Advice on SUV for DD

[AlpineBoost]

Not getting rid of my E92, but I'm in need of a SUV that will be used as a DD. I work a 9-5 and also run a business on the side which requires me to pick-up from my customers and drop-off at my building. I use couriers from time to time but that isn't always reliable given some of the timelines, and I'm tired of overloading my coupe.

I've found a few X5's that are in the price range with surprisingly low miles given the model year (~75k). I just don't know much about them, or about SUV's in general. Never took the time to research them much as I've always been into and owned mostly coupes.

Looking to spend around $11k max. Most loads would fit in a mid-size SUV, which is what I would prefer. Not interested in a pick-up or wagon. Not really concerned with MPG. I still want something that looks nice and can be fun to drive. Does not have to be BMW. Something rare or mod-friendly is always a plus

Thanks in advance

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by the storm breaks

Not really concerned with MPG. I still want something that looks nice and can be fun to drive.

Acura MDX, in my opinion, not the prettiest out there, but solid ride and "fun" as far as SUVs go. Nice interior, luxurious, but understated, and reliable.

Not speaking from personal experience, but based on feedback from people I know, anything German in 11K (or below) range has a potential to be headache in form of expensive repairs and time spend in the shop. If you can overlook that, my vote would go to Q7, followed by X5, then Touareg.

[Alfisti]

Yeah i suspect RDX or MDX would make the most sense. Or maybe a loaded Murano or GMC vehicle.

[BEM-S4]

The old Touareg big diesels were very cool. Not sure what they're going for these days.

[TooFan328i]

RXXXXX

[mojobmw_e90]

Murano cvt trans is trash and go bad at higher miles. I personally know 4 friends who are having issues and can't sell. My mom has a rdx and that car is fun. One. Roomy, handles very well(sh-awd) and is Roomy. With a Navi it looks very nice and presentable inside. Plus it's a 4 cylinder turbo. Good mpg

[vsix]

Not for everyone though but I love the Puch SUV.
Puch = the original Mercedes G class.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by the storm breaks

Any other suggestions are welcome

If you're taking non-luxury route, I think Mazda CX-9 is one of underrated SUVs out there. Decent ride and loaded ones were quite nice place to be in (and I don't like driving SUVs at all). Same goes for Toyota Highlander, I think decent choice given your budget.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

The old Touareg big diesels were very cool. Not sure what they're going for these days.

Sorry - don't think the v10TDI monster I suggested will be in budget.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...31629060&Log=0

I would, however, advise you to look at a late model V6. I drove one when mine was in for service, quick enough for sure and codeveloped with the Cayenne. Handled really well.

[atxgt3]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

If you're taking non-luxury route, I think Mazda CX-9 is one of underrated SUVs out there. Decent ride and loaded ones were quite nice place to be in (and I don't like driving SUVs at all). Same goes for Toyota Highlander, I think decent choice given your budget.

I had a CX-9 and I agree, I think it's an awesome and really practical SUV. And pretty fun as far as SUVs go.

[Nitrousbird]

Porsche Cayenne S or GTS. Earlier first generation model will be in your budget.

[mojobmw_e90]

Originally Posted by Nitrousbird

Porsche Cayenne S or GTS. Earlier first generation model will be in your budget.

These are full of issues without warranty. Horrible cars. Father in law has one and it has more issues that the n54. Coolant lines run underneath the manifold, they tend to leak as they are plastic. It leaks and coolant goes onto the starter that also sits under the manifold. Now u need both of those. The drive shaft coupler fails at around 90k, they make a aftermarket replacement for 400 bucks. Rear self closing boot motor and strut go at 90k.those cost around 500.

[1MOREMOD]

Love my x5 have had 2 but never have looked in that price range.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

Acura MDX, in my opinion, not the prettiest out there, but solid ride and "fun" as far as SUVs go. Nice interior, luxurious, but understated, and reliable.

Not speaking from personal experience, but based on feedback from people I know, anything German in 11K (or below) range has a potential to be headache in form of expensive repairs and time spend in the shop. If you can overlook that, my vote would go to Q7, followed by X5, then Touareg.

If getting an MDX, do NOT get one with the electronic mag shocks. Such a nightmare! Nearly $8000 to replace all four, and they fail often. And if you live in the salt belt, do not get one of the earlier models with the sat nav unit under the driver's seat. Another very costly nightmare, around $7k to replace.

Also, the turbo RDX models seem to be good up until 160k km (100k miles). After that, they tend to be a nightmare of turbo issues and leaking coolant out of the exhaust manifold.

BTW, I am an Acura tech.

[Nitrousbird]

Originally Posted by mojobmw_e90

These are full of issues without warranty. Horrible cars. Father in law has one and it has more issues that the n54. Coolant lines run underneath the manifold, they tend to leak as they are plastic. It leaks and coolant goes onto the starter that also sits under the manifold. Now u need both of those. The drive shaft coupler fails at around 90k, they make a aftermarket replacement for 400 bucks. Rear self closing boot motor and strut go at 90k.those cost around 500.

All stuff that has likely been replaced by previous owners for vehicles in his price range. Exactly why buying a lower mileage N54 is more problematic than buying a higher mileage one...by the time the higher mileage hits, injectors, coils, water pump, turbos (due to rattling wastegates), HPFP have all been replaced with the latest and greatest versions on the previous owner's dime.

[Rambler]

If it's a second vehicle, get something with off-road prowess. Go Jeep, RR, or Toyota 4Runner or LC, or anything with at least a 2 speed transfer case. I get it if it's your only vehicle to add a little sport to the mix. But SUVs like the X5 that state in the manual not to be taken off road are lame in my opinion.

I had a Lexus GX 470 (4R platform) but I got the RR bug and now have a RR Sport. I'll warn you though, once you have an suv as a second/daily driver, you'll want your other car to be more focused. I'm constantly looking for a 2 seater to replace the E92M with now.

[derryck]

Give your stated budget I would agree with others on the MDX. I've had a few and they have all been very solid vehicles. My younger brother is still driving my 01 around and it's closing in on 400K miles with only expected maintenance and transmission rebuild around 260K. I had an 07 with 170k on the clock with no issues and a 2010 that I sold with about 70K on the clock...all were trouble free and not too boring to drive given their nature.

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by Rambler

If it's a second vehicle, get something with off-road prowess. Go Jeep, RR, or Toyota 4Runner or LC, or anything with at least a 2 speed transfer case. I get it if it's your only vehicle to add a little sport to the mix. But SUVs like the X5 that state in the manual not to be taken off road are lame in my opinion.

I had a Lexus GX 470 (4R platform) but I got the RR bug and now have a RR Sport. I'll warn you though, once you have an suv as a second/daily driver, you'll want your other car to be more focused. I'm constantly looking for a 2 seater to replace the E92M with now.

RR = Rolls Royce

Range Rover = Range Rover.