Family in the market for a new car
02-10-2003, 04:39 PM
#1
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Family in the market for a new car
The rents have been leaning towards an SUV. Price range is around 40k and this is the retirement car, so saftey and reliability are the key words here. I've tried to push a sedan onto them, but looking through the options, car counterparts seem underpowered, overpriced and have alot less room. Nevertheless, here's what the family's been thinking about, and suggestions and comments are more than welcome.
-Acura MDX (so far 1st choice), MB ML350, BMW X5, A6, MB E350, BMW 525/530.
-When's the Touareg coming out???
-Why get an allroad???
-Acura MDX (so far 1st choice), MB ML350, BMW X5, A6, MB E350, BMW 525/530.
-When's the Touareg coming out???
-Why get an allroad???
02-10-2003, 05:04 PM
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If relibility is a *primary* concern, then you might want to adjust the candidates accordingly...
While it's unlikely that any vehicle will be flawless, there are some that will require more frequent visits to the dealership than others - Audi and BMW included. As a current Audi owner, I'm sure you understand.
But I did find your statement that "car counterparts seem... overpriced..." to be very odd.
Have you really found that car versions of SUV-<i>like</i> vehicles are pricier than their taller counterparts? I don't know of any examples where that's true... and the current SUV-esque market craze seems to contradict this as well.
Why have your rents been leaning towards an SUV? If it's the image/seating position, they probably won't want an allroad. If it's the versatility/cargo-hauling/AWD/etc, they probably won't like the X5, but might like the allroad.
So, they probably need to define their needs and desires first.
But I did find your statement that "car counterparts seem... overpriced..." to be very odd.
Have you really found that car versions of SUV-<i>like</i> vehicles are pricier than their taller counterparts? I don't know of any examples where that's true... and the current SUV-esque market craze seems to contradict this as well.
Why have your rents been leaning towards an SUV? If it's the image/seating position, they probably won't want an allroad. If it's the versatility/cargo-hauling/AWD/etc, they probably won't like the X5, but might like the allroad.
So, they probably need to define their needs and desires first.
02-10-2003, 08:00 PM
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Re: Family in the market for a new car
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/38259/jasons_pictures_006.jpg">
I have been lucky enough to drive the ML, X5, and the XC90 in ride and drive events sponsored my the respective manufacturers. I was able in each event to push the cars to close to their limits, while driving a full simulated autocross in an X5. Although none hold a candle to the allroad, the XC is the best balance of value, quality, room, and perfomance. The X5 is a useless waste because of the cargo room (or lack there of) and the ML is getting a little long in the tooth (especially when it comes to powertrain and quality). The MDX is a nice vehicle, although a little bland for my taste. I can attest for Acura's bulletproof reliability since I have owned two Acuras before buying the allroad and you can't really go wrong. But the XC is kind of a mix of the three. It has a strong engine, good price, 3 rows of seats, safety innovation, and good but soft handling.
The Tuareg is the wild card here though. It has the ability to make all others obsolete. There is also the Infiniti FX but I have not seen one in person to have an opinion. I would say:
1. allroad!!(of course)
1.5 E320, 530i
2. Wait for the VW
3. Volvo
4. MDX
5. X5 or possibly the FX45
6. ML
I have been lucky enough to drive the ML, X5, and the XC90 in ride and drive events sponsored my the respective manufacturers. I was able in each event to push the cars to close to their limits, while driving a full simulated autocross in an X5. Although none hold a candle to the allroad, the XC is the best balance of value, quality, room, and perfomance. The X5 is a useless waste because of the cargo room (or lack there of) and the ML is getting a little long in the tooth (especially when it comes to powertrain and quality). The MDX is a nice vehicle, although a little bland for my taste. I can attest for Acura's bulletproof reliability since I have owned two Acuras before buying the allroad and you can't really go wrong. But the XC is kind of a mix of the three. It has a strong engine, good price, 3 rows of seats, safety innovation, and good but soft handling.
The Tuareg is the wild card here though. It has the ability to make all others obsolete. There is also the Infiniti FX but I have not seen one in person to have an opinion. I would say:
1. allroad!!(of course)
1.5 E320, 530i
2. Wait for the VW
3. Volvo
4. MDX
5. X5 or possibly the FX45
6. ML
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02-13-2003, 10:32 AM
#9
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FYI if size is an issue, an A4 avant is bigger than the X5
A4 avant
cargo capacity : 27.8
passenger capacity : 90.8
total : 118.6
X5
cargo capacity : 16.1
passenger capacity : 97.6
total : 113.7
cargo capacity : 27.8
passenger capacity : 90.8
total : 118.6
X5
cargo capacity : 16.1
passenger capacity : 97.6
total : 113.7
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