Advice on what car to get next?
 

In december, I am getting my Mom's X5 that we have leased. Since we go to Vermont frequently (220 miles each way) and the winters are pretty bad up there, we need a new SUV for that trip. This trip is the reason our X has 30,000 miles in around 18 months, so my parents want to buy a new SUV and keep it for quite awhile. They are looking at possibly another X5 (our current one is our 2nd). Also, they are considering the X3 as they may want something smaller and less expensive than the X5.

I have suggested that they also look at the Infiniti FX35 and the Lexus RX330. Any other ideas?

Your alternatives are also,
A Audi Allroad Quattro (get the station wagon model (the avant) if you plan to use for long ski trips.)
It doesn't even need to be the all road, it could just be a quattro avant..

Also, with that much mileage being put on the car, why not go with something preowned.
I owned the Infiniti FX45 and I think your family will be disappointed with the interior space after driving an X5. It is not any where near as comfortable.

And, if I were buying a "non sporty" SUV right now, I would be buying either the Lincoln Navigator or the Cadillac Escalade. I know people on this board don't like them but, I have driven both. And if I didn't care about performance, this is what I would be driving. They are SOOOOOOO comfortable. I think the Escalade is much better looking from the outside but the Navigator is nicer inside.

Good luck.
B

Maybe a 2006 X3 2.5i which should have the new 215 hp engine which should be sufficient for the X3. Don't order sports package. Heard the 2005+ X3 ride is much better due to suspension tweaks.

The X3 does outhandle the X5 and it really is not much smaller....it is narrower than the X5.

Considering the GM employee discounts going on, I would look at a Chevy Tahoe. A loaded Tahoe for under $40k is a steal. A Z71 4x4 Tahoe is $36k with the employee discounts :wow:

Here's another idea: buy a couple of year old Volvo XC90 or an Acura MDX. The depreciation on the Volvo's is pretty steep so you'd save some serious bucks. The MDX has taken pretty good hits too.

Per KBB, private party used examples in good condition, two years old, would private party sell for under $30K.

The X3 would be nice but if you price out a 3.0 with some options and it gets pricey. You'd be better to stick with the 2.5 and keep the options to the essentials.

Noooooo.....!!! Stay away from the dark side!!! No Lexus of Infiniti.... please!!

(Just my taste... don't like either one.)

I'm with the group -- go for the X3. That's what we bought for my wife last month, and she LOVES it. (I do too, for the record, though I like the seating position on my X5 better.)

Juan

Mercury Mountaineer!

What did I say? OH, God! I just saw Jill Wagner in another one of those Mercury commercials!!!

PNG: Is SHE on the schedule anytime soon? :wow: