What do you drive to the lake?

pm203 · 05-10-2010, 10:18 AM

Excellent choice. Audi is the best premium luxury brand currently and is growing fast. Their committment to technology and safety is second to none. There have been several times I have left the lake in the middle of a severe snowstorm with very bad road conditions and my Q7 has always got me home safely. Good luck with it!

SIKSUKR · 05-10-2010, 10:48 AM

GMC makes a fullsize Yukon Hybrid that can hold 8 passengers.This truck actually shows better gas milage on the highway than the city.21-city 22-hwy.http://www.gmc.com/yukon/hybrid/specsStandard.jsp

Lucy Goose · 05-10-2010, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

GMC makes a fullsize Yukon Hybrid that can hold 8 passengers.This truck actually shows better gas milage on the highway than the city.21-city 22-hwy.http://www.gmc.com/yukon/hybrid/specsStandard.jsp

I can't vouch for the hybrid as mine is not and is the full XL Denali. I love this car more than any car/SUV I have ever had. It averages around 16mpg. But with the gas prices I am thinking of trading it in as I rarely have more than two people in it. It is a wonderfully comfortable car and you can fit 7 people in it and tons of stuff. It has a powerful engine for trailering or anything else. but it's a bit much for just the two of us. I hate to give it up but it seems our government doesn't give a rats you know what about gas prices anymore. No one is complaining or fighting anything.

The hybrid costs so much more that I don't think the mere savings in gas mileage would make a difference for a very long time.

eillac@dow · 05-10-2010, 07:14 PM

I've got a Honda Pilot. Love having the 3rd seat....BUT, once it is up there is NO ROOM FOR STUFF.

robmac · 05-10-2010, 08:02 PM

I have a Z71 Tahoe and it isn't going to win any fuel economy contest but will pass several stations and not need gas. It is not only capable of towing hauling and holding enough passengers it IS very comfortable and the kids love the entertainment system in the rear. ( adults do as well on a long drive ) just my two cents.

Patiently Watching · 05-11-2010, 02:18 AM

Have you looked at the 2010 Toyota 4runner? I've owned lot's of cars, foreign and domestic and I have to say that I could not be happier with the 4runner.
Mine is a 2007 4runner with a V8, averages 19/22 with my driving (lead footed), has been trouble free so far for 80K plus miles and just required it's first set of replacement tires about 10,000 miles ago. 2 cross country trips, a fair amount of towing and no issues to-date.
It is AWD, great in the snow and has all the convenience features I was looking for at the time. Great overall vehicle.

RI Swamp Yankee · 05-11-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patiently Watching

... Mine is a 2007 4runner with a V8, averages 19/22 with my driving (lead footed), .....

FWIW: looks like Toyota doesn't offer the V8 for 2010 models.

I need the V8 to pull my camper. I have a 2008 w/4wd and get 19/22, like Patiently Watching, when empty.

codeman671 · 05-11-2010, 01:51 PM

We use an Escalade ESV. With the two of us, 3 kids and 4 dogs it suits us fine. Ours has the second row captains chairs and a 3rd row bench. They do make the Escalades in hybrids as well, ours is not. Without the 4 dogs we would easily have enough space for our gear.

We haul a small covered Thule trailer (similar model pictured below) though for all of our gear. Our ride is a lot shorter than yours, but even still it would be a great solution. Easy and light to tow.

KonaChick · 05-10-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pm203

Excellent choice. Audi is the best premium luxury brand currently and is growing fast. Their committment to technology and safety is second to none. There have been several times I have left the lake in the middle of a severe snowstorm with very bad road conditions and my Q7 has always got me home safely. Good luck with it!

I'm NOT a big fan of driving in the snow but living in NH sometimes you have no choice. My Q7 literally feels as if it has claws that are gripping the road when I drive in snow and lessens my fear considerably.

Grant · 05-10-2010, 10:57 AM

When I drive solo or with one other passenger (3-4 times a year), I take the econobox Hyundai sedan, which rocks 35+ MPG. I even moved a kid to/from college in that thing. But, with a family of six and two golden retrievers, hauling the whole crew requires the '03 Suburban, which pretty much sits inactive in the driveway much of the year. We've also done the two-car shuffle when kids' schedules require the divide-and-conquer approach.

As a friend once opined, once you have a third or fourth kid, you go from man-to-man to zone defense.

lawn psycho · 05-10-2010, 11:00 AM

Getting into and accessing the seats and 3rd row of an Odyssey is the advantage over the Pilot.

If you tow, I would change my answer and it would not be the two above.

jmen24 · 05-10-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

GMC makes a fullsize Yukon Hybrid that can hold 8 passengers.This truck actually shows better gas milage on the highway than the city.21-city 22-hwy.http://www.gmc.com/yukon/hybrid/specsStandard.jsp

City MPG is always lower than Highway.

ishoot308 · 05-10-2010, 11:59 AM

One of the vehicles I use is a Chevy Explorer conversion van. It's a 3/4 ton so has no problems towing, gets 16 MPG and very comfortably fits 7 people. If you look around, you can actually find pretty good deals on these right now. I love mine and wouldn't be without it.

My other vehicle is a full size Chevy Tahoe. Room for six, no problems towing, gas mileage so so at 13-14 MPG. I do like this vehicle but drive the van more often.

Dan

This'nThat · 05-10-2010, 12:33 PM

Don't get an SUV -- look into station wagons.

kdw1003 · 05-10-2010, 12:43 PM

You may not have thought of pick-up trucks. I just leased a 2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax. 4 full doors. Comfortable seating for 6 with the front bench seat that folds down to a console. Large bed for luggage, etc and awesome towing capacity. The only downfall is the mpg which ranges from 13-17...but something you would expect with a V8. Haven't been able to test it out in the snow yet, but I'm sure it won't dissapoint with the on-the-fly 4x4.

jmen24 · 05-10-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdw1003

You may not have thought of pick-up trucks. I just leased a 2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax. 4 full doors. Comfortable seating for 6 with the front bench seat that folds down to a console. Large bed for luggage, etc and awesome towing capacity. The only downfall is the mpg which ranges from 13-17...but something you would expect with a V8. Haven't been able to test it out in the snow yet, but I'm sure it won't dissapoint with the on-the-fly 4x4.

If it is anything like the Tacoma, it actually feels more planted in 2wd with the LSD and traction control. In 4wd it has a push feeling when encountering snow at more that 4" or so at 30-40MPH. Truck went places in 2-wheel-peel that my Silverado could never have dreamed of going, but it does not feel as solid in 4wd.

Grady223 · 05-10-2010, 01:18 PM

Another one here for the Honda Pilot. That's what we use back and forth from PA, fits lots of stuff, seats 8, decent mpg and can tow. Very happy with ours.

SIKSUKR · 05-10-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmen24

City MPG is always lower than Highway.

My bad but my point was it's virtually the same which is almost NEVER the case.I love to split hairs and will be watching a particulars members wording very closely.

Island Girl · 05-10-2010, 01:36 PM

My 2004 Highlander gets 20-25 mpg on the 2 hour drive to the lake at 64 mph. It has a third seat which would be good for kids. Adults are cramped.

6 adults might be a tad tight, but doable. The ride is excellent... and I can tow my toys.

IG

SIKSUKR · 05-10-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmen24

City MPG is always lower than Highway.

Ok smartypants then how do you explain this?
Ford Fusion Hybrid 41 city/36 highway
http://cars.about.com/od/helpforcarb...top10_fuel.htm

Newbiesaukee · 05-10-2010, 02:14 PM

I'm not the smartypants, but before your answer I was going to point out ( to the real smartypants) that hybrids do get better mpg in city than highway.

jmen24 · 05-10-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbiesaukee

I'm not the smartypants, but before your answer I was going to point out ( to the real smartypants) that hybrids do get better mpg in city than highway.

My typical first response has a tendency to be directly off-the-cuff, so I was not thinking past the first thought that came to mind. Not picking out the "hybrid" in the post is what drew me astray.

I often found myself grounded as a child, all because I usually said the first thing that came to mind.

SIKSUKR · 05-10-2010, 03:36 PM

I am well aware of why a hybrid such as the Yukon gets such high city mph. So the only part of your 2 previous posts that seem to be missing is that you were wrong about correcting me. I'll say it for you. Wrong jmen24!

jmen24 · 05-10-2010, 04:03 PM

I see, I answer a question that you asked and stated that I misunderstood what you were stating. 1st of two response posts.

You are right SIKSUKR, I was wrong. I appologize to you, for calling you out.

jmen24 · 05-10-2010, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Ok smartypants then how do you explain this?
Ford Fusion Hybrid 41 city/36 highway
http://cars.about.com/od/helpforcarb...top10_fuel.htm

The leading cause for extra fuel use in city driving is the starting from a standing stop. In a gas/electric hybrid, the electric motor is the first stage of the system, so you remove gas engines inefficiency at this task.

While the electric motor in a hybrid does very well in the city (start/stop) driving, it does not do very well on the highway. Higher energy draw at higher rpm and less than great torque response, so the gas engine has to pick up the tab.

Now that you presented me with this question, I completely understand where your statement was coming from.

05-10-2010, 10:48 AM	#2
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	GMC makes a fullsize Yukon Hybrid that can hold 8 passengers.This truck actually shows better gas milage on the highway than the city.21-city 22-hwy.http://www.gmc.com/yukon/hybrid/specsStandard.jsp __________________ SIKSUKR

05-11-2010, 01:51 PM	#8
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,514 Thanks: 221 Thanked 821 Times in 493 Posts	We use an Escalade ESV. With the two of us, 3 kids and 4 dogs it suits us fine. Ours has the second row captains chairs and a 3rd row bench. They do make the Escalades in hybrids as well, ours is not. Without the 4 dogs we would easily have enough space for our gear. We haul a small covered Thule trailer (similar model pictured below) though for all of our gear. Our ride is a lot shorter than yours, but even still it would be a great solution. Easy and light to tow. Attached Images

05-10-2010, 10:57 AM	#10
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,503 Thanks: 382 Thanked 231 Times in 125 Posts	When I drive solo or with one other passenger (3-4 times a year), I take the econobox Hyundai sedan, which rocks 35+ MPG. I even moved a kid to/from college in that thing. But, with a family of six and two golden retrievers, hauling the whole crew requires the '03 Suburban, which pretty much sits inactive in the driveway much of the year. We've also done the two-car shuffle when kids' schedules require the divide-and-conquer approach. As a friend once opined, once you have a third or fourth kid, you go from man-to-man to zone defense. __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

05-10-2010, 01:18 PM	#17
Grady223 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New Hope, PA & Barndoor Island Posts: 465 Thanks: 93 Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts	Honda Pilot Another one here for the Honda Pilot. That's what we use back and forth from PA, fits lots of stuff, seats 8, decent mpg and can tow. Very happy with ours.

05-10-2010, 01:36 PM	#19
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,352 Thanks: 18 Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts	Toyota Highlander My 2004 Highlander gets 20-25 mpg on the 2 hour drive to the lake at 64 mph. It has a third seat which would be good for kids. Adults are cramped. 6 adults might be a tad tight, but doable. The ride is excellent... and I can tow my toys. IG __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

05-10-2010, 10:18 AM	#1
pm203 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 225 Thanks: 41 Thanked 86 Times in 46 Posts	Excellent choice. Audi is the best premium luxury brand currently and is growing fast. Their committment to technology and safety is second to none. There have been several times I have left the lake in the middle of a severe snowstorm with very bad road conditions and my Q7 has always got me home safely. Good luck with it!

05-10-2010, 07:14 PM	#4
eillac@dow Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Dow Island & Weymouth, MA Posts: 365 Thanks: 295 Thanked 94 Times in 48 Posts	I've got a Honda Pilot. Love having the 3rd seat....BUT, once it is up there is NO ROOM FOR STUFF.

05-10-2010, 08:02 PM	#5
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	I have a Z71 Tahoe and it isn't going to win any fuel economy contest but will pass several stations and not need gas. It is not only capable of towing hauling and holding enough passengers it IS very comfortable and the kids love the entertainment system in the rear. ( adults do as well on a long drive ) just my two cents.

05-11-2010, 02:18 AM	#6
Patiently Watching Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 184 Thanks: 2 Thanked 42 Times in 34 Posts	Have you looked at the 2010 Toyota 4runner? I've owned lot's of cars, foreign and domestic and I have to say that I could not be happier with the 4runner. Mine is a 2007 4runner with a V8, averages 19/22 with my driving (lead footed), has been trouble free so far for 80K plus miles and just required it's first set of replacement tires about 10,000 miles ago. 2 cross country trips, a fair amount of towing and no issues to-date. It is AWD, great in the snow and has all the convenience features I was looking for at the time. Great overall vehicle.

05-10-2010, 11:00 AM	#11
lawn psycho Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: On the move... Posts: 987 Thanks: 113 Thanked 248 Times in 133 Posts	Getting into and accessing the seats and 3rd row of an Odyssey is the advantage over the Pilot. If you tow, I would change my answer and it would not be the two above.

05-10-2010, 11:59 AM	#13
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,313 Thanks: 2,407 Thanked 5,310 Times in 2,071 Posts	One of the vehicles I use is a Chevy Explorer conversion van. It's a 3/4 ton so has no problems towing, gets 16 MPG and very comfortably fits 7 people. If you look around, you can actually find pretty good deals on these right now. I love mine and wouldn't be without it. My other vehicle is a full size Chevy Tahoe. Room for six, no problems towing, gas mileage so so at 13-14 MPG. I do like this vehicle but drive the van more often. Dan

05-10-2010, 12:33 PM	#14
This'nThat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 534 Thanks: 19 Thanked 134 Times in 61 Posts	Don't get an SUV -- look into station wagons.

05-10-2010, 12:43 PM	#15
kdw1003 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Boylston, MA Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 2 Posts	You may not have thought of pick-up trucks. I just leased a 2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax. 4 full doors. Comfortable seating for 6 with the front bench seat that folds down to a console. Large bed for luggage, etc and awesome towing capacity. The only downfall is the mpg which ranges from 13-17...but something you would expect with a V8. Haven't been able to test it out in the snow yet, but I'm sure it won't dissapoint with the on-the-fly 4x4.

05-10-2010, 02:14 PM	#21
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,357 Thanks: 951 Thanked 573 Times in 298 Posts	I'm not the smartypants, but before your answer I was going to point out ( to the real smartypants) that hybrids do get better mpg in city than highway.

05-10-2010, 03:36 PM	#23
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	No hard feelings toward ME? I am well aware of why a hybrid such as the Yukon gets such high city mph. So the only part of your 2 previous posts that seem to be missing is that you were wrong about correcting me. I'll say it for you. Wrong jmen24! __________________ SIKSUKR

05-10-2010, 04:03 PM	#24
jmen24 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,139 Thanks: 223 Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts	I see, I answer a question that you asked and stated that I misunderstood what you were stating. 1st of two response posts. You are right SIKSUKR, I was wrong. I appologize to you, for calling you out.

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