I've got a myriad of personal Pros and Cons for these vehicles but I just wanted some input from you guys.

I'm currently looking at the following:

2006 M35 w/ Tech package (no sports package) 46K miles - $25K
Nice car, but I would want the rims from the sport package, and a tint. This car is more "me" but costs more to maintain and warranty is almost out (expires in July). Could use AirCheck voucher for an old car I have sitting in driveway ($3000 trade in amount for getting rid of old car). Love the adaptive cruise control, lane departure system, and air conditioned seats. Black leather interior would stand up to young kids. Bluetooth doesn't do everything I would want it to do and would not be upgradeable

2007 Rav4 V6 Limited w/ third seat (no leather, no sunroof, basic radio) 22K miles - $20K
The power is very nice, third row of seats for my small kids, Easily upgradable stereo (would add headunit with nav, bluetooth, etc., that does everything I want it to do), sits up higher for Houston flash floods. From private seller so would still have old car in driveway. Would be a daily driver that would allow me to have a third car that is more "me" in the garage in 3 or so years.

I know the choices are on two different spectrums. This is honestly the hardest car decision I have ever made...

Input would be GREATLY appreciated.

I have cross shopped a lot of different vehicles in these categories and the availability for my budget narrowed down to these two...

 

M35. The only thing the Rav4 has going for it based on your post is the fact it's newer and has more utility (room, higher off ground, aftermarket upgrades).
I honestly don't know the reliability factor of the M35,
but being nissan/inifiniti i'm assuming reliability isn't going to be a problem
even with 46k miles.

have you considered a crossover ( I don't really like them)?

Edit: just read the last part about these two finalists.

 

Of those two particular cars, I'd take the Rav4.

 

Since I hate the name Rav4, I'm picking the M- plus I love the M's!

 

Besides, living in H-town, there is no excuse to buy half a truck

 

I hear you Ash, but I was in Houston a month ago (live in Austin now and will be moving back to the H in June) and got caught in some terrential (sp?) downpours. I would have been driving my civic, but my wife convinced me to take the Mountaineer and I was VERY grateful she did. That's my only reason for wanting a "CUV" in Houston. The added bonus of a third row seat is great for the small kids, and it's a rare option to boot...

 

I would get the M35 but for what you need the car for go with the Rav4. My folks have one (4 banger) other than everyone having one they are good cars.

I live in ATL now but will be moving to H-town pretty soon (wife is from Pasadena). I was recently looking to buy a 09 M35 but got an 09 FX35 instead because of the random flooding in Houston.

Our other car is a 06 G35 coupe and we have been stuck on beltway service roads at times.

Side note: I see you got your PE. My wife is an Aggie and just took her EIT exam!

 

You can see my delima (sp?) perfectly! I looked at getting a 06 FX35 but Haven't been able to find one that fits my criteria (under 25K, with tech package, and being sold by a certain few dealers that will accept my trade).

Very good! Us Aggies make the world go 'round! I made the stupid mistake of waiting till 4 years after graduation to take the EIT. Took me 3 times to pass it, and only one to pass the PE!

 

This is her 4th time taking it Hopefully the last!

 

Never been a cute ute fan. But if the utility of 4wd and a higher perch over ride luxury, then the RAV4 is for you. That should be all it boils down to.

 

rav 4 in your case, just hope those 3 years come quick for the fun car, lol

 

I made my decision! Will update thread with pics upon delivery of car later this week!

 

Guess it doesnt matter now but you should be able to get a better deal than that on an M35 if you shop around a bit.