Having a 3rd-row SUV did not make me a NON-family enthusiast, IMO.

That’s why they have them, for an alternative solution to a van, for a family.

My kiddos have survived and have thrived despite me not having a van.

It’s all good. Again, to each their own.

 

I think you're over emphasizing the importance of the ease of a minivan here lol. Many people have children and drive sedans...a minivan isn't a requirement to have a happy and healthy life with children, its a great tool and makes driving them around easier but its not like we are sacrificing our childrens wellbeing or safety by chosing a more stylish and appealing vehicle over outright utility. Everything in life is a balance and for some utility is the most important thing, and for others utility can take a backseat for other considerations.

MDX has more third row legroom than an RX-L for sure. Issue with the RX-L is it wasn't designed to be three row, they shoehorned it in there. The TX is a MUCH better 3 row vehicle than an RX-L.

 

Well stated, thank you.

I thought so.

Maybe the 450-L would be a better choice for Josh, as opposed to the 350-L as I think he’s narrowed it down to those and isn’t considering a TX or GX.

 

My main pushback was on “van mom”. It’s an absolutely idiotic turn of phrase.

 

Point taken and Duly noted.

In my defense I did say…

 

We use our Sienna for travel. Call the wife, me and dog anything ya like. Priorities are comfort and convenience along with tons of room while cruising down the highway.

 

I think he picked up an E class Mercedes after the fusion experiment. Fusion was nice. It reminded me of a baby jaguar first time I saw it.

On the fusion just imagine it dying on you on the highway in busy DFW traffic.

He did used to call my tundra boring as well most Toyotas/lexus. Then after the E350 he bought 2 boring GS Lexus😆.

 

Dropping my kids at school - i see maybe 5% of the cars that are minivans, 90% are large SUVs and another 5% are sedans/coupes.

Most ppl have an Escalade or Suburban where i live if they need minivan type room.

 

so you’re strongly considering a GLS which has neither PHEV nor is a minivan. makes sense. your wife must be really understanding. 🤣

indeed. my uncle/aunt don’t have kids at home now but love their minivan for their snowbird trips to and from ontario to and from florida or georgia. they load up with TONS of stuff. very convenient.

wow, triggered much. i’m sure you’ve labeled the drivers of at least a vehicle or two over time?

image is important.

 

I'm actually warming up to the idea of a mini van.

Don't need one but being able to bring big stuff home (as needed) would be nice.

Especially if they're easy to drive (like a car) and visibility to park is good.

 

as a ‘do it all’ vehicle they really are unbeatable.

 

I have a 2013 a4 allroad with over 200k miles still going strong.. roadtrip it, track it, go on canyon drives, daily, everything!

I'm indecisive on what to get next.. I really really want to get an E92 M3 with single hump interior next, but I also wouldn't mind a '13-16 RS 5 Coupe.

Alternatively, if Audi decided to bring the upcoming RS 5 Avant to the states I just may save up for that. We shall see.

I was also really interested by the EV Lexus IS wagon concept that was shown late 2021... but now I can see those concepts were nothing but just Calty design exercises unfortunately.

 

She likes the GLS too, I was surprised! That’s probably the only non PHEV vehicle we would consider. Honestly as much as I like it I do really want to keep a PHEV, hopefully the refresh will have one. It’s also very expensive so we’ll see. $3K of lease payments is a lot of money to spend on cars.

Very easy to drive and park. Also enormous interior volume.

 

I had to make this decision twice in the 18 months. First a driver ran a stop sign and totaled my beloved 2004 BMW 330i ZHP with Dinan mods. After a four month fight with insurance I bought a new Subaru WRX Premium. I wanted a MT and a high fun/dollar vehicle. Thoroughly enjoying it, but isn’t is not the same as my 330I.

Then we started having multiple expensive mechanical issues with my wife’s 2013 Mercedes GLK350. Got totally frustrated with MB corporate and local dealer so sold it the week it got out of the shop. We bought a 2025 NX350 premium. This is a great vehicle for us, and fit, finish and build is really great.

we should be set for a long time as we buy cars to drive a long, long time, and maintain them better than factory recommendations. Our beater is a 2001 4Runner that just turned 200k. We change fluids, keep good tires on it and change the timing belt every 100k. We don’t put many miles on it anymore, and it never goes any further that getting us to the airport long term parking lot.

I’d love to have a 911. But knowing me I would never drive it.

 

100% 😂
Nobody wants to be caught driving a minivan or station wagon lol
Vehicles are a fashion statement, how else do you explain the popularity of Gwagon or Jeep Wrangler which are terrible to drive.

I still remember the movie Get Shorty when Travolta’s character tried to make minivans cool. GM must of paid a lot for that advertising!