Mid size SUV advice

[Fundguy1]

Lexus RX350, Audi Q5, MB GLK, BMW X5, BMW X6, Toyota Highlander

If you want any kind of performance I would delete the Lexus and TOYota from your list. I'feel you want any kind of utility, I would drop the x6. The glk is just butt ugly.

I'd look at a hemi grand Cherokee. I have a 2012 overland summit and love it. I'd also look at a used ML.

[eleven11]

I'm not sure about modern reliability, but Land Rover has some options to consider.

[Fundguy1]

My jeep had been great. No problems. I'd take it over the Lexus an toy Amy day, unless it's for the wife and you're not driving it. X5/x6 had more issues than a of the others in the group you picked.

[techie182]

Don't care about performance. Reliability and comfort is on top of my list.

Ya I'm taking off X6. Took ride on friend's X6. It had almost same room as my 328i coupe.

I love the design of Land Rover but I've heard terrible reliabilities on newer Land Rover. Also my budget is only 40k. Think I can find one for under 40k?

Family had Grand Cheerokee Limited(Early 2000 model). We didn't have major issue with power train but had electrical issue all over the car after a year(Trunk, window, door lock, etc). We traded in for Tundra.

I'm also taking off X5 from list. Read reliability sucks on X5 too.

Researching the forums for informations.



Any end of year crazy sale going on for new suvs?

[eleven11]

Originally Posted by techie182

Don't care about performance. Reliability and comfort is on top of my list.

If reliability is of key importance, and you plan on keeping this vehicle several years, I personally wouldn't bother with a US or German SUV. I like them, but not for their long-term reliability. Be careful about forums - people are more likely to post about their negative experiences, than they will positive experiences. My choice would be a 4Runner or Pilot, possibly Lexus option (but I actually prefer the Toyota labeled vehicle in most instances).

[FriskyDingo]

I still say your best bet is the Highlander. Nothing special, but a pretty much unbeatable blend of comfort, practicality, efficiency, value and reliability. And 40K just about buys a loaded one.

If I were shopping for a vehicle to fit your criteria, it'd be my pick hands down.

[Sedoy]

Looks like you need Lexus RX350/450h. I just got one for my wife - used 2013 RX350 well maintained by the dealer for $24,600. Pretty good car, comdo of non direct-injection V6 2GR-FE and Aisin 6-speed tranny probably second most reliable thing on the market after Prius hybrid system. It comes decently equipped: double glass side windows for extra sound proofing, heated/ventilated seats, very soft leather (similar to optional BMW nappa leather), 40/20/40-split backseat which can slide and recline, regular tires (I hate run flats) and spare tire...

Also with backseats folded it has slightly more cargo than E70 X5.

Take a look.

BTW, HID headlights in RX350 are very impressive, about 20-30% brighter and also wider than most BMW HIDs I have seen.

Originally Posted by techie182

Don't care about performance. Reliability and comfort is on top of my list....
... Also my budget is only 40k....

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by Sedoy

Looks like you need Lexus RX350/450h. I just got one for my wife - used 2013 RX350 well maintained by the dealer for $24,600. Pretty good car, comdo of non direct-injection V6 2GR-FE and Aisin 6-speed tranny probably second most reliable thing on the market after Prius hybrid system. It comes decently equipped: double glass side windows for extra sound proofing, heated/ventilated seats, very soft leather (similar to optional BMW nappa leather), 40/20/40-split backseat which can slide and recline, regular tires (I hate run flats) and spare tire...

Also with backseats folded it has slightly more cargo than E70 X5.

Take a look.

BTW, HID headlights in RX350 are very impressive, about 20-30% brighter and also wider than most BMW HIDs I have seen.

Power steering pump ducks on Lexus and toys. Did you ever try doing more than 2 or 3 consecutive right left turns? It dies and you get manual steering. Don't forget also they just completed the biggest recall to date almost tanking the company. Vw now may be bigger with the emissions software but toys was huge. Love my GC and never had an issue. 85k miles so far.

[Sedoy]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

Power steering pump ducks on Lexus and toys. Did you ever try doing more than 2 or 3 consecutive right left turns? It dies and you get manual steering. Don't forget also they just completed the biggest recall to date almost tanking the company. Vw now may be bigger with the emissions software but toys was huge. Love my GC and never had an issue. 85k miles so far.

My power steering works normal, I drove it very aggressive few times and haven't noticed anything you described, but I will double check again today. Which recall you are talking about, the "gas pedal" one? ... "almost tanking the company" - you are joking right?
Anyway, from my family ownership experience Toyota's have been the most reliable vehicles, they also hold their value very well. But Lexus suppose to be even better than Toyota, so really no brainer if you are looking for comfortable and reliable mid-sized "SUV" with good cargo.

[Fundguy1]

I did a test drive for motor trend. If you do a slalom course the power steering pumps in AL Lexus and toys run out of reserve halfway through. Toyota says it isn't real world driving so they refuse to fix them.

This year tye camry was ranked 10th of 10 in its class. Toyota has one thing going for it. They are slightly, slightly more reliable than most other cars. The rest, performance, luxury, braking, cornering, acceleration, etc. they lag badly. Good for girls who are afraid of breakdowns you're buying perceived peace of mind. Just like Volvo buying for percieved safety.

[Sedoy]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

I did a test drive for motor trend. If you do a slalom course the power steering pumps in AL Lexus and toys run out of reserve halfway through. Toyota says it isn't real world driving so they refuse to fix them.

You shouldn't be concerned about that since you bought Jeep CG which failed "moose test" badly (most dangerous performer since MB A-class from 1997) and was suggested as very unsafe for a family:

[Fundguy1]

That was a bs test. Here it is debunked. That said they kept blowing tires. Not the suvs fault. The 2014 passed easily and it's identical to the 2012. That said I have Michelin on mine. Not for this, but because they wear like iron and are the best of class. It actually handles tremendously for an suv.

[Fundguy1]

There is a reason it's won more awards than any other suv. The 4 runner is only suv worth looking at from toy/Lexus.

[Sedoy]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

That was a bs test. Here it is debunked. That said they kept blowing tires. Not the suvs fault. The 2014 passed easily and it's identical to the 2012. That said I have Michelin on mine. Not for this, but because they wear like iron and are the best of class. It actually handles tremendously for an suv.

I bet you also don't want to accept that Jeep's reliability is one of the worst in the industry correct? Just "slightly, slightly" less reliable than Lexus/Toyota.

[Fundguy1]

I don't have any problems with the gc reliability. Those numbers come from the lesser models. Not the gc. And they also don't take into account the electrical issue that was corrected in the earlier ones. The hemi engine is pretty bullet proof. I've not had any issues with this one, the '95 I had and I had it for 85k and 4 yrs since new. Seriously, TOY is only designed to be reliable. It has no soul and drives like crap. I never ever cared for the bs reviews of consumer reports or jd powers. They track a burnt out bulb as as big an issue as a blown transmission. I like honda, have owned nissan, mitsubishi, would own Subaru or Mazda or kia, or Hyundai. Never, ever a toy or its over priced pos luxury brand Lexus. They're for women and have nothing I'm interested in. Last good Toyota was a supra. Been barren since. As for your chart, the GC, unlike it's brethren that drag it down the list, was developed jointly with MB and is basically an ML with a hemi.

[Fundguy1]

Did you ever drive a GC overland Summit Hemi? Try it before you bash it and do it side by side with a highlander. But don't try it off road. The toy will break down on gravel.

[Sedoy]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

...It has no soul and drives like crap...

I also bet that you never seen C&D and Motortrend reviews in which both IS350 (vs. 335) and GS350 (vs. 535) drove better and had better steering feel than BMW counterparts. Oh wait, you don't care about those reviews.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

http://www.motortrend.com/news/six-c...luxury-sedans/

[Fundguy1]

I agree because the BMW has gone to electric steering. We're talking suvs. One of the reasons I've waited on upgrading. I'm posed BMW put their research money into electrics and not improving their bread and butter. The steering feel is better on those. Cornering isn't. The ATS caddie is the current leader.yes. I've driven the toys. Have you driven a GC or are you that guy who writes how to pick up women while you sit home without a date?

[Sedoy]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

I agree because the BMW has gone to electric steering. We're talking suvs. One of the reasons I've waited on upgrading. I'm posed BMW put their research money into electrics and not improving their bread and butter. The steering feel is better on those. Cornering isn't. The ATS caddie is the current leader.

Well if you want to be on the topic, go read the original post and stop talking about off-roading on the gravel and performance. The guy is looking for:
"Want something looks nice, comfortable, and reliable after warranty." ...
"Don't care about performance. Reliability and comfort is on top of my list."...

[Fundguy1]

Yup. Just sticking up for the GC. All around its the best in its class for under 50k. There were some doubters and I was showing their doubts were unfounded.

[Fundguy1]

My advice is pick out the class you want, price point, then drive all of them. Don't buy on stupid ratings or reviews. They're often skewed or irrelevant.

[Sedoy]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

My advice is pick out the class you want, price point, then drive all of them. Don't buy on stupid ratings or reviews. They're often skewed or irrelevant.

Yeah, but you might end up like a friend of mine, who didn't care that I told him to stay away from recent BMW V8's and got nice 7-series. After million problems/repairs and getting shocked how much value this car lost, said: "F... that sh.t, I'm getting a Lexus."
You will be surprised how many customers (including creator of this thread) value reliability, for many it directly correlates with quality. And as far as reliability and resale value - Lexus is definitely no. 1.