Potential new daily driver options for my wife? - Ordered a CX-5 Signature

[Donatello.]

UpDATE: We have a 2024 CX-5 Signature on order. Just waiting for Mazda to pick it up.
I already have crap on order for it LOL. Usual cargo tray, all weather mats, splash guards etc. Also carbon fiber pieces to cover the piano black interior stuff. That stuff is just daring you to scratch it.

She keeps cars forever so this will need to be reliable long term. She commutes into the city so no manual transmission. She does not want Wrangler, EV or truck, either. Can be used or new. We're not paying ADM on anything. Period.

Must have AWD (Maybe FWD for right vehicle) 4 doors w/heated seats & leather. A heated steering wheels + cooled seats would also be nice. At first, she wanted a SUV, but after now driving her parents' CX-5 a lot, she may stick with a sedan as her driving style is thinking her current Mazda6 is a Miata lol smh.

She is also not interested in Honda, Toyota or Subaru. No BMW, Audi, MB as long term reliability & long term cost of ownership = no thanks.

We drove a 2020 Stinger GT-Line AWD & new AWD Mazda3 yesterday. This particular Stinger did not have the highest level trim option (Interior) Other than that, the Stringer is still an option. The Mazda3 was disappointing. Too much wind noise (All windows were closed, but sounded like a window was open the whole time) and the suspension was surprisingly way too rough for what thet car is IMO.
Local Hyundai dealer did not have a Elantra N on the lot

Probably cap the price around $40k


Potential options are:

Explorer ST
Elantra N
CX-5
GV70
Stinger GT2 AWD
ATS-V AWD

[Burrcold]

Lexus NX?

[Germanauto]

This sounds like a guaranteed Lexus RX or Acura RDX purchase.

The GV70 is nice but it and the Genesis brand are so new, it's difficult to tell how reliability will play out.

[dailym340i]

X3 M40i 👀

[x622]

I propose you go 2018+ SQ5, specifically the refresh with the turbo motor. You're going to want one with the sport package which has the active diff and air suspension. Used they're right at that sweet spot of depreciation and can be had for right around 30-35k.

For that budget, you're not going to be in nice X5 or X3 territory, and I would get the SQ5 all day over everything else on your list. This is my most recommended "SUV" in that price bracket.

[nicholasn]

If she wants an SUV, the only reason to buy any of the European CUVs you listed over an upper-trim CX-5 is due to badge (or needing a shit ton of power), and it sounds like she wants something that flies under the radar. Mazda's current interiors are highly regarded as being basically luxury level without the luxury badge or price premium. Also if it's gonna be a long term car and reliability is a big factor, I would trust Mazda ahead of everything else on your list.

[cbpip]

Low milage Toyota Venza 3.5 xover.

[Donatello.]

Originally Posted by nicholasn

If she wants an SUV, the only reason to buy any of the European CUVs you listed over an upper-trim CX-5 is due to badge (or needing a shit ton of power), and it sounds like she wants something that flies under the radar. Mazda's current interiors are highly regarded as being basically luxury level without the luxury badge or price premium. Also if it's gonna be a long term car and reliability is a big factor, I would trust Mazda ahead of everything else on your list.

CX-5 is very underpowered IMO. That's really the only knock on it for me

[dreamingat30fps]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

CX-5 is very underpowered IMO. That's really the only knock on it for me

My sister has a CX-5 and I think it's pretty nice. I have only driven it briefly and I thought it was fine. It had a comfortable ride, plenty of room if you need that, nice interior and I thought the power was fine for what it is. Now I believe there are 2 engines and I don't recall which ones she has, but it was good enough.

I'm not sure I would consider the rest of your list reliable. The Genesis would be my second choice. A couple of people in the family have owned Hyundais and they have been pretty good. I also think if you buy new the warranty is suppose to be pretty good.

[335i54n]

most people just putt putt around and the mazda is a good choice otherwise sq3 is a pretty good ride and kinda low key luxury

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by 335i54n

most people just putt putt around and the mazda is a good choice otherwise sq3 is a pretty good ride and kinda low key luxury

What's an SQ3?

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Lexus NX?

This. Just get a Lexus. Only need to figure out the size and determine which model. Probably the above-mentioned NX hybrid is best, with smaller footprint and great city mileage. Everyone is happy at the end of the day. Just don't mention it's a tarted up RAV4.

[Efthreeoh]

With the narrowed choices, my suggestion is a Mazda CX-5. I have a friend who is also a teacher. In 2018 she asked me to help find her a new car. I suggested the CX-5. She loves it. Long lasting, doesn't break, understated luxury without a pretentious badge. Perfect for a teacher where being pretentious is not a welcomed character attribute.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

This sounds like a guaranteed Lexus RX or Acura RDX purchase.

This was my gut reaction.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

CRV why waste money on anything else

i don't get the i'll take an Acura but not CRV. aside from looks.


ehhh what the hell do I know what woman want

[aktif8]

So, literally everything you said defines my wife as well. She's a teacher in the hood. She's had: rx 350 f sport, mdx, etc etc.

She ended up with a wrangler 4xe, and its her favorite car she's ever owned. She's obsessed with it. She was ambivalent about every other car. I got it for her loaded (High altitude, sky one touch, etc) but it's still "just a wrangler" to most people that see it, so she's not standing out too much in the lot (made the mistake of picking her up once at school in my car, and there was a little too much attention, ha.)

At first she had no interest in the jeep, but then drove it (with the sky one touch) and fell in lust. One way to work on full electric doesn't hurt, either....

[virtualbong]

I was actually going to recommend a Ford Bronco but then I realized she wanted reliability so who knows how it will last. Wrangler is fun. I've always wanted one for the summer time and trips to the beach.

[Donatello.]

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

CRV why waste money on anything else

i don't get the i'll take an Acura but not CRV. aside from looks.


ehhh what the hell do I know what woman want

Again, she is not interested in Honda.

Based on your logic, we should all just walk everywhere.

[POBEP]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

CX-5 (What she keeps talking about even though she has driven NOTHING else yet.)

IMO, the CX-5 is your answer - "happy wife - happy life".

I got my SO what "she" wanted - not what I thought would be "better for her".
It has been 7 years since and no sign of discussion getting a replacement

[Donatello.]

Let's not turn this into relationship thread, thanks.

[Luigi524TD]

I'm a BMW guy (wife is too) but based on the limited information about wants and needs I'd recommend the Hyundai Tuscon.

Good looks + spacious comfortable interior + good driving dynamics & performance + decent tech at an affordable price. But it doesn't look 'cheap'. Reliability and desirability very improved over the years. The hybrids and PHEV models can be difficult to find because they are very desirable!

Hyundai has taken a page out of the BMW service book and they provide 3 years / 36,000 mi of "complementary maintenance"!

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

Again, she is not interested in Honda.

Based on your logic, we should all just walk everywhere.

cold bro...all I meant to say cars are all relatively similar now, you standard CRV has carplay, driver assistance, and luxury at a fraction of the price.

it seems cost is somewhat of a concern, so why go half way and buy like a MDX which is simply a honda with a acura badge.

like buy a M3 or a civic. anyways just my opinion. no half way

"CX-5 (What she keeps talking about even though she has driven NOTHING else yet.)"

honestly just buy this. Mazda is really nice.


again a cx-5, rav-4, crv, x3, explorer...Relatively all the same shit.

good luck. cars are all preference nowadays well rarely will you find someone who actually can tell Objective differences