What's the popular crossover vehicle these days?

[inteller]

I'm looking at replacing the current AWD in my stable and was wondering what people are bustling about town in.

So far I've looked at:

Acura RDX....absolutely no power. Neat gadgets but the turbo on it is small and it can't stay in the boost.

Land Rover LR2.  I love it, but the wife hates the look of it.

BMW X3.  Ultimate driving machine, but ultimate worst in residual value.  Also the interior gadgetry sucks.


Anyone have an EX35?  That's going to be what we look at next.  Not too thrilled on the looks, but there is an aerodynamic kit that can cure that.

Cars that are not an option:

Anything by Chrysler, GM, Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Saturn.  



Patiently waiting for the Volvo XC60 but it wont be out until end of year at best.

[cannon_fodder]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Nissan Murano and you could save at around $10,000 over the others you listed (invoice $25,000).  It has a Variable Transmission so there are no gears to pound through, slip, or otherwise fail.

From what I have read the EX35 is smaller and lighter than the Murano. Though the EX is on the rear wheel FM platform and the Murano is on the FFL platform both come in AWD.  Otherwise, no... I haven't heard anything about the EX35 (as far as someone loving/hating it).

Is "crossover" what happened when station wagons were no longer cool?

Oh, and Saturn is GM and Kia is Hyundai - redundant on those.

and Acura is a Honda, so I guess the RDX is out.

[tulsa1603]

quote:Originally posted by inteller

I'm looking at replacing the current AWD in my stable and was wondering what people are bustling about town in.

So far I've looked at:

Acura RDX....absolutely no power. Neat gadgets but the turbo on it is small and it can't stay in the boost.

Land Rover LR2.  I love it, but the wife hates the look of it.

BMW X3.  Ultimate driving machine, but ultimate worst in residual value.  Also the interior gadgetry sucks.


Anyone have an EX35?  That's going to be what we look at next.  Not too thrilled on the looks, but there is an aerodynamic kit that can cure that.

Cars that are not an option:

Anything by Chrysler, GM, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Saturn.  



Patiently waiting for the Volvo XC60 but it wont be out until end of year at best.

I've looked at a few of these same vehicles, and agree with you.  Have you considered the Lexus RX350 or RX400h?  I was shocked at the pricing of the Infiniti considering it's size.  The RDX is way too small and looks like a Subarau to me.  The new Toyota Highlander is also really nicely put together.

[TheArtist]

I really like my Murano. Wide wheel base, low body, sturdy construction,,, dives like a smooth rolling tank on these Tulsa roads.[8D] Lexus makes a vehicle that looks very similar, dont know what the name of it is. I would just take some test drives, shop and compare.

[inteller]

The RX350 is an outdated design.  I would like a 400h but Lexus won't deal and I'm not paying for a fancy Highlander Hybrid.  Another subjective thing is it sems like EVERYONE in town has a Lexus.  That brand seems to have really lost its status.

The new Murano has a terribly ugly grill that neither my wife or I can stand.  I was never too enamored the looks of the old one.  However, I think we will still go drive one to see how it compares to the Ford Edge (which previously trounced it)

The EX35 tops out around 45k MSRP the way I want it configured, but I expect a cash only price considerably below that.  If jackie Cooper won't deal then I'll go to OKC or Springfield.

Another reason I'm holding out for the Volvo because we have two dealerships in town to compete.

[TheArtist]

Oooh now see I want one of the new Muranos. The new grill looks great to me. Looks like some sort of vicious alien creature that could sneak up on ya and bite your head off [] I always thought the Murano said "YP, trendy, city slicker" and now it has fangs. [8D]

[sgrizzle]

The only problem is that the Murano has some sort of "urban cloaking device" which makes them completely disappear downtown...

[]

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

The only problem is that the Murano has some sort of "urban cloaking device" which makes them completely disappear downtown...

[]

yeah, I think that cloaking device consists of huffing gold paint.

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

Oooh now see I want one of the new Muranos. The new grill looks great to me. Looks like some sort of vicious alien creature that could sneak up on ya and bite your head off [] I always thought the Murano said "YP, trendy, city slicker" and now it has fangs. [8D]

nothing really trendy about them.  for trendy, get an FX35/FX37.

[AngieB]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

The only problem is that the Murano has some sort of "urban cloaking device" which makes them completely disappear downtown...

[]

OK, now that's funny!! LOL, Artist!!!

[TheArtist]

Hush, all of ya.

[TUalum0982]

quote:Originally posted by inteller

I'm looking at replacing the current AWD in my stable and was wondering what people are bustling about town in.

So far I've looked at:

Acura RDX....absolutely no power. Neat gadgets but the turbo on it is small and it can't stay in the boost.

Land Rover LR2.  I love it, but the wife hates the look of it.

BMW X3.  Ultimate driving machine, but ultimate worst in residual value.  Also the interior gadgetry sucks.


Anyone have an EX35?  That's going to be what we look at next.  Not too thrilled on the looks, but there is an aerodynamic kit that can cure that.

Cars that are not an option:

Anything by Chrysler, GM, Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Saturn.  



Patiently waiting for the Volvo XC60 but it wont be out until end of year at best.

you have pretty much listed them all above either by the ones you dont like and that you refuse to even take a look at.  I would suggest trying the new Buick Enclave.  Comes in fwd or awd.  DVD nav system, and dvd entertainment system available.  7 or 8 seat configuration.  Dual sunroofs, power heated mirros, 12 way front power heated seats.  Power lift gate.  They are super quiet on the highway and get decent gas mileage (currently averaging 19.5 in mine and I have a heavy foot.  They are super quiet on the highway and you will be doing 80-85 before you realize it.  If you are going to be that close minded about your choice of vehicle before even looking at them, you are limiting your options considerably.

here is an article from car and driver on the enclave.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/performance_files_tested_by_c_d/2008_buick_enclave_cxl_awd_short_take_road_test

[T Badd]

The Ford Edge is a surprisingly slick little CUV. Drove one for a rental in Dallas and actually enjoyed it. They've really stepped up their quality in response to all the great imports they're up against.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

I really like my Murano. Wide wheel base, low body, sturdy construction,,, dives like a smooth rolling tank on these Tulsa roads.[8D] Lexus makes a vehicle that looks very similar, dont know what the name of it is. I would just take some test drives, shop and compare.

What kind of mileage are you getting w/ your Murano?  I'm starting to get really tired of the in-town mileage on my truck.  Might be getting closer to putting her into semi-retirement.

[cannon_fodder]

I'm looking at an X-Terra.  Great reviews, actual SUV (NOT on a car frame).  I need the power for boat pulling and the space for camping/dogs (need: want). It has been getting good reviews it's entire life.  Since redesigned to the Titan frame in 2005 it has been getting amazing reviews.

Not a cross over, which is why I want one (spent a transmission towing the boat last year, far cheaper to upsize than do that again!).