Wow, "LS400 beater". That's definitely big dog status
Let me know when it's for sale.

 

I would actually be very interested in a new LS430 Ultra, except that my RWD GS has already proven itself totally unsatisfactory for driving in winter weather conditions. That's what driving me toward a FWD or AWD vehicle. As much as everyone at ClubLexus seems to love RWD for its performance characteristics, it's quite a pain in the kiester to me that you can't seem to buy a decent car that's not RWD.

That Subaru looks very station wagon-ish, but I will keep my eyes open for its U.S. release.

Can anyone figure out why Rovers sell for so much (and people buy them) if they are really such pieces of garbage?

 

Its all about the name, think about it. They were probably the first "SUV" next to hummers. I don't care for them too boxie for my style. JMO
Recently purchased a RX300, Love it so far more like a car ride that is what I was looking for. again JMO, Good luck with what evere you decide!

 

I know I'll get shredded for this, but I just bought a VW Touareg. It is loaded out with climate control in four seat positions, air suspension, Nappa leather, rear and center lockers. But, the best part is the engine. It's a twin turbocharged V-10 diesel with tuned direct injection and 310 horspower and 550+(can't remember exact number) ft-lbs. of torque!!!! It performs real well and can tow over 7,500 pounds. I bet the engine could pull WAY more than that if it was in a vehicle with a bigger frame. I get 23 mpg and it's as quiet as my LX470. Not quite as smooth or as big, but with air suspension, it raises up quite high compared to what my LX did. The vehicles you mentioned are all good. I would certainly give the Touareg a look. Supposedly, with a performance chip (not yet available), it will get real close to Cayenne performance. I've heard great things about the V8 as well. Avoid the V6 apparently.

Doc C

 

Hey Doc,

Congrats on the T-rex purchase...esp the V10 TDI. That engine is a beast! Please let me know how the T-rex treats you bc I've heard way too many horror stories; I personally hope nothing goes wrong for you. If VW's quality was improved, I'd have to give that V10 a serious look over or maybe 10 .

Thanks..

 

I've drivin the Infiniti fx and it handles like a sport sedan, its got great power too, and I only tested the 35 rather than the 45, but the interior materials just arnt what they should be for a car of that price and brand and the blind spots are horrible. I havnt driven any of the others except the x5 4.4 which my father owns. Its extremely quick for an SUV (6.7 0-60 *motortrend long term test) and is very smooth. I know everyone says the reliablitity is horrible but we havnt had a single problem yet. Its been a great car.....handling is excelent. Overall its a great car and the interior is well treated with wood and has no fit and finish problems. Personally when I buy an SUV someday it will most likely be a lexus, I've driven the rx300 and I love the smooth ride and comfort, cant be beat.

 

I'm with Dave GS4 here......Subaru really makes some excellent products in this category. They have a simple, reliable, well-proved AWD system that is designed for just what you indicated ...primarily on-road use, with some limited off-road capacity. Their reliability levels have been close to Honda-Toyota standards. They are relatively inexpensive...generally below 30K, unless you get the top-line L.L. Beans and VSC's which run about 32K. Unless you want the sportiness and power of the WRX hatchback (and the WRX's hi-perf tires are not very good in snow), I'd say look first at the larger Legacy-based Outback...it will meet most or all of your SUV needs and still give reasonably good gas mileage. If you can live with something a little smaller, get the Impreza-based Forester or Outback Sport and get even better gas mileage. The Forester is a little more comfortable.....the Outback Sport has a stiff ride. If you want a little more power, the Forester comes in a Turbo version.....and a new Legacy and Outback is coming this fall, also with a turbo option.

 

get the butt ugly one,,,, it;s premium and it'll be in in front of the club or the gym or the restaurant u go to. prolly even the starbucks

 

Hey Doc C. Thanks for bringing this from the dead ('03). Well Iceman, have you made a purchase yet?
We are in a VERY situation like you. We're looking for premium SUVs (but with third row [so no X5, Porsche chili pepper, Land Rovers, FX, ToeRag {just being funny-not idiotic}) . No domestics b/c too big and not really premiums. Sorry, but no Germans either b/c either they're unreliable or just costly to fix. We still have our 2001 MB S500 and with only 10k miles, we brought the car in for SRS trouble, ac not that cold anymore, driver seat was loose, and they also did some fine combing and found the some of the airmatics equipment/accessory related needed to be replaced. Thank goodness for warranty. No wagons b/c it's still a car-based. We test drove the QX 56. We're pretty impressed with the handling the interior somewhat Premium??? Not really after you sit in the Lexus.
So, back to Lexus. Either LX or GX. As a matter of fact, if the hybrids are out NOW, then no questions about this.

 

Im offended by the ls beater...

 

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Well I don't think theres anything else out that will fit what your looking for, all the ones you put down are all the ones that are in font of the foo foo resturants (Hummer/ BMW/ ML/ Rovers/ Escalades etc) So for now its either Lexus RX/GX/LX or nothing. Even though the LX is somewhat out dated my Pearl white with crome wheels still manage to find its way in the hearts of valet parkers of fine resturants in Beverly Hills. Yes right next to many of the above mentioned SUVs and Bentley's mind you, Oh and out front to. I really dont think you have to worry about image too much with the LX not quite yet. You can always trade it you know..

 

No, we're not really seriously looking; more for fun at this point. Lately my fancy has been tickled (for some strange reason) by the IS300 SportCross...

 

i would go for MDX,

if you dont want your car blend in the crowd, you can always mod your car