Shoofin

This is for the wife...

Requirements:

Most important:
Leather/Sunroof (Pano roof a plus)
Must be 4WD/AWD
Navigation with a backup camera
The SRX she complained was too big and heavy, also a little hard to park because it was the longest length car she's had to drive so far (190" long)
Memory Seats
Power trunk a strong option, but she can do without if the price difference is significant enough. Same thing for remote start.
HATES black interior, would take any interior other than black - also the reason why she chose to spend more on the SRX at the time than the loaded GLK350 I could have gotten her for less - because it had a black interior.

FWIW, the SRX had both a (factory) remote start and power liftgate. Any car I get, I only want a factory remote start, btw. The features of the SRX, she loved. She just didn't like how heavy and underpowered it felt (we had the 3.0, not 3.6). I suggested another SRX, which has the 3.6 now, and she said "I think I'm done with the SRX"

I don't mind spending a little more to be happy, but she would rather spend less and would sacrifice a bit if it was a matter of saving something significant. I'm the spender, she's the saver. Isn't that always the case in every marriage? Only it's usually the other way around

Cars we've been thinking about:

BMW X1 - She had an X3 in the past and liked it a lot. X3 is out because it's way over her budget (It's my money, but her budget, go figure)
Configured car: X1 xdrive28i base model line with cold/premium/driver assistance/technology/sat radio (MSRP $43,400'ish) 3 year lease

Pros: It's a BMW, it's the shortest car, and she likes that (176"), it's quick, and if I didn't mention, it's a BMW
Cons: It's $25/month more expensive than the SRX*, and she wants to spend less, doesn't have remote start or power trunk as an option.
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Acura RDX - She had one before the SRX and liked it, the size was good for her, she just didn't like the on/off personality the turbo motor had, which has been solved with the new V6 it has
Configured car: AWD Tech (MSRP $40k'ish? I forgot what it was) - 3 year lease
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Pros: Better engine, it's a size she's comfortable with (183"), now has a power lift gate standard, she generally liked this car last time.
Cons: Similar price to the BMW and Lexus, no remote start.
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Lexus RX350 - She never had an RX, but we had a GS years ago (2001 model) and she LOVED it. Parents also had an RX300 way back and and she liked it too.
Configured car: Non F-Sport, but loaded with every option, also a plus, heated AND cooled seats, a first for her, and she's sat in a cooled seat and liked it - (MSRP about $49,600) - 2 year lease

Pros: It's Lexus Smooth, it's got a power trunk, might be able to get a remote start too, it's quiet, it's comfy, it's a Lexus
Cons: Similar price to the BMW/Acura, no remote start, only about 2.5 inches shorter than the SRX
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Jeep Grand Cherokee - She never had one, and always found them to be rugged looking. I kept insisting she look at one because it's really nice now
Configured car: Limited trim with the upgraded nav, 20" wheels and luxury II package (Power Liftgate, heated steering wheel (She loved her heated wheel on the X3), heated AND cooled seats) - (MSRP around $43,350) - 3 year lease

Pros: It's about $15/month cheaper than the SRX, and about $40/month less than the Acura/BMW/Lexus, it's got every option she would want in a vehicle
Cons: Say what you want, it's a good engine, but probably the least fuel efficent, it's 400lbs heavier than the SRX and the heaviest SUV by a significant amount (4800 lbs)**, you can drive a much better/more luxurious/sporty vehicle for only $40 more/month over this vehicle, it's a Jeep, it's nearly the same length as the Caddy (a half inch shorter only)
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I threw a curveball at her, and I mentioned this because it's not a bad looking car:

Ford Escape - never had a Ford before, I've driven many Ford products, can't say I love or hate any of them. She drove an Edge before and didn't love it
Configured car - Titanium 2.0 Turbo AWD with all the bells and whistles (MSRP around $37k'ish) - 36 month lease

Pros: It's about $65/month less than the SRX (or about $50 less if we choose 24 months instead), it's got the power trunk and panoramic sunroof (not sure about remote start though), it's not bad looking, it's almost the same size as the BMW in Length (less than 2" longer)
Cons: It's a Ford***, questionable and frustrating Sync system (might be technology overkill for her), not sure if it has memory seats, only interior color option is black
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*For all intents and purposes, the Acura/BMW/Lexus are priced within a few bucks of each other, but still more than what we were spending on the SRX by about $25/month
**The BMW/Acura are almost the same weight, about 3800lbs, the Caddy was about 4400lbs, the Lexus is 4500lbs, but definitely drives like it's a lot lighter on it's feet than the Cadillac. Jeep is around 4850lbs but definitely feels a little lighter on it's feet than the SRX. She HATED how heavy the SRX drove
***Would you want to go from a Lexus to an Infiniti to a BMW to an Acura to a Cadillac to a Ford? - we call that pulling a ttribe

Am I missing anything?

I hope to make a decision by the end of the week. Personally, I'd rather get the RDX again, but she's driving me crazy because of the prices.

Wadya say?

Sarlacc

I wrote a review having test driven the entry level X1...so I having not driven the higher trim and bigger engine...I found it disappointing and overpriced. It also rides lows like a car...not sure if sitting is or isnt important to her.

Personally, I love the jeep. a lot. And depending on the trim...even though its a not a luxury marque...it gets pretty luxury...enough to complete with the name marques imo.

The RX350...cant really go wrong with this car. They are very nice and easy.

RDX...meh

Escape...meh

rossv1

I'd go with the RX. My mom had an 07 RX350 and absolutely loved it. We never had any problems with it at all.

nspec_ya4

iTrader: (38)

I vote Cherokee as long as u get the SRT8

MR1

Specs on new RDX are nice. Can't go wrong with the RX either.

Shoofin

Ride height isn't SO important to her. She insists that she'll go into a sedan if she has to, but I won't let her, because I know she won't like it, then I have to hear her complaining about it and if I can get her out of the car..

I like the RX, it's a great car, does everything right, but my only thing about it:

I really have to get her to test drive some of these cars so she can have a better idea.

On one instance, she's trying to not be picky, but at the same time, she's being waayyyyy too picky

chill_dog

Given her requirements, which we all know is all that matters :wink:, I'd say the GC or RX.

Sarlacc

F Sport edition?

Shoofin

Hard to get. Plus it will push up the price a LOT.

ENAHS

My vote would go to the Audi Q5 if it was an option.

If not, the RDX.

Ken1997TL

Checked out the RDX during my last service, I was very impressed.

Shoofin

I wouldn't mind a Q5, but it's too damn expensive!

MaxMike93

I was going to suggest an EX35 but then I saw $43k for a Journey AWD w/ nav and you can't get remote start. What about getting a Highlander instead of a RX350? Unless for the money you'd spend on a Highlander Limited you may as well step up to Lexus

MTEAZY

This whole segment is a yawnfest. CTS-V wagon or gtfo.

Sarlacc

Highlander is way longer than a RX.

MaxMike93

...by half an inch. Highlander is 188.4in. while the RX350 is 187.8in. Just checked on the manufacturer(s) websites

Shoofin

She actually likes the EX35, but IMO it's a boring design and had very little interior space for it's exterior size. Also the lease is similar coin than the Acura/BMW/Lexus probably, and it does nothing to wow me or convince me that it's worth getting.

Also the Highlander isn't her cup of tea.

NJSGTI

My choice would be the RX. My girlfriend had one and loved it. It was a great car. It was a nice size, it was pretty good on gas and was very reliable. Cant go wrong IMO. I had rented a Jeep GC Limited a few weeks ago and I was really suprised with it. It was a V6 and got good mpg and was more rugged than the rest of your choices. The ride and quality of interior really suprised me. If one of her complaints is size she might like the new RDX. It reminded me a lot of the RX but was a little smaller and easy to park when I test drove one. Good luck with the purchase.

Sarlacc

I thought I hated the thing, too...After a week....this fucker is really growing on me.

Joneill44

The question is what car will you regret not getting?

IMO go with the RX

Gfaze

How about the Mercedes-Benz GLK350?

MSRP starts at $37,090.

leedogg

she seems pretty finicky on the drive. test drive/park all your options and see which she likes best

Ken1997TL

Most drivers prefer a yawnfest.

Aman

Everyone I've met with an RX loves it. I really like their interiors.

Did you check out the Volvo XC60? The 2013 Buick Encore may be worth a glance as well.

speedemon90

i'm gonna guess out of that list your wife would like the x1 best, since i'm guessing its most similar to her x3.

Also one of the mercedes suv's may be good GLK, i think is the right class? I forget

HBaJ

Agree with Sarlacc, RX350. You really cannot go wrong with that choice.

Hapa DC5

Go RX350, safe, reliable, decent on fuel.

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

I wish the RX350 had a third row.

dallison

cayenne

Shoofin

Before getting the SRX, I had the option to get an "11 GLK that was LOADED. The sticker was close to $50k. It even had DVD rear entertainment, which we don't want or need. It was a dealer demo that I could have gotten stupid cheap, as it worked out to be a lot less than the SRX at the time. The 3 things that convinced her not to get it was what the interior color it was (black), the DVD system she didn't want, and she didn't like the look. After we got the SRX, once she started seeing more of them on the road, said to me she was glad she didn't get it because she really didn't like the way it looks.

I know they refreshed it for '13, and it does look a tiny bit better, but the way we would want it, the lease will be quite over our budget. I won't give specific numbers, but do not want to spend over $500/month, and we are between 4-5, while trying to stay closer to 4 than 5.

For the Highlander, she doesn't like the way it looks. I thought about the smaller GM models, like the Equinox/Terrain, but I think we want to stay away from GM this time. The Bluetooth/nav is so frustrating to use, not as intuitive as it should be. The "new" CUE-like interface that some of these cars will start getting, I've been reading such mixed reviews about the system, I'm not so sure I'm ready to be the guinea pig until I play with it myself.

pttl

If the Escape is a no go b/c of the black interior then go with the RDX. Seems like she would like it.

RPhilMan1

Agreed. If the V6 will improve the only thing she disliked about the RDX, then I'd say that's a great match.

As for the lack of a remote start, what about adding one aftermarket?

Shoofin

The safest choice is the RDX at this point, this I know. Remote start would be nice, but isn't a deal breaker for her. I'd rather not have it than have to install it aftermarket, and she's fine with that too.

I still have no power at work, and am working from home, but as long as my office is down, am severely limited to what I can do here at home. Wife went back to work today. I really have to get her to test drive some of these cars so she can see what she wants/likes...

pttl

^
Good luck Eddie. You have some serious stuff to deal with right now.

AcraAdi93

The thing sucks that Lexus made the RX350 in Canada. The 04 RX330 was still made in Japan. Ever thought about the Mercedes ML350 or 500? If you got warranty it will be fine

EhkoXC

I'm not really an SUV person, but after having one of the new RDX's as a loaner, I'd say go with that. Based on your post too, the only thing she didn't like the way the old engine behaved, but I can tell you the new V6 is very smooth.

As for the Escape, the only real negative I've heard about it is that awful MyFordTouch system. If you can get around that, it honestly might be a solid option.

ttribe

What about the new Pathfinder?

SwervinCL

Oh man.. I saw a brand new one the other day.. Good lord do I want one.

Sarlacc

Probably too big.

Roughly the same size as its twin, the infiniti JX.

While I dont love what theyve done with the pathfinders namesake...the vehicle itself, i think, is really good for someone who needs a larger style SUV (me) its biggest feature (to me) is are the 2nd row seats that were designed to fold forward to allow access to the 3rd row...even WITH child seats in them.

I cant tell you how many vehicles I've driven/rented/test driven...and 3rd row access (with car seats installed) is a total after thought and ball drop by pretty much all of them.

Mr. Maker

iTrader: (4)

As stated above, the Jeep SRT8 is bad ass! Very good looking IMO.