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So my wife and I are in the market to buy a SUV and are trying to determine what would serve us best. We absolutely need the 3rd row for extra seating which is the main reason for this purchase. We are trying to spend $5000 or less so we are definitely looking for a model built in the 2000-2005 year range. We are leaning towards the Ford Explorer but are also considering the Chevy Tahoe and Honda Pilot. Does anyone have any other suggestions or warnings with any of the vehicles mentioned?
I would go Tahoe or Suburban. Pilots had transmission issues and Explorers are way too small for third tow seating. Suburbans are big but have the room too.
If you need that third row I'd say suburban or expedition XL (fords answer to the suburban). Those vehicles are based on the 1/2 ton truck so MPG's would be about the same as the shorter tahoe or expedition. But being longer they will accommodate the third row and still have usable space behind that third seat!
IMO, if you need a third row, you don't want a downsized vehicle such as an explorer.
A lot of SUVs are now called MPVs because they're looking more like minivans than multi terrain haulers.
If you want a true 3rd row unless you get a Suburban than Minivans are the only way to get a true 3rd row that can sit comfortably. I don't know how some SUVs can advertise 3rd row which looks more like children 3rd row chairs.
If you're only looking to spend $5k, then you should absolutely buy a minivan. You're certainly not going to be able to find a decent 3rd row SUV at that price, unless you want one that has a ton of miles on it and needs work. You'll be able to get a newer minivan and with less mileage for the same money.
stop fighting it and get a much more practical minivan.
+2.
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