new 2012 QX56

[chicky monkey]

After shopping in the large luxury SUV category, I decided to buy a QX56. Here’s what I shopped and my impressions:

GL550-owned one. Hated it. Miserable owner and dealer experience. This SUV was the least ergonomically friendly vehicle I’d ever owned. You load the rear DVD under the back passenger seat? Who thought of that stupid design? The ipod integration was in the glove box. Who wants their ipod in the glovebox? It spent more time being repaired than on the road. I’ll never forget being out in the boonies and the car just died at a stop sign.

Land Cruiser-traded in a 2011 for the QX. Very nice but missing a lot of luxury amenities for the price. I paid for a lot of off road capability I will never use. The ride was somewhat harsh, but I had 22” wheels and low profile tires which could account for that. The steering and handling was great and the interior was top notch, although not luxurious. The exterior styling is bland with the comment I got most often being “nice Highlander”.

Range Rover-definitely has brand cache. Luxurious and I like the looks. But I live 100 miles from a dealer and couldn’t stand the idea of hanging out in the service department waiting room while they fixed it all the time. And after my experience with the Mercedes, I knew reliability was a factor for me.

Escalade-drives and rides very nice. The interior was the worst in it’s class, reminding me of trucks from 20 years ago. I hated the side step that extends and retracts. And it was missing a lot of the technology and luxury amenities that I was looking for. And there’s tons of these around.

LX570-a little bland, but a much better design for 2013. Top notch in every way and I would have been very happy owning one. Interior is a-plus. But you’re paying a hefty premium for the Lexus name and dealers were not willing to budge on price or trade in value of my Land Cruiser. Probably would have bought one if they had been more willing to deal. The treated me like they were doing me a favor selling me a car.

QX56-although I have the money to buy the LX, the fact that the QX was $20k less and has all the luxury amenities of the Lexus made this car a great choice. The exterior styling is a point of contention for many, but I for one like it and I like the very different look of this large SUV. The drive and handling is superb and the acceleration was amazing. The interior quality is fantastic. The dealer I bought from (Sacramento Infiniti) was one of the best buying experiences I’ve ever had and it was like night and day from dealing with Lexus dealers. No pressure, great price, and they gave me a super trade in value. I only paid $500 over invoice and I think I could have done better, but I’m very happy with my deal. The fact that the 3rd row seats fold flat into the floor was a wonderful added bonus since I only use them about once a year. I got a fully loaded 4wd with theater package, technology package, touring package and wheel and tire package for about $70k.

[marctronixx]

nice write up. thank you for taking time to post.

[Timmbo]

First off, WELCOME TO NICOclub CHICKY MONKEY!!!!! The staff is thrilled to have you as a new member of the QX56 Forum!!!!

Nice feedback! Honestly, I could not a agree more with everything you stated. You hit the nail on the head!

Enjoy your new AMAZING ride!