Preemptive Apology and a car question

[gallahadesquire]

I apologize if this sounds pompous, as it isn't meant to.

 

When do you start looking for a new car? I bought a Lexus RX400h on first release, in 2006. It's been okay ... great pickup, but third set of brakes in 82,000. I'm beginning to think it's time to buy a new beast: I've spent $5500 already this year in fixits.

 

I had a 1996 4Runner before it, and I've always regretted that I gave that one up. 64,000 miles in ten years (I don't drive much). I loved that beast: 11" ground clearance. Skid plate under the entire underbody.

 

SO: I'm looking for advice as to a new, midsize luxury SUV. I need an SUV for getting in-and-out, and luxury because ... well, just because, but I'd consider a Toyota or Honda as necessary.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions? Knowing this group, I'm sure opinions will abound.

 

My tally as of late:

• After the Volkswagen diesel deception, the entire VW family is out of the running
   
  
  • VW
    
  • Audi
    
  • Porsche
    

  [*]I don't like "German Engineering" much

  • Bye-bye BMW ("Beata Maria Virgine")
    
  • Mercedes: I'd love to get a diesel Mercedes, but the worst for words in a Mercedes owner's life stops me: Die Garantie ist abgelaufen. (Your warranty has expired). Very expensive to repair.
    

  [*]I love my Lexus dealership, but the new styling, especially the Rx, is hideous (it looks like a remake of Jaws)

  [*]Infinity. You've got to be kidding. When they started advertising, they had no cars

  [*]Volvo. The XC90 is supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread, but it has below average repair and it is supercharged AND turbocharged. That's way too much technology for one vehicle.

  [*]The Acura MDX is possible, but it has a nine-speed transmission. After driving a CVT car for ten years, the shifting would drive me nuts.

  [*]Cadillac XT5: Not getting real good press

  [*]Lincoln: You've got to be kidding me, although I covet a 1962 Lincoln Continental Convertible

  [*]Jaguar: One used to need two, to make sure one was running whilst the other was in the shop.

  [*]Bentley: I'm not ready to spend that much of my net worth. I'd rather by a house in Ft. Myers.

   

  [*]Land Rover: I like them, but their repair history is abominable.

I have not ruled out Honda or Toyota: Pilot or CR-V for the former, and either the Highlander or another 4Runner for the latter (although when I tried to get into a 2015 4Runner, I couldn't; my arms weren't strong enough, and I was claustrophobic.

 

Suggestions?

[+ deej]

I don't have a dawg in this hunt, but I'm happy as a clam driving a lowly Ford C-MAX. (Their Prius competitor.)

 

I was driving a Mustang GT convertible when I suddenly took a job with a 100-mile daily commute. Mustangs are fun to drive but they're built so you feel the road. The LA freeway system is not made of roads you want to feel. I needed better mileage (and a more comfy ride).

 

I have 70K miles on it, no problems. Nothing to complain about. I'll drive this one until it can't be driven any more.

 

It just goes.

[rvwnsd]

I agree with your assessment of the "luxury" brands. A close friend recently bought a Highlander and she loves it. She mentioned there is another trim level above hers and the one she drives is pretty nice. You are going to laugh at me, but a former colleague has a Hyundai and thinks it is the best thing since sliced whole-wheat high fiber artisan sourdough bread. When she drove a number of us to a company outing her boss (who has driven Mercedes cars for years) remarked "My God, this is nicer than my Mercedes."

[whipped guy]

I own two 1992 Buick LeSabres. They don't make 'em like that any more!! No kidding! Very comfy, roomy, and I don't get the claustrophobic feeling that I'm in an airplane cockpit as is the case with newer models.

 

However, on second thought that might not be a bad thing...

 

 

http://images.tlavideo.com/images/gay_adult/195607.jpg

[gallahadesquire]

I own two 1992 Buick LeSabres. They don't make 'em like that any more!! No kidding! Very comfy, roomy, and I don't get the claustrophobic feeling that I'm in an airplane cockpit as is the case with newer models.

 

However, on second thought that might not be a bad thing...

 

 

http://images.tlavideo.com/images/gay_adult/195607.jpg

 

I gotta see this. Yeah, I had a 2015 RX loaner, and I felt cramped. It was nice to get into my TTL - Totally Trashed LExus.

[BabyBoomer]

Cadillac Escalade.

 

~ Boomer ~

[+ Truereview]

My pet family requires an SUV. Safety & a comfortable ride are paramount for my babies. I love my MB SUV. It is a 4matic, super comfy ride. I love all the gadgets and my dealer treats me like a king. Warranty hasn't been an issue bc I hang on to my car for about 2-3 years and then switch - I'm fickle that way. Boys, feel free to judge me.

 

@gallahadesquire , What was that birthday you just had? Oh yeah, a milestone birthday! Fuck sensible car buying...go celebrate life and indulge yourself.

[abc645351]

Just curious - what were the repairs you needed for your RX this year that totaled $5500? Toyota/Lexus are known for their reliability and low repair costs, and at 10 years/82k miles your car is nowhere near what I'd consider old, especially for cars that are known to go 200k+ miles.

[+ bashful]

Check out the new Ford Edge Titanium (or perhaps Sport) model. What little I've read has been positive so far, and I personally like how it looks. A neighbor in my garage has one (he previously had a RDX) and I always take a look at it.

 

Stay away from the new Buick Envision just coming out. I hear it's no good.

 

Haven't heard much yet, but the new 2017 GMC Acadia (somewhat smaller than current 2016) may be worth a look.

 

(One of my high school teachers had a triple white Continental convertible with the suicide doors. It was f...ing cool).

[+ Phactor]

+1 on the Ford Edge Titanium. It's on my short list.

[rvwnsd]

+1 on the Ford Edge. rented one recently and really liked it.

[+ not2rowdy]

When do you start looking for a new car?...

 

Suggestions?

 

I'm keeping cars quite a bit longer as I age. I used to trade in at about 5yrs and 70K miles. Now I’m settling in to closer to 10yrs and 120K miles. There’s no reason a properly maintained vehicle shouldn’t last 150K+ miles. My next vehicle may be a mid-trim level Subaru Legacy or Forester with their world class Eyesight safety option. The Outback Limited 3.6 is very nice and getting close to near luxury - but too expensive for my needs.

 

AWD important? (It is to me)

 

Possibilities not already commented on:

 

Initial thought was GMC Acadia. You mentioned the Honda Pilot. However both are in their first year as a major makeover. So probably best to avoid until 2017 (or even 2018) models hit the showrooms.

 

Another thought is the Mazda CX-9 (Mazda’s are typically “fun” to drive). Unfortunately CX-9 reliability is below average. The smaller CX-5 is on my high interest list.

 

Jeep Grand Cherokee. But reliability is below average. The smaller (non-Grand) Cherokee (w/V6) is on my interest list.

 

Cadillac SRX?! Maybe qualify for incentive of 0pct/72mo + $3K Bonus cash?

 

Maybe there’s an auto shows coming up in your area?

http://www.edmunds.com/auto-shows/calendar.html

[instudiocity]

The 9 sod tranny won't bother you. It's like driving a CVT.

 

The Hyundais I've driven were Excellent cars. Probably on par with Lexus in the higher end Hyundai.

[Candyman]

I got the new Nissian Murano. It's fantastic. Zero gravity seats and a V6 The interior sold me on it. Probably the most comfortable car I've owned. Good luck on your hunt

[+ deej]

Also look at Kia Sorrento. I recently rented one by accident and was mighty impressed, only to find out the next day my sister had just bought one to tow her RV. Consumer Reports has declared it the new king of class.

[Kenny]

My pet family requires an SUV. Safety & a comfortable ride are paramount for my babies. I love my MB SUV. It is a 4matic, super comfy ride. I love all the gadgets and my dealer treats me like a king. Warranty hasn't been an issue bc I hang on to my car for about 2-3 years and then switch - I'm fickle that way. Boys, feel free to judge me.

 

@gallahadesquire , What was that birthday you just had? Oh yeah, a milestone birthday! Fuck sensible car buying...go celebrate life and indulge yourself.

+1

[+ Lance_Navarro]

We just recently got a Mazda CX-3 and absolutely love it, though it's probably a bit small for you. I believe there is a CX-9 turbo coming out this year and priced around 50k.

[+ WmClarke]

Also look at Kia Sorrento. I recently rented one by accident and was mighty impressed, only to find out the next day my sister had just bought one to tow her RV. Consumer Reports has declared it the new king of class.

We had one with minimal repairs for 11+ years. Very comfortable ride even on long trips (900-1000 miles; and I'm a big guy who was even bigger back then). Died after 110,000 miles (100K warranty).

 

We down-sized to the Sportage with a 200K warranty. So far, 30K miles in two years and not a single repair. Knock wood.

[+ nycman]

Cadillac Escalade.

 

I second the Escalade vote.

 

It's like driving around town in your living room!

 

American made...which pisses off all the Eurotrash in my life...added bonus!

[+ Charlie]

I went through this process last year and ended up buying a M-B GLK350, the only M-B SUV that got a "Recommended" rating from Consumer Reports. Unfortunately, they discontinued the GLK at the end of the model year and replaced it with a very different model called the GLC300, which has had good reviews, but my spouse thinks that from the engine back it looks like it was designed in Japan. I have had good luck with M-Bs for a number of years, even after the warranty expired; I kept my 1995 E320 for 13 years and 111K miles, drove it in 48 states, and spent very little on repairs.

 

The Toyota Highlander has always had great reviews, and is mechanically very similar to its Lexus cousin, but doesn't look as weird.

 

A close friend has had a Mazda CX-5 for a couple of years and loves it. It was one of the top cars on my shopping list. I had a 2013 Mazda3 and thought it was one of the best driving cars I have ever owned, but like you, I needed something easier to get in and out of (sorry for ending that statement with a double preposition).

 

Another SUV I really liked was the new Nissan Murano, but I thought that one equipped as I would like was too expensive for a Nissan.

 

The other top possibility on my list was the Subaru Outback, and it is probably what I would have bought if my M-B dealer hadn't given me a good deal on the GLK, because the Subaru gives you the most for your money.

[LivingnLA]

I think most of my comments have been covered here, since you must have a SUV and reliability / repair cost seem to be your priority, I encourage you to examine the best the Japanese have to offer: Toyota Highlander, Mazda, & Nissan. Subaru is also worth a look and so are Kia and Hyundai if you're open to their designs.

 

We change cars every 3 years or so, except for me. I've had my commuter car for over a decade, which gets me grief from my kids and neighbors for being a cheapskate. It's just a damn fine car and besides, what my kids don't know, my wife and I are pretty sure we made our youngest in that car after way too much drinking and a desire to relive some crazy college times. So, I'll drive it until the engine drops out because it makes me smile every time I think about it.

 

My wife loves her Tesla S and a neighbor has an X. They're decent cars for the money, but the build quality is hit-or-miss and the X has a lot of technology that can go wrong.

 

Oh, and I'm with you, all VW's are off our list right now. Same for GM's. That eliminates a lot of cars, but we try to be thoughtful consumers and don't knowingly reward unethical companies.

[+ Funguy]

Just an aside: not sure which new/newer cars have this but I know that MBZ and BMW do. It is the "start-stop" feature so that when you come to a stop there is a big thunk and the engine feels/sounds like it has stopped. Put your foot on the gas and it starts up again. It is incredibly annoying. With BMW's you can have it disconnected. MB told me you CANNOT. For that reason alone I have now ruled out MBZ.

[+ Charlie]

My M-B has this function--it's called "eco mode." I can turn it off with the push of a button on the dashboard.

[+ Funguy]

My M-B has this function--it's called "eco mode." I can turn it off with the push of a button on the dashboard.

Cannot turn it off on the new ones - per MBZ. I also had a GLK350 as a loaner and the feature was turned off. Later had a GLC300 as a loaner and could not turn it off!

[bigvalboy]

I apologize if this sounds pompous, as it isn't meant to.

 

When do you start looking for a new car? I bought a Lexus RX400h on first release, in 2006. It's been okay ... great pickup, but third set of brakes in 82,000. I'm beginning to think it's time to buy a new beast: I've spent $5500 already this year in fixits.

 

I had a 1996 4Runner before it, and I've always regretted that I gave that one up. 64,000 miles in ten years (I don't drive much). I loved that beast: 11" ground clearance. Skid plate under the entire underbody.

 

SO: I'm looking for advice as to a new, midsize luxury SUV. I need an SUV for getting in-and-out, and luxury because ... well, just because, but I'd consider a Toyota or Honda as necessary.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions? Knowing this group, I'm sure opinions will abound.

 

My tally as of late:

• After the Volkswagen diesel deception, the entire VW family is out of the running
  
  • VW
    
  • Audi
    
  • Porsche
    

  [*]I don't like "German Engineering" much

  • Bye-bye BMW ("Beata Maria Virgine")
    
  • Mercedes: I'd love to get a diesel Mercedes, but the worst for words in a Mercedes owner's life stops me: Die Garantie ist abgelaufen. (Your warranty has expired). Very expensive to repair.
    

  [*]I love my Lexus dealership, but the new styling, especially the Rx, is hideous (it looks like a remake of Jaws)

  [*]Infinity. You've got to be kidding. When they started advertising, they had no cars

  [*]Volvo. The XC90 is supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread, but it has below average repair and it is supercharged AND turbocharged. That's way too much technology for one vehicle.

  [*]The Acura MDX is possible, but it has a nine-speed transmission. After driving a CVT car for ten years, the shifting would drive me nuts.

  [*]Cadillac XT5: Not getting real good press

  [*]Lincoln: You've got to be kidding me, although I covet a 1962 Lincoln Continental Convertible

  [*]Jaguar: One used to need two, to make sure one was running whilst the other was in the shop.

  [*]Bentley: I'm not ready to spend that much of my net worth. I'd rather by a house in Ft. Myers.

   

  [*]Land Rover: I like them, but their repair history is abominable.

I have not ruled out Honda or Toyota: Pilot or CR-V for the former, and either the Highlander or another 4Runner for the latter (although when I tried to get into a 2015 4Runner, I couldn't; my arms weren't strong enough, and I was claustrophobic.

 

Suggestions?

 

My 10 cents....

 

Just felt a need to make a couple of points. I would not eliminate the entire VW family just because of that deception. VW has 10 brands, and certainly isn't alone when it comes to massive recalls. Think GM, Ford, Toyota etc. That said..The Audi and MB line of SUV's, traditionally are some of the most hearty and long lasting on the road. My experience is that repairs are not out of line with other manufactures. Audi is more car like with the large MB GL models built on truck chassis. My GL 450 was an incredible work horse. BMW is also excellent, although their X1 and X2 models should be avoided. They do not meet the same high quality standards as other BMW models.

 

All the Japanese models mentioned above would never disappoint, but you did mention luxury, and that means different things to different people. I personally do not feel the Japanese models meet that standard, so my ultimate vote for SUV luxury, durability, and styling would go to the Cadillac Escalade. Cadillac upped their game a dozen or so years ago, and have never looked back.

 

Purchasing a car to me is a very personal experience. Everything needs to feel right, if you are to enjoy it everyday...So take your time.