Car Shopping...

[Kenrik]

I need a SUV for my Wife/Baby . I had been looking at Cayennes but it seems they have developed a habit of turning into driving hand grenades over 50k miles and it costs 10-15k to replace the engine.

So.. SUV for wife ?

I started looking at the curent gen EX or FX... I'm iffy on the EX though because it can't tow.

Any other ideas for a Premium SUV with ROCK SOLID reliability & 5star+++ Safety.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Really depends on how "Premium" you want to go.

If I had the choice, I'd probably go with a Yukon Denali or an Escalade. The newer generations are great looking SUVs and in my opinion, the best thing GM is putting out right now. They also have a very nice interior as well. Very roomy and comfortable. Maintenance won't suck you dry as well, as far newer SUVs go. Not even close to a Cayenne.

I can't really speak for any Infiniti though. I haven't been in one more than a few times.

IIRC, Jesda's parents have a newer model Lexus GX something with like 300K miles. Might be a decent vehicle to look into.

[Kompresshun]

I'd go for an FX over the EX, If I were in the market for an SUV for myself, the FX would be in my top 5 for sure.

I also like the Volvo XC90 personally, I've never gotten around to driving one though, but they're nice SUVs from what I've heard. They offer a V8 version too.

I agree on the Escalade/Yukon Denali as well, but also consider taking a look at the current generation Lincoln Navigators. I worked for a Lincoln dealer and I LOVED the Navigator.

[Kenrik]

I'd go for an FX over the EX, If I were in the market for an SUV for myself, the FX would be in my top 5 for sure.

I also like the Volvo XC90 personally, I've never gotten around to driving one though, but they're nice SUVs from what I've heard. They offer a V8 version too.

I agree on the Escalade/Yukon Denali as well, but also consider taking a look at the current generation Lincoln Navigators. I worked for a Lincoln dealer and I LOVED the Navigator.

The XC90 is not so great... My boss has one, only a year old with 30k miles and the leather wore away already. She says she's going to keep it for another 1.5 years and then go back to Lexus.

#2... Not a fan of domestics.

[Kenrik]

I found a 06 Lexus rx400h with 60k miles for 15.8k... Clean carfax and all service records.

Too good to be true? is there anything wrong with the rx400h? Hybrid = mileage.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

You're gonna have to replace the batteries at around 100K or so. Usually how hybrids go.

And batteries are anything but cheap.

[Bubba1]

I found a 06 Lexus rx400h with 60k miles for 15.8k... Clean carfax and all service records.

Too good to be true? is there anything wrong with the rx400h? Hybrid = mileage.

hybrid also = more complexity and higher repair costs as it gets older, with ridiculously expensive batteries that will need to be replaced post warranty.

They are very nice vehicles, known for reliability. The price does seem below market. I'd recommend having a mechanic you trust look it over before pulling the trigger.

[Kompresshun]

The XC90 is not so great... My boss has one, only a year old with 30k miles and the leather wore away already. She says she's going to keep it for another 1.5 years and then go back to Lexus.

#2... Not a fan of domestics.

She must be hard on a vehicle then, Volvo leather does wear out over time, but not nearly that quick.

I'm not a fan of domestics either, but those three are some very nice SUVs, and I'd buy one of them before most imports that are the same size. I had a QX4 for 2 years because I prefer imports, now I drive a Jeep Commander and I HATE Chrysler products, it's MUCH better than the QX4 though, without question. My point being, do your research, not all domestic SUVs are junk. My best advice is pick out a few different SUVs, both import and domestic, and compare them. I set out to buy a Pathfinder or Explorer Limited and came home with a Commander, never have regretted the purchase a single time either.

I wouldn't go anywhere near a Lexus RX, especially a hybrid. Considering you were looking at a Cayenne though, I assume you don't mind high maintenance costs, so in that case, I would avoid it because of it's size. If you're interested in a Lexus, look at the GX470, the wifes uncle has one and it's really nice.

[Kenrik]

Well the Lexus is being sold by a Lexus dealer, it's off lease and shows the full service history including all oil changes etc.. + it still has a warranty.

I'm going to call them first thing in the morning, I hope they still have it as it seems it is about 4k under market value.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I would think SUVs would be becoming pretty cheap what with this looming gas crunch.

The Armada is pretty nice, but its a freaking pig on gas.

[naladude911]

ya any of the GM900's are great SUV's. My dads 2007 tahoe ltz drives better then my QX4, handles like a car, and has a really good turn radius. Not only is it huge, but it averages like 18 MPG which is insane for its size.

[sbird1]

*Snip* The word filter is there for a reason

[Kenrik]

The Lexus was sold.. Dam that was a good deal to!

Anyway... is that really all there is for quality premium SUVs ? Infiniti FX. Lexus RX. or a domestic ?

[Repo Man]

Don't forget the Acura MDX. It's definitely a crossover, but if you're down for that, they're pretty nice vehicles. If you want a German flavor, the later-model Touareg is an option too. I really like the Lexus GX though.

[Kompresshun]

Don't forget the Acura MDX. It's definitely a crossover, but if you're down for that, they're pretty nice vehicles. If you want a German flavor, the later-model Touareg is an option too. I really like the Lexus GX though.

^Agreed. The MDX is nice, my wifes other uncle has one and loves it. Gets decent fuel mileage too for it's size and it has 3rd row seating, all in a smaller form factor. Good SUV for the money and doesn't look bad either, looks very similar to the Lexus RX.

[Bubba1]

^Agreed. The MDX is nice, my wifes other uncle has one and loves it. Gets decent fuel mileage too for it's size and it has 3rd row seating, all in a smaller form factor. Good SUV for the money and doesn't look bad either, looks very similar to the Lexus RX.

+2 for the MDX. It's larger than it looks, and is one of the better upscale SUV's out there. the less stylish Honda Pilot is on the same platform and also nice.

[skydragoness]

I'd get: Pathfinder/Infiniti FX35/FX45/Acura MDX/Honda Pilot.

The first and the last cars I can vouch for as my Uncle has owned both and have been trouble-free for him and very nice. (The Pathy was optioned-out)

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Yeah, there's really so many choices in this category.

First off, you need to decided if you want an SUV derived from a truck chassis, or just a regular unibody/car chassis. The bigger truck style SUVs offer more room, greater towing, and usually are just bigger in general. Anything on a car chassis will be more crossover like, sportier, and won't be able to tow as much. They usually do have a bit better fuel economy though.

That would be the first step.

Side note, the new Ford Edge looks very nice. There's one in my school parking lot.

[Jesda]

The Lexus LX and RX are safe choices. Avoid the GX. Mom regrets buying hers. Its poorly packaged and infested with weird electrical glitches.

As someone who enjoys driving I also favor the FX, but when my mom was shopping for SUVs she decided against it because of the limited cargo space. She was pregnant at the time and needed something with space for work stuff (suitcases of folders, boxes of documents), strollers, and other infant odds and ends.

The last-gen Cadillac SRX with the Northstar V8 is a nice alternative to the Cayenne, but you have to go 2007 or later otherwise the interior lacks a luxury feel.


If you don't mind paying out the arse for fuel, the LX470 and Land Cruiser will last you until your child starts college, possibly longer. My stepdad's 2004 has 330k.

[Jesda]

Also, my married friends just bought a 2005 Honda Pilot. It does NOT have the craptastic H5 transmission, and there's gobs of space. The leather isn't as soft as I normally like but it feels very durable, something that would easily hold up to the abuse of a baby or toddler.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The Lexus RX is way, way, way up there on my Most Hated Cars list. Easily a top-3 finisher. Its levels of ugly and boring are way off the scale, and until 2006 its engine options were universally terrible. Who wants to drive a "premium luxury" branded vehicle with an engine that sounds like nails in a blender and perpetually feels on the verge of a heart attack, all while delivering less power than a paraplegic hamster?

I cannot fathom spending Lexus money on such a terribly unexceptional car. Hell, I can't fathom spending ANY money on one. It might be dependable and safe, but so are a mess of other cars that all have at least ONE thing they do better than something else. Not the RX. It just exists.

Side note, the new Ford Edge looks very nice. There's one in my school parking lot.

I think the he Edge is ugly, but it is fantastic mechanically. The MKX is Lincoln's version, and the answer if you're looking for something upscale. I can't decide if I like the looks or not, but I guess that's better than knowing I don't like it. Powerplant options are pretty good for it, too.

the less stylish Honda Pilot

I actually prefer the looks of the Pilot, by a big margin. Especially with the current-gen MDX, which--like ALL current Acuras--has gone to a ridiculous extreme to ensure it'll get noticed at the cost of any real styling at all. It's just a mess of sharp lines, like a bad tribal tattoo. The current Pilot, though, is clean, refined, and looks like an SUV GM might build (which is a good thing--see the current Tahoe). Little things in the Pilot really make it stand out, like the very cleanly integrated tail lights. I'm not a fan of the grille, but that's one problem in an otherwise great-looking car.

[Jesda]

The Lexus RX is way, way, way up there on my Most Hated Cars list. Easily a top-3 finisher. Its levels of ugly and boring are way off the scale, and until 2006 its engine options were universally terrible. Who wants to drive a "premium luxury" branded vehicle with an engine that sounds like nails in a blender and perpetually feels on the verge of a heart attack, all while delivering less power than a paraplegic hamster?

I cannot fathom spending Lexus money on such a terribly unexceptional car. Hell, I can't fathom spending ANY money on one. It might be dependable and safe, but so are a mess of other cars that all have at least ONE thing they do better than something else. Not the RX. It just exists.

I guarantee you, his wife will be happier with an RX more than anything else in its class.


Why? Because women are ridiculous. Thankfully, my mother hates them.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Didn't RXs have problems with headlight sealing? Couple that with their retardedly expensive HID projectors that blow at the first sign of moisture, and you can get aggravated pretty quickly.

[LEMHEAD16]

Lincoln MKX FTW.

My mom has one and I really enjoy driving it. My only gripe it the transmission is weird, it often hunts for the right gear while going uphill, other than that it is terrific. I believe the new ones come with the TT ecoboost V6 too.

I actually like the styling and factory wheels.

[IBCoupe]

I've always been a big fan of the Edge, but the MKX has better taillights.

[Kenrik]

Ended up with a is250.. Love it, I'll pick up a new model RX when the prices come down a bit more.

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