We've got this nice spacious two-car garage waiting for us in San Fran and it needs some automobiles to go in it. At this point, we're just going to get one for Tracy and probably get one for me down the road a bit.
We're looking for something a little bit luxury, a little bit SUV and a lot safe. It seems like cars are far more expensive now than when I last bought one. Oh well.
The three cars on the radar are the Lexus RX350, Acura RDX and Nissan Murano. We looked at the Mazda CX-7, but Tracy was a little unimpressed. Really like the Volvo XC90, but unless we go pre-owned it's way too much money and kind of a gas guzzler.
Anyone have opinions on these cars, or any others that would fit the bill?
 | Everyone I know who has a Honda Odyssey swears by them. That's assuming you can get over the "minivan" issue.
One issue that's important to consider IMO is that when you're driving a car that large on the outside, how much room does it really give you inside? That's where the Honda excels and some SUVs are downright terrible. Compare the cubic feet of storage to make sure you've got enough room in the back for toys, strollers, groceries, etc.
Our X5 does the job for us, but sometimes we wish we had a little more space, most notably to and from the airport where we have to pack the back pretty tight. |
 | walter wrote on Jul 30, '07, edited on Jul 30, '07 Ok - Dump the Murano from your list unless you can find a 'really' and I mean 'really' good deal because that design is going to look and feel old real quick. It's bland, boring and just not that impressive.
You can do better. Consider checking out a pre-owned Infiniti FX (better looking, better performance). Overall the Nissan brand (compared with Acura/Honda & Lexus/Toyota) just doesn't compare.
Now it becomes a very tough choice when it comes to your sport-ute selections. Actually I'm impressed that you two checked out the Acura RDX. They say the motor is rather slick and the car handles very much like a sports sedan. Compared to the Lexus the cargo room can get rather tight but it's definitely cheaper. It is a turbo so there might be some turbo-lag (was your last SAAB a Turbo?). So consider that when taking it out for the test drive.
You can't go wrong with the Lexus. It's focuses more on the luxury side of the compact sport-ute. There is more cargo room and creature comforts but again, it does cost a bit more.
Both are great choices. If you want a more sport feel, go for the Acura. If you want a luxury feel, get the Lexus.
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 | a caveat---remember that california has different emission standards than the othe 49 normal staes----do california cars run on latte?-----any way i am going to get a toyota highlander hybred---lots of room---rear window opens, fold down 3rd row----you might have to see abot theills in san fran as far as power goes and check to see how easy it is to get a car into your garage---the hybred lexus is way to expensive and doesn't give great gas milage---also being in san fran, you will probably not use the a.c. as much---better milage---go green |
 | lyle wrote on Jul 30, '07 Are you into the wagon/SUV crossovers? The Suburu Outback All-Wheel Drive is a sweet looking, comfortable ride, as is the safety first Volvo XC70. |
 | dave wrote on Jul 30, '07 I think the tax credit is based on brand, and I also think they combine Toyota and Lexus for that purpose, so credits for Highlander, Prius, and RX400 are all out.
As for wagons, I think we like the crossovers/SUVs better because of the height. Much easier for getting kids into car seats. |
 | The Toyota Highlander just came out w/ a new body style. It has received great ratings from what I've heard (it's a Toyota afterall). I wasn't a huge fan of the old body style but this new body style is really nice looking. I believe the 2008 is just being released now. Mike saw it this weekend at the dealership and said it is very impressive and has a lot of nice features (esp w/ the 3rd row). You should check it out. |
| For more on 'greener' cars, check out this site. They've got some killer info on different types of rides and from what I can tell, are on the money. http://www.greenercars.com/index.htm |
 | espen wrote on Jul 30, '07 Any reason you left out the BMW's? the X3 is a little smaller than the others but it's still pretty practical and would have the best sporty drive. The X5 is an amazing drive but unless you go CPO it'll cost you. This, of course, coming from a tried and true BMW sedan fan. |
 | If Tracy did not like the CX-7 she might like the CX-9. They are bigger and have the optional 3rd seat. Also the Volvo wagons are also an option. |
| dave wrote on Jul 30, '07  Any reason you left out the BMW's? the X3  By the time you add in some options the X3 gets well up into 40s, which is more than I was hoping to spend. Maybe we'll check it out though. I know that Tracy, being a safety freak, would like the BMW Assist feature. |
 | jodig wrote on Jul 30, '07 SUBARU. I have had 2 in a row now and still love it. The all wheel drive is so much better than my previous 4 wheel drive vehicles (had a Rodeo and a Raider pre-Subaru convert). Handles well in rain, has awesome turning radius (did I make that up?). Anyway, may not be luxury enough- I haven't looked at the options on the Forrester and don't know the newer model, but I have the WRX and had the Outback Sport before. Go Subaru, Go Subaru!
of course, we should all be saying go Hybrid, since it's the right thing to do... |
 | foonasty wrote on Jul 30, '07, edited on Jul 30, '07 Chicks will think you are sexy and confident if you drive a minivan:  Look what it does for your hair already! |
| dave wrote on Jul 30, '07 Dude. I'm so getting a minivan! |
 | I LOVE my Murano - gas is typical for an SUV but I still love it - we are going to have to upgrade to a minivan with twins on the way so if you want to buy used, ours needs a good washing but is in GREAT condition...... :) |
 | tracy wrote on Jul 30, '07 |
 | sujewel wrote on Jul 31, '07, edited on Jul 31, '07 I haven't read all the replies, but I have to say Boo for the Lexus and the Mazda. What about the Mercedes R-Class? Kurt and I have been seriously considering the R320 CDI. Super Spacious, good gas mileage, safe and it was a great ride, I was very impressed.
There is that 'minivan' issue for me. Kurt, the weirdo he is has always wanted a minivan.
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| Oh! What about a Touareg or a Passat Wagon? |
| I knew what you meant and it is incredibly amazing. I really like the R-class - it's a great ride - tight but comfortable - . I really don't think it's very expensive for what you get and there's enough room for both dogs and kids.
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| walter wrote on Jul 31, '07, edited on Jul 31, '07 I would probably go for the E63 AMG wagon b/c I prefer a car ride rather than the ride of a MPV.
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| sujewel wrote on Jul 31, '07, edited on Jul 31, '07 I would probably go for the E63 AMG wagon b/c I prefer a car ride rather than the ride of a MPV.
Nice, but I don't think 200lbs of dog would fit in there with Kurt and I. What actually stopped us from getting the R-Class is the coming Jetta Wagon in Diesel - a bit small, I think, but Kurt really thinks it will be large enough. We're waiting patiently for it to come out this January. |
| it's been official for 4 weeks now! :) |
 | I currently drive a Volvo XC90 and I love it!! It's very spacious, smooth ride and it seems well built with quality materials making it FEEL like a very safe car (even if it's only a false sense of security). The only negative things I can say about it are the gas mileage issue and it's size. By size I mean that it's a big car for driving in a crowded city that has old, narrow streets and small parking spaces like here in DC. As far as the gas issue goes, I try to justify it and minimize my feelings of guilt by walking or taking the Metro whenever possible and driving only when necessary. So far, so good... the car is 1 1/2 years old and only has around 5,000 miles on it.
Anyway, I hope your transition to San Francisco goes well and that you are very happy WHEREVER you live...
P.S. You and Tracy make really cute babies/kids - congrats on your son!!!! |
 | Mine is a turbo... The car is not that fast from 0-100 km/h, but when drives about 80-100 km/h on the road in the highest gear, it's going fast up to 140 - or 160 if you want:-) It is not that good in fast corners, because the front of the car weight about 61 % of the cars weight. But the SAAB 99 goes nearly like a train on rails, when you drives on a long straight road. The economy is up to about 35 miles/Gallon maybe because of the Saab oxygen sensor, so that is pretty nice, but only about the half in the city. The Cw of the car is 0,37, so it not as aerodynamic as the mostly new cars from today. The model from 1983 weight 1025 kg, so it's not that heavy what it's look like. But it's also a pretty save car to drive in. It has for example plate brakes both rear and in the front. Remember: It's produced since 1968, so it's design may look a bit oldish for a lot of people. The last model 99 was made in 1984 with break free ignition, so I with go for one of the latest models if I was you. |
| dave wrote on Aug 13, '07 And the winner is.....a certified pre-owned 2004 BMW X3 2.5i. Just picked it up at lunch time. The Acura RDX was all but a done deal, but I decided to check out the pre-owned Bimmers just for kicks. Found a nice one with low miles at a decent price and just pulled the trigger. Saved a pretty fair amount over a new RDX and the financing terms were pretty sweet. |
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