He's single, for now, but has plenty of nieces and nephews. I also questioned why such a large (tall) vehicle, but he wants the height. He told me that he drives both older and newer versions of these vehicles for work, so he knows what to expect. I suspect the 3rd row seats will be removed and stored.

 

Having owned a few Suburbans, I can say with assurance that if he removes the rear seat, he's going to spend a lot of time climbing over the tailgate (if so equipped) to retrieve things from the load space. Everything migrates forward thanks to sometimes injudicious use of the brakes. At least that third row seat keeps smaller stuff within reach of the tailgate.

 

I used to own a Suburban and an Avalanche, so I can definitely relate. The Avalanche was worse because it was a PITA to either crawl in under the hard tonneau or flip-fold the rear seat and open the midgate. At home, I kept a garden rake handy to fish out wayward items from the front of the pickup bed.

 

yes, but he doesn't need a full size SUV to meet his needs. i have an explorer (06) and it has the most legroom (front seat travel) of any car i've EVER been in. goes back more than i need (i'm 6'3") and that's never happened before.

 

I just made some money, bit. I bet myself $1000 that you'd recommend an Explorer.

Seriously, I agree it's a good, valid choice. Not quite as roomy as the Tahoe, but not quite as thirsty either.

In fact, with Mercury's obituary about ready to be written, good used Mountaineers (the Explorer's twin) may be available at good prices. The two vehicles are virtually identical except for some trim parts and the Mountaineer's lack of a low-range transfer case (Mercury figured most Mountaineer customers wouldn't be going off-road). And Mountaineers can be repaired or serviced at any Ford facility.

 

There is only one problem with an Explorer or Mountaineer per my son - they are Fords.

 

IMO, you (or rather, your son) can't call Ford a second-rate company any more. Though some of their products could use some improvement, they are, in fact, producing some respectable (and reliable) vehicles these days. And the corporation, unlike GM and Chrysler, got through these hard times recently without a loan, bailout, or takeover.

 

Though a Terrain / Equinox may actually meet the requirements, when you're looking at large SUVs, the next size down really isn't in the running because to you, they're not substitutes.

 

The Terrain is not big people friendly.

 

I was pretty comfy in my FJ, he may or may not like the style of it.

 

Didn't you (or your wife) just test-drive one recently?

 

Huge:

International CXT

 

I agree with you - as would my son. But, he still has his in-born allegiance to GM as my dad was a GM retiree and I bought GM for years. Part of me still feels that way, but the dark side (Lexus) called me.

 

I assume you have some significant miles on the O6 Explorer by now, has it been reliable so far?

(yes I already looked at CR data, somewhat inconclusive/so-so).

 

Id try for the new body style Tahoe or Escalade. Never been big on the Explorer/Expedition so I see where he's coming from. Sounds like he knows what he wants, just hasnt pulled the trigger. A good bit will depend on what he can find at the right price.