Hi CDs,

I am planning to buy a used full SUV (not a CUV). This is going to be the second vehicle in the household, mainly aimed for wife & kids usage. I was thinking of going in for a sedan, but the accident that wiped out a whole family in New Market a couple of week earlier made me rethink. I feel occupants in an SUV has a better chance of surviving from that kind of an impact than an ordinary sedan, although fuel consumption would be more.

I have short-listed these SUVs, now I need inputs from CDs in terms of their reliability & maintenance cost:

a) Acura MDX |2001-2005 model |7 seater – average 2,00,000 kms
b) Honda Pilot |7-8 seater – average 2,20,000 kms
c) Toyota 4Runner – average 2,50,000 kms

** The only reason Toyota 4Runner is listed as my last option is because it doesn’t offer a 7-seater version, or else it would have been my 1st choice.

Thanks so much!!

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sumjo

I had read some where that vans were safer than SUVs but heck it was a van which got T boned @ Newmarket .

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Fido.

Side impact collision of the nature which happened in Vaughan is a very very rare incidence and does not vouch for the safety of the vehicle.

IMO, the VAN is much safer compared to an SUV on account of stability at higher speeds. Newer technology has made most vehicles safer buy stupidity can override all safety equipment.

SUV are more expensive compared to VAN, but tend to have additional luxury features - if that interests you.

I am trying to understand the mileage quoted against each vehicle above...

Hiren

Hi Hiren, these is the average mileage that I am getting for the year range of 2001-2005 used SUVs. Thanks

Quote:

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Originally posted by hchheda

Side impact collision of the nature which happened in Vaughan is a very very rare incidence and does not vouch for the safety of the vehicle.

IMO, the VAN is much safer compared to an SUV on account of stability at higher speeds. Newer technology has made most vehicles safer buy stupidity can override all safety equipment.

SUV are more expensive compared to VAN, but tend to have additional luxury features - if that interests you.

I am trying to understand the mileage quoted against each vehicle above...

Hiren

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sumjo

10-15 year old cars with so much mileage on odometer will be a maintenance nightmare - I would strongly suggest against it. I wouldn't look for any beyond 5-6 years with less than 100,000 km on it.

I understand your motivation is the price in such cases - but remember that 10 years or older premium SUVs like ACURA cost a lot in parts and repairs - many times the diagnosis has to be done by dealer only due to computerized control center. A $4000 SUV with an estimated repair bill of $1000 becomes a catch 22 situation - you cannot decide.

Sorry, not able to offer any advice on the models you quoted above.

Hiren

How about Toyotas, which are supposed to be great vehicles, with very low maintenance/running costs? Some of the review says that you can practically run them to the ground, with just regular oil change and other minor periodic maintenance.

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally posted by hchheda

10-15 year old cars with so much mileage on odometer will be a maintenance nightmare - I would strongly suggest against it. I wouldn't look for any beyond 5-6 years with less than 100,000 km on it.

I understand your motivation is the price in such cases - but remember that 10 years or older premium SUVs like ACURA cost a lot in parts and repairs - many times the diagnosis has to be done by dealer only due to computerized control center. A $4000 SUV with an estimated repair bill of $1000 becomes a catch 22 situation - you cannot decide.

Sorry, not able to offer any advice on the models you quoted above.

Hiren

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sumjo

Quote:

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Originally posted by sumjo

How about Toyotas, which are supposed to be great vehicles, with very low maintenance/running costs? Some of the review says that you can practically run them to the ground, with just regular oil change and other minor periodic maintenance.

Thanks

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