[jetblk328i]

Well I'm looking for a car that's got good ground clearance and a good awd system. I want something that can load more stuff than my e90. I don't do any pulling trailers or anything, just possibly loading a few boxes once in a while. Although I like a high driving position, I don't want or need a huge suv with a massive v8. So I think a small suv would be perfect. I also don't need seating for 7.

[footie]

You wouldn't consider a VW Tiguan?

I know the wife has considered one from time to time and on each occasion has been not only impressed by the ride quality on offer but also the economy. As a second car it's a great little number and has a more quality feel than most Japanese eqivalents.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by Aonarch

4Runner!!!!!!!!

My father has a 1998 5MT and it's clocked over 300k with no sign of stopping.

[jaiman]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

Except it costs like $46k for a base model; $50k with the tech stuff. That's 2x the OP's budget. But to be honest I would love to have that car. I saw it at a local dealer and really liked it as well.

My wife and I went back and forth between it and the MDX, and eventually decided that if we are going to be driving something that large, we'd prefer to have the cargo capacity of the MDX.

For the OP: I'd also recommend a used MDX. If you have't driven one give it a try. It seems very large but it drives smaller and the actual physical measurements are reasonable. Its only an inch longer than a 5 series.

[lyndon_h]

Originally Posted by jaiman

My wife and I went back and forth between it and the MDX, and eventually decided that if we are going to be driving something that large, we'd prefer to have the cargo capacity of the MDX.

For the OP: I'd also recommend a used MDX. If you have't driven one give it a try. It seems very large but it drives smaller and the actual physical measurements are reasonable. Its only an inch longer than a 5 series.

I personally think the same thing. If you are going to have an SUV, you might as well get one large enough to haul crap when you need to. The MDX (IMO) is the sweet spot because of its cargo area and nice drive. It drives like a smaller SUV, but provides the cargo room. And the price is not much more than some of the CUVs on the market.

[graider]

Originally Posted by jaiman

My wife and I went back and forth between it and the MDX, and eventually decided that if we are going to be driving something that large, we'd prefer to have the cargo capacity of the MDX.

For the OP: I'd also recommend a used MDX. If you have't driven one give it a try. It seems very large but it drives smaller and the actual physical measurements are reasonable. Its only an inch longer than a 5 series.

+1. 2007+ MDX is the best if you are into big SUV.

[gonzo]

A buddy of mines wife was confused too. I recommended the MDX. This was a couple of years ago and she loves it still.

[jibaholic101]

used porsche cayenne?

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Originally Posted by jibaholic101

used porsche cayenne?

Don't think the OP would enjoy the repair bill that comes with owning Porsche's.

[jetblk328i]

Tiguan is good, i actually went to the local VW dealership and looked at it. Not bad but a bit smallish inside. Didnt feel as roomy as a X3 for some reason. However that is a definite option.

I'm not really a fan of the MDX, i drove a friends 1st gen MDX and was not impressed. Didnt feel powerful or planted...

[footie]

Originally Posted by jetblk328i

Tiguan is good, i actually went to the local VW dealership and looked at it. Not bad but a bit smallish inside. Didnt feel as roomy as a X3 for some reason. However that is a definite option.

I'm not really a fan of the MDX, i drove a friends 1st gen MDX and was not impressed. Didnt feel powerful or planted...

Can I ask if you considered a secondhand VW Touareg. It's basically a Cayenne with a VW badge and an even better interior. I'm sure that you should be able to get one for the right money. It would give you the size you're looking and comes in a range of engines suitable of it's size and status.

[jetblk328i]

Yea i did, i mentioned before that my sister in law had one and when i was over in chicago over christmas holiday, all of our travels were in that. I liked the touareg very much but she had a V8 model and the gas mileage was pretty bad. If i were to buy, i would purchase a V6, but I have not had a chance to test drive a v6 yet.

[Schumacher]

Try the XC60 (Good I6 engine and safety features + Value for money) or the RDX (Feels very racy).

[CPI]

GLK 350?

[mtla4]

What about a subaru Legacy outback?

[boymonkey]

Originally Posted by CPI

GLK 350?

Yeah I'm thinking about getting an SUV as well. GLK exterior style is my favourite, but my budget is more like a RAV4. Any GLK owners please chime in with reviews.

[jetblk328i]

I like the GLK but it is way over my budget of 25000 for a used/certified.

[shipill]

used MDX 2007

[b0bab0i]

Toyota Venza lol just like your Lexus RX

[footie]

Originally Posted by jetblk328i

Yea i did, i mentioned before that my sister in law had one and when i was over in chicago over christmas holiday, all of our travels were in that. I liked the touareg very much but she had a V8 model and the gas mileage was pretty bad. If i were to buy, i would purchase a V6, but I have not had a chance to test drive a v6 yet.

I know this will be hard to believe but the V6 is the more enjoyable drive. It's a little slower for sure but we are talking about SUVs so comfort should take priority anyway and truth me, in normal give and take traffic situations I doubt you will really notice the drop in power but driven sensibly you will see an improvement at the pump.

The only question is whether they are any cheaper than the equivalent X5.

[lesha]

used FX

[bavarian19]

X3 sounds great. My sister in law got one, and loves it!


I would be considering either a used X3 or X5d as our next family car.