2013 suv

get something with decent get up and go,sounds like you are going to be in this vehicle awhile.The only problem I have with Toyotas is this-it seems the dealers have a monopoly on parts(yes they will run a long time-so will Nissans,I like Nissans but sometimes the styling makes me cringe)-Kevin

Ok, so the Toyota Highlander (hybrid) will be on our list. Will we get decent acceleration with the hybrid? We will look at the Acura MDX and the Traverse (I rented one and really liked the Chevy). My only concern about the Chevy was my mechanic who said we will get a lot more miles from the imports. We keep our cars until they die (I’m driving my wifes Olds mini van that we purchased in 2001); so getting more life is important as I want to keep the car for 10 - 15 years if I can (assuming I don’t die before…lol). Thanks again for the comments; I really appreciate the assistance.

I have a 14 year old Buick Regal that runs fine. I change fluids and filers as recommended, but don’t go to the dealer.

The only way to know about Highlander Hybrid acceleration is to drive one. I would guess that it is the slowest of the bunch, but you have to trade something to get 28 MPH.

Check out a Mazda cx-9 or, if you want AWD, a Subaru Tribeca. The 9 will get slightly better MPG than the Tribeca in FWD trim, and similar mpg in AWD trim

The combination of the V6 and the electric motors make the Highlander hybrid as fast, if not faster than, the regular V6. PLENTY fast.

The only problem I have with Toyotas is this-it seems the dealers have a monopoly on parts

I’ve never had a problem getting aftermarket parts for my Toyota or wifes Lexus. But then again I haven’t had to replace much. But things like pads, calipers, brakes…no problem finding aftermarket parts.

If you want space, comfort reliability and durability, I would look at a Toyota Venza. It is a cross-over and equipped with good winter tires will get you just about anywhere. I agree that the Ford Flex is butt-ugly, and the Ford Edge has many problems.

If you have to buy domestic, the Chevy Traverse or GMC Acadia are worth looking at.

Mike, maybe you havent kept them long enough,I’ve seen enough of the 22Rs eating up the timing covers,etc.A Toyota owner -major parts chain salesman,told me the only thing his store had that would fit his Toyota was " Son of a Gun-Kevin (of course not the case in all situations,Toyotas are pretty fair, as are most of the top Asian makes-I usually go by what sets in the backyard on cinderblocks

Mike, maybe you havent kept them long enough,I've seen enough of the 22Rs eating up the timing covers

my 4runner is an 05…and currently has a little over 210k miles.

How do timing covers fail?? They’re a non-moving part.

Get the Traverse. Its the only car I’ve had that my bad back can sit in all day long. Recently spent 2 1/2 weeks traveling from Wisc. to Southern California, up the coast and back through Canada. Several days of 10-12 hours and still able to get out at the end of the day. 22 mpg in the cities and up to 26.5 on the interstate with cruise control set at 69 to 75 mph. The Chevy dealers are willing to deal unlike our local Toyota guys who think it would be a privilege to let me drive one of their gold plated vehicles. I’m not a big proponent of the hybrids. A lot of extra money to get 1-2 mpg. Far cheaper over the life of the car to save the money and buy a miniscule amount of extra gas.

When the timing chain eats them up Mike-Kevin(we get 300k out of Chevys heavily laden all the time,oil changes arent all that frequent either)

When the timing chain eats them up

Still confused…first you were talking about the timing cover being a problem…now you’re saying it’s actually the timing chain as the problem. Which is it?? I sure wouldn’t just replace a timing cover if there’s a problem with the timing chain. Timing chains should NOT be causing any damage to a timing cover (except when they break…which I’ve seen put a nice hole in a timing cover).

Well Mike you might have to take that up with the owners,but remember a timing chain is consumable(used to be a problem with the Japs) good oil and better design sure has improved the breed,but machines can always throw a curve, A worn Chevy timing set would sure eat a timing cover up(I think I even seen a cracked sheet metal timing cover one time,now what caused that?-Kevin(but I see were you are coming from,thanx)

I can understand a worn timing chain that’s loose and thrashing around eating through timing chain covers…you’re still not explaining HOW it’s happening on the Toyota engines you’ve seen. If it is at all.

Too bad your mind is set on new. With the price of gas these vehicles are taking a big hit in the used market place. But hey if you’ve got the cheese to afford a new one go for it.

Oh and as much as I have been partial to GM in the past, their bankruptcy and conversion to ‘Government Motors’ would dissuade me from ever owning one of their products (new) again - especially if it was financed (the only way these guys can make any money it seems). Also been reading another bankruptcy might be on deck. Just look at the stock price lately - ouch! Also look at the quality of management vs say that of Mercedes Benz. No contest. The tax payer is about to get it in the neck (again).

No Mike,I kid you not(It wasnt limited to Toyotas either) If we went through with the abuse these engines were subject to,we would be pretty frazzled too,actually it suprised me with the reputation the 22R has .If you have a spare one laying around its a hot item around here.But I do believe maintenence was a big issue(as with anything) A guy at Berk-Arney told me that the KA24 Nissan had a problem with the main bearing saddles shifting-I had several Nissans and never had any bottom end trouble with them and admittedly I wasnt always gentle on them either,so you never know.I sort of rate the reliability of vehicles,by what I see setting around on blocks in backyards and the rarest ones to find setting are Toyotas,Hondas and Nissans around here .My bosses wifes Tacoma has the most wonderfully easy brake pads to replace on the front,you dont even have to take the calipers off.I think easy serviceability helps contribute to the long life of a vehicle and folks believe me you wont go wrong with the OEM oil filters either-Kevin

I’m NOT doubting you Kevin…just that I want to know HOW.

You know what it was really a weird looking failure,given enough time anything can happen to certain folks,but in retrospect the last time I seen this was about 14 yrs ago and maybe this has never happened again.But I was happy about the secret warranty on my 95 Honda Passport when the sparkplug seals started leaking oil,that repair would have hit me in the wallet pretty hard-Kevin