Buying a new vehicle...so many options!

AsSiMiLaTeD

So I was supposed to be driving home an F-150 last week, and that didn't work out because the dealer tried to screw me (long story).

So over the weekend the wife and I started talking about it, and I think we're gonna move in a different direction altogether.

As a little background, right now we own a Toyota 4Runner (this one was built in japan so our brakes and gas pedal (presumably) work just fine and we're not part of the recall).

For those of you not familiar with the 4Runner, it's a mid-size SUV, built on a truck frame. One of the things that differentiates it in it's market is the solid rear axle, many of the other SUVs out there use an independent rear suspension. The solid rear axle is good in that it gives better ground clearance in the rear, allowing for better off-road performance of the vehicle (I believe this is why Toyota uses it in this vehicle).

The upside to the IRS used on other vehicles is that the ride is better (it's not rough on the 4Runner, but it's ride in that and then try something like an MDX and it's night and day).

We almost bought the Toureg or the MDX, but ultimately wanted something a little more 'regged' and went with the 4Runner.

I've said all that because it factors into our decision on what to buy. We're going to keep the 4Runner, so now we're wanting something of the other sort.

It's a far cry from the F-150 I know, but we're wanting something along the lines of a luxury SUV or Crossover that drives well. She likes to sit higher up when she drives, so it can't be a car, it HAS to be a SUV or Crossover that sits up off the ground a bit.

Here's the kicker, we want a high performance vehicle, and I'm not sure what my options are really. I'm not concerned about reliability AS MUCH (still needs to be safe though), if this thing breaks down we've still got the 4Runner that we can use, so it's not critical or really even a major deciding factor in this choice.

I've seen offerings from BMW, Porsche, Lincoln, Infiniti, Lexus, Audio, and Mercedez that all interest me. I realize we'll have to go out and drive them, but would like any advice or experience you guys can share before I start hitting the dealers?

I won't have time to do any serious looking until NEXT weekend, so I've got a week to get my research on and consider anything you guys have to say.

Here are a list of my requirements:

1 - SUV or Crossover
2 - High Performance, as in fun to drive, handles well, has some balls. I don't need it to do 200 MPH, but we'd like something that has some 'getup' to it and more importantly corners and handles well in general.
3 - Well apointed interior - doesn't have to be a Bentley, but we're looking for a luxury SUV
4 - Good warranty and customer service/retention program. The Lexus dealer here does all the service for free, including car washes, and they'll give you a loaner while they're doing the work (even if it's only a couple of hours). BMW has that full service warranty thing - I want something along those lines. I don't care if the thing breaks down on me, but if it does I wanna be taken care of - I'm not sure if this is a dealer or mfg service, but i want it.
5 - I'd say my max price is around $60K, I can go over if the deal is good enough, but I see no reason I shouldn't be able to get what I'm looking for at $60k.
5b - I'm going to be paying cash, so any kind of financing or leasing incentives are not going to apply to me.
6 - New or Used with very low mileage, either is fine.

concealer404

The Mercedes ML-series, as long as you stay away from the snoozer V6s, is a VERY surprising vehicle.

On my short list when i go to get another SUV is the early 2000s Mercedes ML430s, but i imagine that's a bit older than what you're looking at.

I'm not a huge fan of the BMW SUVs, but it's more of a personal taste thing, i wouldn't ignore them.

My favorite? The Infinity FX45. It's a HOOT to drive, very comfy, and plenty ballsy.

nooshinjohn

pm sent...

Jstas

I can't offer any advice because these two requirements:

1 - SUV or Crossover
2 - High Performance

are mutually exclusive.

None of them with "high performance" in mind do anything all that well. Especially since you want the high seating position.

Oh and I've seen more than one report saying that the Japanese made pedal assemblies are going to be investigated as well. Don't be surprised if you get a notice. But I don't think the 4Runner is built the same as those cars and trucks affected by the recalls.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I've heard lots of good things about the FX45, a couple of guys here have recommended that one as well.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Jstas wrote: »

I can't offer any advice because these two requirements:

1 - SUV or Crossover
2 - High Performance

are mutually exclusive.

None of them with "high performance" in mind do anything all that well. Especially since you want the high seating position.

Oh and I've seen more than one report saying that the Japanese made pedal assemblies are going to be investigated as well. Don't be surprised if you get a notice. But I don't think the 4Runner is built the same as those cars and trucks affected by the recalls.

So you're telling me that there's not one SUV out there that handles well and has some power to it?

Again, I'm not looking for something that'll do 200 MPH and know my physics well enough to know that I'm not going to get something that sits up off the ground to take corners like an NSX. I realize that a car would be a better high performance option, that's why high performance is number 2 on the list.

I don't wanna race this thing, I just want something that's fun to drive.

I hadn't heard about the japanese cars being recalled, but either way that's just a simple fix and doesn't affect this decision because the point is I still have a good vehicle as a backup.

You should be happy though because I won't be buying a Toyota . They don't make an SUV that meets my requirements, and I'm not sure if Lexus does either.

concealer404

Lexus does meet those requirements in the RX-series. They're pretty nice, i'm just not sure if it's going to meet QUITE the sporting requirements you want.

Another option: I think they're ****-ugly, but the BMW X6 is supposed to be extraordinary. I haven't driven one, but the motor is pretty awesome. I test drove a 135i a few months ago, and was floored at the smoothness and the power delivery.

The X6 is supposed to handle better than many cars.

polkatese

My wife drives a X3 and I can assure you it drives better (to me) than my 525i. It can haul its **** for sure. oh, and it is fun(ner) to drive than mine.

PhantomOG

its well below your price range (30-40), but last year I bought my wife an Acura RDX and she loves it. If you really are looking to spend $60k, you'll probably end up with a Mercedes or BMW, but I say at least take a test drive.

I think this year they released a front wheel drive version, I wouldn't even bother with that. Just ask to drive the AWD Tech version. I liked not have sort through a billion option combinations on the Acura's. They have Tech and Non-tech, that's it.

audiobliss

A friend of mine has a 2001 (I believe) X5, and it astonishes me everytime I drive it. It will get up and go very well, and corners unbelievably well to be so high up. Then you have the X6 which is supposed to be on an entirely different level. Then you also have the X6M which is just incredible.

Right there are three great options, though I'm not sure on pricing for any of them.

And, just to throw this out there, I've only ever heard negative things about the Mercedes ML series, mostly from reliability. Doesn't really matter to me, though, since they're so ugly! Same with the BMW X3, though.

Good luck with your search!

AsSiMiLaTeD

We looked at the MDX some time ago and liked it, plan on exploring that again as well

CCNJ

My wife has the Lexus RX 330 SUV. It is sporty looking and comfortable to drive. We bought it new as the first model year in 2004 and have not had any issues. I wouldn't consider it high performance however since mine is a V6 engine and the ride is on the softer side. The new models may be different so may be worth a look.

concealer404

I think there's an RX350 now that has a variant of the Toyota 2grfe engine. It should move ok.

shawn474

I can't give any concrete advice, but can tell you that I have driven and been in a Porsche Cayenne - that things handles well and has A LOT of balls to it. It is a beautiful car inside and out. The price tag is steep, but you can get used at a pretty reasonable price.

Lowell_M

In order of my humble opinion relating to your requirements top to bottom... BMW X5, Infiniti FX45, and maybe... just maybe the Lexus RX350. I have a 2004 RX330 and my daily driver is an Infiniti G35... plus I put in some track time in rented cars in the summer. So, my requirements for an SUV are about the same as yours. Utility, but fun. The RX330 isn't really quite there on the performance side compared to an X5, but the 350 has a bit more power and the RX series drives more like a car than any other SUV I've driven. The interior is very comfortable and plush as well. Having said that... I haven't driven an X5, but they make some very performance minded versionso of the X5 and have ridden in an FX35 that was very convincing as well. I don't like Mercedes in general and don't see anything from Acura that would fit the bill.

Lowell_M

shawn474 wrote: »

I can't give any concrete advice, but can tell you that I have driven and been in a Porsche Cayenne - that things handles well and has A LOT of balls to it. It is a beautiful car inside and out. The price tag is steep, but you can get used at a pretty reasonable price.

I didn't put that one on my list due to price, but they are one hell of a performance minded SUV. I've ridden in one at 100mph on rough Chinese roads and it didn't really concern me... too much.

concealer404

The Cayenne, unless you step up to the turbo, seems to be beaten soundly by the FX45. That said, i haven't driven a Cayenne, they don't personally appeal to me for whatever reason.

Lowell_M

I look at it like this... If you want to buy a Porche.... Buy a REAL porche... not an SUV.

concealer404

Lowell_M wrote: »

I look at it like this... If you want to buy a Porche.... Buy a REAL porche... not an SUV.

Exactly why they don't appeal to me.


I appreciate SUVs, but there's a very short list of recent ones that i would drive. FX45, Mercedes ML V8s from the early 2000s, and of course... it might not handle like a car, but it's hard to argue with the sheer hammer power of a later model Mercedes G55 AMG. They're so... wrong. But in a good way.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Actually the Cayenne is one of the ones I was looking at that I liked. I don't really 'want a Porsche', I want an SUB that handles like one though

I think regarless of what I find, I really do want to drive one of the Cayennes, as I like that one well enough to rule it would without driving it. For a Porsche, I'd be willing to raise my price a bit, although I can get a used model for under 60K.

Lowell_M

If you like the Cayenne... You won't like the RX350. Not near the performance.

Also... The new Infiniti FX50 ($58k) is supposed to be rediculously fast as well. I forgot about the new V8 version.

Lowell_M

concealer404 wrote: »

Exactly why they don't appeal to me.


I appreciate SUVs, but there's a very short list of recent ones that i would drive. FX45, Mercedes ML V8s from the early 2000s, and of course... it might not handle like a car, but it's hard to argue with the sheer hammer power of a later model Mercedes G55 AMG. They're so... wrong. But in a good way.

Soooo wrong... but SOOOOOOO right.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Yeah, I don't even see the FX45 on their website any more, so I'm assuming they quit making it?

The FX50 starts in my price range, so I'll look at that one as well.

concealer404

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

Actually the Cayenne is one of the ones I was looking at that I liked. I don't really 'want a Porsche', I want an SUB that handles like one though

I think regarless of what I find, I really do want to drive one of the Cayennes, as I like that one well enough to rule it would without driving it. For a Porsche, I'd be willing to raise my price a bit, although I can get a used model for under 60K.

If you get one, pony up for a turbo. They're too damn heavy to go anywhere real quick without the snails propelling it.

I forgot that the FX45 is phased out.... Now i go to look up what the FX50 is all about.

(EDIT)
Seriously? A 13.7 quarter mile? 60-0 in 117ft? 63.3mph slalom on all seasons?

Gawddamn.

Lowell_M

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/08q2/2009_infiniti_fx50-short_take_road_test

It's apparently quicker than my G35. Sounds like a great car.

shawn474

concealer404 wrote: »

The Cayenne, unless you step up to the turbo.

Agreed, but I thought that was a given. You don't buy a Porsche, SUV or not, and not get the Turbo. The one that I drove was the turbo and it was fast as hell. The shifting was smooth and it didn't break a sweat a all. It gets up and goes QUICK.

concealer404

shawn474 wrote: »

Agreed, but I thought that was a given. You don't buy a Porsche, SUV or not, and not get the Turbo. The one that I drove was the turbo and it was fast as hell. The shifting was smooth and it didn't break a sweat a all. It gets up and goes QUICK.

Eh.... i can think of quite a few "regular" Porsches i could live with without turbos. But MOST of the Porsches i lust after are turbocharged.

With the exception of the GT3RS and the 928GTS. (Yes, i know it's a 'wrong' Porsche.)

AsSiMiLaTeD

Well the Turbo S is 140K, so I won't be getting THAT one

concealer404

Ah... then i think you'll be underwhelmed by the Cayenne, especially if you drive the Infinity within the same time area.


Used Turbo Cayennes should be within your price range with pretty low miles, i think?

polkatese

If you like the regular Cayenne (Model S) then you should check out VW Toureg. Sort of like Toyota Camry and Lexus ES330.

exalted512

http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/vehicles/2010/x6/xdrive35i/default.aspx

Meets all your requirements....its beautiful...and its turboed...what else could you want?
-Cody

Edit: There's also the step up, but it starts at 67k, but maybe you could get something used? 400HP:D