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OT: Anyone bought an SUV lately?

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Old 07-27-2012 | 11:39 AM
  #46  
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I bet you end up with the Volvo XC60....

Its a nice compact SUV.
Old 07-27-2012 | 02:46 PM
  #47  
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As someone who test drives vehicles for a living I would place these three in order based on price:
-2013 Acura RDX is a the best value in the premium crossover market. Fantastic reliability and overall functionality.
-Jeep Grand Cherokee. The V6 is a good way to go, almost 300hp and first rate interior materials. Don't get the adaptive air suspension unless you go off road.
-VW Touareg TDI. The best of the bunch but expensive.

The first two you should be able to buy new for the price you are quoting but the TDI will more than likely need to be a year old, make sure to buy the 2012 model, not the older first generation one.
Old 07-27-2012 | 02:56 PM
  #48  
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I traded in my Lincoln Navigator last Friday for a 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited with Special Appearence Package. Brilliant Brown Pearl, Saddle Brown Leather, Moonroof, Navigation, HK Audio---it has lots of bells and whistles. I had a trailer hitch installed this week for my Coleman Vera Trailer---camping storage hauler. Really cool color (a deep chocolate cherry) and the 2013 Outback is a much more refined vehicle from the previous models.

Big improvement (engine and CVT) over the 2012 2.5i Premium model I had. Subaru did a nice makeover in 2013--suspension, grill, CVT 2nd generation, more HP, to name a few.

You cant drive a 3 blocks in Utah without seeing a handful of Outbacks.
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Old 07-27-2012 | 03:03 PM
  #49  
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Try a new Jeep Grand cherokee, I have a 2011 with the hemi. One of the most refined and comfortable vehicles I have owned, it really punches above it's price range when you look at features, build quality, and capability. You can almost get a new top of the line overland for your price range. The hemi is thirsty no doubt, but can still knock down 19-20mpg on the highway, and pull whatever you need to, it and the trans are proven 1/2 ton truck components, with a 100k drivetrain warranty. The air suspension has had some teething pains, but when it works well it's wonderful, it is not a must though.

Mine at work/play
Old 07-27-2012 | 03:39 PM
  #50  
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I just put a deposit for a JX35. It fits my requirements close enough. The fold flat second and third row seats makes for a nice bed on camping trips. It has this intuitive sliding second row that allows you access to the third row if you have a baby seat installed (I dont have family though). The only negatives are the uninspired engine and infiniti first CVT (but at least it gets 18/24mpg).



Old 07-27-2012 | 05:55 PM
  #51  
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Best SUV ever...

Old 07-27-2012 | 06:18 PM
  #52  
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I dig Land Cruisers, but I think that size is bigger than what we're looking for.
Old 07-28-2012 | 12:24 AM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by ttw18
My wife has a CPO Acura MDX. I think that it is the best looking SUV out there. It has Honda reliability and comes standard with many high end features. The MDX is AWD, comes with fold-down 3rd row seating. It drives more like a car than others that I test drove. Nice handling and comfortable. Couldn't be happier with it.
I bought my MDX new in 2008. No repairs, just maintenance. Check out our Consumer Report, they list it every year at the top. It meets all your needs, unless you don't like the styling.
Old 07-28-2012 | 01:25 AM
  #54  
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Got my wife last month a CRV with all options. Pretty comfortable, easy to drive, tons of nice features and reliable. I get about 25 mpg, you can get 31 if you watch your speed on the highway.
Only downside is to me very boring to drive, I mean it is a Honda as exciting as a washing machine.
Old 07-28-2012 | 11:59 AM
  #55  
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I have owned SUV's for quite a few years and downsizing wasnt an issue from the traditional tank Im used to having. Generally speaking, driving for me is dropping off my kid at camp/school going to the grocery store, and running errands. My main travel transportation is an airplane for distances over 3 hours. If I had a few more kids, buying a boat, a larger SUV would be on the radar. Besides, nothing beats a 1977 Ford Bronco Sport!!

The last thing I did with my Lincoln Navigator before I traded it in was it in the 3rd row seat---which I have never done. Damn, its a big SUV!! Loved the space and room but I never experienced the vehicle other than in the drivers seat. The Navigator inhaled gas--averaged about 12mpg and my Outback is averaging 26mpg (its slated for 24 in the City/30 on the highway)

Thinking about getting rid of my 993 now---it sits a lot and getting the 8 year itch for something different.
Old 07-29-2012 | 10:17 AM
  #56  
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If you can live with an Escape, 2012's have over $4500 in incentives right now to get them off the lots. I got a GMC Terrain SLT at the beginning of the year and pretty much want to get rid of it. I miss my Mariner Hybrid, sigh.
Old 07-29-2012 | 11:00 AM
  #57  
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I test drove an '05 Cayenne Turbo yesterday. Go try one. Make sure the coolant pipes are done and buy one. My god they are fast!
Old 07-29-2012 | 01:11 PM
  #58  
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Don't buy a 1st generation Cayenne....ask me how I know.
Old 07-29-2012 | 07:27 PM
  #59  
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Bro-in-law loved their Grand Cherokee ...unitl it got older with mielage. Bad news IMHO/experience. Tried the Liberty and Patriot: interiors were plasticky and I personally couldn't get along with the ergonomics.

The Mazda 7 and 9 are superb SUVs and my bro almost got one (as we had test-driven many). He decided otherwise, but both drove great and interiors/handling felt very good overall. And I think Mazda on the whole has done stellar work these days so reliability should be excellent.

I am done with Hondas since they screwed me on my Odyssey transmission. There is a NorthAmerica Class-action lawsuit for Odysseys/Pilot/Acura (can't remember which suv) trannies and Honda screwed us and counteless others, refusing to own up or even help. I will not support a company that will not support a loyal (now past tense) customer.

Toyota: any of them. Between me, friends, and family, over the decades, these cars and trucks are simply comfortable and superbly reliable. Clearly lots to choose from here.

Currently have a Volvo XC90 from '04. Towed the trackmeister for a while, and thoroughly family-tested over the years: simply bulletproof and amazingly comfortable. Easily one of the most comfortable SUV interiors around short of the ultra-lux ones, and the seats are superb over long trips ...those Volvo guys really know how to make an interior that's fits the human body (instead of so many others I've tried that look good, but don't feel all that good as miles accumulate). Oh, BTW, long-time Vovlo guy here, turbo and NA, coupe and wagon, and simply love them for all the superb functionality, comfort, and reliability over the many models we've owned. And there's that "safe" thing: I have one daughter who is right up on driving age (and another girl and boy right behind) and our XC90 will definitely be fulfilling that role when the time comes.

Edward
Old 07-29-2012 | 08:10 PM
  #60  
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I'm firmly in the Toyota\Lexus camp. I have owned 4 Land Cruisers and could not be happier with them. I only sold them because I wanted to try a different one out. Legendary reliability that simply cannot be beat. Seating for 8, plenty of space for dogs (I have 2), towing capability, go anywhere capability and if you get the Lexus LX they are plenty stylish. I personally do not feel the Land Cruiser is that large of vehicle. If you want something a little bit smaller the 4Runner/GX470 (or GX460) is an excellent option as well. Obviously I lean toward the true 4x4 side of the SUV market, so I'm a bit biased in that respect. I recently purchased an '04 LX470 in your price range with 40K miles. My wife loves it more than I ever thought she would. She hates driving and every time we go somewhere in it she wants to drive!

The only other SUV that really intrigues me is the Merc G500.





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