Which Crossover/SUV? - Page 2

mikegeaney · 04-23-09, 01:28

My wife has a 2009 Forester and loves it. She/we drove all the others and wound up buying the Subaru. It went thru the winter in Boston with no issues.

J.J. · 04-23-09, 03:08

I hear the CX-7 is a blast to drive, and from a male perspective, you will probably enjoy it more that the others.

I think the Acura would likely be the luxurious choice.

JJ

XRL · 04-23-09, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Less

I'm thinking about getting a new vehicle. I currently have a 2006 Infinity G35 6MT sedan.
I love it...alot.

But it's a stick shift and my wife refuses to learn how to drive it. If her van needs repairs, maintenance, or detailing, it's impossible for us to switch cars. Doesn't sound that bad, but it leads to alot of inconvenient situations.

It's also RWD, which is absolutely arduous in the New Hampshire winters. Also, not the safest ride for me and my 3 kids.

I don't want to spend alot of money. My budget is around $8-$10K plus the trade in value of the G. I'm guessing a dealer will probably give me around $16,500 for it. It's got some wear and tear, one severely curb-rashed wheel, and some damage to both bumpers that will most likely require a respray.

I've just started looking, but I think my options are probably narrowed down to 1) Honda CR-V 2) Mazda CX-7 or 3) Nissan Rogue.

I may also consider a certified used car, which opens up my options a bit I think. If I go that route, I can probably include an Acura RDX, Infinity FX35, etc.

I'm really looking for something that is AWD, Automatic, 20+ MPG, handles like a car, but provides more backseat and cargo room than the G35.

It all depends what is important to you. If you want something that's luxury, the FX35 is hard to beat. The RDX is a cool truck, but it's small and gets pathetic fuel economy, though it is pretty damn fast and nimble with its SH-AWD. The CX-7 is a joke stock, underpowered and overweight, but you can wake them up with a lot of money into the turbo system.

If you're not too concerned with interior luxury, an 04-07 Saturn Vue V6 is a good choice IMO. The interior is cheap and squeaky and rattles a lot, and the AWD isn't exactly "trail rated" (it's suitable for light duty in the rain and such, but not much more than that), but it'll get 28 mpg highway easy, and is plenty quick. The Redline model is what I have, and despite its lower quality interior, you can't beat it in performance to economy, trust me, I looked. The Honda V6 is damn near bulletproof too, and the fancy shmancy spaceframe whaddayacallits make it really safe. Polymer panels make it looks new forever as well. Cargo room and backseat room are both great too. Oh, and you might be able to get a certified used one for what they give you for trade in on the G35 (gotta love the absurd GM/Saturn depreciation. Well, at least while you're buying it. You'll curse it when you want to sell, lol).

Given that you don't really want to spend a lot, your options are rather limited. The FX35 will give you the most G35 like ride, other than an EX35. But they're expensive to find with lower miles, and the space isn't really that impressive in them, plus they drink premium quickly. The CX7 and RDX get bad gas mileage too (did I mention the RDX is TINY?). You might want to look into the Caddy SRX, it's a bit bigger, but it's pretty nice and is available with V6 or V8, sporty too (it should be, it's a big CTS wagon).

Or look into actual wagons. The A3 wagon is cool, as are the A4 avants.

nonsensez9 · 04-23-09, 11:42

The only one of the bunch that I've actually driven is the Rogue. It was very nice and I would consider buying it

Slickery · 04-24-09, 12:23

Honda CRV, it's a great vehicle. I'd go with the Honda.

RTexasF · 04-24-09, 05:23

Another vote for the RAV4 V-6. We like it so well that we bought two and it is available in 4X4. Interior room is deceiving in that it is much larger than it appears looking at the outside of the vehicle. They have bumped up the 4 banger to 2.5l and it is supposedly much more lively than the previous engine.

SCoach · 04-24-09, 07:33

My GF has a 2007 RAV4. I will attest that it has quite a lot of room. Not too hard to detail either. I just can't stand the look. She LOVES the look. Just confirms for me why I won't buy anything with a Toyota nameplate. Lexus, yes. Toyota, no.

Also drives and feels like a truck. If that's where you want to go.

dirtdiggler · 04-24-09, 10:11

Toyota Venza or Acura RDX w/turbo

jcandiman · 04-24-09, 11:19

you can get a certified previously owned BMW X3 ('06-'07) in the price range you specified.

PedroDaGr8 · 04-24-09, 11:20

I own a 2004 CR-V, LOVE IT though the stock tires were GARBAGE!!!!! Some relatives have a RAV4 and loves theirs.

cptzippy · 04-24-09, 12:03

Seems like there are lots of choices. Kinda depends on what you think is most important (mileage, reliability, handling, luxury).

rexster314 · 04-24-09, 04:17

Take a look at the Buick Enclave. I know, I know, old people's car. Whatever. Has room to carry at least 6 adults comfortably, 7 with a little friendly touching or 8 with the second row bench seat. 20mpg or so. Very quiet and great ride/handling. Also any of the Lambda bodied/framed GM cars. Acadia (GMC) Traverse (Chev) or Outlook (Saturn)

Rex