Family vehicle recommendation

[z24_wheels]

I'd like to replace my front wheel drive mini-van with something that has AWD for the wife. Checking in with you guys for some recommendations.

It should have third row seats (I have three kids), AWD, and be around $10k. Other than that, I am open to suggestions. Researching 2007-2009 Volvo XC90 right now.

[mr2mike]

My opinion Volvo XC's are higher priced without the higher value.
I'd stick to Japanese or Domestic. Subaru maybe?

[npham]

My opinion Volvo XC's are higher priced without the higher value.
I'd stick to Japanese or Domestic. Subaru maybe?

What Subaru has a 3rd row seat?

[ExtraSlow]

Ford flex. Looks funky and one of the better vehicles Ford makes.

[dirtsniffer]

Buy winter tires?

[Darell_n]

What Subaru has a 3rd row seat?

Tribeca?

[ExtraSlow]

Buy winter tires?

That's a lot safer than awd. It's what I did for my family.

[90_Shelby]

Buy winter tires?


This.

Based on the snow today and timing of this post, it's the first thing that came to mind.

[relyt92]

You can get into an MDX around that price.

[jwslam]

Some Sienna's come in AWD I think?

[redblack]

Awd gmc safari

[ExtraSlow]

Awd gmc safari

/endtread

[r3ccOs]

/endtread

wish there was a proper body on frame offering with a stout v6 and a 7 seater...

how does a unibody equinox replace this type of vehicle

edit:
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2014-gmc-savana-1500-1ls-all-wheel-drive-8-passenger-5-3-v8/1289656782?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[Aleks]

Awd gmc safari

:rofl:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8kuSghb7P7U/hqdefault.jpg
http://www.iihs.org/frontend/iihs/ratings/images/api-rating-image.ashx?id=242&width=800

[tonytiger55]

Acura MDX. +1

Pathfinder is a option.

[z24_wheels]

Buy winter tires?

Yeah. I have winters on the van. It still isn't great. Maybe Michelins are shit. Which led me to winters plus awd.

Awd sienna don't have a spare, which sucks.

Thanks for the recommendations peeps

[corsvette]

Had a GMC Acadia for years. It would seat 8 and still have a very decent amount of cargo room. It was also reliable and good on fuel. If you look at one my only suggestion is avoid the dual sunroof equipped models, we had ours leak almost every summer (the drain tubes plug up with dirt and debris) and I could only imagine if the owner wasn't keeping an eye on it this could cause a ton of damage. Had 187K on it when I sold it, only replaced one water pump and all four struts in that time.

[R-Audi]

wish there was a proper body on frame offering with a stout v6 and a 7 seater...



How about body on frame 7 seater with a V8?

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2004-lexus-gx-gx-470-suv-crossover-awd-7-passenger-nav/1301086348?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2005-lexus-gx-470/1300358899?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[speedog]

:rofl:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8kuSghb7P7U/hqdefault.jpg

When is the last time you were in a head on collision - I've never been. Now I'm not saying crash worthiness shouldn't be a factor when buying a vehicle but comparing the crash test results of a 20+ year old vehicle to modern vehicles is sort of unfair.

We had 2 Chev Astro's back to back when we were in full on family mode and they were great for our needs but I would not make the recommendation of getting an Astro/Safari any more because they are getting very long in the tooth now. One thing OP will most definitely notice if they move from a van to an SUV is how much less utile a SUV is when it comes to hauling a family and their stuff around, been there, done that.

[Masked Bandit]

$10,000 AWD vehicle that seats 7 and would still be worth buying? I'm thinking older Pathfinder, Pilot or hunt for low mileage AWD Caravan.

[Aleks]

When is the last time you were in a head on collision - I've never been. Now I'm not saying crash worthiness shouldn't be a factor when buying a vehicle but comparing the crash test results of a 20+ year old vehicle to modern vehicles is sort of unfair.

We had 2 Chev Astro's back to back when we were in full on family mode and they were great for our needs but I would not make the recommendation of getting an Astro/Safari any more because they are getting very long in the tooth now. One thing OP will most definitely notice if they move from a van to an SUV is how much less utile a SUV is when it comes to hauling a family and their stuff around, been there, done that.

The point I was trying to make is that the Astro was probably one of the worst vehicle made when it comes to safety. I'm glad you were never in a serious collision in one! Cars are way safer now for sure. But if one has to get an older car especially to carry kids around now, there are choices that are better than others.

Here is what a 2001-2006 MDX looks like after the same test:

http://www.iihs.org/frontend/iihs/ratings/images/api-rating-image.ashx?id=557&width=800

[revelations]

I'd like to replace my front wheel drive mini-van with something that has AWD for the wife. Checking in with you guys for some recommendations.

It should have third row seats (I have three kids), AWD, and be around $10k. Other than that, I am open to suggestions. Researching 2007-2009 Volvo XC90 right now.

We had the same situation and we ended up getting a Mazda5 with STUDDED snow tires. Wife now stops and corners better than AWD with all seasons.

AWD is a marketing gimmick, and only helps you accelerate and rally around corners (which most women dont do).

[flipstah]

My family bought a 2010 XC90 new and still in the fleet with 193k kms.

PM me if you want to know anything about the 3.2 inline-6

The third row is awesome + the trunk space is still usable vs. a minivan.

[roll_over]

AWD is a marketing gimmick, and only helps you accelerate and rally around corners (which most women dont do).

Acceleration and getting going is pretty important in the winter. I live in the West end and regularly see people getting stuck going up the hill near Sunterra on 17th and the hills around 17th and 85th.

Definitely does not hurt to have AWD, especially if you pair with winters.

[Tik-Tok]

Honda S2000

[revelations]

Acceleration and getting going is pretty important in the winter. I live in the West end and regularly see people getting stuck going up the hill near Sunterra on 17th and the hills around 17th and 85th.

Definitely does not hurt to have AWD, especially if you pair with winters.

AWD is essentially useless in the summer and you will have far greater associated operating costs. Think about the tires and their requirements, loss of mileage, component wear, etc.

If thats not an issue, then by all means spend the extra money. It will not make you any safer though than studded winter tires.

[r3ccOs]

My family bought a 2010 XC90 new and still in the fleet with 193k kms.

PM me if you want to know anything about the 3.2 V6

The third row is awesome + the trunk space is still usable vs. a minivan.

I'd definitely do the T6, but the maintenance in general, as is parts is expensive though run rate and reliability is quite good

Volvo are not for people on a budge

[flipstah]

I'd definitely do the T6, but the maintenance in general, as is parts is expensive though run rate and reliability is quite good

Volvo are not for people on a budge

Yes, parts are generally higher and ours has been reliable. Only issue we have is the anti-skid becoming intermittent (it deactivates sometimes) and we can't diagnose the issue.

Also: it's an inline 6 and not a V6. My mistake.

EDIT: The V8 engine is also rock solid. Yamaha modded it to be used on Nobles haha.

[ShermanEF9]

really not sure why people feel that an AWD is safer in snow than any other vehicle. you start sliding at 80kph+, it doesn't matter what wheels are spinning.

[RealJimmyJames]

Awd is good because you can get going faster before you slide off the road.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Ford flex. Looks funky and one of the better vehicles Ford makes.

That's what I'd get for sure.

[Tik-Tok]

really not sure why people feel that an AWD is safer in snow than any other vehicle. you start sliding at 80kph+, it doesn't matter what wheels are spinning.

Not sure anyone is claiming it's safer, but it will definitely get you out of jams a fwd or rwd won't. IE. Going up an icy hill, or even out of a snow filled parking lot. All situations made worse when have your kids in the car with you, and can't just say "Fuck it, I'm walking"

[blitz]

Better winter tires. Hakka 8’s :thumbsup:

[ianmcc]

Ford flex. Looks funky and one of the better vehicles Ford makes.

We traded ours in after 200K+. Bought new.
Advice-stay away from 2009 and even 2010 if possible.
Troublesome brakes, front wheel bearings, leaking transfer case (and no way to drain and re-fill the fluid), crack prone pano roof, rust under cuff saver door panels, rusted around the rear hatch handle, low seating position=limited side and rear visibility.
But a beast in the winter (AWD is a must), decent fuel economy, super on long trips, wide passenger doors, decent space in the rear seats.
Only seven passenger seating with the second row bench.
Pro tip-all of the two tone paint jobs got a second coat of clear at the factory.

[roll_over]

AWD is essentially useless in the summer and you will have far greater associated operating costs. Think about the tires and their requirements, loss of mileage, component wear, etc.

If thats not an issue, then by all means spend the extra money. It will not make you any safer though than studded winter tires.

I get what you're saying, my last daily was an E63 with winters that I would drive thousands of kms for work year round, I did just fine and actually never had an issue as long as I had the correct tires.

But my wife's suv with awd, stability, traction control, winters and ground clearance is 100x better to drive in shitty weather. Not to mention it has way more room for car seats and cargo. I understand that operating costs are higher but I buy cars for comfort (or fun), not for low operating costs.

[Aleks]

My family bought a 2010 XC90 new and still in the fleet with 193k kms.

PM me if you want to know anything about the 3.2 inline-6

The third row is awesome + the trunk space is still usable vs. a minivan.

A 2010 Odyssey will have 4 to 5 times the cargo volume with all the rows up compared to the XC90 of that vintage.

[z24_wheels]

We traded ours in after 200K+. Bought new.
Advice-stay away from 2009 and even 2010 if possible.
Troublesome brakes, front wheel bearings, leaking transfer case (and no way to drain and re-fill the fluid), crack prone pano roof, rust under cuff saver door panels, rusted around the rear hatch handle, low seating position=limited side and rear visibility.
But a beast in the winter (AWD is a must), decent fuel economy, super on long trips, wide passenger doors, decent space in the rear seats.
Only seven passenger seating with the second row bench.
Pro tip-all of the two tone paint jobs got a second coat of clear at the factory.

Awesome info, thanks. Also read timing on the xc90 can be tricky, better to go with v8 and timing chain.

[revelations]

Not sure anyone is claiming it's safer, but it will definitely get you out of jams a fwd or rwd won't. IE. Going up an icy hill, or even out of a snow filled parking lot. All situations made worse when have your kids in the car with you, and can't just say "Fuck it, I'm walking"

Weve never had that issue with FWD vehicles and studded tires - in fact the only time in 10 winters here that I've had an issue was about 7 years ago when we had a blizzard (the one that covered cars in Panorama and Copperfield) and my condo parkade entrance ramp turned into a giant snow drift. Even big 4x4s were having a tough go (but they eventually made it and cleared a path).

[revelations]

A 2010 Odyssey will have 4 to 5 times the cargo volume with all the rows up compared to the XC90 of that vintage.

Yea I dont get this either. I have family (rich) who absolutely refuse to drive a nice Odessey - because its a "minivan", and chose a full size SUV instead. They have 2 kids and have issues getting all their gear in the SUV. Without sliding doors, the kids are hitting things all the time.

[z24_wheels]

I will have a look at the Odyssey as well. I have a FWD Sienna now and it has problems. It's hard on brakes (they didn't engineer it properly and the brakes are too small), tire wear is very high (again, poor engineering). Perhaps the next gen is better, should look at that. As I mentioned previously, I didn't go AWD Sienna due to the lack of spare (the center diff takes up that space) and it was recommended you use run flat$ as a result. I would assume the same issue exists in the Odyssey, but I don't know for sure.

As for the debate on AWD. I like it. If I have to move cause I see a vehicle sliding towards my ass, AWD helps me move out of the way. Yes, it doesn't help me stop, but it gets me out of trouble (and perhaps into trouble - too cocky, LOL).

Not too worked up about cargo space between minivan and SUV. We didn't really fill the van up often enough (outside of infant seats) to justify staying with that platform.

[jacky4566]

Agreed Winter tires > AWD. Its a shame that more FWD dont have differentials or active wheel control. Most of those little Hondas you see failing up hill are usually spinning one wheel drive.
With two drive wheels and winters tires your basically unstoppable.

[Tik-Tok]

Agreed Winter tires > AWD.

Why does everyone keep saying this (or similar)? You guys do know you can put winters on an AWD vehicle right? It isn't one or the other.

[tonytiger55]

Agreed Winter tires > AWD. Its a shame that more FWD dont have differentials or active wheel control. Most of those little Hondas you see failing up hill are usually spinning one wheel drive.
With two drive wheels and winters tires your basically unstoppable.

Out of curiosity, what FWD vehicles have this?

[dirtsniffer]

^ many fwd cars over the years have come with them.

[revelations]

Why does everyone keep saying this (or similar)? You guys do know you can put winters on an AWD vehicle right? It isn't one or the other.

Its actually common for most non-car people to think AWD solves all of winters' issues. "I have AWD therefore I dont need winter tires" is a belief shared by a frighteningly large percentage of the population.

[jacky4566]

Out of curiosity, what FWD vehicles have this?
Off the top of my head:

Integra Type R :rofl:
Speed3
Mini Coopers
Sentra SE-R, Alitma, V6 Solaras
Many Audi and VWs

But more cars these days use "active braking" wherein they brake the loose tire and transfer power. Its not going to win you any races but it will get you up the hill.

[Aleks]

I will have a look at the Odyssey as well. I have a FWD Sienna now and it has problems. It's hard on brakes (they didn't engineer it properly and the brakes are too small), tire wear is very high (again, poor engineering). Perhaps the next gen is better, should look at that. As I mentioned previously, I didn't go AWD Sienna due to the lack of spare (the center diff takes up that space) and it was recommended you use run flat$ as a result. I would assume the same issue exists in the Odyssey, but I don't know for sure.

As for the debate on AWD. I like it. If I have to move cause I see a vehicle sliding towards my ass, AWD helps me move out of the way. Yes, it doesn't help me stop, but it gets me out of trouble (and perhaps into trouble - too cocky, LOL).

Not too worked up about cargo space between minivan and SUV. We didn't really fill the van up often enough (outside of infant seats) to justify staying with that platform.

Odyssey doesn't come with an AWD option so it won't have the center diff storage problems. Ours doesn't have RFT and has an actual spare tire but I'm not sure if they went to RFT in later years. We have had ours since 2012 and have had studded snow tires on it for winter since the beginning. It has had 0 issues thus far, but I do have complaints about brakes and tires as well. Pads and rotors last about 65,000kms. The OEM all seasons are virtually done after about 40,000kms of use, but the van came with absolute garbage Continental Conti Pro Contacts so no big loss replacing them.

[phreezee]

Yeah. I have winters on the van. It still isn't great. Maybe Michelins are shit. Which led me to winters plus awd.

Awd sienna don't have a spare, which sucks.



This was my experience also; Michelins are shit. I like Nokian and Blizzaks over X-Ice.

The Sienna was awesome in the snow, but run flats+ no spare sucks.

[Kloubek]

CX9.

/Thread

[mrsingh]

This was my experience also; Michelins are shit. I like Nokian and Blizzaks over X-Ice.

The Sienna was awesome in the snow, but run flats+ no spare sucks.

The run flats on my Sienna were bald at 30,000kms, I replaced them with regular tires and bought the space saver spare from a FWD to throw in the back. If I get a flat around town, the space saver would only be used to get the car home.

I also have a dedicated set of winter tires mounted on wheels, for long road trips I can throw one of those in the back to make sure I am running the same diameter overall on the wheels when traveling over real distance.

I also have an XC90, it is old now and was originally owned by my Dad. I like it and it is a solid vehicle, but as it ages it will have its minor issues. Parts are pricey and it is only really cost effective if you can do the work yourself.

If I have to go anywhere with the family, I'd take the Sienna anyday.

[revelations]

A comment for you folks with tire wear issues - I would consult a specific discussion group for the vehicle as there might be an after market mod to alleviate this.

An example is my wife's Mazda5 minivan - it comes with excessive rear toe in/out (cant recall which) from the factory to help with stability, but at the expense of retarded inner tire surface wear. The fix is an adjustable linkage for the rear wheels, 300$ for both parts. However, some folks have stated that running the rear tires at max sidewall pressure also negates the issue.

Otherwise, an excellent vehicle for all weather, with proper tires.

[r3ccOs]

A comment for you folks with tire wear issues - I would consult a specific discussion group for the vehicle as there might be an after market mod to alleviate this.

An example is my wife's Mazda5 minivan - it comes with excessive rear toe in/out (cant recall which) from the factory to help with stability, but at the expense of retarded inner tire surface wear. The fix is an adjustable linkage for the rear wheels, 300$ for both parts. However, some folks have stated that running the rear tires at max sidewall pressure also negates the issue.

Otherwise, an excellent vehicle for all weather, with proper tires.

there are TONS of used options and is dependant on your tolerance for KMs

I believe any cars newer than 2011 all have that active skid control, or torque vectoring which makes all cars, especially FWD very capable and safe with the right tires for the condition

IMO the cheapest 3 row for a reasonably capable AWD vehicle is a Traverse (period). Not that this is a particularly great platform, its not unreliable, its roomy and it has AWD and being the cheapest of the Lambda platform, also being domestic, means you can get into a low KM one for a VERY competitive price when compared to any other vehicle in its segment.

Honestly, the Mazda CX-7 or 9 scare me... I've heard all sorts of quality and fit issues

IF you are going the 4x4 platform route, there are lots of options but not at your price point unless you can find an old cheap Pathfinder, which are reasonably reliable as well.

[mrsingh]

Kms are starting to get up there, but could be an option in the $10-11k range.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2008-toyota-sienna-xle-limited-awd-no-accidents/1302384113?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true


I have a FWD Sienna now and it has problems. It's hard on brakes (they didn't engineer it properly and the brakes are too small), tire wear is very high (again, poor engineering).

What year is your Sienna?

[z24_wheels]

2006. Lots of great discussion here!

[SkiBum5.0]

What about a Lexus LX470? It will be way older, but their reputation speaks for itself. You'll have to look for a 2000-2003 in that price range, but keep your eye out for 1/2 owner trucks as people keep them forever

[ExtraSlow]

I've heard of looking for one owner vehicles, but it seems to be wishful thinking to hope to find something that has had HALF an owner . . .

I'll show myself out . . . . .

[mrsingh]

I've heard of looking for one owner vehicles, but it seems to be wishful thinking to hope to find something that has had HALF an owner . . .

I'll show myself out . . . . .

Is someone under 4'5" considered half an owner??

Not that there is anything wrong with that...

[bigbadboss101]

We have a 08 MDX. Like it quite a bit but might go to a Mini van when baby 2 comes. Easier to get in and out, more storage, and have sliding doors so the kiddos don't ding the doors.

The X Ice we have on various cars were good. The X Ice on my MDX is not as good as the Hakkas I had before. As for studded snow tires, I don't know. It's nice to be able to stop well but on good % of days when roads are dry or pretty bared it would hinder gas mileage, and make that ticking sound.

[bjstare]

We have a 08 MDX. Like it quite a bit but might go to a Mini van when baby 2 comes. Easier to get in and out, more storage, and have sliding doors so the kiddos don't ding the doors.

The X Ice we have on various cars were good. The X Ice on my MDX is not as good as the Hakkas I had before. As for studded snow tires, I don't know. It's nice to be able to stop well but on good % of days when roads are dry or pretty bared it would hinder gas mileage, and make that ticking sound.

Do you actually think studded tires hurt your mileage in a measurable way? I'd be very surprised, but if you have a reliable source for this info, I'd be equally interested to learn more about it.