Buy a Toyota that is 2 to 5 years old. You'll be getting a vehicle that will still last longer and hold its value better than the new Chevy.
Chevy Equinox Thoughts
- Thread starter DesertClone1
- Start date
Consumer Reports likes it. Reliability is average. Customer satisfaction is below average, however. PM me and I'll send you the PDF report.
This has been my strategy. We have a 2015 Highlander and, even with 125K miles, still the nicest car I've ever owned.
We own a 2017 Highlander with 115,000 and plan to drive it for 3-5 more years. Also, best vehicle we’ve ever owned.
I have a 2010 Lexus (relatively low mileage) that I should be able to easily keep on the road for another 150,000 miles/10 years at an average annual cost of about one month’s new car payment on a similar vehicle.
I did a LOT of research on crossover SUVs before we bought our 2022 Equinox. Of primary concern was the driveability for both of us. He's 5'10", I'm 5'0" - we have different needs. We love the driver settings that are synced with our keyfobs - the seat settings (up-down-forward-back) and the exterior mirrors. The only manual adjustment is the rearview mirror. The environmental controls and other shared dash features are in easy reach from either seat. I particularly like the fact that it feels like I'm driving a car, not a bus. And it's the perfect height for me to enter and exit easily - I don't have to climb into it, and I don't have to haul myself out of a lower-slung bucket seat. It's just the two of us so there's an incredible amount of room. We did find that it was a little lacking when we were taking two granddaughters on a trip overseas, and we had five large bags plus four carry-ons to load. So if you're still in full family mode it might not be quite roomy enough.
We have not regretted the purchase one bit.
We've been looking at Pilots vs Highlanders and have always been a Honda family. We've had two Accords make it well over 300k and my wife's current is at 230k. One thing I'm having trouble getting past is the insane transmission fluid change intervals on the newer Honda vehicles. Most of the reading I've done online suggests changing every 30k or you risk turning your transmission into a grenade before 100k. If they are that finicky it makes me question the longevity of them.
KidSilverhair
Well-Known Member
Got a 2013 that’s closing in on 180,000. Still in great shape. I’d like to upgrade to something less than 10 years old, but I’m not feeling like it’s urgent.
Yeah, early next year my wife and I are looking to buy a used hybrid Highlander… used mostly because they’re almost impossible to find new and we don’t want to go on a long waiting list to get one new.
We have a Honda Pilot and a Toyota RAV. And we used to have a Mazda 3 for our daughter's car. Our driveway/garage was known as the Asian Triumvirate.
We had a heck of time finding a new Grand Highlander last summer after the GH's came out, we wanted to try a hybrid vehicle, never had one. Toyota does not allow you to order a new vehicle from a dealer, each dealer is allocated vehicles and if you like that you can purchase it from them unless they have a deposit waiting list like they did with the GH. I went to two dealers in Ottumwa and Kirksville, they told me I could get one from them if I waited. Stopped by Toyota of Des Moines and talked to them, was told that if I want a hybrid, I would be waiting a year.
I thought screw that, and found the Toyota allocation sheets listed online. At the first and 15th of each month, dealers are allocated new vehicles. With the list I started calling dealerships that was getting the exact vehicle that I wanted, found three in the midwest. Guy in Nebraska wanted a small fortune for the vehicle, and two refused to sell me a vehicle because I was out of their region. Finally found the vehicle that we purchased in S. Carolina, lucky for us our oldest son lives 10 minutes from the dealership. I called him and he went down and test drove the vehicle, we did the deal over the phone and I flew down the next week and drove it home. Being retired as some perks, like plenty of time. We ended up paying more than MSRP, but we got the exact vehicle and color scheme that we wanted. GH Hybrid Platinum Max version, love the vehicle after having it since August of last year.
have a equinox that's several years old, it's a nice little car to get better mileage and still easily fits 4 people and luggage. only thing I'd suggest is to make sure anyone tall in the family that drives it actually sits in the driver's seat before you buy it. I'm 6'3" and the leg room is fine, but I actually have to lean down a little to see out the rear view mirror, it won't tip high enough for a "normal" view.
My Subuaru has this feature, but I can turn it off just by pressing a button. I hate the auto stop, and I shut it off every time. My wife has told me "I am surprised a greenie like you shuts that off." As you said, I don't think it is saving that much and I don't like the feel of it.
Both Honda and Toyota are struggling with engine issues. Toyota turbo V6 and turbo 4's are proving unreliable with the V6 in total engine replacement recalls.
Honda, see below.
Feds probing recall of 1.4M Honda, Acura cars after more complaints of engine failure
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it’s opening a recall query to determine the severity of the problem in vehicles not included in the 2023 recall.
nypost.com
My brother had a few Equinox over the years. Last summer he bought a Toyota Rav4, and wishes he stayed with the Chevy. According to him he just likes the layout of the Chevy better. He doesn't keep the vehicles into the high mileage range, so he has never had any issues.
Toyota resisted turbos for as long as they could. Government mileage regulations have forced their hand. For the first time in decades, engine reliability is going backwards.Both Honda and Toyota are struggling with engine issues. Toyota turbo V6 and turbo 4's are proving unreliable with the V6 in total engine replacement recalls.
Honda, see below.
Feds probing recall of 1.4M Honda, Acura cars after more complaints of engine failure
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it’s opening a recall query to determine the severity of the problem in vehicles not included in the 2023 recall.
The turbo V6 problem with Toyota is in their pickups, not in the highlanders or GH, which are not offered with a V6 option. Toyota's turbo 4 cylinder has been around quite awhile and is very reliable.Both Honda and Toyota are struggling with engine issues. Toyota turbo V6 and turbo 4's are proving unreliable with the V6 in total engine replacement recalls.
Honda, see below.
Feds probing recall of 1.4M Honda, Acura cars after more complaints of engine failure
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it’s opening a recall query to determine the severity of the problem in vehicles not included in the 2023 recall.
I have a 2022 Equinox Premier. I drive a lot for my job, so it already has 57,000 miles on it. I've had no complaints, so far. I average about 30 mpg on highway driving. I'm a larger human being, and I find it to be quite comfortable.
