Selling my Civic and switching to a midsize or large SUV/Crossover, but which one? (1 Viewer)

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So in the next month or two I will be selling my car and switching to a vehicle as stated in the title. I'm just wondering what might be best suited for me and I'm hoping that y'all have some first hand or second hand experience. As some of y'all know I'm a photographer and I'm in the process of purchasing one of those photo booths that are popular at weddings, events, etc. Also I am eventually getting equipment for a mobile studio. The guy I'm buying the booth from said he was able to easily fit the photo booth (it breaks down into three sections) in a Dodge Durango and there was extra space for other stuff. So I'm thinking something that size or a little smaller.

Personally I like the way the Grand Cherokee, 4Runner, Explorer, and Tahoe look and drive. So those are options, anyone have thoughts on them?

But also I could possibly do something smaller like a Cherokee, Escape, Rav4, or CRV. Just not sure how tight of a fit it would be for the photo booth plus my regular wedding photography equipment.

I've done research online but any first hand opinions would be great, thanks in advance! :9:

Edit: Looking for used, maybe in the 2012-2014 range.
 
I've owned an Escape and there's no room for what you're wanting to do with it. I assume the others you mentioned in the smaller category are just as small or smaller.

Are you looking for new or used? If it were me and I could spend a little more (I don't know your monetary situation), I'd get a 4Runner. It'll last basically forever and has comparable room to a Durango, plus it looks great. Tahoes are just insane price-wise as are the newer Expeditions (I have one).
 
I've owned an Escape and there's no room for what you're wanting to do with it. I assume the others you mentioned in the smaller category are just as small or smaller.

Are you looking for new or used? If it were me and I could spend a little more (I don't know your monetary situation), I'd get a 4Runner. It'll last basically forever and has comparable room to a Durango, plus it looks great. Tahoes are just insane price-wise as are the newer Expeditions (I have one).

Sorry I just updated my post. I'm looking for used. This would be financed though and can probably do a down payment of up to $12,000
 
I second the 4runner. I have an '03 with $110k mi. They're super utility vehicles and very robust. I've had mine going on 8 years and the most expensive repair I've had on it was a $25 flood light socket. The only downside is that they're pricey as compared to other non-luxury brands.

I also have an '09 FJ with the same engine as the 4runner. 90k mi on that one, and I haven't had a single maintenance issue.
 
what year and how much?

( the civic )
 
Pretty much any SUV that's going to have the room to do what you want is not going to get the greatest gas mileage as compared to your Civic. I'm sure I'm stating the obvious. :hihi: Even used 4Runners are quite pricey, but I'd rather pay a little more and get the longevity out of it.

The best thing to do (again, stating the obvious) is to look at the cargo capacity between the Durango that guy has to similar sized vehicles. If they're close, I'd get the 4Runner hands down. I only know one person that owns a newer Durango, so I don't know if it's got problems model-wide, but it is always in the shop for something.
 
We have a 2014 Grand Cherokee. I would recommend it, generally speaking.

It's a proper truck/4x4 chassis and has always felt pretty rugged. On the interior, it has leather and doesn't feel like the American cars used to. All of the modern features as well.

From 2014 and on, Chrysler got smart and out-sourced the transmission on the Grand Cherokee. It's now a silky-smooth 9-speed, fully computerized. I do think the infotainment system is a little bit glitchy . . . but it does have all of the features that new luxury cars have.

NOTE - I would not get a GC before 2014. They had the old tranny and it was very clunky.
 
Pretty much any SUV that's going to have the room to do what you want is not going to get the greatest gas mileage as compared to your Civic. I'm sure I'm stating the obvious. :hihi: Even used 4Runners are quite pricey, but I'd rather pay a little more and get the longevity out of it.

The best thing to do (again, stating the obvious) is to look at the cargo capacity between the Durango that guy has to similar sized vehicles. If they're close, I'd get the 4Runner hands down. I only know one person that owns a newer Durango, so I don't know if it's got problems model-wide, but it is always in the shop for something.

I'm kind of hoping the Explorer is big enough because the Sport edition can still get around 24 mpg hwy and that's not too bad I guess. 4Runners are like 18 hwy huh?
 
I'm kind of hoping the Explorer is big enough because the Sport edition can still get around 24 mpg hwy and that's not too bad I guess. 4Runners are like 18 hwy huh?

Roughly. You could probably get more if you don't drop the hammer on it all the time like I do. :hihi: The newer Explorers are pretty nice, though.
 
what year and how much?

( the civic )

It's a 2010 Civic. KBB put it ranging from $3500-$4500. I have a friend that's interested in possibly buying it for $4000. I'm not big on price haggling so I've been telling people $4000 firm. It does have a lot of miles (just over 108,000) mostly highway but I know people with ones that have over 200,000 and they run perfect. Only thing with this one is that it will probably have some scratch marks from having to remove all the Saints decals on it, unless someone wants to keep all of that on the vehicle.

Edit: The aftermarket touch screen radio, amp, and sub would come with it. It also has upgraded speakers.
 
BTW, I have zero brand loyalty. I do an insane amount of research before I lay down a good chunk of money on any car I buy. What I do, though, is listen to the people that own the types of cars I want to look at. Everyone I know that owns a Toyota truck/suv product, to a person, swears by them. In fact, my next truck will be a Tacoma. I don't need the behemoth Tundra.
 
BTW, I have zero brand loyalty. I do an insane amount of research before I lay down a good chunk of money on any car I buy. What I do, though, is listen to the people that own the types of cars I want to look at. Everyone I know that owns a Toyota truck/suv product, to a person, swears by them. In fact, my next truck will be a Tacoma. I don't need the behemoth Tundra.

Exactly what I'm trying to do here lol. Get some first hand opinions. I have a range of brands that I would consider. Definitely not stuck on one.
 
It's a 2010 Civic. KBB put it ranging from $3500-$4500. I have a friend that's interested in possibly buying it for $4000. I'm not big on price haggling so I've been telling people $4000 firm. It does have a lot of miles (just over 108,000) mostly highway but I know people with ones that have over 200,000 and they run perfect. Only thing with this one is that it will probably have some scratch marks from having to remove all the Saints decals on it, unless someone wants to keep all of that on the vehicle.

Edit: The aftermarket touch screen radio, amp, and sub would come with it. It also has upgraded speakers.

auto or manual?

can you pm me some info on this? no flooding ?
 

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