Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV???? UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your help.
- Sandtrap
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Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV???? UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your help.
Aloha Everyone, need your help and advice.
Shopping for DW's new SUV
Requirements:
Long Term Reliability (a must)
Durability (a must)
**4wd/AWD (a must - ice/snow/occasional gravel/mud)
*(we live 2 miles from the main highway, unpaved road, nasty in winter storms and summer monsoons = mud n ice)
Cargo weight (5-700 lbs of feed bags (horse grain) every 2 weeks)
Flat cargo loading, rear seat folds flat.
Ground clearance (not car like)
Loaded with power seats, etc, etc, etc, etc, $$$$$$$.
Car allocation:
Existing car: Nissan Xterra (hers to be replaced)
Existing truck: Toyota Tundra TRD 4wd. (his, keeping it)
Retired: Not on a driving schedule. Not daily use.
*DW does not like cars or car like.
*Budget Unlimited: (Whatever DW wants)
List:
Honda Passport Elite (likes that it has the Ridgeline truck base, liked the test drive)
Honda Pilot
Nissan Pathfinger (too big, wife doesn't like it) Nope
Toyota/Lexus (wife doesn't like new body style, and front end) Nope
Jeep anything (reliability is a must) Nope
Infinity Q 60 (will be looking at this and test driving) (No nearby dealer/service, can a Nissan dealer suffice?)
Infinity Q80 (might be too big if close to Pathfinder, dunno)
Range Rover (DW loves this but no nearby dealer and servicing) Is this as reliable as a Toyota?
Mercedes G 550 SUV (will be looking at this. No nearby dealer/service so maybe not) Is this as reliable as a Toyota?
Any other suggestions for this list?
Thanks everyone for your kind help and suggestions.
jim
UPDATE:
DW and I test drove the Toyota Highlander, 4Runner, Honda Passport Elite, and Honda Pilot Limited AWD, today.
She liked the Honda Pilot AWD the best. We spent about 2 hours looking at it again and asking about all the details of it.
Looks like we're going to order a 2021 later in the year when we can do that.
One factor was the colors available and interior color combinations. For DW.
Thanks everyone for your help.
j
Shopping for DW's new SUV
Requirements:
Long Term Reliability (a must)
Durability (a must)
**4wd/AWD (a must - ice/snow/occasional gravel/mud)
*(we live 2 miles from the main highway, unpaved road, nasty in winter storms and summer monsoons = mud n ice)
Cargo weight (5-700 lbs of feed bags (horse grain) every 2 weeks)
Flat cargo loading, rear seat folds flat.
Ground clearance (not car like)
Loaded with power seats, etc, etc, etc, etc, $$$$$$$.
Car allocation:
Existing car: Nissan Xterra (hers to be replaced)
Existing truck: Toyota Tundra TRD 4wd. (his, keeping it)
Retired: Not on a driving schedule. Not daily use.
*DW does not like cars or car like.
*Budget Unlimited: (Whatever DW wants)
List:
Honda Passport Elite (likes that it has the Ridgeline truck base, liked the test drive)
Honda Pilot
Nissan Pathfinger (too big, wife doesn't like it) Nope
Toyota/Lexus (wife doesn't like new body style, and front end) Nope
Jeep anything (reliability is a must) Nope
Infinity Q 60 (will be looking at this and test driving) (No nearby dealer/service, can a Nissan dealer suffice?)
Infinity Q80 (might be too big if close to Pathfinder, dunno)
Range Rover (DW loves this but no nearby dealer and servicing) Is this as reliable as a Toyota?
Mercedes G 550 SUV (will be looking at this. No nearby dealer/service so maybe not) Is this as reliable as a Toyota?
Any other suggestions for this list?
Thanks everyone for your kind help and suggestions.
jim
UPDATE:
DW and I test drove the Toyota Highlander, 4Runner, Honda Passport Elite, and Honda Pilot Limited AWD, today.
She liked the Honda Pilot AWD the best. We spent about 2 hours looking at it again and asking about all the details of it.
Looks like we're going to order a 2021 later in the year when we can do that.
One factor was the colors available and interior color combinations. For DW.
Thanks everyone for your help.
j
Last edited by Sandtrap on Sun Feb 02, 2020 7:55 pm, edited 4 times in total.
- TheTimeLord
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
You seem to have omitted Acura, Audi, BMW and Porsche offerings. If you are considering Range Rover then you should add Jaguar since they are sold through the same dealerships.
IMHO, Investing should be about living the life you want, not avoiding the life you fear. |
Run, You Clever Boy! [9085]
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
I love a list that says reliability is important and then lists a Range Rover and a Mercedes as cars they are looking at.
What does car like mean? Do cross overs like the BMW X3 end up too car like? Are we talking looks (i.e.want something square) or some thing else? I am guessing pretty much every compact/midsized crossover meets these requirements (depending on your definition of reliability). Personally I think driving 2 60k BMW x3's is going to be cheaper than 1 130k G550:)
What does car like mean? Do cross overs like the BMW X3 end up too car like? Are we talking looks (i.e.want something square) or some thing else? I am guessing pretty much every compact/midsized crossover meets these requirements (depending on your definition of reliability). Personally I think driving 2 60k BMW x3's is going to be cheaper than 1 130k G550:)
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
2020 Lexus RX350
My favorite
Plenty of upgrade from 2019 model
My favorite
Plenty of upgrade from 2019 model
Time in market beats timing the market.
- TheTimeLord
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/ran ... dsize-suvs
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g ... mpact-suv/
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g ... mpact-suv/
IMHO, Investing should be about living the life you want, not avoiding the life you fear. |
Run, You Clever Boy! [9085]
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
Have you considered a Toyota Landcruiser? I have a 5th gen 4runner, while the limited trim might be considered luxury the larger body overhangs make it not as off-road friendly as the sr5/trail model 4runners. Those models do not have full time 4wheel drive and not sure how she would feel about having to engage it when conditions warranted
neither are as high end as a Audi Q7, RR, Mercedes GLS etc. but certainly has enough for most people and the durability/reliability is un paralleled
just a note that 5-700lbs is going to make many of the options on your list squat - some have air suspension to fix this but that tends to be a reliability issue. Without it your headlights might blind other drivers if the driving is done at night
neither are as high end as a Audi Q7, RR, Mercedes GLS etc. but certainly has enough for most people and the durability/reliability is un paralleled
just a note that 5-700lbs is going to make many of the options on your list squat - some have air suspension to fix this but that tends to be a reliability issue. Without it your headlights might blind other drivers if the driving is done at night
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
Look at the higher trim levels of the non-luxury brands. Mazda CX-5/9 grand touring. Subaru Ascent. etc.
- Sandtrap
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
Yes. Sometimes, when car shopping, there's a disconnect between visual appeal and nuts/n/bolts.randomguy wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 8:54 am I love a list that says reliability is important and then lists a Range Rover and a Mercedes as cars they are looking at.
What does car like mean? Do cross overs like the BMW X3 end up too car like? Are we talking looks (i.e.want something square) or some thing else? I am guessing pretty much every compact/midsized crossover meets these requirements (depending on your definition of reliability). Personally I think driving 2 60k BMW x3's is going to be cheaper than 1 130k G550:)
(Maybe park a Range Rover in the detached garage for her to look at and the Honda to drive. . . )
Looks are something like the Xterra she already has, utility looking, horse lady looking.
I'm really trying to get her into a Toyota 4 Runner as it seems to fit all of her needs, and my need for sensibility, but she can't stand the look of the front end (agreed).
Not all car like SUV's can handle going through 6 inches of mud or frozen mud/gravel on an uneven road. So there's that.
I'm all in favor of Toyota/Honda reliability and anything less is a compromise. But, it's not my car.
Thanks for your help.
j
- Sandtrap
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
All in favor of the Landcruiser as well.T4REngineer wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:02 am Have you considered a Toyota Landcruiser? I have a 5th gen 4runner, while the limited trim might be considered luxury the larger body overhangs make it not as off-road friendly as the sr5/trail model 4runners. Those models do not have full time 4wheel drive and not sure how she would feel about having to engage it when conditions warranted
neither are as high end as a Audi Q7, RR, Mercedes GLS etc. but certainly has enough for most people and the durability/reliability is un paralleled
just a note that 5-700lbs is going to make many of the options on your list squat - some have air suspension to fix this but that tends to be a reliability issue. Without it your headlights might blind other drivers if the driving is done at night
But, she doesn't like the style and it's a bit too long for where she parks in the garage.
I'm trying to get her into the Toyota 4Runner TRD 4wd which is outstanding but she doesn't like the look of the front end.
Thanks
j
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
If you have a dealer near you look at the Volvo XC90 with air suspension.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
Infiniti QX60 is essentially the same car in dimensions as the Pathfinder which your wife turned down while QX80 is even larger (15 inches longer), think it's based on the Nissan Armada.
- Sandtrap
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
She likes the Porche SUV look very much.TheTimeLord wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 8:42 am You seem to have omitted Acura, Audi, BMW and Porsche offerings. If you are considering Range Rover then you should add Jaguar since they are sold through the same dealerships.
But, I think shlepping bags of horse grain every 2 weeks is going to tear it up.
Also, no local dealer/servicing.
And, I don't think there's Toyota/Honda reliability there. . . (my concern).
She is looking at the Accura SUV's though.
j
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
I was going to suggest a Lexus GX or LX, thinking that they hadn't also inherited the cow-catcher grille.
But I just checked and OMG, that design cancer has now spread to the entire Lexus line.
But I just checked and OMG, that design cancer has now spread to the entire Lexus line.
- Sandtrap
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
Okay. Didn't know that. Thanks.
We'll test drive the Q60 and see if she likes it.
Thanks
j
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
Unfortunately your two main items, Reliability and Low Maintenance cannot be met with any other brands that also meets everything else, except Toyota/Lexus.Sandtrap wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:05 amAll in favor of the Landcruiser as well.T4REngineer wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:02 am Have you considered a Toyota Landcruiser? I have a 5th gen 4runner, while the limited trim might be considered luxury the larger body overhangs make it not as off-road friendly as the sr5/trail model 4runners. Those models do not have full time 4wheel drive and not sure how she would feel about having to engage it when conditions warranted
neither are as high end as a Audi Q7, RR, Mercedes GLS etc. but certainly has enough for most people and the durability/reliability is un paralleled
just a note that 5-700lbs is going to make many of the options on your list squat - some have air suspension to fix this but that tends to be a reliability issue. Without it your headlights might blind other drivers if the driving is done at night
But, she doesn't like the style and it's a bit too long for where she parks in the garage.
I'm trying to get her into the Toyota 4Runner TRD 4wd which is outstanding but she doesn't like the look of the front end.
Thanks
j
Sometimes our human brain can get stuck on the most irrelevant things, while overlooking the most important things, and we miss out on a good plan. Rangerover/Landrover horribly unreliable and high maintenance, as is most others.
Lexus GX 460 / Toyota Landcruiser, both meets everything in your list. There is no looking beyond.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
My wife didn't like the Lexus front end since the change a few years ago. We bought a Toyota Highlander Limited and she loves it. The front end is OK looking, plenty of safety features, fold down seats, lots of options available. We chose the sable/brown/tan looking leather interior with a white exterior. Everyone complements the look. Weathertech makes floor mats to cover the 3 rows plus cargo area. They have been a great addition.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
OP said: *Budget Unlimited: (Whatever DW wants)
If that's the case, consider leasing from a dealer that will provide white glove service. I would think any luxury brand would offer this. You'll not have to worry about reliability. If there's a problem, they'll give you a loaner.
We've done that with BMWs and love it.
Too bad your wife does not want a sedan. Most SUVs ride quality are terrible, not luxurious at all. We had a GL 550, it was a nice comfy ride. However, compared to our current BMW 7 series (leased), not so much.
If that's the case, consider leasing from a dealer that will provide white glove service. I would think any luxury brand would offer this. You'll not have to worry about reliability. If there's a problem, they'll give you a loaner.
We've done that with BMWs and love it.
Too bad your wife does not want a sedan. Most SUVs ride quality are terrible, not luxurious at all. We had a GL 550, it was a nice comfy ride. However, compared to our current BMW 7 series (leased), not so much.
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Two thoughts
1. There's a difference between AWD and true locked 4WD. If OP wants the second his options are greatly limited.
2. Only in America would we look for a luxury SUV to carry hundreds of pounds of feed bags.
1. There's a difference between AWD and true locked 4WD. If OP wants the second his options are greatly limited.
2. Only in America would we look for a luxury SUV to carry hundreds of pounds of feed bags.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
"I'm trying to get her into the Toyota 4Runner TRD 4wd which is outstanding but she doesn't like the look of the front end."
I didn't like the front end of my 2016 Trail Premium w/KDSS when I bought it in '16. And still don't. But the dual-range 4WD system is what I needed and the locking rear diff is useful, as is the MTS & A-TRAC. It's not a luxury vehicle. (I looked at the TRDs, but the wheels were a 1/2" narrower and I really wanted the KDSS system for offroad boat towing & beach driving.)
And you can't see the front end when you're driving it.
I looked at the Land Cruisers and could have paid cash, but what a big old bloated boat. YMMV. I suppose they wanted to give you a lot for your $90,000.
I didn't like the front end of my 2016 Trail Premium w/KDSS when I bought it in '16. And still don't. But the dual-range 4WD system is what I needed and the locking rear diff is useful, as is the MTS & A-TRAC. It's not a luxury vehicle. (I looked at the TRDs, but the wheels were a 1/2" narrower and I really wanted the KDSS system for offroad boat towing & beach driving.)
And you can't see the front end when you're driving it.
I looked at the Land Cruisers and could have paid cash, but what a big old bloated boat. YMMV. I suppose they wanted to give you a lot for your $90,000.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Cybertruck (if you can wait).
After an Xterra, anything will feel like massive upgrade.
Going away from a truck based/on frame design will certainly improve the ride.
Lincoln Nautilus might fit the bill. A nicely equipped Ford Edge is a nice vehicle. Toyota Highlander Hybrid would be an easy choice.
What dealers are close? Where do you want to go for service/warranty work?
I would scratch any car with no dealer in the area that is reasonable to you (10 miles, 20 miles, 30 miles?).
After an Xterra, anything will feel like massive upgrade.
Going away from a truck based/on frame design will certainly improve the ride.
Lincoln Nautilus might fit the bill. A nicely equipped Ford Edge is a nice vehicle. Toyota Highlander Hybrid would be an easy choice.
What dealers are close? Where do you want to go for service/warranty work?
I would scratch any car with no dealer in the area that is reasonable to you (10 miles, 20 miles, 30 miles?).
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
I doubt this is an option for the OP but to help with the fish gill look I did put a hybrid front bumper on and mounted 4 fog lights across it - helps to break that area up. Not an option with the 2020+ as they have the safety sense equipment that it would block.andypanda wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:22 am "I'm trying to get her into the Toyota 4Runner TRD 4wd which is outstanding but she doesn't like the look of the front end."
I didn't like the front end of my 2016 Trail Premium w/KDSS when I bought it in '16. And still don't. But the dual-range 4WD system is what I needed and the locking rear diff is useful, as is the MTS & A-TRAC. It's not a luxury vehicle. (I looked at the TRDs, but the wheels were a 1/2" narrower and I really wanted the KDSS system for offroad boat towing & beach driving.)
And you can't see the front end when you're driving it.
I looked at the Land Cruisers and could have paid cash, but what a big old bloated boat. YMMV. I suppose they wanted to give you a lot for your $90,000.
Landcruiser aside from the fold flat seats really is the only thing that fits the bill imho but reliability into 300,000miles is very different than only needing something reliability for 70,000.
Maybe the new Ford Bronco when it gets released? reliability would be unproven or another similar option would be the Land Rover Defender both wont provide Landcruiser reliability but doesn't mean they are inherently bad options
Any chance she would settle for a pick up with a topper (sounds like what you really need if you loading feed into the back often)
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Actually the other way around. The Ridgeline isn't really a truck. It uses a car-based unibody platform shared with the Pilot and the Passport, rather than most trucks' body-on-frame. If the wife liked the Pilot/Passport, also check out the Acura MDX. Passport makes a lot of sense if you don't need the third row.
Given the current state of Nissan/Infiniti, I would recommend against their products. The QX60 is just a gussied-up Pathfinder (much more so than Acura/Lexus products are just gussied up Hondas/Toyotas). It was barely competitive when it came out, and it has been on the market for too long without a redesign (since model year 2012).
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
We have two Macans, a '15 Turbo and a '20 S. We did a through multi-month search before we finally went Porsche again.
The Lexus RX grill was a non-starter, the fit and finish of the X3 BMW's and Q5 Audi's were not up to the Porsche standard, and the Volvo XC 60 T8 did not have the handling we have become accustomed to. For us, the choice, in the end, was easy.
But horse feed haulage and actual off-road use would color things a bit. Perhaps the Porsche Cayenne should be considered as it is more truck-like than the Macan and it has more room for hauling stuff.
Alternatively, have you considered using a trailer to haul the feed? That changes things up a bit....
The reliability of the Macan and Cayenne are pretty good, but nothing beats Lexus/Toyota. If you can find a way to love the grill, these would be more Bogelhead. But if you can swing it, either Porsche is going to be far and away the better emotional choice.
The Lexus RX grill was a non-starter, the fit and finish of the X3 BMW's and Q5 Audi's were not up to the Porsche standard, and the Volvo XC 60 T8 did not have the handling we have become accustomed to. For us, the choice, in the end, was easy.
But horse feed haulage and actual off-road use would color things a bit. Perhaps the Porsche Cayenne should be considered as it is more truck-like than the Macan and it has more room for hauling stuff.
Alternatively, have you considered using a trailer to haul the feed? That changes things up a bit....
The reliability of the Macan and Cayenne are pretty good, but nothing beats Lexus/Toyota. If you can find a way to love the grill, these would be more Bogelhead. But if you can swing it, either Porsche is going to be far and away the better emotional choice.
"Plans are useless; planning is indispensable.” (Dwight Eisenhower) |
"Man plans, God laughs" (Yiddish proverb)
- Sandtrap
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Thanks for the good points.02nz wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:54 amActually the other way around. The Ridgeline isn't really a truck. It uses a car-based unibody platform shared with the Pilot and the Passport, rather than most trucks' body-on-frame. If the wife liked the Pilot/Passport, also check out the Acura MDX. Passport makes a lot of sense if you don't need the third row.
Given the current state of Nissan/Infiniti, I would recommend against their products. The QX60 is just a gussied-up Pathfinder (much more so than Acura/Lexus products are just gussied up Hondas/Toyotas). It was barely competitive when it came out, and it has been on the market for too long without a redesign (since model year 2012).
What is the "current state of Nissan"?
j
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Not sure what you mean about the Cayenne being "more truck-like than the Macan," other than the Macan's rear being more sloped. They are both unibody (carlike) crossovers. Ground clearance with the standard suspension is virtually identical. A family member has the Macan, and it's brilliant.Cyclesafe wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:58 am We have two Macans, a '15 Turbo and a '20 S. We did a through multi-month search before we finally went Porsche again.
The Lexus RX grill was a non-starter, the fit and finish of the X3 BMW's and Q5 Audi's were not up to the Porsche standard, and the Volvo XC 60 T8 did not have the handling we have become accustomed to. For us, the choice, in the end, was easy.
But horse feed haulage and actual off-road use would color things a bit. Perhaps the Porsche Cayenne should be considered as it is more truck-like than the Macan and it has more room for hauling stuff.
Alternatively, have you considered using a trailer to haul the feed? That changes things up a bit....
The reliability of the Macan and Cayenne are pretty good, but nothing beats Lexus/Toyota. If you can find a way to love the grill, these would be more Bogelhead. But if you can swing it, either Porsche is going to be far and away the better emotional choice.
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- Sandtrap
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
I agree on a Toyota. The 4Runner size and 300k mile durability would fit her nicely.T4REngineer wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:48 amI doubt this is an option for the OP but to help with the fish gill look I did put a hybrid front bumper on and mounted 4 fog lights across it - helps to break that area up. Not an option with the 2020+ as they have the safety sense equipment that it would block.andypanda wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:22 am "I'm trying to get her into the Toyota 4Runner TRD 4wd which is outstanding but she doesn't like the look of the front end."
I didn't like the front end of my 2016 Trail Premium w/KDSS when I bought it in '16. And still don't. But the dual-range 4WD system is what I needed and the locking rear diff is useful, as is the MTS & A-TRAC. It's not a luxury vehicle. (I looked at the TRDs, but the wheels were a 1/2" narrower and I really wanted the KDSS system for offroad boat towing & beach driving.)
And you can't see the front end when you're driving it.
I looked at the Land Cruisers and could have paid cash, but what a big old bloated boat. YMMV. I suppose they wanted to give you a lot for your $90,000.
Landcruiser aside from the fold flat seats really is the only thing that fits the bill imho but reliability into 300,000miles is very different than only needing something reliability for 70,000.
Maybe the new Ford Bronco when it gets released? reliability would be unproven or another similar option would be the Land Rover Defender both wont provide Landcruiser reliability but doesn't mean they are inherently bad options
Any chance she would settle for a pick up with a topper (sounds like what you really need if you loading feed into the back often)
. . . except for the "look".
j
- Sandtrap
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Yes.
Going to take a look at it in the coming week.
j
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
The new Chevy Blazer looks promising. One of the few SUV's under 40K that come with a V6.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Leaving aside the former CEO: plummeting sales (Infiniti was down more than 20% in 2019), stale product line, quality/reliability below the other Japanese brands. They've started to bring out redesigns but mostly Nissan cars so far (Altima, Sentra, Versa).Sandtrap wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:08 amThanks for the good points.02nz wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:54 amActually the other way around. The Ridgeline isn't really a truck. It uses a car-based unibody platform shared with the Pilot and the Passport, rather than most trucks' body-on-frame. If the wife liked the Pilot/Passport, also check out the Acura MDX. Passport makes a lot of sense if you don't need the third row.
Given the current state of Nissan/Infiniti, I would recommend against their products. The QX60 is just a gussied-up Pathfinder (much more so than Acura/Lexus products are just gussied up Hondas/Toyotas). It was barely competitive when it came out, and it has been on the market for too long without a redesign (since model year 2012).
What is the "current state of Nissan"?
j
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Reliability has wavered between sub-par and abysmal for the past decade. Their CEO was smuggled out of Japan in an instrument case (I'm guessing Cello, but it was never specified) to avoid prosecution for financial misconduct. No I'm not even remotely joking about that.
Sales, which were already not good, were down 10% in 2019. They cut 12,500 jobs at 14 plants in July, and are now closing two plants completely, and also laying off 4,300 white collar workers in a restructuring aimed at trimming $4.4B in costs to avoid going out of business. They'll be trimming their model lineup by 10% this year, etc. etc.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
This is kind of conflicted. If you have unlimited budget, why reliability is a must? You just lease a big Mercedes or BMW X5 SUV and call it a day. Anything happens, dealership will bend over backwards and give you a loaner.Sandtrap wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 8:29 am Aloha Everyone, need your help and advice.
Shopping for DW's new SUV
Requirements:
Long Term Reliability (a must)
Durability (a must)
**4wd/AWD (a must - ice/snow/occasional gravel/mud)
*(we live 2 miles from the main highway, unpaved road, nasty in winter storms and summer monsoons = mud n ice)
Cargo weight (5-700 lbs of feed bags (horse grain) every 2 weeks)
Flat cargo loading, rear seat folds flat.
Ground clearance (not car like)
Loaded with power seats, etc, etc, etc, etc, $$$$$$$.
Car allocation:
Existing car: Nissan Xterra (hers to be replaced)
Existing truck: Toyota Tundra TRD 4wd. (his, keeping it)
Retired: Not on a driving schedule. Not daily use.
*DW does not like cars or car like.
*Budget Unlimited: (Whatever DW wants)
List:
Honda Passport Elite (likes that it has the Ridgeline truck base, liked the test drive)
Honda Pilot
Nissan Pathfinger (too big, wife doesn't like it) Nope
Toyota/Lexus (wife doesn't like new body style, and front end) Nope
Jeep anything (reliability is a must) Nope
Infinity Q 60 (will be looking at this and test driving) (No nearby dealer/service, can a Nissan dealer suffice?)
Infinity Q80 (might be too big if close to Pathfinder, dunno)
Range Rover (DW loves this but no nearby dealer and servicing) Is this as reliable as a Toyota?
Mercedes G 550 SUV (will be looking at this. No nearby dealer/service so maybe not) Is this as reliable as a Toyota?
Any other suggestions for this list?
Thanks everyone for your kind help and suggestions.
jim
Time is the ultimate currency.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palaside
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Well then, since the 4Runner hasn't changed dramatically for decades, how about looking at a 4th gen (2002-2009)? The Limited is very well equipped, even compared to a 2020 5th gen, and there was an excellent 4.7L V8 available. The 4th Gen V8 model is the only 4Runner to ever have permanent full time 4WD.
Primarily an off-road focused test, but here's a comparison:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BziZfoUXtJI
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
To state the obvious, some people prefer not to spend a lot of time going back and forth to the dealer for repairs, even if covered under the warranty and even if the dealer offers a loaner (or a cappuccino machine in the waiting room). Not saying OP should or shouldn't get a BMW or Mercedes or whatever, but reliability is worth something even (maybe especially) to the wealthy.
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Man, this is the second thread I've seen recently of someone wanting a reliable luxury SUV but avoiding Lexus due to the looks. The designers at Lexus should maybe spend some time on the bogleheads forum
It seems like she'd be interested in an actual truck based SUV based upon the off road and hauling needs. So that does limit it to the G-wagen, GM and Ford tuck based products (tahoe, expedition), Lexus/toyota LX/GX/4runner/landcruiser, some range rover stuff.
I'd honestly encourage her to check out a Lexus LX or GX in person. She will almost certainly be blown away by the interior of a new one of those if she's coming from an xterra. Maybe even so much that she'd be willing to tolerate its looks. I think that those would be the best option as would combine the capability, luxury, and reliability needs you're searching for.
It seems like she'd be interested in an actual truck based SUV based upon the off road and hauling needs. So that does limit it to the G-wagen, GM and Ford tuck based products (tahoe, expedition), Lexus/toyota LX/GX/4runner/landcruiser, some range rover stuff.
I'd honestly encourage her to check out a Lexus LX or GX in person. She will almost certainly be blown away by the interior of a new one of those if she's coming from an xterra. Maybe even so much that she'd be willing to tolerate its looks. I think that those would be the best option as would combine the capability, luxury, and reliability needs you're searching for.
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
LandCruiser all day long and twice on Sunday...OR...4Runner...we have one of each and have had LCs for 100s of years it seems...all kept til over 300K with really no issues at all. Get serviced every 10K and they are both tanks...style? Not so much...safe? yes...Gas mileage sucks on either. I dont care...I want to be able to get out in snow storms if needed and they both anything we want. Wife usually takes 2 Dobermans with her and they approve of the ride. Dont get fancy or cute...you have a Tacoma you get it.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury SUV????
I'll also point out that Bentley makes SUVs.tphp99 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:18 am OP said: *Budget Unlimited: (Whatever DW wants)
If that's the case, consider leasing from a dealer that will provide white glove service. I would think any luxury brand would offer this. You'll not have to worry about reliability. If there's a problem, they'll give you a loaner.
We've done that with BMWs and love it.
Too bad your wife does not want a sedan. Most SUVs ride quality are terrible, not luxurious at all. We had a GL 550, it was a nice comfy ride. However, compared to our current BMW 7 series (leased), not so much.
https://www.bentleymotors.com/en/models/bentayga.html
Maybe OP could lease one of those for a few years to see how well wifey likes it.
If the Bentley doesn't work out, Ferrari will probably have their Purosangue out
by the time the Bentley lease expires.
Also, it would help to have *SOME* sense of location since a lack of local dealership
seems to be an issue with several choices ...
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
With enough wealth, you just purchase a spare!02nz wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:34 amTo state the obvious, some people prefer not to spend a lot of time going back and forth to the dealer for repairs, even if covered under the warranty and even if the dealer offers a loaner (or a cappuccino machine in the waiting room). Not saying OP should or shouldn't get a BMW or Mercedes or whatever, but reliability is worth something even (maybe especially) to the wealthy.
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Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Since you like the 4runnner, you're probably aware that the appearance does change slightly with the different models. The limited, limited nightshade, and the trd pro all have a somewhat different look in the front depending on what color you order. For ice and snow the limited models both have full time four wheel drive (means they have a center differential in addition to front and rear).
I have one, and also a qx 60/ pathfinder. The nissan is not body on frame....it is unibody. Gets better mileage, but not as rugged. It does have nice interior passenger space as it is wider than the 4runner. It also handles quite well, but isn't going to be towing much of anything.
I like the Lexus GX, which is is the same ballpark performance wise. Body on frame and not good mileage, but rugged and reliable.
Good luck.
I have one, and also a qx 60/ pathfinder. The nissan is not body on frame....it is unibody. Gets better mileage, but not as rugged. It does have nice interior passenger space as it is wider than the 4runner. It also handles quite well, but isn't going to be towing much of anything.
I like the Lexus GX, which is is the same ballpark performance wise. Body on frame and not good mileage, but rugged and reliable.
Good luck.
Last edited by Boglegrappler on Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:46 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
In reality, new Mercedes and BMW cars (or any new car for that matter) rarely have issue in the first 3 years of lease. Hence, the wealthy folks (or those who like spending money) should lease luxury cars. They will have a new car every 3 year. They don't need to do research and buy and hold cars.02nz wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:34 amTo state the obvious, some people prefer not to spend a lot of time going back and forth to the dealer for repairs, even if covered under the warranty and even if the dealer offers a loaner (or a cappuccino machine in the waiting room). Not saying OP should or shouldn't get a BMW or Mercedes or whatever, but reliability is worth something even (maybe especially) to the wealthy.
Time is the ultimate currency.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
(bolding mine) The 4Runner is an older design and it is truck-based (body-on-frame). It does not do as well in crash tests as more modern car-based crossovers, and ride/handling is truckish, the advantage is off-road ability. But unless OP's wife is doing real rock-crawling (doesn't sound like it) any crossover will have enough off-road ability.OldBallCoach wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:39 am LandCruiser all day long and twice on Sunday...OR...4Runner...we have one of each and have had LCs for 100s of years it seems...all kept til over 300K with really no issues at all. Get serviced every 10K and they are both tanks...style? Not so much...safe? yes...Gas mileage sucks on either. I dont care...I want to be able to get out in snow storms if needed and they both anything we want. Wife usually takes 2 Dobermans with her and they approve of the ride. Dont get fancy or cute...you have a Tacoma you get it.
See IIHS crash test results - note the "marginal" (second worst) rating in the toughest test, the small front overlap. Most newer SUVs ace all tests with "good." https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/to ... r-suv/2020
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your Expected Returns
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
FWIW: I have a 2007 Acura MDX & still love it to this day. Any vehicle I have gets used (& treated) like a truck. Not sure about the current year models, however my 2nd row seat doesn't fold exactly flat but has a slight incline. LOVE the comfort of the seats, which will be challenging to find when it's time to replace my MDX (with anything other than a newer MDX).
"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste..." Max Ehrmann
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
The nearby (Denver metro) Mercedes dealership regularly sends their drivers hundreds of miles away to pick up vehicles needing service (up to Vail & Aspen, far into Wyoming). Presumably a Phoenix MB dealership would do the same.
"Never underestimate one's capacity to overestimate one's abilities" - The Dunning-Kruger Effect
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
Per OP, not daily driving so it sounds like low-mileage use. Hard to justify leasing for that, but it also sounds like OP can afford it.H-Town wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:45 amIn reality, new Mercedes and BMW cars (or any new car for that matter) rarely have issue in the first 3 years of lease. Hence, the wealthy folks (or those who like spending money) should lease luxury cars. They will have a new car every 3 year. They don't need to do research and buy and hold cars.02nz wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:34 amTo state the obvious, some people prefer not to spend a lot of time going back and forth to the dealer for repairs, even if covered under the warranty and even if the dealer offers a loaner (or a cappuccino machine in the waiting room). Not saying OP should or shouldn't get a BMW or Mercedes or whatever, but reliability is worth something even (maybe especially) to the wealthy.
Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????
The Macan and Cayenne also differ regarding the transmissions (PDK vs Tiptronic) and suspension tuning. The Macan drives more like a sports car (but is not a sports car) versus the Cayenne driving more like a truck (but is not a truck).02nz wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:08 amNot sure what you mean about the Cayenne being "more truck-like than the Macan," other than the Macan's rear being more sloped. They are both unibody (carlike) crossovers. Ground clearance with the standard suspension is virtually identical. A family member has the Macan, and it's brilliant.
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