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Volvo XC90 vs MB M Class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX

1068 messages,  Last post on May 08, 2009 at 5:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Acura MDX, Lexus RX 330, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, SUV

#5 of 1068 Couldn't afford the LX470? by tskyplayer Oct 25, 2000 (2:55 pm)
I know that I'm going to be condemned for caring but I have been told be several friends that the RX300 looks as if you couldn't afford the LX470. I am in the market for a SUV and I like the RX and the LX. However, I have to admit that once you start spending the amount of money that these two vehicles cost glamour and appearance does come into play. I think anyone who says different is a hipocrit. I know that the LX costs more but I could definitely get a 98 or maybe even a 99 for about the same price as a new RX.  Has anyone else in here heard these claims that the RX is less classy and like pinching pennies?
#6 of 1068 confused in MA by patriciab1 Oct 25, 2000 (9:53 pm)
I've had it with suv shopping. Have test driven the Mazda tribute, the Acura MDX, Pathfinder (personal fav), new RAV4 (I have a '96), and today the ML320. Have ridden in the RX300 but not driven it. I have the good fortune of buying which suv I prefer, although my husband definitely has an opinion, which changes daily. Have never driven a MB before. Wow. It is a totally different vehicle from the others--a luxurious, smooth-riding tank. It feels very safe. Cosmetics is subjective, which is why I haven't been to the Lexus dealer. I prefer the boxier traditional suv look (ML320, Tribute, PF) as opposed to the aerodynamic minivan look (RX300, MDX. Does anyone have knowledge as to which would be best for a sciatic nerve problem. I'm in the suv quite a bit, and my leg pain is getting worse. Would a power seat provide relief? A cushier seat (ML 320), or is the ride (stiffness) key? Sorry for this ridiculous-sounding post, but I'm hesitant to make a decision if anything will make a difference (aside from lumber injections).
#7 of 1068 Patricia by aling Oct 25, 2000 (10:15 pm)
Your post is not ridiculous sounding at all. Many people have been down the same road that you have, which is why I created this topic a while ago. The MB seats were orthopedically designed and are very comfortable for most people. I will point out that the M-class does ride firmer (like most German vehicles) than both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX, but if you felt that it was smooth and comfortable, I don't think you'll have a problem with it. Running boards or side steps can be fitted to the truck to aid entry and exit from the cabin. These accessories are also available on the MDX. Try taking a longer test drive in the ML to see how comfortable you are with it on longer distances. To make sure that you are getting the true ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle check that that the tires on the test ML are all inflated to 29 psi, and that your test vehicle has (preferably) the Dunlop Grandtrek tires rather than the lower quality and harder General Grabber ST tires. All but the base MLs have power seats, and the heated seat option (also available on the MDX and RX) will give you some back relief as well (like a heating pad) since it does heat the lower back as well as the seat bottom. FYI, you can pick up a '00 ML320 with a substantial discount (over $2K at least) off MSRP right now since they're trying to clear out the '00 models for the incoming '01s (only minor changes). If you would like more information about the M-class, join us in the http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?c=SUV&t=3254>MB M-class topic. Good luck! Drew/aling Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference Pictures of my '00 ML320 can be seen at http://go.to/m-class . In the 1st gallery, you will also find '98 ML320s (without the ESP stability control system) that have been involved in accidents. All passengers survived without permanent injuries.
#8 of 1068 Patricia by cotmc Oct 26, 2000 (1:29 am)
My wife had a similar sciatic nerve problem that sometimes made our '95 Honda del Sol VERY uncomfortable after 30 minutes of driving. This was the reason we sold it after owning it less than 1.5 years. Since then we have had upscale automobiles with well-designed, comfortable front seats. A key issue for her was making sure that the seating position was upright and well above the floor; not a seat that caused her legs to be nearly horizontal, such as in our del Sol or some other sports coupes. We have had our MDX for almost 2 weeks, and she has had no problems with the front seats whatsoever. She finds them quite comfortable. I can't really comment as to how orthopedically correct the MDX seats are compared to the M-Class or the RX300. In your case, I would definitely recommend staying with an SUV model that is known for luxurious, or near-luxurious, accommodations; such as the M-Class, RX300, or MDX. It sounds like you can affort either one of these, from reading your post. On the other hand, I would be suspicious of the long-term comfort and support provided by the seats in a Tribute or RAV4. (You may know differently about the RAV4, since you own the 1996 model!) BTW, don't even consider a Grand Cherokee! If you narrow your decision down to 2 or 3 models, ask to take an extended test drive, and then see if you can remain seated after the test drive as you ask some questions about interior features and controls. If you can remain in the same seat for 30 minutes with no discomfort, that should be a good sign. As a final thought, I would tend to side with Drew regarding the M-Class seats. Although we bought an MDX, I am biased toward European interior design. I think the European manufacturers (MB, Volvo, Audi, BMW, etc) generally do a better design of their front seats than domestic or Japanese manufacturers. However, I would be surprised if the MDX or RX300 seats present a problem to you, and they both ride a little smoother (RX300 the smoothest) than the M-Class. That is why you should do an extended test drive.
#9 of 1068 Great post in #6 by rxcure Oct 26, 2000 (1:53 am)
As a frequent reader but rare poster, a large fraction of my posts have ended up being directed against what I've seen as overly Rah-Rah comments by Drew on the ML. Thus I feel compelled to weigh in with praise on the very helpful and balanced points Drew made in #6 -- thanks for sharing your knowledge in a way that makes the world a better place
#10 of 1068 sciatica by patriciab1 Oct 26, 2000 (2:53 am)
Would like to thank all of you for your comments regarding seating/extended test drives. Sounds like a good idea and will do so this week as my leg right now is aching!
#11 of 1068 tskyplayer by bmw888 Oct 26, 2000 (3:54 pm)
Sounds like you and your friends are just a bunch of elitist ! Call me a hypocrite if you want but I traded in my LS400 for a RX300. I really don't care what people think, I drive what I want, not what others think about what I should drive. You should read "The Millionaire Next Door", there's a reason why these people have a lot of money. They're not interested in impressing their friends.
#12 of 1068 LX vs RX by cotmc Oct 26, 2000 (7:38 pm)
Regarding post #4: Yeah, buying the RX300 is just like pinching pennies. In fact, I couldn't help but feel like I was on food stamps when I bought our MDX. It's not an LX470 or a Range Rover, but somehow, we'll still find a way to make do. We'll do our best to hide it from our friends so that we don't get too embarrassed. Sorry, couldn't help myself! Sarcasm aside, if the RX300 meets all your functional needs, then WHY consider spending so much more money on the LX? (...or the same amount on an older LX that has little warranty remaining? Older trucks tend to rattle more than new ones!) If you don't plan to use the 3rd row seats, if you don't need the extra ground clearance, if you aren't needing the trail riding capabilities, etc.; the RX300 seems to be a very luxurious vehicle that will provide better on-road driving characteristics, better acceleration, much better fuel economy, and lower emissions than the LX. Also, I don't consider ANY Sport Utility Vehicle or Truck to be "glamorous", no matter how big it is, or how much leather, wood, and chrome is included. The LX admittedly has some look of class to it, but it is nevertheless a big, boxy truck-based vehicle. I might consider a Jaguar XK8 or MB CLK430 convertible to be glamorous, or maybe an Audi TT, but certainly not any SUV. If image and "looks" are the biggest concern in an SUV purchase decision, many would consider the X5 to be a better choice. It would also be much more fun to drive.
#13 of 1068 lease comparison by ellenlsc Nov 08, 2000 (1:29 am)
Has anyone researched leases for the new Acura MDX or the Lexus RX300? Replies to this message: dhamilton (Oct 18, 2004 8:15 pm)
#14 of 1068 Glendale Infiniti by sphan1 Nov 08, 2000 (1:34 am)
On Saturday, September 16, 2000 I purchased an Infiniti QX4 4WD from Glendale Infiniti. I’m happy with the car; however, I’m extremely disappointed with the dealership with regards to two aspects: (1) lack of honesty and integrity of the sales manager and (2) poor quality of service. Tim Benton was the sales manager handling this transaction. He initially quoted me a price of $650 over invoice. However, after about half an hour of negotiation, we agreed on a price of $400 over invoice. Despite this verbal agreement, he still charged me $650 over invoice. Given the excitement of buying a new luxury car I overlooked the price and signed on the dotted line. I did not realize this discrepancy until I came home that evening and had a chance to review the sales contract in detail. Subsequently, I phoned Tim to discuss the possibility of creating a new contract. However, his defense was that I signed the contract so therefore I’m stuck with the price. He was neither apologetic for the key entry error (if you can even call it that) nor was he willing to change the contract. I was disgusted to hear such a response and even more disappointed in myself for trusting him. I felt betrayed. Knowing how upset I was, he finally agreed to contact the general manager to inquire of the possibility of changing the contract. At this point, I decided that I could no longer trust him and needed to take matters into my own hands. After numerous phone calls and messages left, I finally got a hold of the general manager who indicated that he knew nothing of the issue (i.e. Tim did not contact him) but assured me that it was a simple mistake to correct. Thus, a new contract was created with the correct price. When I arrived at the dealership to sign the new contract, Tim walked out the other door without even acknowledging me. This validates my perception of his business ethics, or lack of thereof, by not admitting his mistake. The second issue I had with Glendale Infiniti related to the poor quality of service of the Service Manager, Roy, and the Customer Service Representative, Cheri. When I took possession of my car, there was a scratch on the side mirror and some markings on the bumper. Tim granted me a Due Bill to come back and have the scratch buffed away and the markings removed. In addition, I needed wheel locks to be installed. Hence, I called Roy to schedule a time to bring in the car for service and indicated that I needed a loaner car to get home. He assured me that it was not a problem. However, when I did come in, he did not have a loaner available. In addition, he claimed that he knew nothing about the Due Bill (sales department did not forward the Due Bill to the service department). The lack of internal communication at Glendale should not be my problem. Yet, I ended up paying for the poor communication such that I had to wait for over an hour before they got me a loaner car. To top this off, the loaner was an ‘89 Thunderbird!! So essentially, I drove in with a 2001 brand new Infiniti and drove out with a clunker! It was pathetic! In addition, when I picked up my Infiniti, it was filthy because the dust from the buffing landed on the dash board and no one cared to clean the car before returning it to me. As if the aforementioned was not enough drama, I later spoke to a Customer Service Representative who essentially doubted everything that happened. Apparently, she spoke to Tim and Roy and received their version of the stories. As a Customer Service Representative, she should not have even doubted my complaints. She should have been apologetic and offer to do whatever it takes to win back my trust. Instead, she reacted the exact opposite – she said that there was nothing she could do and that it was my prerogative if I wanted to notify other consumers of my bad buying experience. I thought Infiniti differentiated itself from Nissan by the quality of services it provided, but I was proven wrong. I hope this message will allow other consumers to learn from my mistakes. If you have further question, feel free to write me at S_l_phanhotmail.com Sincerely disappointed.

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