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Well after wasting four hours yesterday to look at a rusted out 2007 expedition, we have come to the conclusion that we need to expand our options to find a vehicle. What would you consider to be the most reliable third row suvs produced between 2005-2008 commonly found under $13k/115k miles?
These vehicles are totally a no go:
2005-2008 armada because of brake failure
2005-2008 pathfinder transmission failure
Currently im thinking a 2006 acura mdx or 2007 explorer might be a valid option, however im not schooled well enough in these vehicles.
hard to beat the Yukon/Tahoe but will be hard to find in your price range with that type of mileage but a 3RD or 4th Gen Ford Explorer is a pretty Solid Mid-Size SUV that their should be many to choose from in your price range and meet you mileage requiems.
Although engine performance is mediocre, the midsize 2008 Ford Explorer deserves consideration from anyone shopping for a traditional SUV with substantial towing and hauling capabilities. But for those who just need a family cruiser, newer seven-passenger crossovers provide more space, superior driving dynamics and slightly better gas mileage.
Pros
Great ride and handling characteristics for a truck-based SUV, spacious and quiet interior with user-friendly layout, healthy tow rating, high safety content.
Cons
Weak engines compared to competing SUVs, some low-grade interior materials, poor expected resale value.
What's New for 2008.
Side curtain airbags are now standard on all Explorers, as is a capless fuel filling system (though availability is delayed until midyear on the latter). Also available on the Explorer for 2008 is Ford's new Sync system, the hands-free electronics integration technology co-developed with Microsoft. The optional navigation system includes voice activation this year. Kings of bling will be pleased to hear that they can option the Explorer with 20-inch wheels later in the '08 model year.
If you are looking at an MDX you should look at the Honda Pilot, which is cheaper and roomier. Not as nicely finished inside but a very reliable and comfortable 3 row SUV.
We bought an MDX in part because of the 3rd row. 2006 is the last year of the 1st generation, which was started in 2000. That body style/interior is looking quite a bit dated now. If you can stretch the budget just a little bit I think you can find one from 2007 and up, which was the current style until this year.
We had a 2007 Eddie Bauer Explorer with the 3rd row for 5 years and it was a great vehicle for us. Rear seat is a bit tight, but we usually only used one of them for our twin boys who were 7 to 12 when we had it, and only when everyone was in the one vehicle. We put on 36K miles over those years and bought it in 2008 with 20K. We had zero mechanical problems, but the mirror covers on the sunvisors constantly broke. Went through 3 sets under the B2B warranty. The hinge points would just break off, even if the mirror was barely used! It got reasonable mileage, 18 on my commute in light traffic and about 23-24 on the highway, if I drove carefully. I wish we would have kept it, but my wife wanted something new, and I had to give in. We traded it for $12K and they sold it for $14K, so you should be able to find a good one in your price range with lower miles. Might just have to drive a ways to get it. We drove to Fort Worth for ours, but it was a great deal.
Here's a good dark horse for you....2007 Subaru Tribeca. The 06/07 are considered ugly by most people but I actually think they look pretty neat, something like a black or gray 07. You also get Subaru reliability and it has a timing chain so no belt.
The only downside is small tank, kinda poor MPG and uses 91 octane. The 2008 Tribeca doesn't require 91 octane and has more conventional look, but the 07 can be had fairly cheaply because people don't like the looks. Split seating 3rd row, AWD and quite comfortable.
Hows about a GMC Acadia, Buick Enclav or Chevy Traverse crossover.
These vehicles are all great but they have such limited cargo space once that 3rd row is in place. It stands to reason that if you need to transport a bunch of people you will also be needing to transport a bunch of their crap too. Having just about enough room for a handbag behind the 3rd row just doesn't work.
Edit: just checked out the mpg on the Chevy Traverse 17-24 ... the Suburban will get 15 - 23 not much difference.
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