For those new car shopping, oh man, so glad I am not. We had both our 2009 Toyota Highlanders in for the warranty servicing yesterday (there is a window switch in the driver’s door that may not have had enough lubricant, which could cause overheating and potential fire). Well don’t you know one of their new car salesmen called me on my cell phone to invite me to trade my 2009 Highlander in for a new one…ugh. I was having the oil changed at my local mechanics, and the manager said “yeh, they want to give you half of what your vehicle is worth and sell you a full ticket item”. One has 77,000 miles and one has 88,000 miles - never a lick of trouble. Had recalls for minor things. When DD1 needs to buy a car, we may sell her our 5 seat Highlander to give her a deal, and buy another - will have to see.
I know people very happy with the CR-V and the Toyota vehicles. Also those that have Honda Pilot. Ford seems to have some reliable vehicles but I am done with domestic vehicles - my worst was a high priced 2001 Buick bought new at end of year pricing (and 0% 5 year financing). At 123,000 miles, I pretty much had to replace the guts (started with new exhaust system, then rebuilt engine, transmission rebuild - all because evidently some piece broke off into the engine - there was one last thing, and my mechanic figured out what may have gone wrong for all the problems. So I have 50,000 miles on the vehicle since, and plan to drive it until it is ‘dead’.