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

1084 messages,  Last post on Jul 29, 2012 at 7:31 PM

You are in the Volvo XC90 Forum.

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

Messages Page 58 of 109

#567 of 1084 hopeitsfriday by kaitsu

Apr 23, 2003 (7:02 am)

Hopeitsfriday,
 
I noticed that you had considered both X5 and XC90 before choosing MDX and I was curious about your opinion on the BMW and Volvo. I have narrowed my pick between those two, by either getting the X5 slightly used (2000 or up) or a new T6 XC90.
 
My biggest concern with X5 is the reliability, as I drive the car daily in my business, sometimes for hundreds of miles per day. I can't have the car in the shop all the time.
 
The XC90 seems to be an overall good choice (safety, space, speed, comfort, quality etc.). I am hesitant to pay $45,000 for a car, though (just a personal thing...).
 
I am not considering MDX as it does not fall under the accelerated depreciation tax break.
 
Thanks for your input.

#568 of 1084 kaitsu by hopeitsfriday

Apr 23, 2003 (3:45 pm)

A brand new X5 is about the same price as the T6 XC90, I would stay away from used X5. The early X5 had alot of problems. In the recent years, BMW had rectify alot of those early problem and it is a much better SUV now than say 2 or 3 years ago.
Both SUV had very nice interior, the X5 felt more sure footed and corners better. I drove the 2.5T XC90 didnt get a chance to drive the T6. The 2.5T was slow off the line, like many turbos, acceleration got better at higher RPM. The X5 had a much better acceleration curve, BTW, I am not a big fan of turbo charge.
Reliability is not what these SUV excels in, but both are pretty reliable considering they are both European cars. Volvo markets its cars for best in safety, but the X5 is not far behind as far as safety is concern, both very safe cars. I haven't drove the T6 XC90, but it hard to out perform the X5 when it comes to handling, BTW the 2.5T didnt even come close in performance. You may want to recheck the cargo space again visually, the XC90 has alot of cargo space on paper, but when I was looking at them in person, the XC90's cargo space didnt look twice as big as it claims in the specs.
 
Good luck

#569 of 1084 X5 vs. XC90 by shadowbox

Apr 23, 2003 (7:07 pm)

It really depends on what type of feel you prefer. To me the X5 is the best "feeling" SUV. That's because I love the way BMWs drive and it feels like a BMW through and through. The XC90 felt like a big car. The steering was way over assisted. It felt like I was driving a Lincoln Town Car. Ok, not that bad. But, it was a very smooth luxurious drive, where as the X5 is more sporty. There is no doubt that it has a lot more cargo room than the X5. Maybe not double, but more. If you prefer a smoother luxurious ride, than the Volvo may be your SUV.

#570 of 1084 kaitsu by hopeitsfriday

Apr 23, 2003 (7:50 pm)

Oh kaitsu, I forgot to mention that the 2.5T is suppose to handle better than the T6 XC90. The T6 is also suppose to get a 5 speed transmission in the 2004 model and hopefully improve handling, but MSRP for both trims are expected to go up in 2004.
I am sure you have read this link before comparing the two SUV among a bunch of others, but just in case you havent, here it is.
 
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/comparisontests/2003/- january/0301_comparo_bradsher.xml

#571 of 1084 hopeitsfriday, shadowbox by kaitsu

Apr 23, 2003 (9:17 pm)

Thanks for your comments. I took both Volvo models (T6 and 2.5T) out for an extended spin (about 45 mins each) driving in familiar territory with stop-and-go traffic, hills, interstate etc. I liked the T6 more, mainly due to its definitive power advantage. The smaller engine seemed to struggle more, especially when accelerating at interstate speeds (55-65 mph). First time I tested the T6, I also felt that the steering was way too light, but on the above, longer, test I hardly noticed it any more. So I guess I could get used to the steering.
Next I'll try the X5 on that same route.
 
Friday, thanks for the link. I had read it before, but had forgot about the Touareg. I probably wait until I try the VW before making my final decision. It's a great time to look for a new SUV, with so many good choices!

#572 of 1084 kaitsu by tomtomtom

Apr 24, 2003 (10:12 am)

Which car dealer let you test drive a car for 45mins?

#573 of 1084 tomtomtom by fndlyfmrflyr

Apr 24, 2003 (2:11 pm)

While it seems most dealers allow a very short test drive we have found there are a significant number that do allow extended test drives. Before we bought our MDX we test drove one for 30 miles and another for 20 miles. The Cadillac dealer and the Jaguar dealer let us test drive without a salesman. If I am really interest in a vehicle, once I am behind the wheel on a test drive, I test it where I want, not necessarily where the salesman wants.

#574 of 1084 tomtomtom, by kaitsu

Apr 24, 2003 (2:13 pm)

The dealership is in the Atlanta area and the test drive was mid-week during the afternoon. It also helped that we had bought our current Volvo from the same salesperson. It was actually very nice to be given the keys and sent away without a salesperson present. We drove the car back to our house using the same roads we would normally drive giving us a good idea how the XC90 responded compared to our two other cars. If there are any dealers reading this, I strongly recommend this sales strategy. It made us feel empowered customers and we would give our business to this salesperson in a heartbeat.

#575 of 1084 Thanks by tomtomtom

Apr 24, 2003 (2:59 pm)

After all these years, only once the dealer (Toyota) let us went out without the sales tagging along. We drove the car for 15 mins. We did buy the car afterward. I don't drive the same way when the sales sits next to me or behind me.

#576 of 1084 by adp3

Apr 25, 2003 (12:40 pm)

I have had a similar ex[periecne (Murano test drive, SF Bay Area) - we were shocked. Didn't buy the car, but the experience should be copied by other dealers. Really gave us a sense of empowerment, I agree.

Messages Page 58 of 109

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