The Greek

I always come to you guys when I want to make a completely stupid and ridiculous decision. So, with that being said....

I have a VW GTI for work since I put around 30k miles a year on it. Have the GT3, but it's a little too rough and uncomfortable for around town. Want a cool car for weekends, dinner, etc.

Test drove a Range Rover Sport. Not in love but liked it. Kind of over the current Porsche lineup (Cayenne and Macan, 991 Cab). Test drove a G550 and absolutely fell in love with it. Anyone have any input?

nzskater

If that avatar is really you, then it is perfect

Great cars, if it ticks the boxes why not grab one.

neurotic

My dad had a G wagon AMG for a number of years. I loved it as did he. But it had a lot of electrical gremlins and the ride was not great. Very harsh and the tire noise was epic. Other than that, I'd buy one again--buuuuut these cars are now negatively associated with undesirable individuals.

audipwr1

Awesome looking, horrible to drive

The Greek

^ I know.... In Miami and Tampa its known as the athletes and rappers car.

Just loved the rawness of it, how its hand built, etc. Wouldn't be putting more than 6k miles a year on it. Cant think of any other SUV in the market that I like.

audipwr1

I did a honest look at Cayenne GTS versus G550

In the end I got the Cayenne, happy with decision.

G550 does look so bad *** though, love the build quality / look.

Igooz

I bought a new G550 for my wife in '07. We don't drive it much, but I did drive it today as I noticed the odometer cross 44,444 mi. The timing on your post is great. It has been an absolute great car and I have towed my 32' Featherlite with it. The car has been trouble free other than the Command system failing, electrical issues, leaks ...way way better than our Cayenne GTS IMO. Mileage is around 15-16. Solid car. If your wife is going to drive it see if she can actually open the door from the outside, as you have to push a push button which is too tough for some ladies...PM if any Q's. And GL.

(I think that Tscracer has one also)

Igooz

OT: I own both of these right now, and I would never recommend a Cayenne pig over the G.
Maybe we are unlucky?

audipwr1

Interesting - I thought the G550 had a weak tranny that had a 5500 tow capacity with the 7 speed box?

I didnt own both (only the GTS), so you are more informed.

GTS I find was more comfortable, towed more (to what I read/researched), more modern safety and technology, was easier to drive long distances.

Zero issues with my GTS, put in gas and drive.

I only use it on weekends basically

Igooz

^Audi, I don't mean to spin the OP's thread.
My wife owns both cars (long story) and prefers the GTS. You cannot dispute that the Porsche is a more fun and sporty car. I am just in charge of the car washes at the house and have noticed the higher maintenance and downtime on the CGTS. In fact the check engine light came on last week and we are scheduled to take it in early next year. Sorry, I am a bit jaded...

And you are right, the G550 does not ride as well as the GTS.

ilko

If you are looking for an SUV that will not be in use much the G-Wagon is a good choice. Albeit not a very comfortable one.

May I suggest a proper "wagon"? I'm enamored by our E-Class AMG Wagon. Raw when you want it, subtle when you don't. Doesn't stand out much in a crowd but the performance is incredible. It can sit 5 people comfortably and has a huge amount of cargo space. I've owned it for 2 years now and love it.

The Greek

I am single so no wife to yell at me about car choice. : ) Do love the wagons but want a SUV since I have GTI and the GT3.

And no, the avatar is not a self portrait of me. But I'll probably look like that by the time I'm 45. Feta cheese does that to a man....

hillsdonsmith

I have had an 05 G500 for 2 yrs now as DD and love it. Yes, firm ride but built like a tank. Visibility great, comfortable. Zero issues beyond the routine to date and 60k miles on it. It is the complete antithesis of my RS. The recirculating ball steering is like a sailboat's tiller in the water. A turn requires a planning committee and some early input.

I cannot visually discern between a Range Rover and Ford Expedition or a Cayenne and Hyundai SUV so they're a non flyer.

I wish I could afford an AMG version as would prefer some rumble in the jungle but the newer 550's sound pretty good.

I would wager money that you won't be posting anything negative if you buy one.

C.J. Ichiban

Gelandewagen is the top choice of Russian Gangsters. Rappers these days are in Rolls Ghost or Wraith. Athletes are in Bentleys?

I personally can't stand the G-wagen and would much rather do the E63 Wagon.

-eztrader-

I know you're not crazy about range rover, - but I just switched from a v8 range rover sport - to the SVR version, and love it!!!! To me - its the perfect DD (assuming you need it for cold weather).

Its fast - comfortable - great sounding exhaust (even has the button to open up valves) - and great seats.
Can fit tons of stuff in back -- and looks killer. Test drive an SVR if you can.