Love my 4Runner, but need a 2nd SUV - which one, X5, Q7, ML550, LC?

[RaysMD]

So, I have a bit of a dilemma. I have to go ahead to buy a new car. Really wanted to get the M5 for me and let the wifey have the 4Runner. BUT, I rather get her something nice to drive around. She currently has a 2005 Cherokee which is a piece of junk.


Anyway, here's my short list. Any comments? I would like to stay around 50k to 70k

1. X5 4.8i
2. ML550
3. MDX
4. Landcruiser (LX570 is too expensive)
5. RX400h
6. Q7


Kind of leaning towards the X5. It's drives a little sportier (obviously, I'll be driving it too). Gas mileage on all these cars suck. They do have a diesel X5 coming out later this year.

 

[Thai]

If i were to go with Mercedes, then i would rather get GL450/550 or even better, GL320 CDI. The GL320 CDI is what i would get IMHO. 2nd choice would be the hybrid.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

How long will you keep it? I think a GL320CDI is cool. You don't have GX470 on your list, any reason? Finally don't discount an RX400h until you drive one. They're very cool as a mid-sized, efficient, quick, fun ON-ROAD, non towing SUV.

I ask how long you're going to keep it as Mercedes can be tricky in terms of $$$$ to keep them running when they get old.

If it were me I'd be into the GL320CDI (yes, GL not ML for me). BMW hasn't brought the diesel X5 yet have they?

Just my 2cents :cheers:

 

[RaysMD]

Not yet. Diesel X5 due out this fall. I just stopped by the MB dealership today. The ML and GL do look nice and comfy. I like the look of the GL, but it may be too much for a family of 3 (the little one is only 7 months). This is mainly for my wife and the little one, so safety is a major concern. The ML has a better crash test rating than the X5.

I'll wait until September to figure out which one we'll get. It's down to the ML and X5 diesels.


GX470 is nice, but it's kinda similar to the 4Runner.

 

[Thai]

I just do not like the shape of the ML...the GL looks better, more SUV like instead of "egg shape." The GL platform is supposedly heavier-duty and more luxurious (aka quieter). In addition, the extra 3rd row is a plus if you have extended family with you or if you have a 2nd kid. I would assume that this is something for the long run, and not just for a year or two, right? If so, then plan on something that is good for now and in the future.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Not yet. Diesel X5 due out this fall. I just stopped by the MB dealership today. The ML and GL do look nice and comfy. I like the look of the GL, but it may be too much for a family of 3 (the little one is only 7 months). This is mainly for my wife and the little one, so safety is a major concern. The ML has a better crash test rating than the X5.

I'll wait until September to figure out which one we'll get. It's down to the ML and X5 diesels.


GX470 is nice, but it's kinda similar to the 4Runner.

I understand about the ML. I too am huge on the safety stuff. If the vehicle is primarily for the bride I would lean towards the ML as well. The shear size of the GL is unattractive to many woman (and men) and ultimately it

 

[RaysMD]

That's the one reason why the GL is still in the back of my mind. This is a car for the long run (family car). We'll see what the wife says when she see them both.

You this the GL320CDI is strong enough? I wished the GL420CDI would be coming to the states.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

That's the one reason why the GL is still in the back of my mind. This is a car for the long run (family car). We'll see what the wife says when she see them both.

You this the GL320CDI is strong enough? I wished the GL420CDI would be coming to the states.

Drive it and see. For me I like decent torque and not a lot of downshifting/upshifting. I am not as concerned with high horsepower; of course there has to be enough...

I can tell you a turbo diesel

 

[RaysMD]

what about reliability?

German vs. Japanese that is. I take it the BMW and MB have the same quality/reliability. They probably cannot compare to the Lexus. How I wish the new GX would be out.

 

[KellyJ]

Have you considered the FX35/45 from Infiniti? They are much more on the sportier side of SUV's and are pretty fast, handle well and have a mean growl to them if you ask me. My mom used to have a FX45 before she traded it in for an '08 MDX. She thought it rode too rough, which was probably because of the 20" wheels. But it was made impeccably and we had zero issues with it.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

what about reliability?

German vs. Japanese that is. I take it the BMW and MB have the same quality/reliability. They probably cannot compare to the Lexus. How I wish the new GX would be out.

I think the reliability of the European cars has come up dramatically. There's a pretty good chance you'll drive off the lot in a new Lexus and NEVER go back to the dealer. The BMW or MB will, in all likelihood, have some issue. The BMW and the MB will last an eternity with proper care and minor issues. Brakes and other normal wear issues will cost significantly more than the Toyota product.

KellyJ mentioned the FX Infiniti. The '09's (availible now) are pretty sweet. Depreciation is huge but if it's a 'long-haul' car that's not so significant. As you research don't confuse reliabilty and satisfaction ratings of the QX56 and the FX series. The early QX's didn't fair too well. :cheers:

 

[Thai]

I would probably NOT get RX400h because it is still on the "old" platform. As you know, the Highlander got a redesign this year and has gotten a little bigger and more advance. The RX is still on the previous Highlander platform. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it may affect resale value down the road. I am sure that the upcoming RX redesign will be bigger and even more luxurious.

 

[GatorGreg]

Don't know a damn thing about them but the Buick whatchamacallit looks pretty damn nice for an SUV for the wife - saw one on display at the Bay Hill tournament last weekend and I sort of like the way it looks (Mrs. GG really liked it too). Plus Tiger Woods says he drives one in a commercial so they must be nice, right? I'm sure the fact that Buick pays him (I'm guessing) millions of dollars a year and gives him one for free has nothing to do with his choice in SUV for his wife

Edit: It's the Buick "Enclave", here's a link:
http://www.buick.com/enclave/index.jsp?section=home&fromBuick=true

Looks like something a classy lady would drive.

 

[Mark86]

We have an 07 MDX in the family and it is a great car. It handles more like a sports car and has tons of cool features in it. It almost drives as good as the BMW.

X5- beautiful car and probably the best one I have ever driven. My parents had a 4.4i and when it worked, it was awesome! I can't tell you how much fun you can have driving that car! The only problem was reliability. It seemed that my parents had a dealer loaner more than their X5.

ML550- test drove an ML350 and it seemed nice. Didn't handle quite as well as the BMW and Acura, but the interior was beautiful. The V6 seemed to have enough power too.

GX470- very similar to the 4Runner and not worth the money! Parents currently drive one and I take it a lot. I would take my 4Runner over the GX!

Since you are from NJ, if you need help with Acura, Mercedes, or Lexus dealers, let me know. I can give you a few recommendations.

 

[obex26]

I say look into the FX35 or FX45 both come as 2wd or AWD.. The 35 gets about combined 19mpg and the 45 (V8) gets about 16.

I personally have been eyeballing them and the G35 Coupes... but then again I am single w/o children and don't need to worry about somone elses intrest with my purchase.

 

[V8Limited4wd]

did MB improve the ML's reliability? I heard they had a lot of issues. Well I heard a lot of MBs had issues in general.

I say if you want to get the most out of your money, get a loaded MDX.

If you don't mind spending the money, get the X5 5.8i or the LC. I would probably prefer the X5 since its more sport than anything else.

 

[RaysMD]

I agree... I've narrowed it down to the X5 4.8 (or 3.0 diesel) and the MDX. I like the styling of the Mercedes ML and GL, but it's just not my style at this point in my life.

I would only get the MDX if I felt that BMW's quality concern's outweighed it's performance.

LC, I test drove it a few weeks ago and it's just too heavy. I wished the 4Runner would get an update, because it's so much more agile than the LC.

Not too fond of the FX sytling. Although, the X6 may be a contender. We'll see come this fall.

 

[Thai]

did MB improve the ML's reliability? I heard they had a lot of issues. Well I heard a lot of MBs had issues in general.

MB has improved reliability as of late, but they still have some ways to go before matching Lexus's reputation.

 

[Mark86]

I heard the new ML's are pretty reliable. The R class still has a way to go with reliability. I know a few people who drive the ML and they love it!