What do you drive to the lake?

[Webbsatwinni]

I'm in the market for a new vehicle and it must have a 3rd row seat. We have found that more often than not, we have 6 + people in the trek from CT to the lake and as our car and SUV only have 5 seats, we have begun searching for more room.

The challenge is that I would rather not drive a mini van or something that gets 10mpg as my daily driver. I have looked at all of the large SUVs, minivans and other cars like the Ford Freestyle, Cadillac SRX, MB r 350, etc and have not found anything I really want to drive that have enough bag room, gets ok mileage and doesn't remove all of the fun of driving.

So as I started looking I wondered to myself what other lake commuters do and how they get their groups back and forth to the lake. So, all that said, if you carry 6+ people to the lake, how do you do it and do you like it?

[lawn psycho]

The Honda Odyssey fits your requirements dead-on if you are not looking to go full-size.

Decent fuel mileage and quite a bit of pep under the hood.

[lakershaker]

I have to also vote for the Honda. While we put off getting a van for a long time, it really does have a huge amount of room while still holding 8 people if you really need to. We went through the same process, and actually bought a MB R350 to replace the audi wagon once we had the third kid, but got rid of it soon as it was underpowered, the back doors open so wide it is hard to get in/out in a regualar parking spot, and way too expensive to maintain for what you get. I have a Yukon, which I love, but it has less storage space than the Honda and gets less MPG.

My wife loves the Honda, and I have to admit it does its job well, but getting over the metal block of being a mini-van owner takes a little time...

[BroadHopper]

You did not mention if you are towing. make a big difference.

[Shore Driver]

A Honda Pilot should meet your needs. Its basically a Honda Odyssey, without the "loser cruiser" minivan stigma. It's big, and pretty nice inside.

Be sure to have the transmission checked if its over 60K as I know 2 people with Honda V6 trannies that died.

[KonaChick]

I wanted to downsize from my huge SUV too but still needed the 3rd seat option. After looking for months we finally bought the Audi Q7...sharp looking car, handles extremely well in all weather conditions, has plenty of storage and has the 3rd seat when needed. The 3rd seat is a little tight and my full grown teens do get uncomfortable when riding for exteneded periods I do have to say but we don't need to do that too often. It's pricey but the safety ratings are high and it met all of our requirements.

[Ryan]

I second the Honda Pilot. Plenty of room. 3rd row seats. Decent gas mileage. Towing.

[pm203]

Excellent choice. Audi is the best premium luxury brand currently and is growing fast. Their committment to technology and safety is second to none. There have been several times I have left the lake in the middle of a severe snowstorm with very bad road conditions and my Q7 has always got me home safely. Good luck with it!

[SIKSUKR]

GMC makes a fullsize Yukon Hybrid that can hold 8 passengers.This truck actually shows better gas milage on the highway than the city.21-city 22-hwy.http://www.gmc.com/yukon/hybrid/specsStandard.jsp

[KonaChick]

Excellent choice. Audi is the best premium luxury brand currently and is growing fast. Their committment to technology and safety is second to none. There have been several times I have left the lake in the middle of a severe snowstorm with very bad road conditions and my Q7 has always got me home safely. Good luck with it!

I'm NOT a big fan of driving in the snow but living in NH sometimes you have no choice. My Q7 literally feels as if it has claws that are gripping the road when I drive in snow and lessens my fear considerably.

[Grant]

When I drive solo or with one other passenger (3-4 times a year), I take the econobox Hyundai sedan, which rocks 35+ MPG. I even moved a kid to/from college in that thing. But, with a family of six and two golden retrievers, hauling the whole crew requires the '03 Suburban, which pretty much sits inactive in the driveway much of the year. We've also done the two-car shuffle when kids' schedules require the divide-and-conquer approach.

As a friend once opined, once you have a third or fourth kid, you go from man-to-man to zone defense.

[lawn psycho]

Getting into and accessing the seats and 3rd row of an Odyssey is the advantage over the Pilot.

If you tow, I would change my answer and it would not be the two above.

[jmen24]

GMC makes a fullsize Yukon Hybrid that can hold 8 passengers.This truck actually shows better gas milage on the highway than the city.21-city 22-hwy.http://www.gmc.com/yukon/hybrid/specsStandard.jsp


City MPG is always lower than Highway.

[ishoot308]

One of the vehicles I use is a Chevy Explorer conversion van. It's a 3/4 ton so has no problems towing, gets 16 MPG and very comfortably fits 7 people. If you look around, you can actually find pretty good deals on these right now. I love mine and wouldn't be without it.

My other vehicle is a full size Chevy Tahoe. Room for six, no problems towing, gas mileage so so at 13-14 MPG. I do like this vehicle but drive the van more often.

Dan

[This'nThat]

Don't get an SUV -- look into station wagons.

[kdw1003]

You may not have thought of pick-up trucks. I just leased a 2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax. 4 full doors. Comfortable seating for 6 with the front bench seat that folds down to a console. Large bed for luggage, etc and awesome towing capacity. The only downfall is the mpg which ranges from 13-17...but something you would expect with a V8. Haven't been able to test it out in the snow yet, but I'm sure it won't dissapoint with the on-the-fly 4x4.

[jmen24]

You may not have thought of pick-up trucks. I just leased a 2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax. 4 full doors. Comfortable seating for 6 with the front bench seat that folds down to a console. Large bed for luggage, etc and awesome towing capacity. The only downfall is the mpg which ranges from 13-17...but something you would expect with a V8. Haven't been able to test it out in the snow yet, but I'm sure it won't dissapoint with the on-the-fly 4x4.

If it is anything like the Tacoma, it actually feels more planted in 2wd with the LSD and traction control. In 4wd it has a push feeling when encountering snow at more that 4" or so at 30-40MPH. Truck went places in 2-wheel-peel that my Silverado could never have dreamed of going, but it does not feel as solid in 4wd.

[Grady223]

Another one here for the Honda Pilot. That's what we use back and forth from PA, fits lots of stuff, seats 8, decent mpg and can tow. Very happy with ours.

[SIKSUKR]

City MPG is always lower than Highway.

My bad but my point was it's virtually the same which is almost NEVER the case.I love to split hairs and will be watching a particulars members wording very closely.:D

[Island Girl]

My 2004 Highlander gets 20-25 mpg on the 2 hour drive to the lake at 64 mph. It has a third seat which would be good for kids. Adults are cramped.

6 adults might be a tad tight, but doable. The ride is excellent... and I can tow my toys.

IG

[SIKSUKR]

:laugh:City MPG is always lower than Highway.

Ok smartypants then how do you explain this?
Ford Fusion Hybrid 41 city/36 highway
http://cars.about.com/od/helpforcarbuyers/tp/top10_fuel.htm

[Newbiesaukee]

I'm not the smartypants, but before your answer I was going to point out ( to the real smartypants) that hybrids do get better mpg in city than highway.

[jmen24]

:laugh:

Ok smartypants then how do you explain this?
Ford Fusion Hybrid 41 city/36 highway
http://cars.about.com/od/helpforcarbuyers/tp/top10_fuel.htm

:D
The leading cause for extra fuel use in city driving is the starting from a standing stop. In a gas/electric hybrid, the electric motor is the first stage of the system, so you remove gas engines inefficiency at this task.

While the electric motor in a hybrid does very well in the city (start/stop) driving, it does not do very well on the highway. Higher energy draw at higher rpm and less than great torque response, so the gas engine has to pick up the tab.

Now that you presented me with this question, I completely understand where your statement was coming from.

[jmen24]

I'm not the smartypants, but before your answer I was going to point out ( to the real smartypants) that hybrids do get better mpg in city than highway.

My typical first response has a tendency to be directly off-the-cuff, so I was not thinking past the first thought that came to mind. Not picking out the "hybrid" in the post is what drew me astray.

I often found myself grounded as a child, all because I usually said the first thing that came to mind. :laugh:

[SIKSUKR]

:laugh:I am well aware of why a hybrid such as the Yukon gets such high city mph. So the only part of your 2 previous posts that seem to be missing is that you were wrong about correcting me. I'll say it for you. Wrong jmen24!

[jmen24]

I see, I answer a question that you asked and stated that I misunderstood what you were stating. 1st of two response posts.


You are right SIKSUKR, I was wrong. I appologize to you, for calling you out.

[Lucy Goose]

GMC makes a fullsize Yukon Hybrid that can hold 8 passengers.This truck actually shows better gas milage on the highway than the city.21-city 22-hwy.http://www.gmc.com/yukon/hybrid/specsStandard.jsp

I can't vouch for the hybrid as mine is not and is the full XL Denali. I love this car more than any car/SUV I have ever had. It averages around 16mpg. But with the gas prices I am thinking of trading it in as I rarely have more than two people in it. It is a wonderfully comfortable car and you can fit 7 people in it and tons of stuff. It has a powerful engine for trailering or anything else. but it's a bit much for just the two of us. I hate to give it up but it seems our government doesn't give a rats you know what about gas prices anymore. No one is complaining or fighting anything.

The hybrid costs so much more that I don't think the mere savings in gas mileage would make a difference for a very long time.

[eillac@dow]

I've got a Honda Pilot. Love having the 3rd seat....BUT, once it is up there is NO ROOM FOR STUFF. :(

[robmac]

I have a Z71 Tahoe and it isn't going to win any fuel economy contest but will pass several stations and not need gas. It is not only capable of towing hauling and holding enough passengers it IS very comfortable and the kids love the entertainment system in the rear. ( adults do as well on a long drive ) just my two cents.

[Patiently Watching]

Have you looked at the 2010 Toyota 4runner? I've owned lot's of cars, foreign and domestic and I have to say that I could not be happier with the 4runner.
Mine is a 2007 4runner with a V8, averages 19/22 with my driving (lead footed), has been trouble free so far for 80K plus miles and just required it's first set of replacement tires about 10,000 miles ago. 2 cross country trips, a fair amount of towing and no issues to-date.
It is AWD, great in the snow and has all the convenience features I was looking for at the time. Great overall vehicle.

[The Eagle]

I drive a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, with a V-8, and I get over 19 MPG, and I love it! It tows (when needed and has plenty of power and comfort like a living room. My son works for Chevrolet, and told me my next car should be the new Chevrolet Equinox. It gets superior gas milage, (see consumer reports) and above all else...it's made in the USA! We all complain how bad the economy is, then go out and buy foriegn cars. Chevrolets quality is superior to any Honda or Toyota. It's not the same Chevy from the 1970's, and neither is Toyota or Honda. If you don't. at least LOOK at the new Chevrolets, you are making a BIG mistake! Warranty on Chevrolet is superior, quality, and comfort (I know I sound like a car salesman) But I'm not, and you really should look close at Chevrolet! Just my opinion...it doesn't hurt to look!
"The Eagle"

[fpartri497]

I drive a 2010 lincoln MKX crossover SUV V-6 gets 24 highway Mi. Its all whl. drv. and handels like a dream with every luxury convienance you could possibly want.


:D

[Lucky1]

I drive a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, with a V-8, and I get over 19 MPG, and I love it! It tows (when needed and has plenty of power and comfort like a living room. My son works for Chevrolet, and told me my next car should be the new Chevrolet Equinox. It gets superior gas milage, (see consumer reports) and above all else...it's made in the USA! We all complain how bad the economy is, then go out and buy foriegn cars. Chevrolets quality is superior to any Honda or Toyota. It's not the same Chevy from the 1970's, and neither is Toyota or Honda. If you don't. at least LOOK at the new Chevrolets, you are making a BIG mistake! Warranty on Chevrolet is superior, quality, and comfort (I know I sound like a car salesman) But I'm not, and you really should look close at Chevrolet! Just my opinion...it doesn't hurt to look!
"The Eagle"

Drive Jeeps here!! We need to teach children to support our economy? I agree that we should not purchase foreign cars. I do not care if they are made in America........the profits still go to the country that owns the car companies. Jeeps good for riding or towing. Don't know what is good for six people though.

[Winni-Retired]

My wife has a 2009 Lexus RX350 AWD SUV that we take to the lake, down south to Topsail Island, NC and then to Florida. Avg MPG on the highway is low 24's. She had a 1994 Volvo 850 wagon when kids were younger, third seat and all. Loved it all the way to 247191 miles and gave it away, in 2008, to a friends freshly minted young driver ... it's still running . Loved the third seat set up .. tight, but I never sat back there. Lexus gives me the old man comfort I want, but I have to agree the warranty is not as strong as what you would get from GM / Ford today. If I was in the mkt today, I would look at a Lincoln or Buick for a potential replacement.

[dpg]

I drive a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, with a V-8, and I get over 19 MPG, and I love it! It tows (when needed and has plenty of power and comfort like a living room. My son works for Chevrolet, and told me my next car should be the new Chevrolet Equinox. It gets superior gas milage, (see consumer reports) and above all else...it's made in the USA! We all complain how bad the economy is, then go out and buy foriegn cars. Chevrolets quality is superior to any Honda or Toyota. It's not the same Chevy from the 1970's, and neither is Toyota or Honda. If you don't. at least LOOK at the new Chevrolets, you are making a BIG mistake! Warranty on Chevrolet is superior, quality, and comfort (I know I sound like a car salesman) But I'm not, and you really should look close at Chevrolet! Just my opinion...it doesn't hurt to look!
"The Eagle"

The reason the Equinox gets such good mileage is because it's a 4-banger. They may come with a larger engine not sure, but I believe your sone may be referring to that mileage. Have a neighbor who has one it's an awesome looking vehicle I agree but it is a 4 cylinder. 4's may not be do-able for someone towing a boat around. Chevy has come a long way I agree. Last year I was looking at the Malibu and no dealers would budge on the sticker someone wanted to take 800.00 off the sticker with zero % financing. I bought the Honda Accord (V6) instead got 5,500 off the sticker and paid 2.9% interest instead.

[RI Swamp Yankee]

... Mine is a 2007 4runner with a V8, averages 19/22 with my driving (lead footed), .....

FWIW: looks like Toyota doesn't offer the V8 for 2010 models. :( I need the V8 to pull my camper. I have a 2008 w/4wd and get 19/22, like Patiently Watching, when empty.

[codeman671]

We use an Escalade ESV. With the two of us, 3 kids and 4 dogs it suits us fine. Ours has the second row captains chairs and a 3rd row bench. They do make the Escalades in hybrids as well, ours is not. Without the 4 dogs we would easily have enough space for our gear.

We haul a small covered Thule trailer (similar model pictured below) though for all of our gear. Our ride is a lot shorter than yours, but even still it would be a great solution. Easy and light to tow.

[Mee-n-Mac]

I'm in the market for a new vehicle and it must have a 3rd row seat. We have found that more often than not, we have 6 + people in the trek from CT to the lake and as our car and SUV only have 5 seats, we have begun searching for more room.

The challenge is that I would rather not drive a mini van or something that gets 10mpg as my daily driver. I have looked at all of the large SUVs, minivans and other cars like the Ford Freestyle, Cadillac SRX, MB r 350, etc and have not found anything I really want to drive that have enough bag room, gets ok mileage and doesn't remove all of the fun of driving.

So as I started looking I wondered to myself what other lake commuters do and how they get their groups back and forth to the lake. So, all that said, if you carry 6+ people to the lake, how do you do it and do you like it?

So here's something that will seat 6, have enough bag room and might still be fun to drive. Not sure about the 3'rd row and it's only my guess that it'll better 10 MPG. I have the smaller version myself, only seats 4 (in a pinch).

http://elitechoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/stretched-mini-cooper-limo-1.jpg

[meredith weekender]

Take a look at The Mercedes GL450 SUV with the Diesel Motor. We demo'd this vehicle last year and love it. MPG's is around mid 20's in the city and low 30's on the highway. Very roomy and very comfy. :)

[luvthelake]

We bought a Saturn Outlook last summer and love it. Unfortunately they are not making Saturns anymore. I think that's a shame, this is our second Saturn and we've had great luck with them. The Outlook replaced our 2000 Expedition which was getting 13 mpg! UGH! I know GMC makes the Acadia which is the same as the Saturn and Buick makes the Enclave which is also the same. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[lawn psycho]

I bought the Honda Accord (V6) instead got 5,500 off the sticker and paid 2.9% interest instead.

I love our Accord V6. When I go from the full size F150 crew cab and jump into the car, it's like a riding in rocket ship. Who'd have thought that an Accord would ever have 271 hp?

As far as the poster above regarding Chevy. When I was 21 years old I had and S10 truck I bought. At the time the payment and expense was significant for me and the truck had a lot of problems. Dealer did not care. Just a poor kid with an S10... Chevy did not care. After 3.5 years of ownership, two blown transmissions (luckily covered under warranty) in first 30k, A/C & heater controls that had significant vacuum gremlins they could never fix despite tearing the dash apart three times I bailed and had to buy something I could trust. Ever try driving in a snow storm with no defroster?
I am now in a much different place in life and will never set foot on one of their lots again. Some memories never fade.

If you want a full-size American product, buy FORD :)

[Seeker]

My wife has a Chevy Traverse AWD LTZ and loves it. 1st row buckets, 2nd row buckets and 3rd row bench (which we keep folded down). Trailer towing is in the 6000# range. Had a Honda Pilot previously and no comparison, the Chevy blows it away.

[Argie's Wife]

I can tell you what NOT to get...

Don't

Get

A

Landrover...

If the monthly payments aren't bad enough the maintenance costs will kill you!

[sawyers_point_girl]

We have a Chevy Tahoe ('03). It's a v6, so gets OK gas mileage. We have 3 rows of seating, but the 3rd row can split in 1/2 (half of the row can be removed, so if you only want 1 person in the way back while the luggage is in the other part). We take up 2 kids and a huge dog crate along w/ luggage, etc. and it fits everything fine. I refuse to drive a carivan, so this is a great alternative. :)

[MAXUM]

The ability to carry six people and not give up cargo space is a monumental task with today's vehicles. Third row seating options are usually cramped, some are a complete joke and all turn what would be cargo area into seating room. Other than buying a very large SUV or full sized passenger van there is just no way to get 6 people PLUS cargo down the road.

Of course that sort of defeats the I don't want a driver that gets crumby gas mileage. Think you're kind of screwed!

[lawn psycho]

The ability to carry six people and not give up cargo space is a monumental task with today's vehicles. Third row seating options are usually cramped, some are a complete joke and all turn what would be cargo area into seating room. Other than buying a very large SUV or full sized passenger van there is just no way to get 6 people PLUS cargo down the road.

Of course that sort of defeats the I don't want a driver that gets crumby gas mileage. Think you're kind of screwed!

This is why the Odyssey comes in. Very easy access and not cramped in the 3rd row. You can use the cargo rack on top for luggage and 'stuff'.

[hockeypuck]

What do I drive to the lake? My wife, and once we're there I drive her crazy.