I need advice on a new (probably used) LARGE SUV.

So I want a new SUV. The larger the better. I will use the room. I currently have a 98 Mercury Mountaineer V8 AWD.

It is too small. I often do not have enough room to cart all of my friends around. It is paid off, needs new tires and a the balljoints replaced.

I’ve decided that is my sign to get something different, it has 110k Miles on it. Other than that, for the last 40k miles, it has been paid off and repair free!!!

I want something with a hitch, I have a boat and it needs towed. I also want a third row seat.

Gas mileage: I realize with this kind of car I will get low gas mileage. However, I would prefer to have the best fuel economy possible. This will also be my daily driver. I currently get 13 City, 17 highway.

I was looking at Suburbans, Tahoes, and Ford Excursions.

I was hoping to find something that had lower mileage that I could drive a long time. I like used, because I can get more options cheaper.

I can afford a new car, I just choose not to. I bought my current one for 7k cash. It had 60 thousand miles on it. I liked that. I do not enjoy payments. But again, I may be able to get talked into them again.

Ideally, I would like something that costs 7–15k with lower mileage. (I don’t care if it is old)

The other part of this:

Diesel or gas? I like everything I have read about the powerstroke in the 2004/2005 excursions.

However, they are the only SUV that I am aware of which has a diesel engine. Also, I read they are not good if you do a short commute every day. My question to you is, How short?

My questions:

What other SUVs have third row seats AND can tow that are in my price range?

Diesel vs gas – reality check! How do they hold up in real life? Is the gas mileage actually better?