Put a deposit on an 04 Tahoe LT. Dealer took almost $12K off MSRP. Having done research the Tahoe seems to be pretty well liked among its owners;however I'd like to know what the board's opinion is. I need a third row; don't care for LR3-and dealers want full MSRP... Thanks! PS-Mercedes doesn't have three-row MLs anymore????
I hate them. My wife has an H2 and I begged her not to get it when you bought it. I even offered to buy her any sedan out there, and she wanted the H2 more. But, she loves it and whatever makes her happy and all that.I just don't understand why anyone would want one unless you really have a need to transport 6,7 or 8 people on a regular basis. If you do have such a need, I would go with an H2, Lexis/Toyota or Honda. Or, you may want to wait until next year and get a new BMW X5-L which will have a third row seat.
If you need a 3rd row to fit real adult sized people for more than 5 minutes, look at the Expedition or Armada. The Expedition having great headroom too in the 3rd row whereas the Armada does not. ML's stink.
Third Row will be used by kids coming over for playdates and as a penalty box for seperating my children so don't foresee adult use.... Not really into the Japanese products but may check out a GX 470 although I believe that is full time all-wheel drive and takes premium fuel.....
Everyones going to bash it, but I will tell you it didn't become the number 1 selling large suv because its bad. Tahoe's are a nice vehicle, if its what your looking for, you will LOVE it. This is a SUV haters site, don't know why all these sports cars get the same mileage or worse the way most people drive them. There are more SUV's now than ever, Must be a reason. I absolutly love my SUV, wouldn't be without one now. And yes I live in the northwest and I do use it, so don't go there. The only thing thats an oxymoron is these H2's with 24" wheels, it would be hard to 4x4 that???
For third rows there are only two options... One is basically a suburban, but nicer, and that is the Yukon XL Denali. The trim in the denali makes alot of difference. But the big daddy is the QX56 (GQ'ed version of the Armada, so that would work too). You cannot beat this vehicle for comfort, ride, power, room, and even luxury in the big SUV market. It makes Escalades, Navigators, and even the LX look like Hyundai's (and ride like them too). Good luck.
Paul--I have been looking for an SUV as well--difference is I don't need a 3 row seat. Lexus GX470 is a NICE rig (basically a tarted up 4Runner) but the rear gate is side hinged, and the window is fixed. So you are hosed if you want to carry anything that doesn't fit completely inside the vehicle, or on the roof. Just a thought. I really like the LR3--they hit a home run it terms of the utility with the three rows of seats, how they all fold flat, and how much relative room there is. But reliability is a BIG question, and MSRP will be the case until they run through the order backlog, which here is at least another 4-5 months. The GM utes have good room, powerful engines, and refined rides. Reliability (two neighbors have Denalis) is a weak point, and they aren't assembled with the greatest care. One thought would be the Toyota Sequoia--big, upgraded power on the V8 this year, can be ordered relatively lux--third row works for adults (though is harder to get in and out of then the LR3), and reliability/resale should be tops. I am seriously considering a V8 4Runner--my requirements are a reasonable around town ride, room to carry long things (I build furniture as an avocation, so I need to carry long pieces of wood), and real off road capability. I love the LR3, but have the concerns mentioned above. What I really want (shudder) is a 4WD minivan with air suspension and low range gearing. I have a van now, and it is unreliable, ugly, etc--but nothing beats the utility (all seats in--a comfortable 7 passenger rig, all seats out--like a moving van). Good luck.
Thanks Scotty-trying to get a good price on a leftover '04 GX470 but dealer is only taking $3K off price-car has depreciated more then that already.... I know the Toyota Sequoia is a great truck mechanically, but I don't like the styling....
SUVs are awesome! so are sports cars... why does everyone have to hate? LOL i have to agree. the GM trucks are the way to go. I may be a bit biased since i drive a suburban, but hey, its an awesome truck! plenty of space to haul people and misc stuff. granted, they are not "fast", but that can be changed. i supercharged mine along with a few other goodies, and mine is plenty fast now. SUV's are practical now-a-days with hauling people or safety while driving. it can handle any weather, assuming the driver skills are upto par. the only drawback is it uses too much gas...also pollution... Aj
