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SUVs Volvo XC90 / XC60 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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| I work for a Mercedes Dealership and I sell parts for both Mercedes and BMW. To me, there seems to be a lot of little problems wrong with the ML. I would agree that no one would be stranded while driving their ML on a daily basis. However, I am first to admit that these were rare exceptions to the excellent Mercedes build. BMW's are not perfect either. BMW is currently experiencing a problem with thermostats and their housings. In the bitter cold that we have been experiencing up North, the housings have cracked. Now, many customers are without heat. To make matters worse, there is a back order. My choice would be the new MDX, but I would wait to the next model year. JD Power's recently named Acura the number one name plate for initial quality (do not confuse this number with JD Powers reliability rating). The Acura combines performance, practicality, and quality into one stellar package. It is not a truck and compromises had to be made in the development process. | |
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I test drove an RX300 recently, I just had to chime in: "1. The stupid parking brake that in not a lever but a foot pedal." Agree! "2. The Audio, AC, and trip computer are all on the center display. You have to go through several windows to change radio stations, or to see outside temps or setting on the AC. Too much distractions from the road." Isn't this amazing? I run an information technology division, and this thing drove me nuts. "3. Memory is for the seats only not the mirrors. Also could be programed into the key like the MDX." Yup. And that's why I'll probably get a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. I love the seats, mirror, and radio memory feature. "4. Horrid turning radius." Agreed "5. Sound system is not as good as the Bose System in my 98 Audi" I'm on the fence with this one. It was ok. I agree that the Bose in our '97 Pathfinder is excellent. "6. The fold down arm rest interferes with fasting the seat belt on the driver seat." Yup. "7. Only a four speed automatic transmission." Disagree here. I was very impressed with the "programming" of the transmission and how ell it adapted to the engine load at a given momented. Very smooth shifts under hard accelaration. "8. Wind and road noise is more than I thought acceptable for a luxury vehicle." Didn't take it to a high enough speed so can't comment. Wow. It's refreshing to see a similar experience to mine. At least I know I'm not crazy. TC |
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Glad we agree so much. I have to say the new Jeep GC Ltd was on our short list. What killed it for us was the extremely poor crash test results. It was two catagories down from the Lexus, MB, X5 (and probably the MDX - not tested but data indicates that Honda was trying to make it in the same catagory as the RX-300). We had a 87 Jeep Cherokee and a 93 GC Ltd and were set on getting the new model. I would suggest you look at the MDX. It has a lot of good qualities going for it, but will be much cheaper than the MDX as their sales are off and are making some good deals now. Reggie |
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Did you mean look at the RX? If so, we did. Yup, the crash tests threw some cold water on us. I couldn't believe how bad the Pathfinder we are currently driving was. One of things holding me back about the RX is cargo capacity... I will haul stuff from Home Depot every once in awhile, and the inability to open the hatch window (to let long items hang out) is another downside. Again, thanks for the comments. TC |
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I meant look at the Acura MDX. I believe it has more cargo space with the folding seats. It is also about 4-6K cheaper than the RX. It will have a waiting time to order one. Reggie |
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Huh? I guess you haven't been pricing them lately. Acura dealers are gouging the public and adding all kinds of after-market fluff to jack the prices up. Meanwhile, Lexus dealers are actually knocking $$$ off of the MSRP. Plus, we really can't wait any longer, our '97 Pathfinder is already 2 months past it's original lease and out of warranty. TC |
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Make sure you research the Jeep GC reliability record. I don't know about the 2000 models, but for what it's worth, Consumer Reports rated the reliability of the 1999 Jeed GC as Much Worse than average. They listed it in last place among all the new SUV purchases. This was never the case with their previous generation of the GC, but I know a couple people who owned the previous generation who have said they will never buy another GC. The crash test results and my complaints about the ride quality on pavement are two other reasons I didn't choose the Jeep GC. I agree with you that the recent deep discounts offered by Lexus dealers are making the RX300 more appealing. I also would not buy an MDX from any dealer who is forcing expensive accessory purchases or selling above MSRP. However, all 3 Acura dealers in my state are selling the MDX at MSRP without requiring any add-ons or accessories. I bought the base model at just under $35K. I appreciate the performance, the ride characteristics, and the additional passenger/cargo space enough to definitely NOT regret this purchase -- even though I could now buy an RX300 at a deeply discounted price. Have you also considered the new Toyota Sequoia? I've seen posts where people are now buying them at over $1000 off of MSRP, and so I'm guessing they are easier to find than the MDX. I don't know if they offer the ability to open the hatch window? |
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The Sequoia has the neat power rolldown window, just like the Toyota 4Runner. However, I think it is out of Tony's price range (about US$36K). He has been considering the ML320 as well...a leftover '00 ML320 can be had for about that price (a tad more actually). Drew Host Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards |
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| Is too much truck for me really... I just don't need for something that big. Mid-size SUVs are where we are at. Thanks for the info though. | |
| With the way that most Lexus dealers have recently been deeply discounting the 2001 RX300 models, I wonder how the introduction of the new Toyota Highlander will be affected? I know the Highlander is supposed to be a little bigger, but aren't they similar enough, such that an RX300 at $1000 over factory invoice (with the new value package pricing) will cut into the sales of fully-equipped Highlanders? | |
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