Reccomend your new SUV to me please :)

[cutes814]

My parents own a MDX and they love it. I drive it often and love it as well. I am waiting for their new ''07 model since Acura is redesigning it. It should come out towards the end of this year. I really like the 3rd row seating since not many midsize SUVs come with that and if it does, the 3rd row is not comfortable.

My brother is 5''10" and he sits in the 3rd row very comfortably. And the fact that it can fold down if you don''t need it is very convenient.

I am not a big fan of the RX330 since it is built on the Toyota Sienna platform. A SUV built on a front wheel drive minivan platform is not impressive to me. If you do decide to get the RX330, make sure to get AWD.

I really like the FX from Infiniti since it is built on a G35 platform, which is rear wheel drive and you can also get the option of intelligent AWD which means the vehicle will automatically use AWD when it senses the road change and needs it. Otherwise it will stay RWD during normal driving conditions, saves you on gas and longer durability for your tires. The performance on this vehicle is better than RX. You get more torque and horsepower for your money. If I was to get a 5 seater SUV, I would get the FX.

Too bad you don''t live in the SF bayarea, otherwise I could help you since I work for Sonic Automotive, Inc. We own over 200 dealerships nationwide, so I can help you get any brand car you want.

If you need any help with any other part of the car buying experience, feel free to email me. I can guide you through the negotiation process too if you need.

 

[cutey TT]

No one else has mentioned it yet, but we *LOVE* our BMW X5 (we have the one with the larger 4.4L engine). When we were deciding on an SUV, our salesperson took us to the Porsche racetrack where a trained racecar driver took us for a spin. The X5 handled beautifully on hairpin turns and the like (nothing like an SUV, but more like a sportscar). My husband, who was in the passenger seat, literally almost peed himself on the first sharp turn. After that demo, we were sold.

Secondly, when the car was less than a year old (and I was 36 wks pregnant), we were in a pretty big car accident on the highway. The car had $17K worth of damages, but none of us had a scratch on us. It took 6 wks, but the car was fixed and is back to normal...no problems since the accident either. Gotta swear by our X5~!

 

[qtiekiki]

Date: 1/17/2006 4:40:31 PM
Author: Milly
My parents own a MDX and they love it. I drive it often and love it as well. I am waiting for their new ''07 model since Acura is redesigning it. It should come out towards the end of this year. I really like the 3rd row seating since not many midsize SUVs come with that and if it does, the 3rd row is not comfortable.

I was kinda eyeing MDX for our next vehicle, but we were thinking that they haven''t change the design for a while. Since they are redesigning the ''07 model, we will definitely wait til then.

 

[butterfly 17]

I am having the same problem deciding what to get. WE don''''t have two Great Danes, but we do have two Pain in the AXX kids (LOL), so we definitely want the third row seats.

We currently have a NIssan Pathfinder, and are pretty happy with it.
I have picked the following SUV''s so far in order of what I like- look and value split 50/50-

Acura MDX
Lexus GX470
Toyota Sequioa
Toyota 4 Runner
Honda Pilot

I was thinking of getting a preowned certified car, but now that I saw someone post about a new redesigned Acura MDX 2007, I may wait until that comes out. We already have two cars so it''s not really a priority, but it would make life a lot easier having the SUV!
Good luck with your search and keep us posted on what you get.

 

[laney]

Butterfly! I also currently have a pathfinder! funny.

And Milly, I may have to take you up on some guidance. We are in the NY area - and have -- almost as a joke sent out some e-mails to dealers to see if they are interested in selling us something for a specific price. I''m sure they laughed at us but it was worth a try. We may try carsdirect - we bought our last two cars internet based - (carmax) but now they don''t have the brands that we are interested in. Anywhoo..

Hubby now still stuck on the XC90. .. and it looks pretty interesting to me. Must be all those commericals this month!

 

[jaysonsmom]

Putting in another vote for the Lexus RX330. THe hybrid wasn''t available at the time, so I can''t comment on it. I test-drove the Acura MDX, the Volvo XC90 when I was shopping for my SUV 1.5 years ago, and finally settle on the RX330. It was the least expensive out of the 3, and came with the most bang for the buck. It had the smoothest ride, rode a little lower, more like a sedan than the other two, it came with a full size spare tire, and automatic lift gate. These things were important to me, being a mother, and having to lug 2 toddlers around all the time.

I got into a major fender-bender last year, and the whole family came out unscathed, not even whip-lash, and throughout the whole ordeal, the service that Lexus provided was superb. I definitely would not hesitate to get another one. I''m thinking of getting the GX470 in a couple years, that way my car will grow as my family grows.

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 1/17/2006 4:40:31 PM
Author: Milly

I am not a big fan of the RX330 since it is built on the Toyota Sienna platform. A SUV built on a front wheel drive minivan platform is not impressive to me.

Actually, the RX330 is not built on the Sienna platform......it''s built on the Toyota Camry platform.

Oh, and I agree with what someone else said in the other thread, Milly...it''s extremely difficult to read your posts in that light pink color. Something a bit darker would be much more helpful.

 

[codex57]

Date: 1/17/2006 4:40:31 PM
Author: Milly
My parents own a MDX and they love it. I drive it often and love it as well. I am waiting for their new ''07 model since Acura is redesigning it. It should come out towards the end of this year.

I am not a big fan of the RX330 since it is built on the Toyota Sienna platform. A SUV built on a front wheel drive minivan platform is not impressive to me. If you do decide to get the RX330, make sure to get AWD.

I''m sorry but I have to call you out. In general, you just can''t trust the advice of a car salesperson over a car enthusiast. I know you prolly mean well, but wrong info is wrong info.

I don''t even like SUV''s and I picked up major problems with your post. You knock down the RX330 cuz it''s based off a front wheel drive minivan platform yet you rave about the Acura MDX.

First, like someone mentioned, the RX is based off the Camry. Car platform. Unibody construction meaning it''ll basically ride and drive smoother and quieter (like a car) versus a truck. For most people (those who don''t tow big things or go serious off-roading), that''s a good thing.

Secondly, your beloved MDX is based off a front-wheel drive minivan platform. Honda makes this thing called an Odyssey. It''s a front-wheel drive minivan. There''s nothing wrong with that. I don''t like SUV''s in general because they''re so inefficient. Mainly space wise. Minivan based SUVs are really nice b/c they don''t have the space inefficiencies of regular truck based SUVs.

The Infiniti FX SUVs are fun and all, but with two great danes, I don''t think it''ll work. It''s main achilles heel is it''s rear cargo space (or lack thereof). If the dogs will even fit in there, they''ll prolly get a concussion from smacking their heads all over. Plus, your ride will be more jittery compared to the others since the FX is really a sports car for those who must drive an SUV.

I like the MDX, it''s just likely going to be replaced real soon. I like the RX, but with Great Danes, you''ll still have to fold those rear seats down leaving you no space for extra passengers. Same problem with the Volvo XC90 (another good option). While we''re at it, you may wanna consider the Caddy SRX or the Land Rover LR3 since your dad can get you a discount. I think those will fit your purpose the best. If you wanna go cheaper, just consider the cheaper versions from each manufacturer (like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, etc)

Unfortunately, I stopped paying attention to the Merc ML since the original was so crappy. I hope they improved it, but part of its problems were cuz the American plant it was built at was just too inexperienced to get it right.

 

[ep6585]

I like my Nissan Xterra a lot but would really like to have a Land Rover Defender 110.

 

[Sparkster]

Whatever car you decide to get (SUV, AWD, 4WD), one thing to consider is getting one with with a rear vision camera fitted. The number of toddlers that are run over and killed in their own driveway and at school drop off points every year are way too many. I am not going on an anti big car rant as children are also run over by sedans. I''m just simply saying that some models now come with the cameras to make them safer when reversing which I thinik is a great idea and one you might consider.