3rd row vehicle
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,992
Likes: 519
From: Maryland
^^Agreed 100%. We have had a 2008 GX and now a 2012 GX with the third row seats and I just took a road trip in a rented minivan (Dodge Caravan) with four adults and two toddlers. While I don't think my wife will ever want a minivan, they are way more practical than my GX. The cargo space is generous even with three rows and mobility and room between the two rear seat rows is nice. Both the side rear doors and the tailgate were powered which was nice and the ride was actually pretty nice too. Our rental was bare bones but the Sienna and Odyssey can be optioned out very nicely.
I got a 2006 for $22k with 65k on it. Added the 5 yr 150k power terrain warranty for another $1,600. Put 1k down and on my first payment put another $12k in on the balance. I never buy new anymore done it several times and after the first yr have always wished i got a used. I cant speak much on any issues because we just got this earlier this month... The reason why im such a carmax fan is because every issue we had they fixed at their cost. Its their contract that you have 30 days to address any and all concerns to be addressed.
With that said... They r replacing a $15 splash gaurd, a $250 steering control cover just cause it was pealing, $400 center counsle cover from a few crack, put new brakes, all new tires, alignment. They also covered the cost for an owners manual. I haven't bought from a dealer that gives you more than a tank of gas.
Good luck on your hunt! We researched for a GX470 for 8 months and they day we drove down to Costa Mesa to get it we shook up everything and went with this. Crazy but so are we... it'll be paid off by November
so we make some more crazy decisions.
With that said... They r replacing a $15 splash gaurd, a $250 steering control cover just cause it was pealing, $400 center counsle cover from a few crack, put new brakes, all new tires, alignment. They also covered the cost for an owners manual. I haven't bought from a dealer that gives you more than a tank of gas.
Good luck on your hunt! We researched for a GX470 for 8 months and they day we drove down to Costa Mesa to get it we shook up everything and went with this. Crazy but so are we... it'll be paid off by November
so we make some more crazy decisions.
Last edited by MikeFoxx; May 30, 2012 at 07:58 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,333
Likes: 236
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
the pilot is a good option, very spacious inside and price is good. but you have to ask yourself since not much luxury in that car.
I won't say much on minivan since they are too different
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,149
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From: VALENCIA - O.C.
Looks like from what I've been hearing here the Sienna or Odyssey is a very spacious vehicle and might be the right choice.Time to narrow it down to a few vehicles and start searching for 'em.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,384
Likes: 357
From: ON/NY
How about a Highlander or a 4Runner? Those seem like good buys. We looked at a 4Runner, a really decent vehicle.
As for the Sequoia, you will get a good 3row suv. The powertrain is the same as the Lexus 460 or 570 and if you go for a Platinum model you can get many luxury features found on luxury brands.
I would try to keep it in the Toyota family.
As for the Sequoia, you will get a good 3row suv. The powertrain is the same as the Lexus 460 or 570 and if you go for a Platinum model you can get many luxury features found on luxury brands.
I would try to keep it in the Toyota family.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,031
Likes: 97
From: Southeastern PA
Have you look in Mazda CX-9? I own one, and hands down it is the best 3rd row crossover that you could get new around 35-40k. In my opinion, it is one of the most fun to drive 3rd crossover beside BMW X5 or Audi Q7.
However, the downside for Mazda are fuel economy sucks, and interior quality & design aren't in the same level with Lexus, even compared with my IS 350.
However, the downside for Mazda are fuel economy sucks, and interior quality & design aren't in the same level with Lexus, even compared with my IS 350.
Downsides are definitely gas milage (I'm getting about 15-16 with mostly around town driving). Nav system is Denso, like the Lexus, but the display is not as crisp. Bluetooth phone book and funcionality is, again, not as good as the Lexus system (I have an 07 IS).
Also--my wife said no minivan. So I didn't even look at a Siena or Odyssey.
If I was moving up to the next class, I think that the MDX and new JX would be what I would choose from.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,031
Likes: 97
From: Southeastern PA
How about a Highlander or a 4Runner? Those seem like good buys. We looked at a 4Runner, a really decent vehicle.
As for the Sequoia, you will get a good 3row suv. The powertrain is the same as the Lexus 460 or 570 and if you go for a Platinum model you can get many luxury features found on luxury brands.
I would try to keep it in the Toyota family.
As for the Sequoia, you will get a good 3row suv. The powertrain is the same as the Lexus 460 or 570 and if you go for a Platinum model you can get many luxury features found on luxury brands.
I would try to keep it in the Toyota family.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
The OP has a really wide range of vehicles and prices, but I just purchased a Mazda CX-9 in March and I love it. I chose it over the Pilot and Highlander. Loaded Grand Touring AWD was $34,300 with all discounts. Although I haven't put any adults in the 3rd row, it's big enough to do it. It handles way better than my old Pilot, and even though it's about a foot longer than my 1st gen Pilot, it still fits in the garage perfect.
Downsides are definitely gas milage (I'm getting about 15-16 with mostly around town driving). Nav system is Denso, like the Lexus, but the display is not as crisp. Bluetooth phone book and funcionality is, again, not as good as the Lexus system (I have an 07 IS).
Also--my wife said no minivan. So I didn't even look at a Siena or Odyssey.
If I was moving up to the next class, I think that the MDX and new JX would be what I would choose from.
Downsides are definitely gas milage (I'm getting about 15-16 with mostly around town driving). Nav system is Denso, like the Lexus, but the display is not as crisp. Bluetooth phone book and funcionality is, again, not as good as the Lexus system (I have an 07 IS).
Also--my wife said no minivan. So I didn't even look at a Siena or Odyssey.
If I was moving up to the next class, I think that the MDX and new JX would be what I would choose from.
