We are looking for a new Suv for my mother - she currently owns a white, 2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 which we got for 39,XXX brand new as a end of the year discount. She drives only about 2 miles to work every day and we only have 26,XXX miles on it. We are debating between these cars (looking to lease)

1) M-B Gl450 - our favorite as of now, yet very expensive

2) Cadillac Escalade ESV - mod. quick, huge improvement over last year yet horrible value

3) Volvo XC90 - Safety, less expensive but reliability issues, far dealer, v6 is slow, small?

4) Acura MDX - tech, amenities, great value but small also?

anybody have any experience with these?

 

I am partial to Lexus, but that is because I own an RX and a GX... out of that bunch I would go with either the Volvo or the Acura. Also the Volvo can be had with a V8.

 

well my sister had an mdx, i drove it a few times and i liked it alot. i thought it was very roomy (maybe because i drive an cl-s?). im actually loving the new mdx alot. i checked one out at the acura dealer, and i was very impressed. i dont know if its just me but i thought my sister's 02(i think) was a little more roomier (headspace wise) than the new one, but id still definitly take the new one of course.

 

the MDX is a very good SUV. only issue is that the 3rd row seats can only hold 2 people giving 7 passenger seating, not sure if the MB is the same. Also the MDX is a better value for its money

 

she only drives 2 miles to work everday... does she really need all that much space?

 

The Best Payment to MSRP ratio, XC90 hands down. I got one back in July, they had excelent deals going on. There are similiar deals for the 07 now.

Reliabilty, who cares really, its a lease. When I needed to drop the XC90 for minor cosmetic repairs, they gave me another XC90 for free, even an 07 V8.

 

If money isn't an issue, go with the MB.

...otherwise 2-4 on your list are meh.

 

Touareg?

 

Toyota FJ. Period.

 

My wife has a 2005 MDX. I haven't heard a single complaint. It's powerful enough with plenty of room. I would've bought her a Pilot but she wanted the MDX. We also considered a Lexus but we needed room in the back for the GSD.