Hey guys, first off, I know this section is about RL's etc, but I read this page everyday and I think you guys all offer great advice, so if you guys dont mind helping, id appreciate it.

Scenario, parents 2008 jeep commander limited(i know not acura, but it saved there lives) was totaled by state farm today, and I need an suv to replace it. i'm thinking of a few suv's in mind, would like some feedback, any personal advice, suggestions, etc.

1. Acura MDX (first car i look at, not sure to go with standard or sport)
2. Bmw X5 (diesel)
3. MB-320 Bluetec
4. Range Rover sport
5. Cadillac Escalade
6. Porsche cayenne


I'm not too worried about reliability issues(tho its a concern of mine), being we keep our cars only around 5-7years. So please guys, ANY ADVICE, i'm all ears.

 

new or preowned?

budget?

 

I have a 2007 MDX. At the time we leased it we looked at a lot of similarly priced,equipped SUVs and felt the MDX was easily the best bang for the buck.

the SH-AWD makes it handle more like a sedan than the big porky SUV that it is! with 300hp it's no slouch either.

you can probably ge ta nice preowned CPO 2007 in the low-mid 30s.

ours is NOT the sport. I have heard really good things about the sport's suspension setup, but honestly, don't know if it's worth the money. if you are looking for a good SUV and want to ge ta lot for the money, for for the standard one with tech. lots of those out there.

we looked at hte Mazda CX-9 and liked that..a lot of car for the m omey, but at the time, for not much more, you could get into the MDX and the Acura was clearly a superior vehicle.

 

Were looking for a NEW suv. Budget were willing to go up to (55-60k), but would prefer to stay in the high 40's.

My parents had the Range Rover 04(quite possibly the worst mechanically ever made, never ever again will we buy LR), which the Jeep replaced, But we've mostly had only mercedes suv's/cars, with a sprinkle of acura, lexus, infinti inbetween.

 

yeah i'm a big fan of the MDX, tho my dads getting up there in age, he likes his cars with a bit of sportyness. hows the mpg on the mdx?

if you had to do the purchase over, would there be certain options or model you wish you had gotten? maybe inside/outside color combos to avoid?

 

1. Acura MDX - go with the Sport model 0-60 8.0 sec. 11/23 on Premium
2. Bmw X5 (diesel) - good economy, bad electrical problems (below average reliability)
3. MB-320 Bluetec - good economy, worse than the BMW! Bland driving characteristics
4. Range Rover sport - don't know anything about Indian car companies
5. Cadillac Escalade - ugh...this thing is HUGE! Horrible reliability. 0-60 7.5 sec. 9/21 on Regular
6. Porsche cayenne - fun, fun, fun! Horrible reliability. 0-60 7.0sec 10/22 on Premium

Diesels are cool, but do weigh the front end down. If you want the most "car-like" drive, go for the BMW. If you want a skwooisher ride, go for the MB (but get to know your Service Advisor well).

Gas? Or if you want super reliable? MDX all the way.

 

2010 MDX specs have just been released and looks good if you can wait a few months... The Advance package looks good and I think has the new adaptive suspension... my vote is for MDX... can't beat the value and my cousin's 08 that I rode in was a great ride and awesome fit and finish... just my 2 cents

 

I would also suggest adding the:

Audi Q5

Lexus RX 350/400h

2010 Acura MDX (intro of the new 6 speed tranny/unfortunately the power plenum grill too)


Overall, I think the BMW X5 (xDrive 35d or 4.8i) has the best overall performance/luxury of all the listed SUV. However, it is also near the top of the tier in pricing as well, therefore I think the RX or MDX would be the best $40k "bang for your buck" choice!

 

I am moving this to Car Talk as this is pretty OT. You'll get a lot of good answers there, as well.

 

I think out of the ones you mentionned the MDX Sport would be my choice. However, I think if he doesn't need the extra space, a Q5 would do the job!

 

out of those choices depends if you want diesel or gas.
Gas i'd go MDX(But i work for Honda so i lean their way)
diesel Benz 320 Bluetec(Benz makes one of 3 best diesels in the world)(i've heard of old Benz diesels with over 500,000 miles and minimal done to them)
plus Benz diesels have pretty good resale if their looking to trade in about 6 years.