mini 4runner" body style.

Nissan - BIL has a Rogue and it's pretty nice. The interior doesn't feel as polished as our RAV, but it was a good amount cheaper than the RAV and that's not always important to everyone. I miss the interior feel/comfort/lack of road noise of my bimmers after going to the Subi, my 350z was VERY quiet as well. He fits 2 golf bags and 2 push carts in his trunk pretty easily.

Tesla - I'm leaning towards a Model Y. Current battery range would allow me to drive around the island in its entirety, about 10 times. We have one of the highest KW/h rates in the nation, but we also have sunlight year round so for me, if I can get a Photovoltaic system installed in my new house, it's probably almost a guarantee that I'm going to get one for us as a "family" car. I say that because it's going to be mine, ha. They seem to be reliable and with no combustion, maintenance free pretty much? I like the storage space features as well, it has a few compartments under the floorboard of the trunk that will be PERFECT for all of my golf shoes

[GolfSpy BOS]

I didn’t read all the responses yet, and didn’t see a budget, but the 2021 Kia Sorrento’s look great.

My mom and a friend of mine have 2019-ish models and I spent some quality time behind the wheel of my moms. They ride nice and feel well built.

If I were buying a new SUV that would be on my must drive list.

[Rickp]

Not exactly on topic but saw ads during the World Series last night for the new Bronco, that is a great looking vehicle. I think it’s going to do very well.


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[MattF]

13 hours ago, THEZIPR23 said:

I haven't read this thread so excuse me if it has been talked about already.

I have a 2018 Rav 4 hybrid. 29 MPG, actual (I track everything) family of 4 fits perfect. 2 buddies on golf trip it's ideal. I bought a cargo carrier for the top rack and if the 4 of us want to go on vacation we can get everything in it. 

Only complaints about it is that the inside is very bland. 

My wife has a Rav, albeit it's an 02. I'm not a Toyota fan at all having worked on hers, so Toyota are off the table.

13 hours ago, Rickp said:

In the Subi line the Forester is better suited.


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The Outback is bigger and has more cargo space.

I'll be buying second hand and looking at 2016 and up models. I've sort of narrowed it down to Subi, Kia or Hyundai. Won't touch a Jeep, had one and it was a pos. Currently have a GM and there's nothing they have that has the room with the MPG that I'm after. Wouldn't be caught dead in a Ford, had one at one time and it was a dog. European is cool but I've had them too and as @yungkory said, stupid expensive to fix.

[Middler]

14 hours ago, yungkory said:

I have the same problem with cars as I do with golf clubs -- after 2 or so years I get bored and want something new. Now that I'm getting older I feel less-inclined to just dump money on cars as I did in the past, so I'm kind of in the same boat looking for a smaller SUV/SAV/Crossover. My $.02 after reading through the thread:

Subaru - I wouldn't worry about the few who have stated issues with Subi's/boxers/etc. I currently have a WRX and it's honestly been so stress-free vs. my previous bimmers (335 and M3). Most people who have a Subi and keep the oil topped up run them easily into the 100k-200k range

BMW - is probably the most annoying car to work on because it seems like every job requires some special tool. Had to buy a dumb wrench/adapter just to get the drop-in oil filter out, so lame. That said, they're hands-down the nicest. One day I'll have an F80 M3. Lease if you can afford it, and make sure you pay down the lease rate if they still allow you to. BMW Hawaii, because they have no other competing dealers, doesn't allow this anymore and really makes BMW unattractive now, in addition to their horrible grilles/bumpers on the recent models, yuck.

Toyota - Wife has a '16 RAV4 Limited. Great car so far. I really like the top-down cameras that it came with. Super nice, especially because she can't park for sh*t. So far it has been low-maintenance as well, just the usual wear-and-tear items like brake pads, filters, etc. in addition to oil changes. I like her generation in terms of looks a little more than the current "mini 4runner" body style.

Nissan - BIL has a Rogue and it's pretty nice. The interior doesn't feel as polished as our RAV, but it was a good amount cheaper than the RAV and that's not always important to everyone. I miss the interior feel/comfort/lack of road noise of my bimmers after going to the Subi, my 350z was VERY quiet as well. He fits 2 golf bags and 2 push carts in his trunk pretty easily.

Tesla - I'm leaning towards a Model Y. Current battery range would allow me to drive around the island in its entirety, about 10 times. We have one of the highest KW/h rates in the nation, but we also have sunlight year round so for me, if I can get a Photovoltaic system installed in my new house, it's probably almost a guarantee that I'm going to get one for us as a "family" car. I say that because it's going to be mine, ha. They seem to be reliable and with no combustion, maintenance free pretty much? I like the storage space features as well, it has a few compartments under the floorboard of the trunk that will be PERFECT for all of my golf shoes

Not sure why you left Honda off, one of the best makes IME.

And I looked at the Model Y as I’d love to have an EV. But it has noticeably less cargo space than my Outback and most models discussed here. The cargo bay is only 38” wide, that’s useless for golf clubs, I’m not sure you could even get one set of clubs in without folding down a rear seat. The Model Y is off our list, at least for golf.

The irony for me, my wife’s 2019 Accord will hold 4 players and their bags (wider trunk), whereas my 2018 Outback will hold 3 players/bags tops, uncomfortably at that...

[Chip Strokes]

14 hours ago, yungkory said:

I have the same problem with cars as I do with golf clubs -- after 2 or so years I get bored and want something new. Now that I'm getting older I feel less-inclined to just dump money on cars as I did in the past, so I'm kind of in the same boat looking for a smaller SUV/SAV/Crossover. My $.02 after reading through the thread:

this is exactly why i lease all my everyday cars.  after 3 years i'm itching for something new, and usually there's been a new model update released across many makes at that point. 

i'm currently in a jeep grand cherokee summit which goes back in June.  Tahoe RST, BMW X5M, Audi Q8 Premium, and Cadillac XT6 Sport are on the short list.