My son is returning from Iraq this summer and wants to replace his Impala SS with a 4WD / AWD full-size SUV. He is tall, about 6'5", and has bad knees. He wants a roomy vehicle he can step into rather than roll into and out like his Impala. He's currently focused on a used Tahoe / Yukon / Yukon Denali / Escalade. He may consider a Navigator, but he isn't much of a Ford fan. I suggested the Lexus LX, GX, or RX, but he doesn't care for the styling. (He also is strongly pro-GM.) His max budget is the low $30s. Any other suggestions?

BTW, my mechanic has a Smart-for-2 vert for sale. I sent him the link and gave him a good laugh.

 

Sequoia is the logical Japanese alternative to the Tahoe/Yukon, but the GM SUVs are pretty reliable so they wouldn't be bad purchases. I believe GM also has an army discount, so he may be able to get a new one if he wants to.

 

Glad your son is coming back. While I am not a huge fan of the styling the current Acura MDX is their best product and I fit it in nicely (I am 6 foot 5) and it has seats for 7. They can be found under 30k now.

The current model Tahoe etc are also a good buy.

 

Here's the link to GM's military program:

https://www.exclusivegmoffer.com/ip-...do?program=mpp

Not sure what the savings would be for him, but he should sign up for that.

Good luck!

 

Just to clarify, my son is an inactive Marine and no longer eligible for active or reserve military discounts. He is working overseas as a DOD communications contractor. He is looking to buy used.

 

For 30K, since he wants a big, American-badged SUV, if he keeps the options down, he might be able to pick up a brand-new Dodge Dakota rather than a used Tahoe. SE 4X4 models start out just over 32K.....but large American SUVs traditionally sell for substantial discounts. Durangos were once very unreliable, but have improved substantially in recent years, according to Consumer Reports.

 

Go with your screen name.

The Caddy Slade all the way!

 

My friend bought a new Yukon (05? back then), not fully loaded for around low $30k'ish. Tranny went out the first year but luckily it was covered under warranty. Other than that, I don't think he has any other major issues.

Pretty roomy with the 3rd row not up.

At that the time when he was looking, for around $30k full size domestic suvs, I don't think there was much choice out there

 

I've had friends who have had the Suburban south of the border and they handled like a tank on those roads. Another friend of mine had a Yukon Denali he took to Costa Rica and it's needed nothing but general maintenance despite treking through tough terrain there. We currently have a 2006 V8 4Runner we absolutely love.

 

I rented a Yukon a few years ago and was impressed with the ride & drive. It is a huge truck.. Here is a pic of the rental that was parked in my pre- renovated driveway..

 

Yukon Denali is great. Decently reliable to.

 

If he doesn't like the styling of the japanese suvs and is very pro GM then I would say stick with GM products. They are selling for dirt cheap right now. I don't think it will be difficult to find a nice previously owned GM SUV for 30k

 

Definitely roomy!

 

How about the Nissan Armada, They are huge inside and look like a big *** burly American SUV. Might work

 

Escalade

If he thinks that's too flashy, Yukon (but always opt for Denali)


Now, if he's willing to consider Bavarian things ... I've got suggestions there too