Advice request - wagon, SUV???
01-01-2012, 02:50 PM
#17
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
I was looking at wagons and small SUVs a year ago. Wanted a German car feel, so that narrowed it down to BMW and Audi (as much as we love our previous generation E-class, the current MB wagons and SUVs are ugly inside and out, and are not at all entertaining).
And as much as I liked the concept of my old S4 wagon (V8 + manual), I did not have a great experience with the car or the local dealers. Looked hard at the Q5 and A4 Avant anyway, but found the Q5's sloping rear compromised utility, as did the A4's ground clearance (high centered th S4 a few times in Sierra snow). I have read the A4 Allroad is coming to the US in 2012, which would have been a great compromise. It would be a good alternative to the XC70...In the end, I got an X5 diesel. It is bigger than I need, and current BMWs have some UI quirks that continue to annoy me, so I don't love it. But I am addicted to the torque, and it gets the same mileage as the smaller and less powerful 2.0T Audis. I am looking forward to what Porsche does with the Cajun, and if Audi puts their 3.0TDI in the A4 Allroad, I may give them another shot.
And as much as I liked the concept of my old S4 wagon (V8 + manual), I did not have a great experience with the car or the local dealers. Looked hard at the Q5 and A4 Avant anyway, but found the Q5's sloping rear compromised utility, as did the A4's ground clearance (high centered th S4 a few times in Sierra snow). I have read the A4 Allroad is coming to the US in 2012, which would have been a great compromise. It would be a good alternative to the XC70...In the end, I got an X5 diesel. It is bigger than I need, and current BMWs have some UI quirks that continue to annoy me, so I don't love it. But I am addicted to the torque, and it gets the same mileage as the smaller and less powerful 2.0T Audis. I am looking forward to what Porsche does with the Cajun, and if Audi puts their 3.0TDI in the A4 Allroad, I may give them another shot.
great info guys, I appreciate it. sounds like Q5 deserves a look, and maybe BMW (thought there'd be more pro-Cayenne discussion, is there a lack of space?)
01-01-2012, 07:24 PM
#18
Race Director
I'm sure the GL 550 is a great vehicle with many advantages, but handling like no other SUV? You obviously haven't driven the new Cayenne, especially one with PDCC, PTV, and PASM, briskly on a back road. There would be no comparison........ 
01-01-2012, 10:50 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
I would try to talk her into the Caddy CTS-V wagon. 556 HP and a stick!
01-01-2012, 11:03 PM
#20
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With the present cars on the market, depends if you need three rows of seats or two rows. The SUV that drives the best is the Audi Q7 if you need three rows of seats. The Q5 drives like a car, but there is little space in the rear. I think the newly re-designed Cayenne is worth a look. I have driven and had all of them. The Q7 was too big, the Q5 just slightly too small and the Cayenne just right.
01-01-2012, 11:05 PM
#21
Instructor
My wife drives a 09 Subaru Tribeca and says its the safest feeling car she has ever driven, the AWD system is amazing.
On the odd occasion I have driven it, I must say it feels very solid and stable.
Value for money as well.
On the odd occasion I have driven it, I must say it feels very solid and stable.
Value for money as well.
01-02-2012, 02:13 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
interesting point though I don't think it has quite the cargo space - a must in this situation. Therefore, I don't think Mazda 3, Audi 4 or Subaru (which takes on an entirediffernt meaning here in the city) are not likely options
great info guys, I appreciate it. sounds like Q5 deserves a look, and maybe BMW (thought there'd be more pro-Cayenne discussion, is there a lack of space?)
great info guys, I appreciate it. sounds like Q5 deserves a look, and maybe BMW (thought there'd be more pro-Cayenne discussion, is there a lack of space?)
If you are considering the Cayenne, check out the Touareg as well. Both are larger than the Q5, and about the same as the X5.
01-02-2012, 02:20 PM
#23
Rennlist Member
Make sure you are ok with the sound of a diesel engine at idle on the X5. A couple parents have the X5 diesel at our kids school and I'm always thrown off by the engine sound. It's definitely not the smooth in-line six. Somehow the GL320 and other newer MB diesel cars sound more like a petrol engine.
01-02-2012, 02:50 PM
#24
Pro
Have you followed Volvo's ownership over the past few years? IIRC they were bought by Ford, and then fairly recently sold off to Geely in China. Perhaps not a big deal, and it appears to be working out a bit better for them than Saab, but I'd have a hard time buying Volvo these days given what I'd view as an uncertain future.
+1 on the X5D, though the 3.0i is a nice engine in that SUV as well.
We have a Q5 w/the 3.2 and my wife absolutely loves it. We went through 4 Audis before it, 1 A4 and 3 S4s (including 2 Avants), and the Q5 is surpisingly our favorite so far. If it's big enough for her, I'd highly recommend taking a look. A lot more "wieldy" than the X5, IMO.
If you need something bigger, don't miss taking a look @ the MDX. You might be suprised.
+1 on the X5D, though the 3.0i is a nice engine in that SUV as well.
We have a Q5 w/the 3.2 and my wife absolutely loves it. We went through 4 Audis before it, 1 A4 and 3 S4s (including 2 Avants), and the Q5 is surpisingly our favorite so far. If it's big enough for her, I'd highly recommend taking a look. A lot more "wieldy" than the X5, IMO.
If you need something bigger, don't miss taking a look @ the MDX. You might be suprised.
01-02-2012, 04:39 PM
#25
My wife and I both liked the X5. Couldn't get used to slowing down to make turns. As fun as a hulking beast can be I guess.
Had the nicest interior of any BMW and I've owned four different BMW cars.
Had the nicest interior of any BMW and I've owned four different BMW cars.
01-02-2012, 05:30 PM
#26
Three Wheelin'
Fwiw I bought my wife an Acura RDX. It has very little storage space and Gerry little back set legroom. If the Q5 is annoying like it I wouldn't even consider it. Same goes for the VW Tiguan.
Which way are you currently leaning?
Which way are you currently leaning?
01-02-2012, 05:34 PM
#27
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
The A4 actually has more cargo space than the Q5; they are built on the same platform, with the same wheelbase, but the A4 is a bit longer and has a bit less rear legroom.
If you are considering the Cayenne, check out the Touareg as well. Both are larger than the Q5, and about the same as the X5.
If you are considering the Cayenne, check out the Touareg as well. Both are larger than the Q5, and about the same as the X5.
01-02-2012, 07:19 PM
#29
Rennlist Member
I think everyone covered most cars... My preference in order is A4 Avant, Q5, Toureg, Subaru (different SUV models), then X5 TDI.