If you had to buy a SUV in the next 8-10 months what would you buy?
09-05-06, 03:47 PM
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If you had to buy a SUV in the next 8-10 months what would you buy?
OK I have a 2000 Trooper, it's from MY 00, but it's roots are probably 10+ years old.
I am planning on getting a car-based SUV, but could be talked into a truck-based SUV.
I don't care about 3-rows, either 2 or 3 rows would do, I already have a minivan.
I don't tow.
Must have AWD
I'd prefer most of the newest features (ipod, keyless-go, active headlights etc..) but can do without. But no ipod controls is a bummer.
I'm looking at a HARD price cap, under $50K no exceptions. Would prefer low-$40s but could go higher.
I'm not goingto buy for (hopefully) 6-9 months. But want to see what-all you guys think.
Right now I'm thinking the new MDX looks to be better than the RX350.
new MDX has most powerful V6 in any SUV.
Guess I'm interested in:
RX
FX
MDX
XC90 (V8)
I am planning on getting a car-based SUV, but could be talked into a truck-based SUV.
I don't care about 3-rows, either 2 or 3 rows would do, I already have a minivan.
I don't tow.
Must have AWD
I'd prefer most of the newest features (ipod, keyless-go, active headlights etc..) but can do without. But no ipod controls is a bummer.
I'm looking at a HARD price cap, under $50K no exceptions. Would prefer low-$40s but could go higher.
I'm not goingto buy for (hopefully) 6-9 months. But want to see what-all you guys think.
Right now I'm thinking the new MDX looks to be better than the RX350.
new MDX has most powerful V6 in any SUV.
Guess I'm interested in:
RX
FX
MDX
XC90 (V8)
09-05-06, 04:32 PM
#3
Out of Warranty
How do you plan to use the SUV? Long touring on the interstate, secondary roads, or urban commuting? Do you plan to take it into a serious offroad environment, camping, fishing, hunting, exploring the outback, or just a little extra insurance that you can get home when you go on dirt roads or off-pavement? If you are thinking about taking it to the beach or to snow country, you may need slightly different capabilities. How much passenger/cargo acommodation?
The reason I ask is that many people purchase an off-road vehicle when less than 1% of their driving will really require a hard-core off-roader. Most of these highly capable go-anywhere machines can be pretty wearing when driven on pavement that other 99% of the time. For me, the RX offers a good compromise of on-road manners and comfort with some soft-road capability. If you are thinking about an urban commuter, Sick's recommendation of the RX 400h is excellent - but if you are going to spend most of your time on the interstate and require a bit more real AWD capability, the RX 350 might be a better choice. The advantages of a hybrid, significant from one stoplight to the next, largely disappear out on the highway.
Among the big crossovers, MB offers a pair of options, but have not been particularly reliable in service. That's going to be a big consideration no matter what SUV you choose. Poor reliability and miserable dealer service will color your experience in very dark hues.
If your needs tilt a bit more toward towing capacity and more serious off-roading, a truck-based SUV would make more sense than a crossover. The GX and LX in the Lexus line are great choices, but run into your budget cap pretty quickly. The Jeep Commander would rank right up there - except for its reputation and possible low resale value, and the Suburban/Tahoe/Explorer can be optioned quite nicely at your price point, and have overcome many of their earlier problems.
The reason I ask is that many people purchase an off-road vehicle when less than 1% of their driving will really require a hard-core off-roader. Most of these highly capable go-anywhere machines can be pretty wearing when driven on pavement that other 99% of the time. For me, the RX offers a good compromise of on-road manners and comfort with some soft-road capability. If you are thinking about an urban commuter, Sick's recommendation of the RX 400h is excellent - but if you are going to spend most of your time on the interstate and require a bit more real AWD capability, the RX 350 might be a better choice. The advantages of a hybrid, significant from one stoplight to the next, largely disappear out on the highway.
Among the big crossovers, MB offers a pair of options, but have not been particularly reliable in service. That's going to be a big consideration no matter what SUV you choose. Poor reliability and miserable dealer service will color your experience in very dark hues.
If your needs tilt a bit more toward towing capacity and more serious off-roading, a truck-based SUV would make more sense than a crossover. The GX and LX in the Lexus line are great choices, but run into your budget cap pretty quickly. The Jeep Commander would rank right up there - except for its reputation and possible low resale value, and the Suburban/Tahoe/Explorer can be optioned quite nicely at your price point, and have overcome many of their earlier problems.
09-05-06, 04:50 PM
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I find utility in the RX and X5 and they are quite capable. The MDX is not truck based, its mini-van based, off the Odyessy. Its a good competitor in this segment though.
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09-05-06, 06:09 PM
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thanks for the replies. I don't go in mud or rocks, mostly just regular driving.
some will say we don't need an SUV, but we both have jobs (at the same place) where we need to be there even if we have 10"+ of snow. We dont get a lot of snow, but a few times a year it comes in handy where I don't trust our cars.
Guess it's too early to say about the MDX and the new X5, but not too long till they are out (I guess).
some will say we don't need an SUV, but we both have jobs (at the same place) where we need to be there even if we have 10"+ of snow. We dont get a lot of snow, but a few times a year it comes in handy where I don't trust our cars.
Guess it's too early to say about the MDX and the new X5, but not too long till they are out (I guess).
09-05-06, 07:06 PM
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09-06-06, 06:13 AM
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