My opinion is that it’s best for you and Mrs ArGee to purchase those vehicles that you’re familiar with, and you know will give you the expected service for what you expect to pay.
I’ve been around enough car guys to know it doesn’t matter what kind of input I offer, they will go with what they determine to be the best purchase for their purposes.
So just pretend that my input was profound and meaningful and just do as you had planned to do, with the blessing of your wife and the Puppy. ;o]
That’s a good word.
I’ve no experience with the newer Ford SUV’s other than acknowledging they’re all more than I wanna pay, and have more bells and whistles than I ever wanted in a vehicle.
Forced into it, my inclination would be to go way older, and spend part of the monetary difference ensuring the older was solid. ANYTHING it didn’t have from the factory can always be added.
I remember when trucks didn’t try to pretend they were luxury cars; you could end a hard day’s work parked in the setting sun with the doors wide open and hose off the floorboards.