Help me narrow down new truck/SUV pick

Timfoilhat

Timfoilhat

Time is my accomplice
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Looking for a replacement vehicle. My existing sedan is a 2017 Audi with everything except the heads up display and semi autonomous driving. I'd like to keep existing luxury/tech while adding utility/ability to haul stuff. I don't and won't ever tow.
Initial instinct is to get an Audi Q5, but also thinking Honda Ridgeline, Tacoma, or Ranger.
I plan to keep at least 10 years.
If you have one of the above tell me what you hate about it.
 
I'd probably vote 4runner also. In 10 years it will likely be worth half what you paid for it new. Limited version has plenty of features including leather and it can tow a decent amount if needed. It definitely rides closer to a truck than your current vehicle though.
 
Ram Limited or Limited Longhorn. People bag on Rams resale, but 10 years out, all of them (the big 3 full size trucks) are gonna be similar values. Ram is repeatedly crowned the top of the heap as far as comfort and features.
5.7 hemi if you want the power of the gas V8, EcoDiesel if you want fuel mileage (averaging 22+mpg mixed driving in a full size crew cab 4x4 truck, which is far better than all the competitors)
 
I would go with the Honda ridgeline. That is one awesome truck. It's a lot more than most vehicles in its class. Tacoma is a close second for me of the ones you listed.
 
2021 Q7 here. 4800 perfect miles so far. Wife drives a 2017 A4. Been perfect also. My $.02
 
SUV - Subaru
Tacoma or 4Runner unless you need more towing capacity.
 
Honda Pilot AWD. I lease and trade every 2 yrs. Many Pilots. They hold a ton of (shooting) cargo and get great gas mileage. 30 MPG yesterday straight highway, full tank of gas, with a 2 people and full of gear.
 
The fuel mileage sux on the 4Runner that is my only complaint. Otherwise it is my pick also.
I am waiting to check out the new Bronco.
 
At this moment, I'm stuck between the 4runner in Limited trim and the Q5 phev. Thanks for pointing out the 4runner as an option. I've given up on the trucks, pretty sure I'm going with suv type vehicle.

The Bronco is on my radar as well, but I want to see them in person before I add to my list. I'm concerned the interior is substandard and that matters to me.
I don't like expanses of hard flat plastic.
 
Bad time to buy a new car my nephew says they are getting 3000-5000 above MSRP and selling them as quick as they can get them
 
Timfoilhat said:
At this moment, I'm stuck between the 4runner in Limited trim and the Q5 phev. Thanks for pointing out the 4runner as an option. I've given up on the trucks, pretty sure I'm going with suv type vehicle.

The Bronco is on my radar as well, but I want to see them in person before I add to my list. I'm concerned the interior is substandard and that matters to me.
I don't like expanses of hard flat plastic.
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I'm a Toyota guy and typically keep vehicles awhile. We have 7 vehicles right now and 5 of them are Toyota's. Toyota's range from my beater 94 T100 pickup I'll never get rid of to my 2019 Tacoma. I definitely understand the appeal to German luxury, I just don't have the pocket book for it right now.
 
vaskeet said:
Bad time to buy a new car my nephew says they are getting 3000-5000 above MSRP and selling them as quick as they can get them
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I'm aware. I'm getting the homework done now so when I'm ready to move on something I know what I'm after. Probably nothing until spring '22 unless I find a deal that I can't refuse this fall on a '21 model.
 
Carolinatlc said:
I'm a Toyota guy and typically keep vehicles awhile. We have 7 vehicles right now and 5 of them are Toyota's. Toyota's range from my beater 94 T100 pickup I'll never get rid of to my 2019 Tacoma. I definitely understand the appeal to German luxury, I just don't have the pocket book for it right now.
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The trick with Audi is the dealer loaner CPO cars. It scrubs 10 to 15k off the price, only have like 7-8k on the clock and wasn't sold because someone else determined it was a headache. The warranty on the CPO makes up for the milage and time lost. It's almost new, but no big depreciation hit. My current car was $49k sticker. Bought it as a 13 month old, 7k mile service loaner for $38k out the door with a maintenance plan for 4 years included.
My wife's Mercedes was a similar deal, more miles and no maintenance plan, but only $35k for a $51k car.

I'm planning to squash the mortgage next spring so I'll have a bit of cash monthly to apply to a car payment for a few months for any amount beyond my trade and down payment.
 
Keep the Audi … go find a 2007 to 2010 Tacoma (2nd Gen) that has been taken decent care of. It might take a little looking but when you find one maintained right and you do the same you’ll not have to worry about truck duties for years.
 
Timfoilhat said:
The trick with Audi is the dealer loaner CPO cars. It scrubs 10 to 15k off the price, only have like 7-8k on the clock and wasn't sold because someone else determined it was a headache. The warranty on the CPO makes up for the milage and time lost. It's almost new, but no big depreciation hit. My current car was $49k sticker. Bought it as a 13 month old, 7k mile service loaner for $38k out the door with a maintenance plan for 4 years included.
My wife's Mercedes was a similar deal, more miles and no maintenance plan, but only $35k for a $51k car.

I'm planning to squash the mortgage next spring so I'll have a bit of cash monthly to apply to a car payment for a few months for any amount beyond my trade and down payment.
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I have 2 kids going to college this year and another in 3 years. It will be awhile until I buy anything else even semi new. Everything in the driveway is paid for but at this rate I'm probably 10 years out on paying off the house.
 
You want “luxury/tech”? Go ahead and scratch Toyota off the list. They are awesome vehicles that really hold their value and are super reliable, but they are VERY behind the times with tech.
 
NCFubar said:
Keep the Audi … go find a 2007 to 2010 Tacoma (2nd Gen) that has been taken decent care of. It might take a little looking but when you find one maintained right and you do the same you’ll not have to worry about truck duties for years.
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This was the original plan. Then my wife said just replace the Audi because she doesn't want a third vehicle kicking around in the way. We both garage park now. The third vehicle will sit in the driveway and that means she's going to have to back past it everyday. She doesn't want to do it, and it's worth the extra cash to her not to have to.
 
Timfoilhat said:
This was the original plan. Then my wife said just replace the Audi because she doesn't want a third vehicle kicking around in the way. We both garage park now. The third vehicle will sit in the driveway and that means she's going to have to back past it everyday. She doesn't want to do it, and it's worth the extra cash to her not to have to.
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SQ5
 
Timfoilhat said:
This was the original plan. Then my wife said just replace the Audi because she doesn't want a third vehicle kicking around in the way. We both garage park now. The third vehicle will sit in the driveway and that means she's going to have to back past it everyday. She doesn't want to do it, and it's worth the extra cash to her not to have to.
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Happy wife … happy life!

Ride comfort wise … the Ridgeline (and they have at least made it look less of a van morph) is built on the minivan base so it likely will ride better but it ain’t a truck.

For a truck … Tacoma is hard to beat for longevity and such but it ain’t going to be close to an Audi in luxury and convenience. I don’t think you’d get any real techie bells and whistles until you hit the “Limited” level if then.

I don’t know much about the Ranger but they are in demand … and again you gotta go up to the top level for the luxury stuff.

From your OP it sounds like you need to really hit the dealerships and see what the cost of each in the trim level you want is AND test drive for the ride quality you want.
 
I'm not here to change anyone's mind, but I'm a big fan of # of vehicles = # of drivers +1. A spare vehicle allows for different capabilities, and in matters of importance/emergency having a spare vehicle can make all the difference. Something as a simple as a flat tire is now a mild inconvenience if you can jump in the spare vehicle and continue about your day. Besides, who doesn't need an old truck?
 
Culper said:
I'm not here to change anyone's mind, but I'm a big fan of # of vehicles = # of drivers +1. A spare vehicle allows for different capabilities, and in matters of importance/emergency having a spare vehicle can make all the difference. Something as a simple as a flat tire is now a mild inconvenience if you can jump in the spare vehicle and continue about your day. Besides, who doesn't need an old truck?
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So true! Everyone needs a truck, a SUV, & a sportscar. You've got all the bases covered.
 
I have a 2021 4Runner Limited and an 18 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2litre. The 4Runner gets at most 19mpg on cruise at 70mph. The much nicer and very much heavier Yukon has been faultless for 75k miles, gets 24mpg on cruise at 73mph, and will smoke the 4Runner like a rabbit outrunning a turtle. Quieter and better seats, too.
But, the 4Runner is smaller and easier to maneuver, has a much better Navigation and rear camera. And costs less. It just doesn’t have enough power to pull a greasy string out of a pig’s butt. It also needs the Yukon’s 10-speed transmission. It may prove as reliable as the Yukon, but the engine and transmission tech have been left behind about 10 years ago.
Of course, to make 420 horsepower, you pay for Premium gas. The 4Runner use 87 octane. It might make 220 horsepower on a good day. On-ramps can be exciting unless you build up a good head of steam, whereas the Yukon can out-accelerate most cars with little effort, as has no problems merging with those who won’t get over in the other lane. Size has its advantages when it has the muscle to back up the threat.
Basically, get what makes you feel the most satisfied. I bought the Toyota because it was available when most dealers had little inventory, they wanted my paid off trade-in to help move their made in Japan inventory, and the price delta was low.
I’ll regret not waiting for another Yukon to show up.
 
Boss drives alot. 45,000 miles per year. He got the 21' Ridgeline and says he loves it. Couple guys rag on him bc it's a honda, but he doesn't care. Says he would choose it again over the competition.
 
It's looking like Toyota is out of the running.

Also, now considering Acura RDX and Benz GLC
 
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ronn47 said:
If you think BMWs are expense to maintain, that Benz will take you to school.
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I never said BMW was expensive to maintain. I currently own a Benz. It's cheaper to maintain than the Audi by quite a bit which I find surprising.
 
Timfoilhat said:
It's looking like Toyota is out of the running.

Also, now considering Acura RDX and Benz GLC
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Forget the GLC … go GLE and it’s in-line 6. My boss bought one and it gets very good gas mileage along with being able to move down the road damn good.

It also has plenty of cargo area for hauling home projects.
 
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