msmching

Thank you for coming and reading at least.

and

Thank you (IF you reply).....in advance.

I just entered the SUV market and I have came across a few vehicle that I like personally. I know I may get individual reviews on the vehicles I selected EVERYWHERE..
But when comparing all these, I'll have to ask you all experts.

1) Audi Q5
2) Lexus RX 350
3) Acura MDX
4) Infiniti F35

They are all in the $40K Range NEW and i consider them the same level (Hopefully i m right).. ... (Mainly the base model).
Usage of vehicle will be half Leisure and half for business. (Soon to have a little bakery factory). It will be used to buy stocks/supplies for the factory. Going after cars like Tahoe will be a little too big.

Q: What will YOU choose?? Try not to be bias...

Q: How about getting them USED? I may be comfortable getting 2...3...and 4 USED, but Audi used?

Q: Other options available you think may serve me well?

Thanks again.

AZuser

MDX is a bigger vehicle than the others. RDX would be more their equal.

But of the 4, I'd go with a used pre-MMC MDX or even a (previous gen?) Honda Pilot (bonus of reg gas vs premium for others) if it doesn't have to be a luxury vehicle. And since MDX and pilot have 3rd row seating, they seat up to 7.

If it doesn't have to be a luxury class SUV, then that'd open up a lot more options, such as the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. I think it looks really sharp and offers a lot of bang for the $

But let's stick with the 4 choices you have so far.

How important is cargo space since it'll be used to haul stock and supplies? Acura MDX will have most cargo space of the 4.

with seats folded down / with seats up

Acura MDX = 83.5 cu ft / 43 cu ft
Lexus RX 350 = 80.3 cu ft / 40 cu ft
Infiniti FX35 = 62 cut ft / 24.8 cut ft
Audi Q5 = 57.3 cu ft / 29.1 cu ft


Will you need to tow anything? Tow capacity:

acura = 5,000 lbs
lexus = 3,500 lbs
infiniti = n/a
audi = 4,400 lbs


honda pilot = 87 cu ft / 47.7 cu ft and 4,500 lb tow capacity (4 wheel drive model)

08FLrdxSH-AWD

I agree think that the MDX is probably your best bet out of the 4 you have listed. Although i get all sorts of hot and bothered over the Infiniti, it just isnt what you might call a practical suv. The Audi Q5 is also a great one, but if you are looking into that size of a vehicle, the new RDX is the better route IMO. The Lexus is nice, but at the same time i just dont get that "fun factor" that you do with the other three.

As far as getting any one of these used, go certified preowned. Only way to go IMO. I have an '08 RDX CPO and the waranty is awesome and i didnt have to compromise on a car based on my budget. Overall a great way to get an even better car for a little less money.

Others that you might consider would be the new Subaru Outback, Volkswagon Tiguan (instead of the Q5), Ford Edge Sport, Or even look at an FX50 if you decide to take that route.

Good luck with the search though.

Will Y.

RX and MDX based on the interior space and anticipated reliability.

I have not driven either, but prefer the interior of the MDX. I have heard that the ride of the RX is more biased towards passenger comfort.

FWIW, the RX will disappear into the background in most of coastal SoCal more readily than the MDX, if that is a consideration.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

I'd go with the MDX. Next to the Audi, its the best looking car of the bunch. It also handles pretty damn well for what it is.

Mr Marco

Don't do it. Spare yourself from the SUV syndrome.

Some would say that an SUV is almost manditory with three kids and traveling any distance. With three kids, almost anytime you go anywhere, you're going to have borrowed kids. Then there is hauling all their junk. Its like a major safari.

Others might say, "Is it really necessary to own one of these living in the suburbs? "What's the point of driving a gas guzzling beast like the MDX, or for that matter, excursion, escalade. RDX? How about a pointless plastic RAV 4? I just see them as a traffic nussance. when armed with dvd, gps, and cell phone drivers in these become more deadly than a pack of taliban.


Save yourself while you can. Take out all the cash in your joint account, buy an S2000, and... leave your partner with the kids and move to the beach.

jchan2

Do you have to have an SUV? If carrying things is your main goal, you really can't beat a Honda Odyssey or (insert other minivan model here).

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

rossv1

RX-F sport?

Saintor

Frankly I would prefer a X3 35xdrive over a MDX. If top 40K$ is important, I wouldn't mind a RDX.

I have a soft spot for the Touareg but it is just too expensive. RX is a the end of its cycle, not necessarely a bad buy - just uninspiring.

msmching

I m actually going to rule out the Acura MDX after today's visit to the dealership.
And be putting in RDX. There's like a difference of 12K on the sticker price already.

It's not like I'm a ballet or something. But money is an issue. I've heard an RX 350 going out for about 45K.
The RDX may have a out the door price around 40K.
Probably have to rule out the Infiniti as well.

Aside from saying that money is an issue... I don't really want to go with cars like honda, Toyota, hyundai's.... They are all good cars I know, but just want something better.

I'll find a time to go to Audi and check out the Q5 and see how it goes. My mom will be the main driver and after seeing the RDX, she kinda likes it..

Again, thanks for replying to the thread!

Azuser, that's a good information for me there...

ENAHS

I really like the new RDX. My dad and I were checking out one in the Forged Silver Metallic when we were at the dealer last week - it looked very nice. Audi Q5 would be my second choice.

MTEAZY

I would get an A4 Allroad if I needed that kind of car.

csmeance

As far as cargo, the MDX is a winner. If you want a fair-er space comparison with the MDX, I would suggest the following:

BMW X5
Infiniti JX (pretty cool looking for me)
Acura MDX
Audi Q7

And out of all of those I'd take the MDX or the JX simply because of reliability. I've been dealing with my 760 quite a bit and in a business, you need a reliable car!

Also I forgot to add, if you get an MDX I suggest getting one with a power rear tailgate and rear entertainment center for the kids! Personally, I'd go with a Advance/Sport model in the 2011/2012 years if you can afford it!

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Out of those listed, Q5 all the way. RX is boring. FX is a fuel hog and has little space, and the MDX is still just meh looking in my book. It has gotten better, so I'd put that second.

As for pre-owned, I wouldn't be too worried. Our last 3 cars have all been CPO, and all German (2 Audi's, one Mercedes)... and all have been great.

I'd get the 2.0T Q5, no hesitation. In fact, I have been toying with trading in my FJ for one...

ndx2

Not sure if it's lux enough for ya, but JGC isn't a bad choice at all.

It's worth taking a look. I went from an 05 TL to 11 JGC Laredo with a few options, and have been pretty happy with it; I paid around 36k for awd, nav, sunroof, etc. I kinda wish I forked over a little more money for the Limited for HID and memory seats, pano roof and a few more goodies, but doesn't bother me too much.

I'm in the resto biz, so I need to haul around quite a bit as well, and this has been pretty reliable all around. I've been averaging 18mpg (v6) mostly city driving and short freeway drives (3-10 mile commutes).