Tired of X5, looking at Lexus. Suggestions?
 

I'm getting tired of running into minor issues with my X5 and am looking at other SUV's.

Who makes the most reliabile lexury suv?

I'm looking at an 06 Lexus Hybrid but don't like the tail lates all that much.

Has to have sport-tronic or something similiar.

JM,

Unfortunately all the other SUV's I would recommend will also have minor issues.
Cayenne
Audi Q7

I don't like the Lexus SUV.. I especially hate the placement of the transmission controls... HORRIBLE !

Have you considered waiting for the Audi Q5 to enter the market? I might get that car for the wifey.

Having owned an X5 and an RX300.... I have a feeling you are going to hate that RX. Those are about the most polar opposite SUVs in my mind. My parents have a GX470 and it is much much better than the RX.

just my 2 cents...

You will hate the RX. I don't think you will find a better Lexus than any BMW.

Acura RDX/MDX?

Not nearly the same feel as a BMW, but fairly nice and reliable.

More fun, NO.. But better can be a value of how little maintenance the car needs. Japanese cars rarely if ever need maintenance. German cars on the other hand.. Yesh !

I have also test driven the Lexus RX***. In my opinion, it was very plush, comfortable, had all the things you find in a luxury vehicle, but it wasn't very "satisfying" to drive. Not even a little bit.
It's a great car, but it didn't leave me with a silly grin after driving it...

Yeah I would certainly recommend those over a Lexus.

http://1800freevalium.com/Valium_bottle.jpg
Get a different BMW.

:bustingup That is what I really wanted to say, but I thought I would go a different route this time.

+1. A much better car, in terms of driving, than the Lexus.

+2

IMO i like the X5 over the RX, but i like the IS250 over a 3 series anyday.

My next suv i think will either be a Jeep GC SRT8 or a Cayenne to go along with the x5.

Whaaa?

That is the first time I have ever heard someone say that.

Yupp, i know a couple people who agree, its personal preference though.

When we recently test drove the Lexus RX350, it was nice to be in as a passenger. My dad's comment on the driving of the car was that it felt "detached" to the road.

Also, the salesman told us to bring in the car every 5000 miles for an oil change. Weird.

Nope. I have a 2005 X5 4.4i and a 2009 RX350. The RX is rolly and flimsy. I detest driving it. It feels like it's genes - an suv on a camry frame.

Not me...I've driven both...I'd take a 328xi or 335xi coupe anyday over the IS....

I don't like the Lexus' tail lights, don't like the Porsches headlights.

I love my X5 but hate the problems!

Jeep SRT8?


http://www.tomstrongman.com/RoadTest...s/_MG_7101.jpg

Too low to the ground. SUV is suppose to have additional clearance.

Look domestic. GM and Ford have reasonable offerings in that size range, decent off-road capablities, and have greatly improved in quality and reliability. If you think the Cherokee SRT-8 is too low, then consider one of the non-SRT versions of that vehicle.

There is nothing to like about the RX. It is essentially a Lincoln Town Car with a Toyota badge.

Try a Tourareg!

I had to get rid of my X5 because while it drove wonderful it was horribly unreliable in all aspects and lacked overall quality (peeling alloy, cracking wood) etc

SO I hear you on the X5 issues, it just doesn't hold up, or at least mine didn't, on a side note my 2003 325i with nearly 100k miles has NEVER had a major issue, so it's really a toss up!

My Treg has been stunning, no issues, amazing seats, great quality and 30k miles later no issues at all!

Just don't buy any Treg prior to 2006

On the RX, Our family had a 400H and It is a truly luxury car in all aspects, but it is very boring to drive, so pick your poison

get a x6

double that! Just got the 1st X6 5.0i in at the dealer the other day... black on black with dark bamboo wood trim (ebony stain). Gorgeous! And the twin turbo V8 is AMAZING! Other than that, I would try a newer toureg before any lexus/acura BS... And I'm not really a big volkswagon fan...

There's no better SUV. Get an X6 if you're bored with the X5. The one to look into is FX45 if you really want to step away from BMW. Have driven a new MDX, SH-AWD is good, but the shocks are under-damped for the spring rates.

They are fine SUV's, but I wouldn't classify the SRT-8, Ford or many GM vehicles as "luxury" SUV's like to OP is looking for.

The Infiniti FX50 is a good option.