Buying a 7-seater vehicle in the US

jcs

Hi guys, just would like to hear suggestions on what vehicle (SUV or van) to buy. Something that can seat 7 or more and can carry some cargo (i.e. balikbayan boxes). I'm not really looking for brand new; a certified pre-owned would do but preferably not more than 5 or 6 years old (2000 model and up). Budget is around $15,000.

My only complaint about vans is that aesthetically, vans aren't pleasing to look at. I don't want a vehicle that looks like an egg (i.e. Toyota Sienna and basically most vans I've seen) or looks like a box (i.e. Honda Element, Scion XB, etc.).

As of now, what strikes my fancy is a Toyota Highlander. But would it seat 7 people or do I specifically have to find one that says it has a "3rd row seat"?

Thanks!

Nerfy

try looking for a 2003-2004 ford explorer. there are some you can get at that price range, and with 3rd row seat options.

with the gas prices as they are, gas guzzling SUV prices in the US are going down. that is... if you dont mind paying the gas prices either.

Ice Burn

If you decide to splurge, you can't go wrong with the Subaru B9 Tribeca
I have one and I got no complaints about it.

joeldcloser

jcs wrote:

Hi guys, just would like to hear suggestions on what vehicle (SUV or van) to buy. Something that can seat 7 or more and can carry some cargo (i.e. balikbayan boxes). I'm not really looking for brand new; a certified pre-owned would do but preferably not more than 5 or 6 years old (2000 model and up). Budget is around $15,000.

My only complaint about vans is that aesthetically, vans aren't pleasing to look at. I don't want a vehicle that looks like an egg (i.e. Toyota Sienna and basically most vans I've seen) or looks like a box (i.e. Honda Element, Scion XB, etc.).

As of now, what strikes my fancy is a Toyota Highlander. But would it seat 7 people or do I specifically have to find one that says it has a "3rd row seat"?

Thanks!

Toyota highlander will be awesome(good in gas too!),but...they started making 3rd seats in 2004.

GreatBop

or Mitsubishi Endeavor FTW!!

the endeavor should be readily available for about 15,000 rin.
i'd get a highlander or endeavor over something like an explorer,.

mrpathetic

Honda Odyssey. Honda Pilot. Ford E-150. Dodge Ram.

Macky_EX

mrpathetic wrote:

Honda Pilot.

I agree. Best bang for your buck. 3rd row access is less desirable than a Honda Odyssey though. Mahal nga lang resale just like the Toyota Highlander..... try looking at the new Hyundai Santa Fe (the one w/ 3rd row seats).

clawed_out

That'll be for a used Honda Pilot then.

jcs

Honda Pilot is too expensive based on my Yahoo searches. I'm currently looking at the Mitsubishi Montero for price considerations. Can someone please tell me the difference between the Montero and Montero Sport?

Thanks.

GreatBop

Montero == Pajero
Montero Sport == L200 pick up turned into an SUV.

Montero Sport is also discontinued and has been replaced by the Endeavor.

jcs

Mukhang bihira ang 7-seater sa US kung hindi van. Sayang.

Nothing might fall in my budget since Highlanders sell for over $20,000 still, for those 2004-and-up that have the 3rd row seat.

Is the Montero there equipped with seats for more than 5?

shun_sakurai

If you desperately need seven seats, just get a van, for crying out loud. I'd steer clear of most SUVs as I don't really need the mud-crawling ability, and they tend to fare worse in interior packaging than minivans.

A Honda US-version Odyssey will serve you well, new or used. If the looks don't irk you, you will also be served well by a Subaru B9 Tribeca.

jcs

I'd have to admit what turns me off about vans is how they look. Mukhang itlog, hindi pang porma. In other words, hindi pang-binata. If I had a family and have reached that kind of age (40s and older) already, I wouldn't mind.

I remember the Pajero in the Philippines could carry as much as 9 passengers with the fold-down seats in the rear. I was wondering if the Montero has the same feature. To those in the know, do they?

Hindi na siguro ganun ka-importante yung passenger loading capacity. What I really need is hauling boxes and stuff. Lalo na pag may dumadating galing sa Pilipinas - minsan hanggang 4 na balikbayan boxes ang dala. The Pajero we had in the Philippines could haul that. Option na lang yung passenger capacity just in case I want to bring a few friends or relatives somewhere, which is why I'm interested in getting a vehicle that could do both - haul the boxes and carry people at certain times.

shun_sakurai

...which is why I'm interested in getting a vehicle that could do both - haul the boxes and carry people at certain times.

This still sounds like reason for getting a minivan.

If only you had the Mitsubishi Grandis sold over there too...

GreatBop

here's the thing:

Minivans says you're a family man
SUV says you're a ***** who drives an SUV because they think they look good driving it.

Quit with the image insecurity for god's sake.

fact is, alot of car enthusiasts have more respect for men driving a Minivan than an SUV.

jcs

shun_sakurai wrote:

This still sounds like reason for getting a minivan.

If only you had the Mitsubishi Grandis sold over there too...

Our old Pajero back in the Philippines could do that! That is why I'm asking if the Monteros have those extra seats to accommodate people and fold up if not needed. I wonder if anyone knows, especially those who have a Montero.

GreatBop

yung seat sa likod like the pajero here. is not legal in the states. 3rd row seat is as good as you can have there.

jcs

OK, thanks. I'll just go for an SUV instead even if it doesn't seat 7. If I get lucky, I might score a Highlander 7-passenger at a good price.

The Ford SUVs look good too. I'm a bit interested in the Ford Escape, if my budget does not accommodate a Highlander. Comments on that one? Kamusta ang balikbayan box-carrying capacity?

clawed_out

Will you always carry a balikbayan box? Put that one aside & worry about your budget first.

A pick up truck would be more practical if you'll use it to haul boxes frequently. ( Go for Toyota, Nissan or GM)

Get the vehicle that you like.

Fords are not always a good choice. (I only like their Mustangs)

GreatBop

you would think that the trunk space of a compact suv like escape is big. but in reality, it really isn't much better than a md sized car's.

jcs

clawed_out wrote:

Will you always carry a balikbayan box? Put that one aside & worry about your budget first.

A pick up truck would be more practical if you'll use it to haul boxes frequently. ( Go for Toyota, Nissan or GM)

Get the vehicle that you like.

Fords are not always a good choice. (I only like their Mustangs)

Not really. But I'd like to be prepared in case my folks fly in from Manila. They always travel with balikbayan boxes. And they both carry as much as 4.

It's always nice to have that little cargo room from time to time for whatever purpose.