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:

• 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.

The current top contenders listed in order of preference:

1. 2009-2010 Porsche Cayenne GTS - Comes with a 6 speed manual. This is a huge positive for me.
2. 2009-2011 Infiniti FX50 - Seems just as good as the Cayenne except with only a 7AT. Maintenance will be more reasonable.
3. 2007-2010 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG - Styling not really my thing. "Old person's" car feeling

Cars considered but not currently in the running (in no particular order):

• 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.

Honorable mentions, mainly because these are cars. I haven't closed myself off from a car, but at this point I really want the utility and clearance of an SUV:

• 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.

If anybody has suggestions or ownership experience, or a car I have overlooked please let me know. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks

 

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?

 

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 will be selling or trading in my SL55 AMG. I expect to get between 18 to 24 for it.

I try to do most of the maintenance and repairs on my cars.

 

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.

 

V is always the answer.

 

The GL63 is probably my favorite looking SUV. Yeah, it's boxy AF but I just love the overall package.

 

SRT8

easy to maintain yourself...a hoot of a ride.

 

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 honestly did not know a GL existed. I will look into it.

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.

 

Let me know about this. Seriously... depending on timing I may be able to make a play at it

 

I was even going to suggest a subaru forester 2.5xt. fast off the line and inconspicuous.

 

That car's ownership under me is being documented here:

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.

 

Oh I've read that thread

I've always loved the SL AMGs...

 

I never was a big fan of the GL, but think the GLS looks a lot better. But, a GLS is highly unlikely to hit your budget mark, since they're a lot newer.
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.

 

Buy it JB!

 

The 6.3 V8 engine and 7 speed AT in that batch of Mercedes cars was supposed to be pretty good.

I don't trust the high strung BMW and MB turbos though, which is what the X5M/X6M have.

 

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.

 

^ Looks like the V10 TDI was only available in '04 & '06? 309hp/553tqe ain't no slouch.

 

 

I forgot about the V10 Touareg until you posted those videos. I'll add that to the research list but I don't really know anything about Touaregs at this point.

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.

 

This is becoming a thing...JB when I'm ready to sell my car, can I call you, too?

 

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.

 

Sounds like both your 0-60 times and mpg will be under 6...

 

Cayenne GTS 6spd > *

 

This exactly. End debate. Find one. Buy. I believe it is the best available option. No turbo issues to deal with either.

 

but turbos are fun!

 

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

 

Your wallet normally doesn't agree.

 

That's the 3.0L V6 TDI that's affected. The V10 is pre-current regulations.

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.

 

Exactly my reasoning. I'm sure the turbos are fine... but like they say... there's no replacement for displacement!

 

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!

 

Wow I didn't know the Cayenne GTS came in a manual. That alone makes it a winner for me!

 

I think only the first gen came in a manual but I could be wrong. The second gen has a lot of handling upgrades.

 

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!

 

 

Congrats on the Infiniti, I'm sure you'll enjoy it..

 

Super nice, always loved those.

 

Looks good.

 

Congrats! Welcome to the FX.....er, I mean Sea Cucumber Club!