Time to replace the Envoy
 

It's been nickel and diming me lately, so going to start looking for a replacement. Not in the next day or so, but probably over the next couple months as I wait for a sweet deal to pop up, then I'll jump on something. I prefer cars over trucks, but I want something that can tow either the boat, or a car on our new flatbed trailer, so no car. So looking for something with at least a 6000lbs tow rating. Unfortunately most SUV's of this similar size now are uni body, and their tow rating took a hit because of it. So Explorer's, Traverse/Acadia's, and other ones of similar nature are a no-go. The only uni-body one that appears to still have a decent tow rating are Durango/Grand Cherokee. I think 4-Runners may still have a decent tow rating but I just do not like those. So with that all being said, here's some of the things I'm looking at

2014 Durango. Either the Limited or the SXT Rallye. Good tow rating, uni-body so should drive more comfy than a truck. Great MPG and power with the V6. Technology package is good. 3rd row seating could come in handy, but is probably a bit crammed.

2010-ish Yukon/Tahoe Hybrid. Used they aren't too spendy, and their MPG is sweet considering their size. Can't stream music through BT though which is lame. 3rd row seating probably more roomy than Durango.

2015 Tahoe/Yukon. Decent MPG, but they are sweet as hell. Probably out of my price range though, just dreaming here.

2012 or whatever year the modern Expedition. Seem to get more truck for the $$ than Tahoe, but MPG blow and I think they look kinda funny from the rear. Again 3rd row seating would be nice and probably more roomy than Durango. Sync is sweet.

2012 + or whatever Armada. Seem to get a lot of bang for the buck with these, however MPG is horrendous. Again 3rd row seating would be nice and probably more roomy than Durango. From what I gather the technology package is decent, and again seems like lot of bang for the buck, especially the Platinum series.

2012 Lexus GS460. Really nice, no 3rd row seating though, and a bit more spendy. But Jap quality. And it kinda feels like a chick SUV to me.



That's kind of what I've thought up so far. I know Momin has a Sequoia that he loves, but I dunno for some reason I just am not feeling them that much for me so not really considering them.

Thoughts?

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

I'd go with the 2010 yukon over them all. But if a Sequoia was in the mix I'd definitely pick that.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Remember, I got them fat hook ups on the GM vehicles now (not hybrid, they didn't sell well and they're thus hard to find). If you could be persuaded to buy a 15 Tahoe this month, we're on the verge of a huge national goal (read bonus) and they're going kind of crazy for anyone buying a new vehicle. Like invoice pricing more or less.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Cool, where you at again? Maybe I can come in and at least test drive a 2015 and maybe a 2010 used one too just to get a feel for them.

Also online I already see used 2015s for sale, lemme know if you get a line on any of those. Or used hybrids as well. I'm more partial to Yukons than Tahoes though I will admit, but Tahoes do sometimes seem to be a hair less $$.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

I'm at Suburban Chev now. We haven't started buying 2015's from the auction yet because we went and bought up like all of the remaining 14 Tahoes and Suburbans. Making now the time to buy a used 14 while we have a good supply of them. And I've got new 15's for days. We do also have some Yukon's and a kind middle range mileage Denali.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Puss shit.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Just got word we have a 2012 Tahoe coming in, totally loaded, quads, nav, roof, mid $30s.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Just to throw some wrenches in. Not sure if you have thought of these yet or not, but some other SUV/trucks ive seen with good towing ratings.

New Colorado/canyon. small truck but decent MPG and rated at 7000lb towing.
http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/...k_of_the_year/
or the Jeep with the Diesel, prob expensive still..
Same with Touareg or Q7 TDI's. 7000k towing and close to 30 mpg. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...uv_comparison/

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Hybrid?

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

No. Hybrids are hard to come by. They didn't sell very well

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Do you happen to know what year Tahoe's started allowing streaming of music through the bluetooth? I read some stuff that even though the earlier models had bluetooth, you couldn't stream music through it. Hoping maybe you have access to the facts.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

2014 is the first model year where the Tahoes had MyLink with bluetooth streaming.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

I'm in the same boat but not looking for as big of an suv. Test drove a 2011 grand cherokee this week and thought it was nice, drove a trailblazer they had for cheap with low miles and it was a slow boat compared to the jeep. I'm going to go test a few more out soon. If you can swing the Lexus I would do that or a new tahoe/ Yukon. I wouldn't call the rx470 a girls ride, the rx350 is a bit more girly but I'm even looking at those :-)

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

What kind of price range you looking at?

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

That's the one thing I wish my Tahoe had. I added the factory nav a few years ago. 2007-2009 didn't have any BT, 2010-2013 did plus have the sub plug,but don't allow streaming. You can get a BT adapter since they have the aux port, I've got one I haven't tried yet.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Oh yeah, I'd pick the Yukon out of that group, I'm getting another one when mine hits a certain mileage. Awesome truck overall with a few small upgrade touches.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

The Durango and the Grand Cherokee are the same chassis and drivetrain. The jeep I think is nicer inside then the durango. They hold up well in crashes from what I have seeing. I have fixed a couple so far amd they are built tough and right. Good luck on finding the one you want.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

I think I goofed up the name, it's the GX460 I was looking at. Grand Cherokee is basically same as the Durango, just without the 3rd row. My buddy has one and they are nice!

Rosey, never even considered the Touareg. I'll check them out. Any advice on what years/models to look at? I'm a VW noob.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Repairs/maintenance on a Touarge are astronomical! I've seen many traded in over the last couple years, due strictly to their costly maintenance.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Yea I'm staying away from audi and vw for the next whip, the toureg is jeep sized. The Durango is the same chasis as the GC but it's about a foot longer and has third row which I don't need.

I'm looking at prices from mid teens to low 20s, with under 60k. I'll let you know what else I'm checking out, I've done a ton of research already so I'm just waiting until my car is sold to do anything.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Could consider a GL350 Bluetec. It's the perfect size imo, can haul what you need, comfortably seats seven, and gets good mpg. My cousin has the non diesels and loves them (owns a 2010 and a 2014).

If buying one however I'd only own one while owning an extended warranty. ..

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

LOL what's a Touarge? Is that like Moulin Rouge? :D

I've seen quite a few Toureg TDIs (even the v10 one) in that price range. Heck, I went to look at a Cayenne Turbo on Friday that was in that price range :)

The cool thing about the VW is that they offer a diesel option that actually has some torque while not getting crappy MPG.

Interesting option but probably a bit on the pricy side?

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Yea I should have bit the bullet on a 2008 cayenne a few months ago for 16 with 60k but wasn't ready to buy, that's another option but only 2008 +.

The benzs are nice but not in my price range, same with the the Q5.

I'm over vw/audi for now, going to try a new platform. Trying to keep things cheaper since its just a dd and will be used for hauling and whatever.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Yeah, in the high teens, both are going have like 100k-ish+

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Biting the bullet/buying before you're ready is silly. Make sure you have the cash and are ready to make the move and then wait for a good deal I say. There's a kazillion cars out there.


Oh, BTW for those concerned about bluetooth connectivity...most of the cars in the era we're talking about here have an aux port at least. Shawn Carrol showed me this little guy and I ended up picking one up for my Passat. Streams at the higher bitrate and works halfway decent for a speakerphone as well. Cheap and works awesome.

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

The iSimple is a decent option for streaming too, just would be nice if it came OEM already able to stream.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

My girlfriend Anna at her VW dealership says this is probably the most expensive vehicle she sees come in and out of the service department on a regular basis too.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

For Touareg's, the V6 is slow, the V8 is nice but not great on gas. The TDI is the sweet spot. From what I've heard people either love them or hate them. Might be worth looking at if you can find one with an extended warranty (carmax).

The other thing with Touaregs is the first gen was considered a high end SUV. It came with things like auto leveling suspension, and other offroading/luxury things. That is part of the reasons they have such bad rep maintenance costs.

But! I was surfing craigslist today, and this jumped out at me for you.
Lots of room to haul stuff, and plenty of room for all your family and friends!
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...792519884.html
:)

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Browns got dibs on that already! lol

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Lol, speaking of the ZG bus, we might be taking it in on "trade." AKA scrapping it.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

P.S. does it need to be 4x4?

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

I would need 4x4 for sure.

Brandon, just found some info out about towing with the V6 in the GC, its only rated at 6200 for the 2014 model with the tow package. 5k for the 2011-2013 unless you go V8. Sounds like no tranny cooler is factory (unless you get v8). The tow package adds in oil cooler and rear leveling suspension.

V6 Trailer Tow Group IV $795
•7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness
•Class IV Receiver Hitch
•Delete Rear Tow Hook
•Rear Load Leveling Suspension
•Full Size Spare Tire
•Steel Spare Wheel
•220-Amp Alternator
•Heavy Duty Engine Cooling

The V8 is rated at 7200 with the tow package, just something to note.

The Durango though seems to have higher tow rating even the 2011 models 6400 with the v6 and tow package. Must be due to longer wheel base, otherwise not sure what the differences would be, same engine and tranny..... lots of conflicting stuff on the internets.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Just saw a black on black 2012 Jeep GC Laredo 49k miles with a v8, roll in here out of our recon department. Chris wants $26,985. New tires.

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...208_163139.jpg
http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...208_163150.jpg
http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...208_163127.jpg

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Should have that bitch in my hands this weekend.


What no more audi? But your's is sooo awesome, i thought they were the best?

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

It's done well at hauling and towing more than most people I know with suvs but it's time to pass it on to someone else looking for daily adventure time driving levels. It also just rolled over 100k, time to sell.

That GC is a bit high in price and I don't need v8 or leather.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

I'd be looking at 2014, so yeah with the V6 that 6k tow rating should work good for me.

I drove a loaded 2014 Yukon SLT, as well as a 2014 Durango (both SLX and Limited). Scratching Yukon/Tahoe off my list. For the same price, the Durango was way nicer in just about every way for me. Even the base model Durango I felt was nicer than the Loaded Yukon. Drove smoother, felt more car like,(felt I was in it vs on it), overall interior fit and finish was nicer and higher quality materials used, and the technology (gauges, uConnect, etc) was way better. Even the 3rd row of seating felt more comfy in the Durango which surprised me. Everyone is different, this was simply the case for me. Durango is in the lead currently. I need to go find a GX460 to test out.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

The difference is the Durango will be worth $5k in 3 years, the Yukon holds its value. :D

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Ferd Fteenthousand.

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

Lol, it's true

Yeah, whatever. "Words"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8P5vGcf-NU

Though, alternatively I'd recommend the Canyonero if you need an SUV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZeFDe44Ddo

Re: Time to replace the Envoy
 

This!