Acure MDX or BMW X5??

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

That is really great input. Thanks Ed.

I agree with you on the third row seat safety. We would be limiting it to the bare minimums. I am a personal injury lawyer and see the back ends of mangled vehicles all the time. There is simply nowhere for those seats to go once the crumple zone is impacted.

That's just great... Where the heck do people put their kids when they have three of 'em? Cram them all into the second row of seats so that they can kill each other?

[cruvon]

Have you consdiered the X6?

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Wifey wants a new ride and she deserves it.

We are torn between the two.

BMW pros:
High quality interior finish
Exterior styling a bit more to our liking - not very much
Performance a notch better - not very much
Wife has always dreamed of a Bimmer
Can get the exact color combo and specs we want.

BMW cons:
Ungodly price ($17K more than the Acura)
Questionable reliability

Acura pros:
Great value for the money
Great reliability

Acura cons:
A bit pedestrian exterior and interior style


If there are any owners here who can chime in with their personal experiences, i would be greatly appreciative.

Neither are suitable.

Crossover are an aberration of nature.

Go used G wagon or Range Rover.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by Lisa

That's just great... Where the heck do people put their kids when they have three of 'em? Cram them all into the second row of seats so that they can kill each other?

We don't really have a need for a full time 3rd row. Otherwise we would be looking at the Honda mini-van or a bigger vehicle. Trying to avoid that at all costs.

I read through the Edmunds forum this weekend. A lot of great points there.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

We don't really have a need for a full time 3rd row. Otherwise we would be looking at the Honda mini-van or a bigger vehicle. Trying to avoid that at all costs.

I read through the Edmunds forum this weekend. A lot of great points there.

A friend just got a Chrysler minivan and I am ashamed to say, it is kinda cool if you have two + kids ... remember "Get Shorty"? ... "well, this is the Cadillac of minivans" .... I must be getting old ...

[Ed Rooney]

Originally Posted by Lisa

That's just great... Where the heck do people put their kids when they have three of 'em? Cram them all into the second row of seats so that they can kill each other?

We had an 05 Odyssey and I didn't even like that 3rd row, even though it was roomy.

The best 3rd rows I ever saw were in the Volvo V70 wagon and the Mercedes E-class estate. They were the two rear-facing jump seats. I saw many testimonials from cops on how well they held up in accidents.

I was the youngest of 6 and we rolled in a 74 Volvo Wagon. I either sat in the "wayback" with the Igloo cooler or on my mom's lap breathing her cigarette smoke.

Both the Acura and BMW are good, safe crossovers. I just don't like compromise the manufacturers have made to cram in a 3rd row.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by WJGESQ

Neither are suitable.

Crossover are an aberration of nature.

Go used G wagon or Range Rover.

Wait.... Unless your rolling some creaky ungodly beast out of the 1970's, probably even named Axelrod, then Range Rovers are crossovers.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

We had an 05 Odyssey and I didn't even like that 3rd row, even though it was roomy.

The best 3rd rows I ever saw were in the Volvo V70 wagon and the Mercedes E-class estate. They were the two rear-facing jump seats. I saw many testimonials from cops on how well they held up in accidents.

I was the youngest of 6 and we rolled in a 74 Volvo Wagon. I either sat in the "wayback" with the Igloo cooler or on my mom's lap breathing her cigarette smoke.

Both the Acura and BMW are good, safe crossovers. I just don't like compromise the manufacturers have made to cram in a 3rd row.

Sitting in your mom's lap breathing her cig smoke - that really makes me laugh! Another child of the sixties, eh? Much of the time I rode on the arm rest between Mom and Dad.

Do you know if Volvo still makes a third-row-seats wagon? I looked a while back but seems I had trouble finding that information. I thought Volvo had some of the best looking interiors.

[Ed Rooney]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

Wait.... Unless your rolling some creaky ungodly beast out of the 1970's, probably even named Axelrod, then Range Rovers are crossovers.

Technically the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a crossover now too.

[A.J.R.]

I wouldn't keep a newer Bimmer post 05 after the factory warranty expires.

[Power Play]

Just FYI, after many years of making and selling wonderful wagons, Volvo no longer offers wagons in our Country.

Ditto for the 5 Series BMW which left 2 yrs ago and the Audi A6 which left last year. And, of course, the Saab wagon is gone as well.

So as far as premium European brands are concerned, we're now pretty much looking at the Benz E 350 wagon. If you haven't tested this beauty you're missing out. It is beautifully engineered and crafted and now comes with 305 HP and 4-Matic all wheel drive. The third seat is standard but faces aft. The ride and handling are amazing. Cargo capacity, however, is considerably less than the larger crossovers mentioned above. If you want to really HAUL you can opt for the special order E63 with about 518 ripping HP.....

[looking to buy]

There is a book out called "Driven" which is quite good. It is all about BMW, its history, philosophy, the good and the bad. One of the things they say in the book is that not everyone is a BMW driver. They fully understand the the unique characteristics of a BMW are not for everyone. I have a friend who hated the feel of the BMW and bought a Lexus. His Lexus looks like a tricked out Toyota, but it rides soft and easy and that is what he wanted. It lacks the punch of a BMW. BMWs feeling is that they want their cars so that if you could drive it blindfolded you would know that you were in a BMW. So, in the end you have to decide what kind of driving experience you want. If it is the BMW experience then the car is for you regardless of the other factors.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by looking to buy

There is a book out called "Driven" which is quite good. It is all about BMW, its history, philosophy, the good and the bad. One of the things they say in the book is that not everyone is a BMW driver. They fully understand the the unique characteristics of a BMW are not for everyone. I have a friend who hated the feel of the BMW and bought a Lexus. His Lexus looks like a tricked out Toyota, but it rides soft and easy and that is what he wanted. It lacks the punch of a BMW. BMWs feeling is that they want their cars so that if you could drive it blindfolded you would know that you were in a BMW. So, in the end you have to decide what kind of driving experience you want. If it is the BMW experience then the car is for you regardless of the other factors.

A mom driving kids around in any car pretty much dictates what the "driving experience" would be. (translated: Lord help me maintain my sanity until we get home) It's a sad reality that if you're a woman with kids who loves cars - like Jason mentioned early in the thread - it might be best to wait until the kids are on their own (or at least, driving their own cars) to get the car of your dreams. IMO, settle for something more practical for now.

[cgjane]

Our Range Rover has been nothing but reliable for us...do not dismiss the Land Rover Line.

I have been intrigued with the new Ford Explorer (I am looking for a 7 seater as well)but dragging my feet, it is hard to part with the RR.

[Ed Rooney]

Originally Posted by Power Play

Just FYI, after many years of making and selling wonderful wagons, Volvo no longer offers wagons in our Country.

Ditto for the 5 Series BMW which left 2 yrs ago and the Audi A6 which left last year. And, of course, the Saab wagon is gone as well.

So as far as premium European brands are concerned, we're now pretty much looking at the Benz E 350 wagon. If you haven't tested this beauty you're missing out. It is beautifully engineered and crafted and now comes with 305 HP and 4-Matic all wheel drive. The third seat is standard but faces aft. The ride and handling are amazing. Cargo capacity, however, is considerably less than the larger crossovers mentioned above. If you want to really HAUL you can opt for the special order E63 with about 518 ripping HP.....

Don't they still offer the XC-70? That is still a wagon in my eyes.

But honestly, I don't know why anyone would opt for the XC-70 when the Subaru Outback is out there. We just got a 2012 and it is a great car for a 2-kid family.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

Don't they still offer the XC-70? That is still a wagon in my eyes.

But honestly, I don't know why anyone would opt for the XC-70 when the Subaru Outback is out there. We just got a 2012 and it is a great car for a 2-kid family.

I drive a 2010 Outback and agree with you on all points.

I kid my wife that my mid-life crisis was buying a 4-door station wagon.

The Outback is our go-to vehicle when it is just us, but we want something to haul a couple more people such as when family comes to visit or we take the kids and a couple of friends to the zoo.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by looking to buy

There is a book out called "Driven" which is quite good. It is all about BMW, its history, philosophy, the good and the bad. One of the things they say in the book is that not everyone is a BMW driver. They fully understand the the unique characteristics of a BMW are not for everyone.

A funny side note...

Back in my high school days, one of my friend's dad was the former president of BMW, NA (Jack Cook) who really pushed to bring the 320i to the states. He moved on to Porsche later and they had some spectacular company cars in the garage then.

What always struck me at that time was that, even though he owned a BMW dealership, everyone of his kids drove VW's.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

What always struck me at that time was that, even though he owned a BMW dealership, everyone of his kids drove VW's.

That's because he wanted the solid safety of german engineering without the cost of paying for wrecked luxury cars. Because if there's one thing for certain, kids wreck cars. I wouldn't even dream of buying new cars for my kids, and certainly not luxury lines.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

That's because he wanted the solid safety of german engineering without the cost of paying for wrecked luxury cars. Because if there's one thing for certain, kids wreck cars. I wouldn't even dream of buying new cars for my kids, and certainly not luxury lines.

That certainly did not stop them from wrecking cars - even BMW's.

One boy made the front page of the Reno paper for managing to wedge a car between two buildings of the UN-Reno campus

[qwiklap]

Not sure if it has been recommended -- but redesigned VW Touareg is awesome.

I am driving one now (Hybrid model). Amazing right - great interior -- quiet and great features. And if you look -- the resale holds up really well.

BTW -- I am biased -- as I work for Volkswagen Group of America.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by qwiklap

Not sure if it has been recommended -- but redesigned VW Touareg is awesome.

I am driving one now (Hybrid model). Amazing right - great interior -- quiet and great features. And if you look -- the resale holds up really well.

BTW -- I am biased -- as I work for Volkswagen Group of America.

I always liked the Toureg - but only can seat 5 maximum, right?

[qwiklap]

Originally Posted by Lisa

I always liked the Toureg - but only can seat 5 maximum, right?

Yes -- Q7 is the only 7-seat VW Group product. Unless you want a minivan (Routan).

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by qwiklap

Yes -- Q7 is the only 7-seat VW Group product. Unless you want a minivan (Routan).

The Routan was the only minivan I could even bear to consider (unfair bias, I know), but I thought it wasn't even available in the US.

The Q7 - made by Audi?

[perpetualman88]

acura save the $$$$ and get another watch AP ROOC perhaps :)

[qwiklap]

Originally Posted by Lisa

The Routan was the only minivan I could even bear to consider (unfair bias, I know), but I thought it wasn't even available in the US.

The Q7 - made by Audi?

Indeed

[Dr.Brian]

Q7!
A Rover is a fine choice, but get the extended warranty.

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by Power Play

Just FYI, after many years of making and selling wonderful wagons, Volvo no longer offers wagons in our Country.
Ditto for the 5 Series BMW which left 2 yrs ago and the Audi A6 which left last year. And, of course, the Saab wagon is gone as well.
So as far as premium European brands are concerned, we're now pretty much looking at the Benz E 350 wagon. If you haven't tested this beauty you're missing out. It is beautifully engineered and crafted and now comes with 305 HP and 4-Matic all wheel drive. The third seat is standard but faces aft. The ride and handling are amazing. Cargo capacity, however, is considerably less than the larger crossovers mentioned above. If you want to really HAUL you can opt for the special order E63 with about 518 ripping HP.....

Volvo still makes the XC70.
The A6 Allroad is coming back as a 2013 model as well. I will be test driving that.
In spite of some butch styling and an extra couple inches of ground clearance, they're just wagons.
I looked at the Benz last week, but it was >$70k loaded (not AMG). Not worth it.
BMW, Audi, and Volvo also still make the wagon versions of their small sedans if you don't need too much extra room. Interestingly, Benz doesn't import it's wagon version of the C class.

[dba]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Have you consdiered the X6?

or the Audi Q5?

[TswaneNguni]

Mercedes Benz and BMW has left me standing next to the road,waiting for help to arrive.

Toyota,Isuzu,Honda and Hyundai have never .

The more the fancy gadgetry,the more the problems.A car in a workshop,is of little use to me.I cant use it,you have to get the car there,you have to collect it again.....all very inconvenient and time consuming.

I like solid basics in a car.

Honda is an extremely reliable vehicle.

[Stonedcl]

Do yourself a favor and drive the infiniti fx35 or even fx50..
I drove a lot of SUVs because my wife was also looking and the fx was the most fun to drive , even sportier then the x5 .. Car and driver actully picked the fx over the x6 and it cost 20k less..