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What vehicles did you consider / come from when buying your Telluride?

Wife came from a 2011 VW Jetta SEL. Nice little car for 9 years, but we have 3 kids and wanted another 3rd row, along with my 4Runner.
It was between this and the Atlas. When she drove both, the Ride blew the Atlas away for her. It ended up being an easy decision, thankfully. I’m tired of working on VW’s, when it gets to that point. Special tools and bits you must buy to do normal maintenance.
 
I drive a 2004 Acura TL, so I've been looking at cars passively for... a while. We have a toddler and I'm pregnant, so I know the TL's days would be numbered even if it weren't old as sh... However I LOVE my TL, its "fully loaded" which means it has navi, heated seats and bluetooth calling, which for 2004 was pretty slick.

Car shopping has been a trip. Literally everything I drive is more high-tech than my car. Before I knew I was pregnant I looked at the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Toyota Rav-4. I was heavily leaning towards the RDX. Once I found out about this bonus baby I knew we'd need to size up to be comfortable long term, and I know I will keep whatever I buy until it dies/my toddler wants it. My criteria were under 50K, 3 rows, and as many safety features as possible.

I looked at the Lexus RX350L. I found the third row to be essentially worthless, and wouldn't suit our needs, the drive was muddy and the tech was kinda dated. The Acura MDX was very nice but my local acura dealership pissed my off by charging me $160 to tell me my TL's power steering is going out, and not also just putting a $8 bottle of steering fluid in the car which completely solved the issue for now. The tech was good on the MDX but I really liked the HUD on the BMW X5 but didn't want to deal with beamer maintenance costs and the run-flat tire thing. All of my friends with beamers said "don't do it". I just can't get over the grill on the Pallisade - and tbh I thought the Q7 and XC90 were probably out of my price range once I built them. So, telluride it is.
I'm right there with you. I have a three year old and a newborn as well as three large dogs (one is 16 so we soon have two large dogs). My GX, even though it is a '16 is ancient tech, a gas guzzler, and is now cramped with two baby seats and my wife squeezing in the middle row (3rd is useless). I figured and three-row will fix that issue. I have a Telluride on order (actually two). However, since there is such a long lead time for the one I want, I started looking around. See my math on post 74 as to how the XC90 Hybrid actually comes out to around the same price once you get past the sticker shock. Just food for thought.

I usually don't lease either but I'm considering it with that vehicle as they are discounting even more aggressively for leases and it there are reliability issues, the three year lease is all under warranty and maintenance included so you can just walk away and get a used Telluride once they depreciate.
 
Wife came from a 2011 VW Jetta SEL. Nice little car for 9 years, but we have 3 kids and wanted another 3rd row, along with my 4Runner.
It was between this and the Atlas. When she drove both, the Ride blew the Atlas away for her. It ended up being an easy decision, thankfully. I’m tired of working on VW’s, when it gets to that point. Special tools and bits you must buy to do normal maintenance.
The Atlas looks pretty from the outside but once you start peeling back the layers, it is really a terrible vehicle.
 
See my math on post 74 as to how the XC90 Hybrid actually comes out to around the same price once you get past the sticker shock. Just food for thought.
We have a big dog too - the third row is very important! Yes, I did see that and since I also have a bit of a wait on my telluride I have continued to look online - I worry about reliability with the Volvo, and leasing isn't something that would work for me but is a good option for a lot of people i'm sure. I do wonder if I should have more closly considered a Highlander... I only mentioned the cars I test drove. This thread is making me overthink things!
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I drive a 2004 Acura TL, so I've been looking at cars passively for... a while. We have a toddler and I'm pregnant, so I know the TL's days would be numbered even if it weren't old as sh... However I LOVE my TL, its "fully loaded" which means it has navi, heated seats and bluetooth calling, which for 2004 was pretty slick.

Car shopping has been a trip. Literally everything I drive is more high-tech than my car. Before I knew I was pregnant I looked at the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Toyota Rav-4. I was heavily leaning towards the RDX. Once I found out about this bonus baby I knew we'd need to size up to be comfortable long term, and I know I will keep whatever I buy until it dies/my toddler wants it. My criteria were under 50K, 3 rows, and as many safety features as possible.

I looked at the Lexus RX350L. I found the third row to be essentially worthless, and wouldn't suit our needs, the drive was muddy and the tech was kinda dated. The Acura MDX was very nice but my local acura dealership pissed my off by charging me $160 to tell me my TL's power steering is going out, and not also just putting a $8 bottle of steering fluid in the car which completely solved the issue for now. The tech was good on the MDX but I really liked the HUD on the BMW X5 but didn't want to deal with beamer maintenance costs and the run-flat tire thing. All of my friends with beamers said "don't do it". I just can't get over the grill on the Pallisade - and tbh I thought the Q7 and XC90 were probably out of my price range once I built them. So, telluride it is.
You will be impressed.
 
Came from a 2016 Sportage LX, and only wanted the Telluride. I will admit I looked at a couple Palisade, since the Telly seemed so hard to come by. But ultimately decided to wait. Ended up driving ~6 hours to get my Telly, and couldn't be happier.
 
Thought about a Telly, but pretty sure I’m going with a 21 Yukon with the Duramax. We need the space, and I’m intrigued with 25 to 30 miles per gallon in an SUV this big. It’s also just a more robust vehicle all the way around, and an excellent hwy vehicle that has 500+ mile range....
 
I'm right there with you. I have a three year old and a newborn as well as three large dogs (one is 16 so we soon have two large dogs). My GX, even though it is a '16 is ancient tech, a gas guzzler, and is now cramped with two baby seats and my wife squeezing in the middle row (3rd is useless). I figured and three-row will fix that issue. I have a Telluride on order (actually two). However, since there is such a long lead time for the one I want, I started looking around. See my math on post 74 as to how the XC90 Hybrid actually comes out to around the same price once you get past the sticker shock. Just food for thought.

I usually don't lease either but I'm considering it with that vehicle as they are discounting even more aggressively for leases and it there are reliability issues, the three year lease is all under warranty and maintenance included so you can just walk away and get a used Telluride once they depreciate.
How's this going to work out with captains chairs and two baby seats? Assuming that is what you'll have.
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Thought about a Telly, but pretty sure I’m going with a 21 Yukon with the Duramax. We need the space, and I’m intrigued with 25 to 30 miles per gallon in an SUV this big. It’s also just a more robust vehicle all the way around, and an excellent hwy vehicle that has 500+ mile range....
Oh...........the new Yukon's are getting the Duramax??
 
How's this going to work out with captains chairs and two baby seats? Assuming that is what you'll have.
I know you weren’t replying to me but I’m planning to do the same - car seats in each of the captains chairs. My parents keep a car seat in their highlander with second row captains chairs. It works just fine and I would think you’d just have to walk around to the other side of the car to put the other kiddo in.

As far as the big dog(s), for me the cargo space is large enough to hold her and keep the third row up, but on long trips I’d put the third row down and throw her bed in the back and she’d be fine.

What is your concern with car seats in each captain chair? I’m really curious because maybe there is something I hadn’t considered.
 
Thought about a Telly, but pretty sure I’m going with a 21 Yukon with the Duramax. We need the space, and I’m intrigued with 25 to 30 miles per gallon in an SUV this big. It’s also just a more robust vehicle all the way around, and an excellent hwy vehicle that has 500+ mile range....
Those do look really nice. Don't those run $75k+?
 
I know you weren’t replying to me but I’m planning to do the same - car seats in each of the captains chairs. My parents keep a car seat in their highlander with second row captains chairs. It works just fine and I would think you’d just have to walk around to the other side of the car to put the other kiddo in.

As far as the big dog(s), for me the cargo space is large enough to hold her and keep the third row up, but on long trips I’d put the third row down and throw her bed in the back and she’d be fine.

What is your concern with car seats in each captain chair? I’m really curious because maybe there is something I hadn’t considered.
Madmike indicated his wife can't fit in between the baby seats in the GX. Captains chairs don't resolve that situation.
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Those do look really nice. Don't those run $75k+?
They do, but I’m not getting any younger, this could be one of the last great vehicles I have as I keep them a while. And if I don’t spend it my kids darn sure will. It’s a little bit different class of vehicle than the Telluride, but at this point in time I’m thinking about giving it a try.... as you get older, not everything you do has to make fiscal sense.....
 
They do, but I’m not getting any younger, this could be one of the last great vehicles I have as I keep them a while. And if I don’t spend it my kids darn sure will. It’s a little bit different class of vehicle than the Telluride, but at this point in time I’m thinking about giving it a try.... as you get older, not everything you do has to make fiscal sense.....
I hear you.
 
Madmike indicated his wife can't fit in between the baby seats in the GX. Captains chairs don't resolve that situation.

Hi. I mentioned that two baby seats and the wife on a second bench row is cramped. I didn't say anything about the wife between them. In the GX we have the toddler all the way to the right, the baby seat on the hump, and my wife on the left.

Here is how captains chairs fix it:
Toddler seat in the way back. She is on her tablet and is fine and happy. Baby seat in the right captains chair. Mommy in the left captains chair so she can tend to the baby and the toddler in the back. When mommy is driving with just the baby, she can still reach the baby seat from the driver's. If we take the dogs to the lake on the boat (10 minutes away) I move the toddler to the second row and fold down the third. They are two large pit bulls after all.

I went with this accessory to stop the dogs from coming up through the captains chair (especially when wet) and reeking havoc as well as a factory rubber seat back mat.


Why did I just link a Volvo accessory?

I pulled the trigger today on a XC90 T8 Inscription. Long story but the options, price, and color were right. I leased with the option to CPO at the end for an additional $800 then it would come with a 100k mile warranty. If it sucks or breaks a lot, I walk away. Low payments and all the bells and whistles except massaging seats, B&W audio, or self-leveling suspension. I drove a couple today and loved the tech and feel. The lack of arm rest didn't really bother me bother me (I'm driving anyway). The whole thing felt planted on the road and the acceleration was impressive for what it is. I got the dealer to cut me a break on that nifty trailer hitch and throw in that divider and rubber mat for free.

Why lease? Unknown reliability (could be hit and miss), I tend to keep cars for 2-3 years anyway, tech in cars is changing so fast I think I will want the new thing in 3 years, I can always buy it out at the end with a minimal financial hit, low monthly payments, lease runs during factory maintenance period so minimal running expenses (especially with the hybrid). Overall, I'm happy with my decision. If I decide I want a Telluride in 3 years, I'm sure I can get one cheap on the secondary market.

Even if you are not in the market for one, go sit in a XC90 Inscription (the Inscription Expression is lower end) and experience the interior. Stitched leather dash and sun visors, soft touch plastic and felt everywhere even the lower door cards. Amazing open pore wood that is just striking. Uncluttered design. All switch gear is heavy and feels good with metal or crystal material. Best of all (and this is often overlooked) the carpet material is awesome. I know it sounds trivial but budget brands often overlook this detail and the carpet on the backs of the seats starts to look ragged after a year (this happened in my CX-9 Signature.)

Anyway, no hate from this forum (hopefully). I still plan on perhaps owning a Telluride some day but for now I found something that I like a little more and which I think fits my needs (and wants) well. Oh, and the color is Pine Grey Metallic which is actually similar to Dark Moss.
 
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Hi. I mentioned that two baby seats and the wife on a second bench row is cramped. I didn't say anything about the wife between them. In the GX we have the toddler all the way to the right, the baby seat on the hump, and my wife on the left.

Here is how captains chairs fix it:
Toddler seat in the way back. She is on her tablet and is fine and happy. Baby seat in the right captains chair. Mommy in the left captains chair so she can tend to the baby and the toddler in the back. When mommy is driving with just the baby, she can still reach the baby seat from the driver's. If we take the dogs to the lake on the boat (10 minutes away) I move the toddler to the second row and fold down the third. They are tow large pit bulls after all.

I went with this accessory to stop the dogs from coming up through the captains chair (especially when wet) and reeking havoc as well as a factory rubber seat back mat.


Why did I just link a Volvo accessory?

I pulled the trigger today on a XC90 T8 Inscription. Long story but the options, price, and color were right. I leased with the option to CPO at the end for an additional $800 then it would come with a 100k mile warranty. If it sucks or breaks a lot, I walk away. Low payments and all the bells and whistles except massaging seats, B&W audio, or self-leveling suspension. I drove a couple today and loved the tech and feel. The lack of arm rest didn't really bother me bother me (I'm driving anyway). The whole thing felt planted on the road and the acceleration was impressive for what it is. I got the dealer to gut me a break on that nifty trailer hitch and throw in that divider and rubber mat for free.

Why lease? Unknown reliability (could be hit and miss), I tend to keep cars for 2-3 years anyway, tech in cars is changing so fast I think I will want the new thing in 3 years, I can always buy it out at the end with a minimal financial hit, low monthly payments, lease runs during factory maintenance period so minimal running expenses (especially with the hybrid). Overall, I'm happy with my decision. It I decide I want a Telluride in 3 years, I'm sure I can get one cheap on the secondary market.

Even if you are not in the market for one, go sit in a XC90 Inscription (the Inscription Expression is lower end) and experience the interior. Stitched leather dash and sun visors, soft touch plstic and felt everywhere even the lower door cards. Amazing open pore wood that is just striking. Uncluttered design. All switch gear is heavy and feels good with metal or crystal material. Best of all (and this is often overlooked) the carpet material is awesome. I know it sounds trivial but budget brands often overlook this detail and the carpet on the backs of the seats starts to look ragged after a year (this happened in my CX-9 Signature.

Anyway, no hate from this form (hopefully). I still plan on perhaps owning a Telluride some day but for now I found something that I like a little more and which I think fits my needs (and wants) well. Oh, and the color is Pine Grey Metallic which is actually similar to Dark Moss.
Congrats and best of luck! I was torn on the XC90 myself before deciding on the Telluride. Great looking SUV.
______________________________
 
I pulled the trigger today on a XC90 T8 Inscription. Long story but the options, price, and color were right. I leased with the option to CPO at the end for an additional $800 then it would come with a 100k mile warranty. If it sucks or breaks a lot, I walk away. Low payments and all the bells and whistles except massaging seats, B&W audio, or self-leveling suspension. I drove a couple today and loved the tech and feel. The lack of arm rest didn't really bother me bother me (I'm driving anyway). The whole thing felt planted on the road and the acceleration was impressive for what it is. I got the dealer to gut me a break on that nifty trailer hitch and throw in that divider and rubber mat for free.

Why lease? Unknown reliability (could be hit and miss), I tend to keep cars for 2-3 years anyway, tech in cars is changing so fast I think I will want the new thing in 3 years, I can always buy it out at the end with a minimal financial hit, low monthly payments, lease runs during factory maintenance period so minimal running expenses (especially with the hybrid). Overall, I'm happy with my decision. It I decide I want a Telluride in 3 years, I'm sure I can get one cheap on the secondary market.

Even if you are not in the market for one, go sit in a XC90 Inscription (the Inscription Expression is lower end) and experience the interior. Stitched leather dash and sun visors, soft touch plstic and felt everywhere even the lower door cards. Amazing open pore wood that is just striking. Uncluttered design. All switch gear is heavy and feels good with metal or crystal material. Best of all (and this is often overlooked) the carpet material is awesome. I know it sounds trivial but budget brands often overlook this detail and the carpet on the backs of the seats starts to look ragged after a year (this happened in my CX-9 Signature.

Anyway, no hate from this form (hopefully). I still plan on perhaps owning a Telluride some day but for now I found something that I like a little more and which I think fits my needs (and wants) well. Oh, and the color is Pine Grey Metallic which is actually similar to Dark Moss.
NICE. Buying the same build but in dark metallic this weekend - and buying it outright with an extra 5 yrs warranty - once you sit in Inscription, there's truly no going back.
 
NICE. Buying the same build but in dark metallic this weekend - and buying it outright with an extra 5 yrs warranty - once you sit in Inscription, there's truly no going back.
That is another great color and I was torn between the two.
 
NICE. Buying the same build but in dark metallic this weekend - and buying it outright with an extra 5 yrs warranty - once you sit in Inscription, there's truly no going back.
Like an idiot, I did not realize that you don't get the $5,500 tax credit with a lease, which I need to make the numbers work. So, I went back to the dealer and said I need to buy but I need another $1,400 off to make it work. Awaiting their reply. have two other dealers wanting my business if they say no.

Edit: they agreed to take it off but I lose the nifty pet divider. This means about $15k off a MSRP of $75,575 or almost 20% off. I guess I can buy my own pet divider. I saw it on the show room floor and thought it was cool as it snaps into anchors in the vehicle so you can install and remove in 30 seconds. Call me a sucker for things that work/fit well and are well thought out.

I would not be getting the separator, just the part that stops the wet dogs from terrorizing my children and the continuation rubber mat. This was their display on the show room floor.
 

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I am a loyal VW fan as you can tell in my signature so that being said, I was set on buying the Tiguan SE rline or Atlas SEL rline but when I kept researching I fell in love with what the Telluride offers and thinking about my kids and not just myself. For the same price range, we decided on the Telluride after test driving it. Loved how it didn’t feel like a tank and absolutely fell in love with the look in person
 




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