Explor(er)ing A New SUV

[Motorpsychology]

I thought i could put off this decision for a few more years, but the time is nigh to put our 2009 Mercury Mariner out to pasture, or used car lot to be more accurate. The CD2 Platform (gens 1 & 2 Escape/Mariner) was orders of magnitude better CUVs than the Bronco II they replaced, and ours has been stone reliable. Until very recently. Little nit-picky stuff, the rear wiper motor assembly has rusted and hangs down forlornly at the 4 o'clock position. It still sweeps, but the blade is a quarter inch off the glass, like a horsetail swatting flies. The heater blower worked only on high until we got it fixed a few weeks ago; transmission, timing chain, fuel pump, what's coming?
This is the vehicle that we use to take our granchillin hither and yon, and 95% driven by Mrs. Motorpsychology (not her real name). She has now gotten wary of the vehicle, which only a short time ago the thought trading it in was unthinkable. But she is now wanting a bigger car again as the grands are growing. There was a time we owned two minivans at the same time, and she liked driving our 2015 Flex.

Ain't gotta twist my arm, I fed my new car addiction by working in the car biz for 10 years, and most of the dealerships I sold at had a demo program. Anyway, she and some of her girlfriends went out for a luncheon in a friend's Toyota Highlander,
She came back and asked me, "What do you think of a Toyota Highlander?" I took a beat to consider a response to the question, having owned 13 Fords, 9 of them new, and selling probably 800+new, out of ~1300 total in the mid-80's & 90's. "Oh, there nice, I guess." Says I. Then put on my best virtual saddle shoes and plaid blazer, slung a phantom toothpick in the corner of my mouth, and tactfully campaigned for an Explorer.

So we're going out shopping probably after the holidays. edit Today! She just told me that she wants to see our friendly neighborhood Ford Dealer Today! I guess I still have the touch. Shout out to Hudson Ford Hudson, WI whom we've dealt with for the last four vehicles and will get first crack, as they are the closest to us and we also have done service and QuickLane on both our vehicles there for the last 10 years. Some dealers are hit & miss, HF is a hit.

I'm hoping they will be our only stop, but it's Kristi's (Mrs Motorpsychology is getting too tedious to type) vehicle and she should be happy and confident driving what she wants.
But no Chevy or GMC.

Stay tuned.

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[NotBudule2]

Those estrogen (or lack of) luncheons may get interesting ? if Mrs. Motorpsychology's Explorer falters in any way and Mrs. Highlander gets to say "I told you to get a Toyota!" , then Mrs. Motorpsychology will wonder why she followed ? your advise and not her friends which could end badly for you, imo ?...
"Whatever you like dear ? " is my go to answer, that way, any "I told you so's " in the future get to come from me instead of at me (this hasn't really worked like I had hoped because she is on her second Murano in 10 years and both have been flawless and I'm still waiting to say "i told you so " because I never really liked them and pushed for something else)...

 

[Fordup]

Now is a good time to buy. First time in 4 years that good deals and big rebates are available. Our son has a Honda Passport awd that has been completely trouble free and they love. I say let her drive them all and decide. I never thought we would own a Subaru but that's what my wife liked the most and I prefer that to the Ranger after driving them side by side. Ford quality is not the best anymore.

 

[dtech]

I just bought a Subaru Outback Limited XT for the wife - significant discount, looked at Yotas, Mazdas, Genesis , Subaru fits her needs and turbo gives it some fun factor to drive, she does lead foot the gas pedal more aggressively than I . No dealerships for Lexus, Yota, Genesis of Mazdas under 200 miles from me, but living in CO lots of Roo dealers so able to price shop and local dealer matched best offer.
Yota dealer in town but most of their stuff - like the Grand Highlander is selling for msrp, hybrids going for over msrp, 4Runner keeps getting delayed, Land Cruiser seems over priced, took a good look at the hybrid Crown Signia but it's a bit on the small side and the premium trim has 21" 45 profile wheels making for a rough ride, and no spare - just a patch kit. I think this model will be a tough sell for Yota.

 

[Motorpsychology]

Those estrogen (or lack of) luncheons may get interesting ? if Mrs. Motorpsychology's Explorer falters in any way and Mrs. Highlander gets to say "I told you to get a Toyota!" , then Mrs. Motorpsychology will wonder why she followed ? your advise and not her friends which could end badly for you, imo ?...
"Whatever you like dear ? " is my go to answer, that way, any "I told you so's " in the future get to come from me instead of at me (this hasn't really worked like I had hoped because she is on her second Murano in 10 years and both have been flawless and I'm still waiting to say "i told you so " because I never really liked them and pushed for something else)...

UPDATE: Kristi drove the Explorer and liked it. There aren't any red ST-Lines with a bench 2nd row seat within reasonable distance so we ordered one, ETA March-ish. Kristi insisted on Rapid Red, not avail. on the entry level Active, The ST-Line has some of the ST bling, like 21s, and "Performance Brakes with red painted calipers." ? but without the expensive stuff like a 400hp V6, stiffer suspension, and $10K upcharge.
Fun Day!

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