So I’ve been an active member on this site for years and have learned so much from many of you, so thank you in advance.
Currently we are searching for a true 3 row SUV or possibly minivan. We have a 2023 GX 460 that I love, but the 3rd row is small and trunk space is essentially useless when in use. We have 3 kids and are always going to some type of practice, so something bigger is needed ASAP. The gas mileage also is terrible, but I do love the V8.
The good news is I have about $10k in equity with the GX so that’s a huge plus.
Have been looking at the Lexus TX which is certainly bigger and better on gas, but they don’t lease well. Wife wants a loaded one and we are looking at basically $1k a month or more for a $70k MSRP model.
I’m open to a GLS 450, but the task of finding a loaner is a big one.
Are there any programs on Tahoes or Yukons?
QX80 is out. Can’t trust Infiniti and the rear cargo isn’t great.
Expedition? Highly unlikely.
I’d take a cheap lease on a Grand Wagoneer? Do those exist?
Any ideas I am open to. Maybe this is just the cost of a family of 5.
Full size SUV segment typically lease like garbage, save for some decent leases last few months on QX80/Armada.
If you want Tahoe, Yukon, etc, better of buying. However, if I was purchasing, I’d much rather choose the closest sized Lexus/Toyota equivalents. Your maintenance/repair costs and depreciation will be much less.
As others have mentioned, another clear option is the minivan, esp if multiple kids are in car seats. Nothing will beat the utility / practicality when it comes to passenger room + cargo. If you want AWD & hybrid, go sienna. If you want V6, go Odyssey (no AWD nor hybrid option). If you want the one that looks the least like a minivan, go with the Carnival (now has hybrid option, but no AWD). The latter two can be equipped with snow tires if you’re worried about driving in weather.
The problem with the big SUVs is the interest rates are way higher, like 7%-9%. That coupled with modest discounts will still land you in the $1100 - $1500 a month range. I was toying with a 2024 Tahoe high country demo hoping the old MY and mileage would lower the cost but at $91k msrp I was still around $1500 a month. On the other hand 2024s have 0% APR for financing so if you’re open to financing that will be the best route.
Find a 2023 SLT or Denali Yukon or loaded Tahoe with lower miles or even some factory warranty left and hopefully new tires on the rig
Get the price as low as possible
Put that $10k down on it
Get a decent extended warranty if you feel the need to
Finance it all around 4.5-5.5% with a longer loan from a credit union to keep your payment where you need it.
Start your search with a radius of 500 miles on Cargurus, Autotrader, Carmax, Carvana, FB Marketplace, etc. and you will see many people screaming to get out of one of these.
Since you liked the TX size, Go with a Grand Highlander over the Lexus TX. The Grand Highlander has a 60/40 split 3rd row allowing you to maximize cargo space, and if you have a bench in the middle you can fit 5 kids with a single 3rd row folded and still have plenty of room for gear. The TX has a 50/50 third row, and with Captains chairs is harder to maximize space for gear and kids.
2021 - 2024 MY Yukons and Tahoes used the L87 V8 engine which has been known to fail. There is a class action lawsuit going on now. I don’t think it is highly prevalent, but you would want to bake in another $4k for an extended warranty from GM if you pursue one of them.
