New family ride...Pilot, 4Runner, what else?

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Originally Posted by 9iron I need to buy my wife a new (used) car/suv in November. We have a limited budget ($30k max) and need room for two kids...an infant and a toddler. Im thinking "buy and hold" philosophy with this car, so low maintenance and reliability is key. As much as i like performance, this does not need to be an exciting car. It will mainly be a grocery getter and will only be driven ~10k miles/year....maybe one or two long trips each year. What would you suggest? I was initially thinking CRV, but fear it may be too small. We have an 2014 Edge (FWD) lease currently, and it is ok, but buyout is ~$22k and im not a huge fan. We really want/need AWD (4x4) since we are in MI. I will buy dedicated snow tires/rims for whatever car we buy. Ive narrowed my choices to a used 2016 Pilot (probably EXL trim) or a used 2013 4Runner (Limited). What else should i consider?

We just got a CPO X3 28xdrive for just over $30k, 2013 model with premium, cold weather, and tech packages. We came out of an E53 X5 3.0 and the size difference is minimal. The X3 has a bit less cargo room and is narrower but has more rear seat room. We have 2 kids.

We've had the X3 for 4 months now and it's been great. Decent power and with the BMS Stage 1, we don't pine for the N55. Enough room for 2 car seats including a rear-facing, although it makes the front passenger a bit cramped - but that was true in the X5 as well.

Our search was lease or buy and also safety was a big concern. The 2013 X3 was a top safety pick and also recommended by CR.

Other vehicles we looked at were RDX/MDX, X5, Pilot/CRV, Highlander, Land Rover Discovery Sport. In the end it was RDX and X3. Almost too close to call.

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New family ride...Pilot, 4Runner, what else?