Full Size SUV Recommendations

DiB14-SAFD

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So currently thinking about picking up an older, higher mileage full size suv and I wanted to get some opinions. My current search criteria looks something like this:

Less than $20k
Less than 150k miles
V8
Seating for 8

I am favoring reliability and longevity so I am leaning away from most domestics. I have been looking at Sequoia’s, Lexus GX460/470, Nissan Armada and Infiniti Q56.

Opinions or experience on any of the above or domestics appreciated.
 

venmos1

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We bought an 09 yukon Denali for the wife. Seats 7 due to the 2nd row captains. DVD players in headrests. But I love this truck. The 09 does not have afm where newer ones do, which is a plus. The awd is a great system too. Paid just under 20k for it with 88k miles. If I had to sell my truck and buy another vehicle it would be an 09 Tahoe ltz with the 6.2L. they only made like 500 or so with the 6.2 so they are a challenge to find.
 

DiB14-SAFD

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We bought an 09 yukon Denali for the wife. Seats 7 due to the 2nd row captains. DVD players in headrests. But I love this truck. The 09 does not have afm where newer ones do, which is a plus. The awd is a great system too. Paid just under 20k for it with 88k miles. If I had to sell my truck and buy another vehicle it would be an 09 Tahoe ltz with the 6.2L. they only made like 500 or so with the 6.2 so they are a challenge to find.

I have never been a huge fan of the styling on the Tahoe/Yukon but I would give it a look if I found one priced right. There are a couple of Yukon’s with the 6.2 in my area. What kind of life do you get out of those engines? Is 200k reasonable? Whatever I get will have to have a bench middle for the car seat, don’t want the captains chairs.
 

7998

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As for the Nissan/Infiniti research them. You'll find out they are nightmares. Plastic radiator's that crack often. Exhaust manifolds with the cat convertor in them that crack. Knock off Dana 44 rears that explode. Etc.

If it was my money I would buy a Suburban and put 200k-300k trouble free miles on it.
 

DiB14-SAFD

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As for the Nissan/Infiniti research them. You'll find out they are nightmares. Plastic radiator's that crack often. Exhaust manifolds with the cat convertor in them that crack. Knock off Dana 44 rears that explode. Etc.

If it was my money I would buy a Suburban and put 200k-300k trouble free miles on it.

I must admit that I am a bit wary of the Nissan/Infiniti based on some research. The Sequoia is my personal favorite as it seems like it is the most reliable especially when it gets up into the higher mileage range.
 

IA Shelby

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We have had two armadas since 2011. Wife likes them. Never had an issues with either vehicle.

I would still buy a Toyota.
 

Dave.O

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Excursion with 7.3 diesel, engine is bullet proof. Gets decent mileage for its size as well at approx 16.
I have 240k and the only issues I have run into are a handful of sensors that need to be replaced, cheap/easy


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com
 

GTSpartan

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Based on your requirements, the Suburban/Yukon XL will be by far your best bet. There are tons of them out there, so your selection will be very high. Wide parts availability, and can be serviced by anyone.

200K + miles? I guarantee you there are more GM twins out there with 200K+ than all other full size SUV’s combined. This will probably ruffle some folks feathers, but there is a reason why they absolutely dominate the segment.
 

GordsFord

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I have had two Ford Expeditions, first a 2000 from new that I put 140,000 miles on with not one issue and traded it in on a new 2014 Expedition max (EL) late that year and have 60,000 miles on it now with not one issue. I got a great end of model year deal and I wanted the extra room in the EL model. I tow a 24 ft enclosed ATC car trailer with it. In my opinion, though the interiors may be less fancy, the Expeditions are a far, far superior truck than the GM's or the imports. The rear cargo area is significantly lower than the GM's because of the IRS suspension and the handling on the highway is far superior. we have had a couple of rental experiences, when away on fly in trips, with the GM's and a Nissan and a Toyota and they handled like pigs compared to the Expedition! I have a friend in Atlanta that has a limo service with one and he put 385,000 miles on it with nothing but a water pump changed then at that mileage and has several more years and miles on it now.

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What can I say? I like my Fords!
 

Blk04L

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Excursion with the Diesel or 6.8L V10 are bullet proof*.

You won't get good MPG, but it'll last granted you and previous owner take/took care of basic maintenance.

Father has an Excursion 6.8L with boost. Just under 250k miles on stock internals/trans etc. Not losing a drip of oil anywhere.
 

DiB14-SAFD

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They are more practical as people haulers. But if you’re trying to tow some shit, then obviously not.

Hate to say it. Mini van is your best bet.


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

I feel a little more clarification is in order. I don’t need to seat 8 people, at most 5-6 and that is rare. I just want the 8 person layout which is the second row bench. I don’t want to put the car seat in a captains chair.
 

mc01svt

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So currently thinking about picking up an older, higher mileage full size suv and I wanted to get some opinions. My current search criteria looks something like this:

Less than $20k
Less than 150k miles
V8
Seating for 8

I am favoring reliability and longevity so I am leaning away from most domestics. I have been looking at Sequoia’s, Lexus GX460/470, Nissan Armada and Infiniti Q56.

Opinions or experience on any of the above or domestics appreciated.


LOL at this, you mentioned reliability and longevity then proceed to list the armada/qx56? :rolleyes:

reliable, under $20k and seats 8, there are only 2 vehicles that really fulfill this..

#1. GM suburban/yukon XL...... They are cheap to buy, cheap to own, can seat 8 and have the ability to tow big loads. Find one that doesnt have displacement on demand and you are good to go. GM is the suv king for a reason..

#2. Ford excursion, 6.8l V10, biggest, strongest SUV ever made. They can do 400k miles with good maintenance and can tow 11,000lbs if you need to. The only downfall is the gas mileage is in the 13mpg realm and since this is essentially a commercial truck the ride can be harsher. Do not buy a diesel version unless you know what you are looking at.

A clean 4.7l toyota sequoia can essentially run forever but these dont have much cargo room and not really room for 8...

Im hesitant to list the ford expedition EL because of the issues with the 5.4L 3v. Id stay away from this truck unless it has been meticulously maintained and they have full service records. Otherwise you are looking at a $3K repair for a high volume oil pump, cam phasors and timing chain + tensioners.
 

DiB14-SAFD

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Good info, thank you. As far as the Nissans go, I was very hesitant to have them on the list and the more I read the lower they get. The sequoia is still the favorite for me but I am gonna go look at a couple Tahoe’s and Suburbans today.
 

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