I need a new SUV.

[LitigatorChick]

Sundial - I agree entirely with your description. Maybe I will take all my crap to the Lexus dealership, and see if I can cram it in the RX!!!!

Canuk - Beemers are out for me - this city is FULL of them!!! Yeesh!

Don''t want an Escalade - I think that is the second most popular SUV in Calgary.

 

[LitigatorChick]

It looks like the external dimensions on the Lexus GX are actually the same size or a little bit smaller (!!!) than my MDX.

They are all disturbing me on performance. I need something zippy! Maybe I will have to "pimp out" my family car!!!!

 

[ephemery1]

Date: 3/7/2008 8:49:56 AM
Author: LitigatorChick
Sundial - I agree entirely with your description. Maybe I will take all my crap to the Lexus dealership, and see if I can cram it in the RX!!!!

Canuk - Beemers are out for me - this city is FULL of them!!! Yeesh!

Don't want an Escalade - I think that is the second most popular SUV in Calgary.

You sound like me, talking about the Bugaboo stroller! I was deadset against it because I pass one every 2 minutes on the sidewalk and vowed to do something different. Until I test-drove it and read some more and realized it does all the things I want it to... and it's a good size, and looks nice.... now I think I'm going to have to suck it up and jump on the bandwagon.

It's annoying when you realize things are popular for a legitimate reason.

 

[moremoremore]

If you want a car that''s not on the road much, I believe the Pinto is your best bet. I kid. I know what you mean, but if a car is popular, it''s popular...and probably for a reason. What I like about BMW is that the service is always included...The 2008 X5 was too much for me to spend, but it''s a good car. And ignore the Volvo all you like,

, it''s a great size and drive. I actually think there is a fairly limited pool of luxury SUVs out there so that should help to narrow it down.

 

[LitigatorChick]

I think the BMW SUV is popular in Calgary not because it is great (it may be, I don''t know), but it seems like it the car everyone in the middle class wants or covets to say they have "made it". I don''t know. I am just not a fan, so even if they are great, I won''t be driving one. I did go to the dealership, and they didn''t seem to be my style.

Currently, Lexus is leading the pack for me. Maybe my BIL mechanic can help me with a bit of customizing decisions (definately some killer rims) and see where we go.....

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 3/7/2008 10:43:00 AM
Author: moremoremore
If you want a car that''s not on the road much, I believe the Pinto is your best bet. I kid. I know what you mean, but if a car is popular, it''s popular...and probably for a reason. What I like about BMW is that the service is always included...The 2008 X5 was too much for me to spend, but it''s a good car. And ignore the Volvo all you like,

, it''s a great size and drive. I actually think there is a fairly limited pool of luxury SUVs out there so that should help to narrow it down.

HI:

MMM you always crack me up! BUT speaking of Pinto''s............are crossover''s out for you LC? Honestly I eshew the BMW SUV but their hatchback (for lack of a better word)or stationwagon is pretty swell. What about a Subaru? My old research partner bought an Audi "stationwagon" and I thought it as cool enuf. OH there is also the Porche.

BTW didn''t the Yukon Hybrid just get great ratings???? gotaa find out where I got that tidbit from.........

cheers--Sharon

 

[LitigatorChick]

Canuk - cross-overs are out. Heck, I feel like I am not an Albertan since I don''t drive a diesel truck!!! The SUV has to be my "compromise".

Hybrids are only in if they can perform.

 

[Miranda]

What about the Porsche Cayanne? We will be SUV shopping in the next year or two (depending on how long I can stand my current bus) and DH tells me I am not allowed to test drive it - haha...Like he has any say. He knows I''ll loooooove it. It''s not very practical for us, it''s pricey for what you get, and it gulps gas...but, my friend says it handles so well. I love the Lexus RX and the BMW X3. They are a little on the small side for us, fab cars though. I recently drove the Lexus GX and was unimpressed. The steering was nice, but, the braking system left something to be desired. It also felt top heavy. The visibility in the new MDX sucks, I think. I am interested in the Volvo. They are a dime a dozen in these parts, though. I am seeing a lot of Mercedes GLs. My neighbor has one and she loves it. I think my fave small SUV is the Mercedes ML. I love how it looks. Is it reliable, though - that''s the question? If it''s zip you want, drive the BMW. I think you will like it.

 

[moremoremore]

LOL- Thanks! I try canuk..it''s much easier with a good rodent face thrown in

HOW could we forget the Cayanne...now THAT is a hot set of wheels! I know nothing about it...but that it''s fierce!

 

[diamondfan]

I know people who in the last few years have had terrible luck with their MB''s but lately the larger new SUV is doing well and I have three friends who have it and really like it.

I do not like the look of the Audi SUV, but not sure about how it drives.

I would not care about other people, but what is safe, reliable, who has good service, do they pick your car up at your home and drop of a loaner for you, how close is the dealership if you need it...in general, what is their customer service like? I am not buying the car to impress anyone. I want it to have great features, good safety ratings, space, reliability...of course I would not get a car I found to be ugly or unattractive. But a car can be popular for a reason, so if I saw a bunch on the road, I would think it might indicate something.

I would also check used car sales and see if there is a glut of certain makes and models for sale.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Tourague is another option. I think Porsche''s are over the $$ limit......

cheers--Sharon

 

[ephemery1]

Date: 3/7/2008 10:56:38 AM
Author: LitigatorChick
I think the BMW SUV is popular in Calgary not because it is great (it may be, I don''t know), but it seems like it the car everyone in the middle class wants or covets to say they have ''made it''. I don''t know. I am just not a fan, so even if they are great, I won''t be driving one. I did go to the dealership, and they didn''t seem to be my style.

Currently, Lexus is leading the pack for me. Maybe my BIL mechanic can help me with a bit of customizing decisions (definately some killer rims) and see where we go.....

Interesting... I am trying to think if we have a comparable car here in the US, that is symbolic of having "made it"... not sure if we do? My Turkish friend always says that many of the people in her "Middle Eastern community" (parents'' friends/colleagues/acquaintances, etc) covet Mercedes as a car that indicates success and prosperity. I''ve never noticed it personally though... and never heard it related it to middle vs. upper class, necessarily. Although I''ve gathered from my international friends that class divides are perceived rather differently outside of the US. Possibly because there is so much "new money" here, it is hard to assume anything about a person''s "class" based on their posessions.

Still, it''s fun to think about how we develop our stereotypes about certain brands... I always think of BMW as "sporty and fun", Volvo as "strong and reliable", Lexus as "pretty and feminine", Acura as "nice and solid", Landrover as "tough and unique", etc. This is a fun thread! Who knew vicarious car-shopping could be so entertaining?

 

[ephemery1]

Date: 3/7/2008 1:09:15 PM
Author: moremoremore
LOL- Thanks! I try canuk..it''s much easier with a good rodent face thrown in

HOW could we forget the Cayanne...now THAT is a hot set of wheels! I know nothing about it...but that it''s fierce!

I <3 the look of the Cayenne... never driven one, but when it first came out, I used to drool every time one passed by.

 

[canadiangrrl]

For what it''s worth, I have a Volvo XC90, and love it to pieces. I test drove many SUVs and crossovers before deciding on the Volvo - BMW X5, various Lexuses (or is that Lexei?) Toyota Highlander, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, to name but a few - and the XC90 was and is my favourite. Safe, gutsy, comfortable, integrated child seat, fun to drive, and awesome navigation system. Downside? Mileage isn''t great and it could be a little quieter.

 

[diamondfan]

I do not think any car is perfect. You try to find the sweet spot knowing what is most important to you.

 

[canadiangrrl]

Very true, Diamondfan. With the final choice, there''s always a small sacrifice in there somewhere, no matter how thorough your research.

 

[pennquaker09]

I''ve been reading the reviews on the MB GL and they are very informative. A lot of people seem to prefer the diesel version.

 

[sunnyd]

Avoid rovers; they''re the only car that''ll leak oil on the showroom floor, as quoted from a car salesman.

...and the middle class comment was probably unnecessary. Quite ''classist'' if you ask me.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 3/10/2008 1:35:08 AM
Author: canadiangrrl
For what it''s worth, I have a Volvo XC90, and love it to pieces. I test drove many SUVs and crossovers before deciding on the Volvo - BMW X5, various Lexuses (or is that Lexei?) Toyota Highlander, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, to name but a few - and the XC90 was and is my favourite. Safe, gutsy, comfortable, integrated child seat, fun to drive, and awesome navigation system. Downside? Mileage isn''t great and it could be a little quieter.

I thought of this thread today. My DH is *picky* when it comes to cars (based on what they look like) and we saw the Volvo XC90 today and he expressed his interest. He really liked the way they look.

 

[LitigatorChick]

Date: 3/12/2008 7:04:57 PM
Author: sunnyd
Avoid rovers; they''re the only car that''ll leak oil on the showroom floor, as quoted from a car salesman.

...and the middle class comment was probably unnecessary. Quite ''classist'' if you ask me.

What??? Is it more PC to say that people in an average income bracket often strive to obtain something (here, BMWs) often affordable by a higher income bracket?? I''ve had a really crappy week, and I don''t need to be called down like this, SunnyD. I''m going to give you the benefit of the doubt, and choose to assume you were not attacking me.

 

[Delster]

Date: 3/7/2008 4:44:14 PM
Author: ephemery1

Still, it's fun to think about how we develop our stereotypes about certain brands... I always think of BMW as 'sporty and fun', Volvo as 'strong and reliable', Lexus as 'pretty and feminine', Acura as 'nice and solid', Landrover as 'tough and unique', etc. This is a fun thread! Who knew vicarious car-shopping could be so entertaining?

I also think this is really interesting - specially as over here, Lexus cars are marketed to high powered executive types and they are most definitely not seen as 'pretty and feminine'!

You would all probably flinch if you saw what I drive. It's about half the size of the new Minis

LitigatorChick, good luck with the car search, I hope you find something fab!