quote:

Originally posted by henryaz:

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Some of you are mixing Sennia and Sequoia. Nobody said the Sequoia is a mom van.

Reread the OP.
 

LOL, guilty as charged. I swear it said Seinna in the OP, so the first part of my statement is true.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:
Thanks for all the input folks.

I do think a Highlander would be the choice among SUV type vehicles, but the Avalon is certainly worth a look too.

However, a look at the books, resale value of the Corolla and a general reality check makes it clear that nothing will happen until the Kubota is paid off in 2 years.

A Highlander will most likely be my fiancee's next vehicle. However, due to the price, I'm sure it will be at least 2 years before that becomes a reality. We haven't set a wedding date yet, but I expect we'll be married by then. Used Highlanders a couple years old are within a few thousand of the new around here - I think that's crazy...


We both currently have Camrys and they have been great, but they are low to the ground and difficult for our parents to get into and out of.


The Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX's are nice (Dad has 2 Lincoln's), but I'd want a pretty iron clad extended warranty on those as Dad has had some minor issues with his newest MKX.

You cant place a resale value on a Corolla because it's the 1 vehicle which never goes down in value. You simply hold onto that as a second car.

As we have 2 years to help you decide Paul, you got time to rent a few Toyos to try them out. Their line up was supposed to be affordable but this has changed with time. You get your monies worth but you also get to pay for it now.

If I could drive any of the biggin Toyotas, the Sequoia would be my choice. You give up the fuel economy consideration with that SUV but it's a sweet vehicle. A Platinum Edition is upwards of 67 grand. Get right down there and sign up for one now...

quote:

Originally posted by David Lee:
You cant place a resale value on a Corolla because it's the 1 vehicle which never goes down in value.

I wish that were true. IIRC, I paid 17,xxx for it in August of 2012. According to KBB, current trade-in is 8k in excellent condition, private sale perhaps 10k. Two years from now, it won't be worth the paperwork.

Also, the wife pointed out some basic math: A ~$450/month car payment will buy a HELL of a lot of gas for the Tundra, which is actually very comfy to travel in. We've taken two round trips to Michigan in it with no complaints.

Really wanted to like the 4Runner but they have the same weird (uncomfortable to me) seating position as a Tacoma. You sit real low in the vehicle. Interior is a bit outdated too but I'm a fan of gadgets. But if the lack of tech is a non-issue and the interior is comfy for you, it's probably the best built 4x4 out there. It isn't terribly fast even with that big V6 and 20s might be a stretch for it mileage wise. The Highlander is car based so it won't do much offroad but in trade you're going to get a much nicer ride, a more flexible interior a 3rd row that is probably more useful and it is a bit more up to date than a 4R.

If you liked the Highlander I'd recommend the Subaru Outback too. It is a bit mommy wagon-ish but it's a solid vehicle with AWD and also among the safest money can buy.

Sequoia is THE comfy Toyota. It hits all the points except price & maybe mileage. If you keep your foot off the pedal, you might get 20s. If you like the Tundra, you'll love the Sequoia, same thing except the back of the cab/bed.

I like the looks of the 4Runner best, but it's Japanese in every other way - ie, weird.

Can't build Highlanders fast enough.... both mom & sister have 17s, they love them. Mom had a 15 before. The 17 has much more comfortable seats IMO. The 2nd row of the 15 annoyed the hell out of me, never tried the 3rd row.

I know you didn't put this one on your list, but take a look at the Sienna. I own a 2015 SE model and it is probably the best car I've ever owned. Mine doesn't have that "soccer mom" look as it's the SE model. It handles well in any snow or rain storm I've ever been in, fuel efficient and it carries 7 passengers easily should you ever need that capability. Plenty of room for hauling things if that's what you need. I like it so much that I will probably buy another when they introduce the new model.

Modern Toyota trucks have an awesome ride quality (used to sell them). The 4runner is an excellent choice. It's the only truck still made 100% in Japan (look for VIN starting with "J"). I'm considering a Highlander from 2010 (the last year they were made 100% in Japan). Consumer Reports is my gospel and if you look at the Highlander (from any year/vin) it shows absolutely bullet proof quality and reliability.