Scrib

Starting to look for a Murano replacement. 5 to 7 seats. Don't want anything too big.

Looking at the Murano, Edge, Highlander, X3. Of course wanting some fun toys, you're talking $35K and up; Bimmer is over $40K.

Holy hell. $35K and up. Really?

rossv1

What about a pre-owned GLK? They start at around 35 new.

Will Y.

The FTC said in 2009 that the average price for a new car sold in the US was $28,400.

You're looking at new SUVs, with options.
At least your wife doesn't want a new Lexus RX, which can get to $50K.

Scrib

Mercedes makes me even more nervous than BMW.

Carraway

Yes, but budget $20K or so and spend some time on the used market, and you can find all kinds of awesomeness.

Maybe an Acura RDX or, if you don't live in a place where rust is an issue, a Mazda CX-7.

Edit- Oh, you're in Indiana. Maybe the Mazda isn't a good choice. Maybe a funky Honda Element or a not so funky Pilot or CR-V. Should be scads to choose from. Unless you want a manual, then best of luck.

csmeance

how about used MDX?

Scrib

What I'm trying to do is get 3-4 years between cars. So a MY 2010 or 2011 will get me there. I'm not opposed to a used car, but given the issues I've had with my 335i... Puts a salty taste in my mouth.

alex2364

A redesigned X3 is coming out later this year. You might want to wait a bit if you want a X3, but it'll prolly be even more expensive.

Aman

Ford Flex would be my #1 pick

Sarlacc

Same here, but I think its bigger than he wants.

VQPower37

look into the honda pilot, its a good value for what you pay IMO

Hapa DC5

Cpo mdx

pttl

Chevy Traverse?

007Acura

^
+1


or

2011 ford edge





or keep the murano which is still a nice car and buy a more expensive car when you have more saved up...

Hapa DC5

wow that's a Ford??

Scrib

The Edge would run about $41K (MSRP), with the options I want.

FML

F23A4

We picked up our base 09 MDX for a little over $35k. Aside from not having an Intelligent Key-type system, it's pretty much replaced our old 05 Murano SL AWD in our hearts and minds.

SodaLuvr

I think the current-gen Murano is a great car, and with the year-end clearance, you can purchase one for a very good price.

knight rider

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, cars are getting more expensive. I remember waaaay back when a 3 Series Bimmer costed ~$20K and that was expensive back then

If you're looking for an SUV that seats 5-7 you may be pricing yourself into the $35K+ range. I don't have any suggestions there other than buy something nice used. The good thing is that the market is flooded with good pre-owned vehicles. Happy hunting.

Scrib

Base 2010 MDX is $43K, probably could be had for $40.5Kish these days...

Scrib

I would agree... They're going for under $35K with the mobile entertainment, technology, premium and leather packages.

But I don't know if she wants another Murano.

SodaLuvr

What about a new Jeep Grand Cherokee? The newest redesign looks fantastic.

Scrib

Over $40K for that... meh

SodaLuvr

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/...b-eb9892b58419

dallison

it is amazing how expensive cars are now......

LuvMyTSX

Cars are incredibly expensive these days.

I just put a deposit on a 2011 RDX SH-AWD Tech package for about $36k before taxes. CPO MDX would be a nice choice, but they still cost quite a bit as well. The RDX has quite a few bells and whistles and IMO, a semi-reasonable price when compared to some other vehicles.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Don't go the BMW route. Or MB. I'm sure as you know with your BMW, the added random costs after you buy the car add up. My mom has found this out with her 08 C class. Like others, I vote CPO MDX. The new Muranos are awesome also though.

That's what I thought too. Damn. I want one.

BlueAc

iTrader: (2)

I've been looking at new cars since I totaled my TL. I was interested in '10 F150's, fully loaded they range from 45-50k. Ummmm... no thanks I think I'm just gonna grab a used TL and live car note free for a while.

Good luck to you OP, I couldn't find any dealers willing to negotiate.

Never Summer

It's as if every other car maker followed in Audi's footsteps and jacked up their prices $5k without improving the product at all.

S A CHO

2 years ago I would have laughed in the face of a person spending 30k on a V6 Mustang...

This week I may be that person

HBaJ

2 years ago I would have laughed in the face of a person considering a V6 Mustang...

Today I wish I was that person

^One of the few cars in this market that still hold true to its value, but yes..still has a thrifty pricetag. I mean who would of ever thought of a VW Jetta (Mk5) having a base msrp of 17k? Ridiculous.

dannyboy10

Expensive because of the many safety features (some required by the Govt.), electronics, bell and whistles, etc.....

ABS brakes
Traction control
Lightweight metals to reduce vehicle weight
Multitude of air bags
Navi screen
Moonroof
Leather
Heated seats

etc...

Nothing wrong with a new Camry, Accord, Fusion, CR-V, Forester that MRSP's in the low 20's...unless one wants all the options to add another 8k to the price.

oonowindoo

kia sportage and Soreno are really good for the price. then again ur wife probably wont like them cuz they are kia...

MR1

Why not keep the Murano? That assumes you have had no trouble and it has been well taken care of. We have not even considered trading my wife's 02 MDX that only has about 46,000 miles. Oh, it cost $35k when we bought it new.

Costco

This.

Even though repairs can be costly, it will (obviously) be more expensive to buy a newer car.

And cars are expensive now? ~15 years ago, an Acura Legend was $40k. A VR-4 started at $45k. A Supra Turbo was just under $50k.

mrmako

How about a Subaru Tribeca? Kind of funky looking, has good room and a reliable boxer setup.

Or the GM twins Traverse or Acadia? You might be able to get year end closeout on one of those.

F23A4

If you can forgo seating for seven then I would opt for the 2G Mo. If it was not for the stellar deal we got on our MDX then, we would have opted for an 09 SL AWD.

Scrib

Sure, I can keep it. No problems with it, so far.

However, as mentioned in some other threads here, the CVT in the early models are suspect (although they are covered with an extended warranty) and the AWD transfer case isn't know to be the best.

Car is only six years old, just under 40,000 miles on it. Come 50,000, it will require some heavy maintenance, so worst case I will really be shopping come this time and into the fall of 2011.

Scrib

Sadly, one of the reasons I got rid of my TSX was the fact the dealer was a 24 mile drive from home, which really sucks when something breaks or I was in need for the routine maintenance. Otherwise the RDX would have found my list.

Might sound like a lame reason NOT to buy a car, but right now I'm spoiled. Both dealerships are less than two miles away (for current cars).

Scrib

I don't need seven seats. Only one on my list that does have the third row is the Highlander.