The new Chevy Bolt which has an LFP battery, a new or used Toyota RAV4 hybrid, or a used GMT800 (99-06) Chevy Tahoe… I know those are three vastly different vehicles but those three will probably be the longest lasting stuff on the road compared to anything else you can buy today…
Selecting a Potential "Forever" Vehicle
- Thread starter amateurbob
- Start date
I have had one as well...that is why I can voice my view on it. Glad you like those flat rock hard seats. In the context of this thread-one has to mention comfort-in a "forever vehicle".
How much can you invest into the vehicle upon purchase, and how much in expenses can you set aside going forward.
Nobody said you couldn't voice your opinion. What I said, and have said many times in the past, is that comfort is subjective. What you like is not necessarily what others like.
But yes, we think the seats are comfortable and supportive.
There are firmer seats in four of our other vehicles, and they all have far more power than the 4Runner. But none of those, can venture onto the 4wd trails that we also like to explore. That's where the 4Runner shines. It's fine on paved roads, not the best of course, but more than acceptable. But it can keep going when you reach a 4wd trail that needs 4wd, low-range, axle articulation, a smaller size for tight trails, good break-over angle and ground clearance, and reliability.
My next vehicle purchase will potentially be my last as well; at least I'm approaching it with that mindset. New or used, I've pretty much narrowed it down to something from Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, or Subaru. I've owned Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. Affordable quality, reliability, and easy to work on or have worked on. Each has some models I really like that would meet my wants and needs. A used Lexus in good condition is looking better and better. That's just my opinion, and to each his own. There is no wrong answer.
2011-2015 Nissan Armada. Will outlast you with two cheap basic things done, outside of regular maintenance.
- Spray the rear subframe with Fluid Film every couple years, or the whole underside annually if in rust-prone state.
- Add an auxiliary ATF cooler, instead of the factory in-radiator unit.
With these two things done you get yourself a very capable, reliable, and powerful Behemoth. Some people start screaming about MPG, but it's literally just as thirsty as any other SUV in its class. Our 2014 Armada 4x4 gets 16-17MPG average, and 19-20MPG highway. The only reason why people bring up MPG when they hear "Nissan Armada", is because there is simply nothing else to complain about with that engine.
Anyways, that's my humble recommendation, as a 33 year old with 15 year driving history and 29th car in ownership.
Right, I have one, an 09 LX570
I would go LC over LX for longevity......no AHC system. Cheaper repair. Agree on lower price on LX. I love the AHC system, and the fit and finish of interior is better.
Maybe a bit reactionary due to current fuel prices, but any vehicle like my wonderful and super comfortable F150 5.0L V8 that gobbles gas and requires 8 quart oil changes is likely to be expensive but very long term reliable.
My sister's boyfriend has a 5th gen and I spent a lot of time in it. To say the fuel consumption is bad would be an understatement. He's happy to see 18 mpg on trips. 
It was a surprisingly cheap feeling vehicle all around but that means it should last indefinitely. Me and Toyota seats don't get along either. I don't care about MPG though what I did care about was it seemed it kicked up a lot of wind and road noise at speed. I was kind of surprised about that and would have to address it accordingly as I spend way too much time in vehicles to be dealing with that. I would need a different tow vehicle as some of my trailers are well over the 5k limit they have. But if I needed someting point and shoot out of the box it'd be near the top of my list.
It was a surprisingly cheap feeling vehicle all around but that means it should last indefinitely. Me and Toyota seats don't get along either. I don't care about MPG though what I did care about was it seemed it kicked up a lot of wind and road noise at speed. I was kind of surprised about that and would have to address it accordingly as I spend way too much time in vehicles to be dealing with that. I would need a different tow vehicle as some of my trailers are well over the 5k limit they have. But if I needed someting point and shoot out of the box it'd be near the top of my list.
Another to consider is the 2nd generation (2008 - 2013) Toyota Highlander. Have your choice of 4 cyl., V6 or Hybrid engines. The 4 and V6 came with the excellent 5 speed auto transmission in FWD or 4WD. Easy to get in and out of, comfortable seats with plenty of interior room. They are very well built and relatively easy to work on. I owned a 2008 V6 and put 200,000 trouble free miles on it before I sold it. Had plenty of power and averaged 24 mpg with mixed driving.
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Obviously as cheaply as l can. I don't want to purchase a vehicle that needs a ton of work (unless it is insanely cheap). As far as costs going forward, l would hope to cover repairs and maintenance... That would be my goal anyway.
I don't need the car right now and so l would have plenty of time to find one l would like. From my non expert opinion and at first glance the Armada seems to suffer the highest amount of depreciation. Followed by the Pathfinder, and the LX460. The Sequoia and the Sienna are propped up by the Toyota tax. Also given the current trajectory of gas prices l might be able to get one of those vehicles much cheaper.
@slacktide_bitog... I just looked at Transit Connects and l seen many with over 3 and 400k miles. I guess l really have to consider those too. They tend to be much cheaper and they can apparently go the distance.
GX460s are ultimate suburban soccer mom mall crawlers. Pretty easy to find one that isn't beat up. My local Lexus dealer has a few CPO 23's on the lot right now. But you are going to pay good money for them.
They are also better than a 5th gen 4R in almost every way. Except for the stupid side swinging barn door.
I'm asking for a price. Up to how much. Without that I really can't help you, and neither can anyone else here.
The fact that you say 'cheap' twice in the first sentence makes me think that you're really focusing on the wrong variable.
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Fair enough. Of the vehicles listed, l have seen prices listed as low as 6000$ up to 20k$. I am pretty confident l can find a vehicle that is good at 15k$ but l prefer to be around 12k$ or less. As l have said, l am not in a hurry and so l can be a little selective.
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My dad always said l wanted a car that's free, needs no repairs, and runs on water... So l guess l might be aiming a little high.
Sienna likely best of bunch for entry/exit. When you age and physical gets you car at Subaru Forester/Outback height is near perfect
If I had to pick a forever vehicle, it'd be either my 3.6 Wrangler or 4.4 LR3. Both have drivetrains known for going 300k+ easily. Wrangler slightly more off road capable but less spacious, LR3 is exceptionally great on road and off road, and for towing. I don't think anything else exists with the blend of performance. Both are easy to work on. Can't beat ease of entry on the LR3, can lower the air suspension so it's lower than most crossovers, and then raise it back up. Have spent less on maintaining the air suspensions 240k miles than I have on upgrading a normal suspension on my other vehicles, and they still don't ride as nice. Any issues with either are well documented.
