2008 Mazda CX-7 or 2006/2007 Highlander?

[smacd]

Looking to replace our van (Mercury Villager with 300k km). I've been looking at either a 2008 CX-7 or a slightly older Highlander. I'm shopping in the US and will either drive it back or ship it to Spokane. Any opinions?
I like the look of the CX-7, but am a bit worried about reliability and real world gas mileage. Both would likely be FWD. CX-7 almost has to be turbo, since that's all I'm finding. Reliability and economy are much more important to us than performance. We'll drive it for 10 years, if possible. Thanks.

[Andro]

Looking to replace our van (Mercury Villager with 300k km). I've been looking at either a 2008 CX-7 or a slightly older Highlander. I'm shopping in the US and will either drive it back or ship it to Spokane. Any opinions?
I like the look of the CX-7, but am a bit worried about reliability and real world gas mileage. Both would likely be FWD. CX-7 almost has to be turbo, since that's all I'm finding. Reliability and economy are much more important to us than performance. We'll drive it for 10 years, if possible. Thanks.

I believe Highlander is what you are looking for, you can also look at Rav4

[BradT]

The CX-7 up until 2010 was only turbo. You can now get it with the 2.5 naturally aspirated engine. If you are going for a 2008, try to get a later build. My lifetime fuel economy on my 2008 thus far is just over 20 mpg or 11.7L/100km mostly on premium fuel and it has just under 22,000 km. I like mine and it suits my needs quite well and is fun to drive.

You can also look at the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and if you are looking at a Highlander, you can also check out the Honda Pilot or Nissan Murano.

[ThePointblank]

What's your budget? There are other vehicles that are just as good, and maybe cheaper.

[loritom]

I haven't seen a cx-7 drive by me without a trail of smoke behind it.

I'd stay away from that car....very far.

They all seemed like new and they ALL were blowing thick smoke out the back.
There must be some sort of recall on those... I've NEVER seen so many of a new car in need of serious engine work.

All I'm saying is dig a little deeper on the cx-7

HTH,

[CaptSmethwick]

I've owned 3 Mazdas over the years and think their current lineup is one of the best looking out there. Nevertheless, I'd have to agree with the recommendation to avoid the CX-7.

[careener]

I'd piçk the Highlander.
What about a Ford TaurusX? They're pretty roomy.

[smacd]

What's your budget? There are other vehicles that are just as good, and maybe cheaper.

Thanks for the input everyone.
Budget is CND$25,000 tax in, give or take. We'd like something large enough to handle the 4 of us, including our 6ft 2in and still growing 13 year old, plus 4 good size suitcases. We put an average of 23,000km per year on our '97 Villager van which was bought 2 years old with 67,000km on it. Most driving is highway. It's important to have good rear access and drop down seats. We have a small resort and make a monthly trip to a larger centre to stock up on essentials for the business.

[ThePointblank]

Thanks for the input everyone.
Budget is CND$25,000 tax in, give or take. We'd like something large enough to handle the 4 of us, including our 6ft 2in and still growing 13 year old, plus 4 good size suitcases. We put an average of 23,000km per year on our '97 Villager van which was bought 2 years old with 67,000km on it. Most driving is highway. It's important to have good rear access and drop down seats. We have a small resort and make a monthly trip to a larger centre to stock up on essentials for the business.

How about a brand new Chevy Equinox or a GMC Terrain? If you want something bigger, try locating a 2007/2008 Saturn Outlook or a GMC Acadia.

[onecoolloser]

How about a brand new Chevy Equinox or a GMC Terrain? If you want something bigger, try locating a 2007/2008 Saturn Outlook or a GMC Acadia.

+1 I've been hearing good things about the 2010 Equinox.

[smacd]

Isn't the 2010 Equinox a major redesign?

[ThePointblank]

Isn't the 2010 Equinox a major redesign?

Yes. Uses the GM Theta platform, but it is stiffened version compared to the first gen Equinox. Fuel economy also improved as well. Worth a look in any case.

[smacd]

I'd really like to stay away from any first runs. That's why I'm looking at an 08 CX-7 (apparently the turbo problem that caused the white smoke was resolved in mid '08) Also, the Equinox is configuring at a start of $27,500 for the bare bones + tax of $3300. Can't justify that much. The other 2 I should be able to get OTR for $25000, if bought south.

[blackmoon69]

ill go with the highlander reliability and roomy size as well. one thing about the cx-7 the styling looks great but with the rotary engine ill stay awy from it.
a brand new 2010 equinox is not that bad coz its getting good reviews.

[smacd]

CX-7 has a 4 cylinder turbo, not rotary. Leaning toward the Highlander, but may wait until July when the HST comes into effect. It's a claimable vehicle for our business, so the pst component then becomes an ITC, rather than just a deduction from income. That way, we might be able to go up a model year to 2008 which seems to be a bit nicer looking/efficient.