Posted on 03/26/2021 5:28:42 AM PDT by vespa300
Yes, I have seriously thought of trying to pick up a used Subaru Ascent someday, unless I can find a good deal on a Toyota Sequoia. Unfortunately the Sequoia’s, while they seem to last almost forever, seem to rarely be let go by owners until they finally do get to the point of wearing out to the point of being money pits to maintain, or die some other death.
The Telluride would seem to add another vehicle available, and be a little beefier and roomier than the Ascent as well. I really would like something not TOO huge that has the 5000 lb. towing capacity as a base model.
All this said, there’s nothing wrong with going with a mall finder (Subie owners’ term for the Ford Explorer after 2009, and similar vehicles.) But those of us who really enjoy the slightly less used camping spots in places like LBL, and just exploring, fording shallow creek crossings and taking pretty dubious roads, or who typically get 6” or more snows most winters, even though we don’t actually go off road, often need something with “more” of the “sport” side of the name “SUV”. Back before we started doing more camping and such, my wife and I had a Mazda MPV, and except for the snow performance (horrible!!) it was a very nice vehicle that could cart around a lot of stuff, or, people.
Oww... That’s not good. No way can I afford to buy new. Typically I try to find something very reliable with maybe 40-50k miles on it. Heck, our Subaru Outback I bought with 90k+ on it, and it’s been a good vehicle, in addition to the high ground clearance and excellent AWD. Biggest problem has been wheel bearing wear. Probably should have given up a little handling and put on fatter tires (on smaller rims).
We have a 2015 Santa Fe and are buying another one tomorrow. Great cars!
The Telluride seems to fit all of your criteria and they have an All Wheel Drive. It just might be the perfect vehicle. Not too big, not too small, stunning in looks...I think that’s why they are selling out so fast, all the features, my tennis partner says even like side parking sensors for his crowded 3 car garage......the list goes on and on and those black wheels......just stunning. Good luck!
It’s a shame that our own USA ‘big 3’ automakers get outdone by these Asian imports. Good on Kia for producing quality products.
GM/Chevy/Buick vehicles are beginning to be manufactured in China now. You probably didn’t realize the GM bailout helped GM overseas the manufacturing effort.
Trying to keep my wife away from the kia lot. Lol.
I am avoiding the conversation as much as possible. Our car and truck are paid off. I would love a new truck. But not that payment.
Yeah. I’ll have to check in a few years to see if the engines are holding up well after 100k miles. By then, there should be a decent supply of used Tellurides on the market. The Subie Ascents, surprisingly, seem to have some reliability problems — not so much the basic drive train as peripheral stuff. Maybe Subaru should offer a few less goodies and concentrate on getting the rest right. I could care less if the vehicle includes Apple tech features.
We have a 2008 Ford Explorer presently - probably the best of the Explorer line. It is ok, holds quite a bit, and theoretically would do the hauling — except some idiot decided the integral towing package would get a Class II hitch (receiver) when everything else about the vehicle including the rating in the manual says it is good for 5000 lbs. Then they put the receiver up high, and nobody makes a 1-1/4” ball mount with enough drop to place most any small trailer, popup camper, etc., reasonably level when hooked up to the Exploder. That sort of thinking runs throughout the Explorer — it is a conglomeration of some nice points, and then every second thing demonstrates amazingly sloppy or thoughtless engineering for such a “mature” vehicle model. Corrosion resistance stinks, too. (It’s not all bad — the engine seems to be holding up well, and, it does have appropriate tires.)
Anyway, rant off.
And, kudos to Kia.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.