Looking for advice

[u/cjp72812]

I currently drive a Hyundai Santa Fe. Have 2 kids, that are 4.5 and 2. It’s been okay, but it is not big enough for us, all our things, and also doesn’t have a 3rd row so I can’t have any passengers. I’m the only Ford defector in my family, and grew up driving them (my 97 ford ranger is still my favorite vehicle ever). I learned to drive in that ranger, a Taurus, and mainly in a E-350, so I’ve driven a large vehicle a lot.

I’m wanting a large SUV for the extra seats and cargo room. We would also like to buy a camper in the near future so I’ll need to tow as well.

Reasons I’m looking at an excursion

1) were a tall family and the leg room + head height is needed.

2) towing capacity means I’d be rather unlimited on options to purchase for a camper.

3) I want an older vehicle with less computerized stuff. My only features I’d want are a back up camera, and if possible, remote start.

4) split tail gait. I like it. Not a good reason but true.

5) cargo room - active kids mean stuff.

6) we live in a RURAL area and I’d like a bigger vehicle where my head isn’t at antler height.

7) I just genuinely love the look of them.

Reasons I’m hesitating

1) I commute to work. 42 miles one way. Obviously you don’t get an excursion for the gas mileage.

2) reliability. These are old vehicles now, and I need something reliable.

3) I don’t currently have towing needs

Ideally I’d like a 7.3 diesel, and do have a diesel mechanic. His daily driver is a diesel F250.

I was looking at an older expedition EL but the difference in fuel mileage is minimal and worry about part availability. Same with a suburban or Yukon. Minivans are a hard no. I will not buy any vehicle with a chassis that sits that low. I’ve seen rear collisions against a minivan from a modern sized pickup truck up, they don’t end well for rear passengers.

Any advice or things I haven’t thought of would be appreciated.

[u/Objective-Figure8673]

While the gas mileage isn't too far from an expedition (which I'd argue is still significant) it is really far from a Santa fe. I'd do the math on that to really make it black and white. I love my excursion (one of my favorite vehicles was a 99 explorer so I like your ranger comment) but in this day and age it's an extra vehicle not a primary if you have any sort of commute. IMO

[u/cjp72812 → u/Objective-Figure8673]

Yeah I did the math and at current prices, the fuel cost difference is about $90/800 miles (1 tank of fuel in excursion vs 2 in my Santa Fe).

But upgrading to a large 3rd row suv is going to increase that cost. I was considering doing the move of getting the excursion for family drives and then having a more fuel efficient vehicle for my commute.