Looking for a powerful crossover
10-25-2017, 11:53 AM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Looking for a powerful crossover
I am planning to get a powerful sports-car like SUV. Frankly I want the power and handling when I am taking the family around. I plan to make this purchase in the 1st quarter of 2018, so right now I am in research mode. I have drawn up a list of cars I am going to seriously consider (like test driving, etc). I would welcome any input or suggestions.
Requirements in no particular order:
Requirements in no particular order:
- 0-60 under 6 seconds
- Good handling and braking
- Seats at least 4 with decent leg and head space. Must have 4 doors
- $25,000 or under.
- 2009-2010 Porsche Cayenne GTS - Comes with a 6 speed manual. This is a huge positive for me.
- 2009-2011 Infiniti FX50 - Seems just as good as the Cayenne except with only a 7AT. Maintenance will be more reasonable.
- 2007-2010 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG - Styling not really my thing. "Old person's" car feeling
- 2010-2012 BMW X5M - Questionable reliability
- Land Rover Range Rover supercharged - Questionable reliability
- 2013-2014 Ford Explorer Sport AWD - Don't know much about it. Still in the height of depreciation. Might be too early to get one of these.
- 2006-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 - Wife doesn't like the styling.
- Porsche Panamera - The ones I would want are currently out of price range.
- 2009+ Cadillac CTS-V - Barely outside of price range. Too low to the ground.
- 2010-2012 Ford SVT Raptor - Not sure if I'm wanting this truck right now.
- E39 BMW M5 - The perennial car I want to get, but this vehicle is going to become a daily or at least regular driver. And the prices they are asking for these are crazy.
10-25-2017, 12:05 PM
#2
Fahrvergnügen'd
The Explorer is also not a great IIHS pick. Small overlap is marginal which is not acceptable to me.
What car are you replacing on your signature list? XTerra?
If I had to choose, I'd take the FX50 but Yummy can chime in on how much he liked owning his FX.
Do you turn your own wrenches on these?
What car are you replacing on your signature list? XTerra?
If I had to choose, I'd take the FX50 but Yummy can chime in on how much he liked owning his FX.
Do you turn your own wrenches on these?
The following users liked this post:
wackjum (10-25-2017)
10-25-2017, 12:32 PM
#3
When my time comes due I'll be in a Porsche Cayenne GTS. More specifically, a 2nd gen with the V8... so a 2011 to 2014 model.
I love the ML63 AMG (and the other AMG SUVs), but I'm with you... styling is just meh. But driving one? Wow... so much fun.
I love the ML63 AMG (and the other AMG SUVs), but I'm with you... styling is just meh. But driving one? Wow... so much fun.
10-25-2017, 12:41 PM
#4
Safety Car
Thread Starter
The Explorer is also not a great IIHS pick. Small overlap is marginal which is not acceptable to me.
What car are you replacing on your signature list? XTerra?
If I had to choose, I'd take the FX50 but Yummy can chime in on how much he liked owning his FX.
Do you turn your own wrenches on these?
What car are you replacing on your signature list? XTerra?
If I had to choose, I'd take the FX50 but Yummy can chime in on how much he liked owning his FX.
Do you turn your own wrenches on these?
I try to do most of the maintenance and repairs on my cars.
10-25-2017, 12:49 PM
#5
Moderator
Of your list, I vote ML63, because #MBfanboi. Is a GL/GLS too big? Not sure if you could get into a G55 AMG with that budget, or if it would even be worth it at that price.
R63 could probably be had for cheap, I'd think, but again, styling isn't the best.
R63 could probably be had for cheap, I'd think, but again, styling isn't the best.
The following users liked this post:
wackjum (10-25-2017)
The following users liked this post:
wassystyle (02-19-2018)
Trending Topics
10-25-2017, 01:30 PM
#8
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,130
Received 4,825 Likes
on
2,572 Posts
SRT8
easy to maintain yourself...a hoot of a ride.
easy to maintain yourself...a hoot of a ride.
10-25-2017, 02:21 PM
#9
registered pw
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: south central pa
Age: 49
Posts: 38,821
Received 354 Likes
on
252 Posts
I would say cayenne. I don't know if this would be the most reliable but close to the top. Personally i would stay away from a high strung amg benz. From what i read, reliability isn't a strong point, but i could be wrong.
I would vote for the gas guzzling infiniti or srt8.
I would vote for the gas guzzling infiniti or srt8.
10-25-2017, 02:22 PM
#10
Safety Car
Thread Starter
A G-wagen is not going to handle well I don't think. I'm looking for more of a crossover vs a body-on-frame.
The R is just hideous looking.
The following users liked this post:
wackjum (10-25-2017)
10-25-2017, 02:28 PM
#13
Safety Car
Thread Starter
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-tal...er-now-942804/
I really enjoy the car. But with essentially 3x two-seaters, I will get a lot more use out of a performance SUV.
10-25-2017, 02:35 PM
#15
Moderator
True, that the G-wagen isn't a handling prowess SUV. M to hit the mark the best between the 3.
The really late model R63 wasn't bad, but a lot more minivan-esque than SUV. More sleeper status for sure.
The following users liked this post:
wackjum (10-25-2017)
10-25-2017, 02:41 PM
#16
The following users liked this post:
juniorbean (10-25-2017)
10-25-2017, 03:12 PM
#17
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I would say cayenne. I don't know if this would be the most reliable but close to the top. Personally i would stay away from a high strung amg benz. From what i read, reliability isn't a strong point, but i could be wrong.
I would vote for the gas guzzling infiniti or srt8.
I would vote for the gas guzzling infiniti or srt8.
I don't trust the high strung BMW and MB turbos though, which is what the X5M/X6M have.
The following users liked this post:
dallison (10-25-2017)
10-25-2017, 03:23 PM
#18
Ex-OEM King
You're not going to get a G55 for under $25k, at least not one you'd want to have for that matter. It will be batshit crazy in a straight line but if you try to turn at any speed, you'll soil your pants. The 6.3L AMG motors of that era have had quite a reputation for blowing heat bolts that cause a litany of problems so I'd beware.
It seems that you're open to cars as well as long as they're big based on your list...so what about a S600? Relatively reliable (mechanically) and it's a V12 which is most awesome and it pulls like a train with enough space and seating for people to mistake it as a living room.
Another fun option to consider is the VW Touareg. In the V8 or V10 TDI configurations, they are pretty fast while being comfy and well built. They are essentially a Cayenne without the Porsche badge so may be had for less money/miles. The V10 TDI is boss though, so much torque it can remove your home from its foundation.
It seems that you're open to cars as well as long as they're big based on your list...so what about a S600? Relatively reliable (mechanically) and it's a V12 which is most awesome and it pulls like a train with enough space and seating for people to mistake it as a living room.
Another fun option to consider is the VW Touareg. In the V8 or V10 TDI configurations, they are pretty fast while being comfy and well built. They are essentially a Cayenne without the Porsche badge so may be had for less money/miles. The V10 TDI is boss though, so much torque it can remove your home from its foundation.
The following users liked this post:
00TL-P3.2 (10-25-2017)
10-25-2017, 04:23 PM
#19
Moderator
^ Looks like the V10 TDI was only available in '04 & '06? 309hp/553tqe ain't no slouch.
10-25-2017, 04:52 PM
#20
Ex-OEM King
10-25-2017, 04:56 PM
#21
Safety Car
Thread Starter
You're not going to get a G55 for under $25k, at least not one you'd want to have for that matter. It will be batshit crazy in a straight line but if you try to turn at any speed, you'll soil your pants. The 6.3L AMG motors of that era have had quite a reputation for blowing heat bolts that cause a litany of problems so I'd beware.
It seems that you're open to cars as well as long as they're big based on your list...so what about a S600? Relatively reliable (mechanically) and it's a V12 which is most awesome and it pulls like a train with enough space and seating for people to mistake it as a living room.
Another fun option to consider is the VW Touareg. In the V8 or V10 TDI configurations, they are pretty fast while being comfy and well built. They are essentially a Cayenne without the Porsche badge so may be had for less money/miles. The V10 TDI is boss though, so much torque it can remove your home from its foundation.
It seems that you're open to cars as well as long as they're big based on your list...so what about a S600? Relatively reliable (mechanically) and it's a V12 which is most awesome and it pulls like a train with enough space and seating for people to mistake it as a living room.
Another fun option to consider is the VW Touareg. In the V8 or V10 TDI configurations, they are pretty fast while being comfy and well built. They are essentially a Cayenne without the Porsche badge so may be had for less money/miles. The V10 TDI is boss though, so much torque it can remove your home from its foundation.
A sedan is possible, but there are so many hazards (potholes, steep driveways, etc) that I really prefer the higher clearance of an SUV for day to day use. It has gotten to the point where I don't take my sports cars anywhere unless I've been there before and/or I can visualize the route I will take.
10-25-2017, 05:36 PM
#22
Moderator
10-25-2017, 07:43 PM
#23
Team Owner
Touareg V10 TDI is caught in the emissions scandal but it is a torque monster.
I vote for the Cayenne too, or consider an SQ5 but not sure how the reliability of the older S models is.
I vote for the Cayenne too, or consider an SQ5 but not sure how the reliability of the older S models is.
The following users liked this post:
TacoBello (10-30-2017)
10-26-2017, 06:26 AM
#26
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 37
Posts: 43,475
Received 3,662 Likes
on
2,495 Posts
This exactly. End debate. Find one. Buy. I believe it is the best available option. No turbo issues to deal with either.
The following users liked this post:
RPhilMan1 (10-26-2017)
10-26-2017, 07:23 AM
#28
If it was my $ - Infinit
Would also consider 11-13 X5 M Sport with Adaptive Suspension.
And from your honorable mention... E39 M5. Not affiliated but here is a bargain: E39 (96-03) For Sale 2001 M5 Supercharged - 540 RWHP! - BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums
G/L
Would also consider 11-13 X5 M Sport with Adaptive Suspension.
And from your honorable mention... E39 M5. Not affiliated but here is a bargain: E39 (96-03) For Sale 2001 M5 Supercharged - 540 RWHP! - BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums
G/L
10-26-2017, 09:05 AM
#29
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 37
Posts: 43,475
Received 3,662 Likes
on
2,495 Posts
10-26-2017, 09:29 AM
#30
Ex-OEM King
I don't think a SQ5 can be had for under $25k in anywhere close to good shape.
If nothing else, I'd also vote Cayenne V8 non-turbo.
10-27-2017, 11:41 AM
#32
Senior Moderator
Got your PM, wackjum...
Anyways, some thoughts on the FX50. Obviously, the look is not for everyone but I quite like it. The horsepower and performance of the CUV is obviously one of the highlights and if you get the loaded version, it still has amenities that most cars NOW are just catching up to. So, the 4-way camera, lane-departure, automatic braking, are all nifty "gadgets" you get that have not really aged even though it's not 2017. The V8 is enjoyable and not back-breaking for gas -- you'll have to convert this -- as you are getting about 12.8L per 100km. So, not horrid mileage given the size of the engine.
Maintenance-wise, the car has been generally hassle-free. Brakes do go a bit quicker on this thing as I'm replacing the pads and rotors more than say, my other cars but it's apparently a trait of the size and etc. of the FX.
Negative is probably the trunk space and obviously, the rear seats. For my family and I, well, we are small
and so, that's not an issue to climb in and out...but, if you are in the 6-feet height classification, sitting in the back will be tight. The trunk is also tight and while it has no issues with a trip to Costco for example, if you have a kid and throw in a stroller and etc., it's pretty full quickly. The rear window affects the volume because how it tapers and so, really, you can't pile too many things up high. So, be sure to check the trunk space and confirm it is not a factor for you.
Let me know if you have further questions!
Anyways, some thoughts on the FX50. Obviously, the look is not for everyone but I quite like it. The horsepower and performance of the CUV is obviously one of the highlights and if you get the loaded version, it still has amenities that most cars NOW are just catching up to. So, the 4-way camera, lane-departure, automatic braking, are all nifty "gadgets" you get that have not really aged even though it's not 2017. The V8 is enjoyable and not back-breaking for gas -- you'll have to convert this -- as you are getting about 12.8L per 100km. So, not horrid mileage given the size of the engine.
Maintenance-wise, the car has been generally hassle-free. Brakes do go a bit quicker on this thing as I'm replacing the pads and rotors more than say, my other cars but it's apparently a trait of the size and etc. of the FX.
Negative is probably the trunk space and obviously, the rear seats. For my family and I, well, we are small
and so, that's not an issue to climb in and out...but, if you are in the 6-feet height classification, sitting in the back will be tight. The trunk is also tight and while it has no issues with a trip to Costco for example, if you have a kid and throw in a stroller and etc., it's pretty full quickly. The rear window affects the volume because how it tapers and so, really, you can't pile too many things up high. So, be sure to check the trunk space and confirm it is not a factor for you. Let me know if you have further questions!
The following 3 users liked this post by Yumcha:
10-27-2017, 07:05 PM
#33
Wow I didn't know the Cayenne GTS came in a manual. That alone makes it a winner for me!
10-30-2017, 08:44 AM
#34
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 37
Posts: 43,475
Received 3,662 Likes
on
2,495 Posts
01-30-2018, 07:43 PM
#35
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I bought an FX50S with Tech Package.
The car arrived yesterday, shipped from Dallas.
Unfortunately I've been working all day so I haven't been able to mess with it much. Hopefully a full write up soon!
The car arrived yesterday, shipped from Dallas.
Unfortunately I've been working all day so I haven't been able to mess with it much. Hopefully a full write up soon!
01-30-2018, 08:59 PM
#36
Congrats on the sick ride man! The FX50 is EASILY the most under rated performance SUV of the last decade. I was looking high and low for one a little while back but they are rare and the price people were asking was WAY out of line. However I still love them, the front is slightly odd but they are unique and the FAT rear end and hips are so sexy. Please post a ton of pics so I can be jealous and drool over them! What color interior? Brown or black? (Iirc the FX50 only had a black interior but not sure). While on the topic of the interior, the FX has one of the highest quality interiors. Period. Soft quality materials literally everywhere. (Can you tell I’m still fantasizing over it or?) 
01-31-2018, 09:39 AM
#39
Moderator
Looks good.
01-31-2018, 10:52 AM
#40
Senior Moderator
Congrats! Welcome to the FX.....er, I mean Sea Cucumber Club! 