mtn
MegaDork
9/24/13 1:57 p.m.
Girlfriends aunt and uncle are looking for a new DD/Beater. They want an SUV, not too big, and luxurious. Probably will want something pretty reliable as well. They won't be towing, but do want AWD for Chicago winters--one of the two of them has a job where AWD is kinda necessary in case of emergancy.
They said they want good mileage, so take that for what its worth--I don't know what their current car is, but their toy is a 2011 Boxster (manual!) and before that it was an 80's RX-7, so they can't be expecting anything too crazy.
I recommended the CX-5, but am looking for other things to recommend to them. Image does count for these folks.
....And go!
CX-5, CX-5, and uh... CX-5? CR-V might not be too bad. Is there an Acura version of the CR-V?
mtn
MegaDork
9/24/13 1:59 p.m.
One other point: Don't recommend a car. I think that part of the reason they want an SUV is ease of access, they are in their 60's.
What about the Lincoln MKEdge? Maybe a GMC Terrain Denali? Doesn't Buick have something small and boxy, too?
I tend to shun "luxury" makes, I absolutely HATE Toyota, and I'm not a fan of SUV's in general. In spite of all this, something about the Lexus RX appeals to me.
So.... Lexus RX!
Lux - check.
Four wheel drive - check.
Unique - check.
Ready for Chicago winter - check.
http://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/4049029662.html
There are several hybrids out on the market now, what about one of those? I think the RX has a hybrid version, doesn't it?
Didn't the baby benz SUV start getting offered with a diesel?
I would have also recommended the CX-5 so I'm not much help.
A fellow who works with our local railroad museum drives a Lexus RX hybrid - has over 100K miles so far, it's very comfortable, he regularly gets about 30 mpg or a little better on the highway. Not an off-road monster, but for an all-around AWD SUV, I'd consider it.
Brian
MegaDork
9/24/13 6:00 p.m.
The little Buick is the Encore. 30/23 with AWD. If they don't mind the looks it should check off every mark on the list.
Bmw X5/3
Mazda CX-9 is nice but idk about the status deal..
Acura MDX
Range/Land rover anything?
Volvo XC90 (if I did not have to pay for parts I do like these quite a bit from the inside)
For the true baller effect, Porsche Cayenne
One of the reasons I love the Cayenne so much is that it looks so totally unassuming.
How about a BMW X3? According to Edmunds a 2013 model with the turbo 4 cylinder engine is rated at 21 city, 28 highway.
x35d is 19/26, JGC diesel is 20-28, Touareg is 21/29, Mercedes diesel is something around there as well.
2011 Lexus RX 450h -- 32 city, 28 hwy.
I would say Lincoln MKX, Acura RDX, Lexus RX or Volvo XC60, XC70 or XC90.
A Merc R class oil burner. If I remember correctly they get in the 30's on the highway.
In reply to 93EXCivic:
Totally serious. To me, they look clean and simple. The complete antithesis to the horrific gaudiness of say, a Lincoln Navigator or Escalade.
I guess I'm confused by the use of "beater" and some of the suggestions above? What's the price range? I mean if they want perfect reliability and decent gas mileage than they really can't go wrong with the choice of every mom in northern new jersy - the Lexus RX. Not my cup of bland tea, but it checks all the boxes and will drive till the wheels fall off.
