UDel

I definitely would recommend a MDX. It is the best well rounded luxury SUV out there that will be reliable and not cost a arm and a leg out of warranty.

Toys4RJill

RX350 all the way, but I think it is double the cost compared to the Rav4.

tin369

I find this forum and its members extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I want to move from the rav4 only because it does not have some of the luxury features I am looking for.

I just wished that the RX would have handled a little better and the ride was a little more engaging. I like the size and the features and the luxuriousness it has, and the saddle tan seats...haha love that color, but can't get past the drive.

I was so looking forward to the NX, but from what I have read and seen, its small, and won't have adequate cargo space.

The MDX forum has so many threads with owners complaining, but I wonder if its only the 2014 model and not the 2015. I have yet to test drive the Jeep, but it has a lot of problems too, I don't want to spend all that money and taking it to the dealer every other week.

I had a question that you may or may not be able to answer, Since I am planning to lease, do you think lexus lets buyers move in to a newer vehicle before the lease ends, or like all other manufacturer, you must wait for the lease to end.

tex2670

I don't think that's unusual. I think the owners of a particular vehicle are more likely to have complaints, as they live with a car and see flaws over time. The key is reading between the lines and figuring out if they are minor flaws or major flaws. I also think people are more likely to post about a problem they have, rather than praise.

pbm317

That's highly dependent on the dealer and whatever promotions they happen to be running at whenever you're looking to get out of your car. Why don't you just sign up for a lease period that you're comfortable with?

SW17LS

Its going to be similar in size to your Rav4, if not a little bigger. If you're okay with the size of the Rav you would be happy with the NX.

You can always trade out of a leased vehicle as long as the dealer will give you the residual buyout plus all the remaining payments. Thats true of any manufacturer.

tex2670

With the OP racking up at least 20,000 per year, he's going to have to do *something* other than just turn in the vehicle at the end of the lease....

GoHuskers

You are driving 80 miles each day, 400 miles per week, and about 20,000 miles each year...

DO NOT LEASE!!!! or the mileage penalties will eat you up.

Wait and get a NXh since you will need all the efficiency you can get.

I have gone through 2 RXes (405h and 350 both AWD) and I will NOT buy another 3rd Gen....I don't like the way it drives, too much noise, it squeaks and rattles. It also bounces a lot...

Just WAIT until you can test out the NX.

MrAM

I'm surprised by your list, especially considering the best in its class isn't there. If I had to choose one from it, it would be the Q5 or the RX.

I believe the Mazda CX-5 is the one that you want. They are an awesome car. How come you didn't consider it?

MikeP

Have you looked at the '15 Outback 3.6R? Excellent value, cargo space and safety features.

MrAM

...or there's always the Porsche Macan.

SW17LS

Not necessarily. I drive between 18,000-20,000 miles per year and I lease. I trade out at the end, and even if I did have to pay some mileage penalties at the end the tax savings and ease make it worth it for my situation.

mmarshall

How are you getting extra tax savings from a lease-penalty for over-mileage? You can deduct the regular lease payment itself on Schedule A (Itemized Deductions) if you use the car for personal business, like for a traveling-salesman or real-estate agent. But can you also deduct any penalties that the dealer socks you for at the end of the lease-term if you don't stay within mileage-limits or the wear-and-tear clause? In other words, is that also considered part of the lease-payment for tax purposes? If so, then I was not aware of it.

SW17LS

Schedule A is not the correct form. I'm self employed so my vehicle is a business expense on my Schedule C.

I'm not saying I'm getting additional tax savings from going over mileage. I'm saying that the tax savings for leasing are such that I don't really worry about going over miles.As to whether or not mileage overage is deductible, its a little grey. I'd deduct it as an expense related to use of the vehicle. You can write off repairs, washing, detailing, etc etc...mileage overage is another expense.

FWIW, I have never paid anything for mileage overage. I trade out early.

tex2670

Good gas milage too.