Which SUV to get?

MontegoGoGoGo · 01-26-2009, 05:23 PM

I'm helping my mom research a new car and she definitely wants an SUV. I don't know much about them and was hoping for a little help. I know this is a sports car forum, but maybe your wives/husbands/partners drive an SUV.

These are what she wants me to research:
(In no particular order)

1. Land Rover Range Rover
2. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
3. BMW X5
4. BMW X3
5. Toyota 4Runner
6. Mercedes G550
7. Lexus RX
8. Lexus GX

She really is not a car person at all and doesn't care about any bells and whistles or how fast it is etc. She's most concerned with reliability and comfort. She also said she's at a point in her life where she doesn't care what anyone thinks about her car and isn't trying to impress anyone.

Thanks so much for your opinions and experiences.

gonzo · 01-26-2009, 05:33 PM

There are many threads on peoples search for SUV's.

Personally I like the looks of the new GLK 4Matic. If she does not need all the size this, as well as others, will be easier to park etc. RR's are nice and all but serious $ IMO. Of course they may be trying to give them away right now.

g/l to her.

UltimateBMW · 01-26-2009, 05:41 PM

If you want reliability, any Land Rover is off the list automatically.

Beyond that, it is a matter of size and what fits her best. Since nothing else matters, take her for a trip next weekend to get some seat time in some of the cars you listed.

Once she has a basic understanding of what she likes, wants, and doesn't want. Then you can make the search more in depth and technical. Looking at safety figures, repair costs, and common flaws in different cars.

If size doesn't matter, and she doesn't care what poeple think. Ask her why she is set on a SUV. Her answer to that may trump those that come before it.

UltimateBMW · 01-26-2009, 05:42 PM

Also, I'm sure price is somewhat of a factor. Whats the ballpark?

aut0sh0cker · 01-26-2009, 06:04 PM

cayenne?

MontegoGoGoGo · 01-26-2009, 06:05 PM

Hi thanks for the help so far.

Size is a factor, sorry I should have mentioned that. She definitely wants an SUV, but not a HUGE one like a Land Cruiser.

I think she's more concerned with finding something she likes the looks of and is comfortable in rather than the price. Of course she doesn't want to be frivolous though.

I'm going to search through the threads too. Thanks everyone!

rubber_ducky · 01-26-2009, 07:31 PM

If reliability and affordability are tops on her list, and luxury/amenities aren't, there is one logical choice on the list and it starts with Toyota and ends with 4runner.

I had one and it's an appliance.

lyjw88 · 01-26-2009, 07:36 PM

VW Touareg gets my vote!

gshb · 01-26-2009, 07:37 PM

hmmm sounds like a GLK sale!

boymonkey · 01-26-2009, 07:37 PM

"reliability and comfort" = Lexus RX/GX or Toyota RAV4/Highlander
I find my gf's 4Runner less comfy and less easy to drive than my mom's RAV4.

Bimmer007 · 01-26-2009, 07:39 PM

lexus gx should be off that list because its an out dated expensive gas eater

heres what i would recommend

1. Acura MDX
2. glk350
3. rav4
4. audi q7/5
5. audi a4 avant (really nice)

happy shopping

pepper · 01-26-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

If you want reliability, any Land Rover is off the list automatically.

untrue, the new range rovers are using the jag engine which has been out for 10 years. the disco gave land rover a bad name, but the range rovers are no different then every car.

Boost Gomez · 01-26-2009, 08:00 PM

Range Rover Sport FTW. To hell with reliability, my dad's '06 RRS Supercharged had a few minor hiccups at the start but after the first few months of ownership it's been smooth sailing ever since.

x5love · 01-26-2009, 08:29 PM

From what you've said I think she'd like the Lexus SUVs best. Take her to look at the RX and the GX... maybe the Acura MDX would suit her as well.

Lexus is just about to release an all new RX so in terms of resale value and the newest features, that would be the best pick IMO.

And if she wants to be trendy, tell her to opt for the hybrid.

warmtoes · 01-26-2009, 08:41 PM

It's not the engine that's bad on the Land Rover's, it's the electrical and other fit issues. Boss had a Range Rover Sport HSE for his wife. Frigging fuses going on the thing left and right. Got rid of it for a RX400h.

ChrisV · 01-27-2009, 08:38 AM

Keep on slaggin the Range Rovers. Keeps resale prices down so the rest of us can get good deals on used ones.

(I'm on my third used Range Rover. Absolutely love them, and the resale value let me buy what was a $70k HSE for around $10k used...).

As for the original question, she says she isn't interested in impressing anyone, but pretty much the only ones she's looking at are overpriced, rapidly depreciating luxury status symbols (except the Toyota). Also she doens't care about bells and whistles (which the luxury brands are full of) and she doesn't care how fast it goes. What does she plan to use it for? Is there any towing in it's future? Offroading? Carrying lumber and building supplies? What's she doing with it that a good car can't do?

Remember, while gas prices are low right now, they may be back over $5/gallon within a couple years. With that being the case, if she DOES want a luxury SUV, maybe she should look at the new diesel BMW.

MontegoGoGoGo · 01-27-2009, 12:39 PM

OK, so the Rovers are out. Even I've heard that they aren't electrically sound.

She really likes the RX, but doesn't like the fact that everyone has one. I guess she doesn't care what anyone thinks, but doesn't want to be like everyone else at the same time.

She also likes the 4Runner, but I'm afraid it won't be comfortable enough for her. She must have an SUV due to shopping addiction.

Likes the Mercedes G550, but I would hate to see her spend that much money on something she doesn't care that much about. But it has the look that she wants, she likes the boxy SUVs and they seem to be getting harder to find. But she doesn't want a HUGE boxy SUV.

This morning she said she decided on the Rover, but after reading all the posts I told her it's a bad idea. Now she's confused, and me too!

Grrrrrrrr.......

MontegoGoGoGo · 01-27-2009, 12:44 PM

The GLK, since it's brand new, any reliability ratings on it? Or does anyone here have one or know someone who does? I guess I could do a search too!

That might be a good fit, it's kinda boxy, small, and looks like the interior is semi-decent.....

Thanks!

Hula-Hula · 01-27-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aut0sh0cker

cayenne?

Hell yeah the new one!

Or maybe X6?

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But those two might not fall into the most comfortable SUV catagory.

Anyways good luck searching m8!
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135i_TT · 01-27-2009, 12:55 PM

This is a nice Land Rover

flyinb501 · 01-27-2009, 01:04 PM

Just let her get the Range. I'm thinking about taking my chances on one for my next winter ride.

gonzo · 01-27-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontegoGoGoGo

The GLK, since it's brand new, any reliability ratings on it? Or does anyone here have one or know someone who does? I guess I could do a search too!

That might be a good fit, it's kinda boxy, small, and looks like the interior is semi-decent.....

Thanks!

Unlike the ML and GL. which hail from Mercedes-Benz’s US plant in Tuscaloosa, the GLK is set to roll out of the same factory that produces the CLK, SLK and SL in Bremen, Germany.

I did not take the time to look at pricing but I think she could get into a very well equipped GLK for around 40K.

I don't know if they come much boxier.....

Interior is nice IMO.

With the savings over the 550....lot's O' shoes for momma.

01-26-2009, 05:23 PM	#1
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 396 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	Which SUV to get? I'm helping my mom research a new car and she definitely wants an SUV. I don't know much about them and was hoping for a little help. I know this is a sports car forum, but maybe your wives/husbands/partners drive an SUV. These are what she wants me to research: (In no particular order) 1. Land Rover Range Rover 2. Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3. BMW X5 4. BMW X3 5. Toyota 4Runner 6. Mercedes G550 7. Lexus RX 8. Lexus GX She really is not a car person at all and doesn't care about any bells and whistles or how fast it is etc. She's most concerned with reliability and comfort. She also said she's at a point in her life where she doesn't care what anyone thinks about her car and isn't trying to impress anyone. Thanks so much for your opinions and experiences.
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01-26-2009, 05:33 PM	#2
gonzo Lieutenant General 10327 Rep 14,448 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	There are many threads on peoples search for SUV's. Personally I like the looks of the new GLK 4Matic. If she does not need all the size this, as well as others, will be easier to park etc. RR's are nice and all but serious $ IMO. Of course they may be trying to give them away right now. g/l to her. Attached Images __________________ Crazy Diamond
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01-26-2009, 05:41 PM	#3
UltimateBMW Brigadier General 425 Rep 3,287 Posts Drives: MP4 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: South iTrader: (0)	If you want reliability, any Land Rover is off the list automatically. Beyond that, it is a matter of size and what fits her best. Since nothing else matters, take her for a trip next weekend to get some seat time in some of the cars you listed. Once she has a basic understanding of what she likes, wants, and doesn't want. Then you can make the search more in depth and technical. Looking at safety figures, repair costs, and common flaws in different cars. If size doesn't matter, and she doesn't care what poeple think. Ask her why she is set on a SUV. Her answer to that may trump those that come before it. __________________
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01-26-2009, 05:42 PM	#4
UltimateBMW Brigadier General 425 Rep 3,287 Posts Drives: MP4 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: South iTrader: (0)	Also, I'm sure price is somewhat of a factor. Whats the ballpark? __________________
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01-26-2009, 06:04 PM	#5
aut0sh0cker meh 125 Rep 1,752 Posts Drives: E92 335i, 997.2 C4S Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: 91362 iTrader: (2)	cayenne?
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01-26-2009, 06:05 PM	#6
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 396 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	Hi thanks for the help so far. Size is a factor, sorry I should have mentioned that. She definitely wants an SUV, but not a HUGE one like a Land Cruiser. I think she's more concerned with finding something she likes the looks of and is comfortable in rather than the price. Of course she doesn't want to be frivolous though. I'm going to search through the threads too. Thanks everyone!
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01-26-2009, 07:31 PM	#7
rubber_ducky Colonel 387 Rep 2,993 Posts Drives: roach coach Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: boston-ish iTrader: (21)	If reliability and affordability are tops on her list, and luxury/amenities aren't, there is one logical choice on the list and it starts with Toyota and ends with 4runner. I had one and it's an appliance.
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01-26-2009, 07:36 PM	#8
lyjw88 Major 237 Rep 1,414 Posts Drives: C63S & X3MC Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Boston iTrader: (6)	VW Touareg gets my vote!
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01-26-2009, 07:37 PM	#9
gshb First Lieutenant 5 Rep 362 Posts Drives: slow Join Date: May 2006 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	hmmm sounds like a GLK sale!
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01-26-2009, 07:37 PM	#10
boymonkey Lieutenant 41 Rep 530 Posts Drives: slow Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	"reliability and comfort" = Lexus RX/GX or Toyota RAV4/Highlander I find my gf's 4Runner less comfy and less easy to drive than my mom's RAV4.
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01-26-2009, 07:39 PM	#11
Bimmer007 Lieutenant 41 Rep 537 Posts Drives: Cars Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	lexus gx should be off that list because its an out dated expensive gas eater heres what i would recommend 1. Acura MDX 2. glk350 3. rav4 4. audi q7/5 5. audi a4 avant (really nice) happy shopping Last edited by Bimmer007; 01-26-2009 at 08:06 PM..
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01-26-2009, 08:00 PM	#13
Boost Gomez Colonel 53 Rep 2,359 Posts Drives: C63 AMG Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	Range Rover Sport FTW. To hell with reliability, my dad's '06 RRS Supercharged had a few minor hiccups at the start but after the first few months of ownership it's been smooth sailing ever since.
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01-26-2009, 08:29 PM	#14
x5love Captain 80 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	From what you've said I think she'd like the Lexus SUVs best. Take her to look at the RX and the GX... maybe the Acura MDX would suit her as well. Lexus is just about to release an all new RX so in terms of resale value and the newest features, that would be the best pick IMO. And if she wants to be trendy, tell her to opt for the hybrid. __________________ E92 335i\|Jet Black\|Black Dakota\|Alu\|Step/paddles\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6FL\|Navi\|Heated Seats\|CA
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01-26-2009, 08:41 PM	#15
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	It's not the engine that's bad on the Land Rover's, it's the electrical and other fit issues. Boss had a Range Rover Sport HSE for his wife. Frigging fuses going on the thing left and right. Got rid of it for a RX400h. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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01-27-2009, 08:38 AM	#16
ChrisV 7er 9 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 1998 BMW 740iL Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pikesville, MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 740iL [6.00]	Keep on slaggin the Range Rovers. Keeps resale prices down so the rest of us can get good deals on used ones. (I'm on my third used Range Rover. Absolutely love them, and the resale value let me buy what was a $70k HSE for around $10k used...). As for the original question, she says she isn't interested in impressing anyone, but pretty much the only ones she's looking at are overpriced, rapidly depreciating luxury status symbols (except the Toyota). Also she doens't care about bells and whistles (which the luxury brands are full of) and she doesn't care how fast it goes. What does she plan to use it for? Is there any towing in it's future? Offroading? Carrying lumber and building supplies? What's she doing with it that a good car can't do? Remember, while gas prices are low right now, they may be back over $5/gallon within a couple years. With that being the case, if she DOES want a luxury SUV, maybe she should look at the new diesel BMW. __________________ 1998 740iL
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01-27-2009, 12:39 PM	#17
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 396 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	OK, so the Rovers are out. Even I've heard that they aren't electrically sound. She really likes the RX, but doesn't like the fact that everyone has one. I guess she doesn't care what anyone thinks, but doesn't want to be like everyone else at the same time. She also likes the 4Runner, but I'm afraid it won't be comfortable enough for her. She must have an SUV due to shopping addiction. Likes the Mercedes G550, but I would hate to see her spend that much money on something she doesn't care that much about. But it has the look that she wants, she likes the boxy SUVs and they seem to be getting harder to find. But she doesn't want a HUGE boxy SUV. This morning she said she decided on the Rover, but after reading all the posts I told her it's a bad idea. Now she's confused, and me too! Grrrrrrrr.......
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01-27-2009, 12:44 PM	#18
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 396 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	The GLK, since it's brand new, any reliability ratings on it? Or does anyone here have one or know someone who does? I guess I could do a search too! That might be a good fit, it's kinda boxy, small, and looks like the interior is semi-decent..... Thanks!
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01-27-2009, 12:55 PM	#20
135i_TT 1Addict, and proud 175 Rep 1,436 Posts Drives: 2009 AW 135i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i ZMP ( ... [0.00] 2006 VW Jetta TDI ( ... [0.00]	This is a nice Land Rover __________________ BMW AW 135i ZMP:6mt,Coral Red Leather,Silver Matte Trim,Heated Front Seats,I-Drive,HD Radio,Ipod/Usb,Comf.Acces www.wix.com/TT135i/Moi
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01-27-2009, 01:04 PM	#21
flyinb501 Captain 73 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (1)	Just let her get the Range. I'm thinking about taking my chances on one for my next winter ride.
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