Looking to buy an SUV - narrowed it down to a few.. need some advice

[Superstar1]

Hey All..

So, knowing how knowledge is power, and how RFD members share their knowledge and experiences, I am hoping for some advice..

I am looking to buy an SUV in Vancouver - Most practical option for the work I do as I often have to hall things (small things, but take up space). Recently sold my pathfinder before moving to Vancouver - did very well for me. Though it was a great ride, it's not on my list as it doesn't have the bells and whistles I like..

My budget is 15K max (give or take a couple :P) <-- yeah yeah, i know that defeats the purpose of "Max"
I can put 8K max down, and finance the rest but want my payments relatively low - around 250/month MAX for real.

I have narrowed it down to:
- Nissan Murano - Love the look, seems quite reliable, for my budget I can probably get a newer lower Km model
- BMW X5
- Jeep TJ - Always LOVED these! (probably the most impractical for my job though)
- MDX
- RX 300/350 (probably have to get an old one with my budget
- Infiniti FX35 - just sexy! has most of the bells and whistles..

So, in the car, i'd love to have:
- back-up cam - a nice plus, but not essential, id probably forget it and look back anyway
- well integrated bluetooth system - a must!
- navigation (not essential, have a GPS unit, but would be nice)

What do you guys think? maybe there is another SUV I have overlooked?

Thanks in advance!

[Dilton]

SUVs suck, but if you must, out of those I'd get the MDX. I know a guy with an 03 MDX who does basically no maintenance and it just runs and runs. No rust either. Your budget should let you get an older one without too much mileage on it. The X5 is a great car but will be in the shop all the time. The Murano gets terrible mileage.

[izzyzz]

MDX. Reliable, fuel efficient for the class and decent looking for a Honda. :)

[Superstar1]

MDX. Reliable, fuel efficient for the class and decent looking for a Honda. :)

LOL! right, like the "Honda Acura" in a recent star article! haha Indeed it does look nice for a "honda"


SUVs suck, but if you must, out of those I'd get the MDX. I know a guy with an 03 MDX who does basically no maintenance and it just runs and runs. No rust either. Your budget should let you get an older one without too much mileage on it. The X5 is a great car but will be in the shop all the time. The Murano gets terrible mileage.

This is what I was most leaning towards! Lets see if anyone else has different opinions.

[Superstar1]

P.S. Love the new Ford Edge, cant afford it though :(
Too bad im not one to live the american dream and refinance my house to buy a car that i cant afford!

[nepean19]

You can get the new version of the Honda pilot quite cheap in the states.

[Superstar1]

You can get the new version of the Honda pilot quite cheap in the states.

not sexy enough! :P

[djemzine]

Have you considered a Ford Escape? 2009-011 used? It has Bluetooth ie MS Sync but no backup cam or Navi in XLT trim. Maybe in limited v6 versions.

Also has auto dimming mirror, auto headlights and many more.

[chillin858]

My vote would be the Infiniti, is super reliable and its a pleasure to drive, is beautiful inside and out and has a tasteful exhaust note

(Pics are from 2003-2008 generation)

http://www.wallpaperslot.com/data/media/408/2003%20Infiniti%20FX45%2015.jpg

http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Infiniti/Infiniti_FX_2008_i01-1024.jpg

[rsasp]

MDX. Reliable, fuel efficient for the class and decent looking for a Honda. :)

Not fuel efficient.

If you are looking for a good daily suv, I would pick Lexus RX.

[smacd]

Toyota Venza has tons of room and we're lifetime (34,000 miles) 9.2l/100km on our '09 I4 FWD. Standard bluetooth from '10 onward.

[sf1991]

All great choices but you are reall gonna have to look and be caustious especially with your budget! BMW X5 and the MDX would be my pick and for the BMW find a mechanic cause maintenance will drive you nuts!

[doberman_baby]

Depends on how much hauling you do. In addition, do you want unibody or truck based? There are many unibodies SUVs out there, but not many truck based.
For the budget of $15k max (give take a couple), I would choose ones that does not take premium gas. This eliminates the Lexus, Acura, BMW, MB lines. This leaves you the domestic or the Rav4, CRV, Highlander, 4runner etc. Personally, of the four, I would choose a 4rumner!

[DavidY]

IMO, you have high end tastes with a low end budget. Not many luxury SUVs use regular gas either. Prices for used vehicles in Vancouver are among the highest in Canada.

With a $15K budget, you would be looking at an older model with higher mileage. More toys may mean more issues....especially if you are not handy.

Dave

[mau108]

If you can find an FX or Murano in your budget go for it! Stay away from the MDX as you will get an older model and may have transmission issues if not properly serviced. One thing to note all the vehicles on your list with the exception of the TJ require Premium fuel. Was that considered when you budgeted it all out ?

[Sniper001]

Go with an MDX, get the newest one with low kms if you want a headache-free car. If you want to spend a bit more and get more features, go with the RX 350. Both are reliable cars, and you'd be happy either.

These are the ones from your list that popped up to me, the rest aren't worth mentioning given the way you have described yourself.

[SoroSuub1]

IMO, you have high end tastes with a low end budget. Not many luxury SUVs use regular gas either. Prices for used vehicles in Vancouver are among the highest in Canada.

With a $15K budget, you would be looking at an older model with higher mileage. More toys may mean more issues....especially if you are not handy.

Dave

That.

A more recent non-luxury brand may have the same toys as an older luxury SUV (due to the trickle-down effect) and you should be able to get more use out of it, as they would be newer.

Are things like visibility, centre of gravity (eg. stability) a concern for you? It sounds like you intend to just drive around in the city, so you won't be looking for a truck-based SUV...

[Brian99]

Rogue, EX35, X1

[TrevorK]

I'll be honest, a luxury SUV for 15K seems like a poor decision. You'll be looking at something with higher mileage on it and many years old. Repairs will occur (they happen with any vehicle) and may be more expensive.

If you like the look of a Murano then I'm sure the Rogue appeals to you, and you can probably get a used Rogue with the options you are looking for around your price range.

[motomondo]

Toyota 4 Runner made in Japan will work until the end of the world !!!!

[calgaryhhr]

What about a 2004 VW Touareg? That should run about $15,000 with about 150,000km on it. You might even be able to find a Volvo XC90 at $15,000 (probably a 2005 or so.) I'd search around for the Volvo. The XC90's are very good vehicles.

[DJ_Peanuts22]

If you like the FX buy the FX.

[NuclearBlast]

SUVs suck, but if you must, out of those I'd get the MDX. I know a guy with an 03 MDX who does basically no maintenance and it just runs and runs. No rust either. Your budget should let you get an older one without too much mileage on it. The X5 is a great car but will be in the shop all the time. The Murano gets terrible mileage.
What do you mean, Murano gets terrible mileage? It's actually better than both MDX and X5, I suppose due to it's CVT.

[motomondo]

What about a 2004 VW Touareg? That should run about $15,000 with about 150,000km on it. You might even be able to find a Volvo XC90 at $15,000 (probably a 2005 or so.) I'd search around for the Volvo. The XC90's are very good vehicles.

VW SUV? NO WAY
Let's see what they have to say about the VW Touareg.

http://www.thestar.com/wheels/article/1032068--reliability-weighs-on-volkswagen-s-porky-suv

"Consider this post: “I bought this (2004 model) used just over a year ago. I've had almost $20,000 in repairs in that time.”"

"Quick, somebody get Jenny Craig on the phone.
“This car needs to lose 1000 lbs. Fast. I just traded a 2006 BMW 330i for my Touareg and love it for what it is. It is a heavy, cumbersome mammoth of a SUV”

“After a short year and a half we had to put $3,000 into it for new tires, brakes, rotors, etc. None of which were included in the warranty,” a disgruntled owner posted. "

"A second-hand Touareg is not for the light of wallet."

"The 2,455-kg Touareg V8 could sprint from 0 to 96 km/h in 7.5 seconds – quick for such a fat ute. Its little V6 brother weighed just 60 kg less and wheezed its way to 96 km/h in 9.8 seconds."

"Fuel-wise, suffice it to say it drinks like a sailor on shore leave, and premium stuff at that."

"The Touareg is unfortunately wracked by numerous mechanical issues that can turn ownership into a debt-ridden quagmire, drivers warn.

In addition to the high costs of brake and tire replacements, early models especially exhibited numerous electrical faults."

[Badman]

In your list I would look at the FX first and then the murano. Followed by the Lexus and the MDX

[Superstar1]

lots of good advice everyone!

The MDX, say a 2003, would it require premium gas? This is something I never considered until posting this thread.

Ive read that its recommended but not required: http://www.mdxers.org/forums/68-fuel-octane-mileage-etc/13265-fuel-type-2003-mdx.html

I also have been reading a lot of "aircare" on vehicles in vancouver. WTH is this? never heard of air care before.

[DavidY]

I also have been reading a lot of "aircare" on vehicles in vancouver. WTH is this? never heard of air care before.

Aircare = vehicle emissions testing program in the lower mainland of BC...probably similar to Ontario's Drive Clean program.

Dave