Help Me Pick a New Car

4,672 Views | 52 Replies | Last: 3 mo ago by fig96
Vernada
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Looking to buy a new car anytime from now on... don't have to have one at any point so the timing is flexible.

The problem I'm having is that I'm not finding anything I can really get excited about. I know that's not the end of the world, but it'd be nice.

Rough requirements:

  • preferably <$100k
  • 3 rows is a bonus, but not necessary
  • Want comfortable, quiet ride
  • Reliable - seems like every car I look it has nightmare stories online lol
  • Hybrid is a plus
Some vehicles I've been looking at:

  • GLE450 - love that is has 'knobs' still for AC. Concerned about the new mild hybrid paired with the inline 6.
  • X5 - like the inline 6
  • GLS/X7 - don't think I can get one configured how I want w/o $100k+
  • Ford Expedition King Ranch - really like the look of this new style
  • TX550h - appreciate the V6 + electric pairing, but probably the least exciting in this list IMHO
  • E450 sedan with Airmatic
  • E450 Wagon
Open to ideas and input.

TIA
JobSecurity
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x5 m60
3rd Platoon
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Acura MDX with either Technology or A-Spec package. Very reliable, easy to drive, and very powerful with a comfortable ride.
reproag
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Vernada said:

Looking to buy a new car anytime from now on... don't have to have one at any point so the timing is flexible.

The problem I'm having is that I'm not finding anything I can really get excited about. I know that's not the end of the world, but it'd be nice.

Rough requirements:

  • preferably <$100k
  • 3 rows is a bonus, but not necessary
  • Want comfortable, quiet ride
  • Reliable - seems like every car I look it has nightmare stories online lol
Some vehicles I've been looking at:

  • GLE450 - love that is has 'knobs' still for AC. Concerned about the new mild hybrid paired with the inline 6.
  • X5 - like the inline 6
  • GLS/X7 - don't think I can get one configured how I want w/o $100k+
  • Ford Expedition King Ranch - really like the look of this new style
  • TX550h - appreciate the V6 + electric pairing, but probably the least exciting in this list IMHO
  • E450 sedan with Airmatic
  • E450 Wagon
Open to ideas and input.

TIA

But I am BIAS
Vernada
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JobSecurity said:

x5 m60

Is the M60 worth the premium over the 40i?

Getting that one optioned would certainly push that 100k mark.

How's the suspension in the M60? I have kinda avoided the 'sporty' options because they usually include stiffer suspensions.

Edit to Add: And the seats - the seats are usually 'sport' seats and not as comfortable as the standard offering.
Ag9701
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MDX with Aspec +/- Adv. Great history of reliability. Can buy an ext warranty from a high volume dealer at a cheaper price if you want added protection.
AgCPA95
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Vernada said:

Looking to buy a new car anytime from now on... don't have to have one at any point so the timing is flexible.

The problem I'm having is that I'm not finding anything I can really get excited about. I know that's not the end of the world, but it'd be nice.

Rough requirements:

  • preferably <$100k
  • 3 rows is a bonus, but not necessary
  • Want comfortable, quiet ride
  • Reliable - seems like every car I look it has nightmare stories online lol
  • Hybrid is a plus
Some vehicles I've been looking at:

  • GLE450 - love that is has 'knobs' still for AC. Concerned about the new mild hybrid paired with the inline 6.
  • X5 - like the inline 6
  • GLS/X7 - don't think I can get one configured how I want w/o $100k+
  • Ford Expedition King Ranch - really like the look of this new style
  • TX550h - appreciate the V6 + electric pairing, but probably the least exciting in this list IMHO
  • E450 sedan with Airmatic
  • E450 Wagon
Open to ideas and input.

TIA



My wife has a 2020 GLE 450 and it has the inline 6 with mild hybrid so its been around for awhile. The motor has quite a bit of power and response in sport mode is solid. We haven't had any problems with this car but have only put about 40k miles on it in 5 years. Overall I like it for a sporty SUV. A little overly nanny-car controlling everything you do, but seems very safe and I like that carpooling, driving it in Houston traffic. We have done some 4-6 hour road trips and it was a very comfortable trip.
maroon barchetta
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A car with three rows?

Sounds like you want a mid-70's station wagon.
Dr. Nefario
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reproag said:


But I am BIAS



I had to read this 4 times before I realized BIAS wasn't an acronym.
“You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.” -Abraham Lincoln

“Veganism is like communism. They’re both fine… unless you like food.”
Kyle Field Shade Chaser
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Lexus GX550
Toyota Land Cruiser
Corps_Ag12
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maroon barchetta said:

A car with three rows?

Sounds like you want a mid-70's station wagon.


My vote is an LS swamped Buick roadmaster!
txyaloo
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Vernada said:

JobSecurity said:

x5 m60

Is the M60 worth the premium over the 40i?

Getting that one optioned would certainly push that 100k mark.

How's the suspension in the M60? I have kinda avoided the 'sporty' options because they usually include stiffer suspensions.

Edit to Add: And the seats - the seats are usually 'sport' seats and not as comfortable as the standard offering.


The B58 i6 is fantastic and can be tuned very easily if you need more power. If you intend to keep past warranty expiration, I'd skip the V8.

BMW lets you configure the seats you want. Just because it's an "M lite" doesn't mean it has sport seats. Plenty of those are optioned with multi-contour/comfort seats.
javajaws
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maroon barchetta said:

A car with three rows?

Sounds like you want a mid-70's station wagon.

Hang on there - he said under $100k!
dodger02
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No way. If you go MDX, do the Type S.
The Wonderer
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I have a fully spec'd M-line 2020 X5 40ix and love it - except for when it needs part replacement when it gets up in mileage. I'm around 83k miles and will be unloading it because of the part replacement and complexity of self-repair. I've loved it for the last 3 years, and would highly recommend it if you have the cash to maintain it. The second row seats are comfy and I've never had complaints from passengers. If you get a newer BMW, the BimmerCode and BimmerLink apps and an OBDII adapter are requirements.
GrapevineAg
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If reliability is a criterion, I'd cross off the European models. +1 on the Land Cruiser / Lexus equivalent.
HumbleAg04
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Quote:

  • 3 rows is a bonus, but not necessary
  • Want comfortable, quiet ride
  • Reliable - seems like every car I look it has nightmare stories online lol
  • Hybrid is a plus



This is why you aren't excited. Least exciting list of requirements for a vehicle ever.
Vernada
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HumbleAg04 said:

Quote:

  • 3 rows is a bonus, but not necessary
  • Want comfortable, quiet ride
  • Reliable - seems like every car I look it has nightmare stories online lol
  • Hybrid is a plus



This is why you aren't excited. Least exciting list of requirements for a vehicle ever.

HA - no doubt.
Vernada
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GrapevineAg said:

If reliability is a criterion, I'd cross off the European models. +1 on the Land Cruiser / Lexus equivalent.

definitely one of my concerns - cost of maintenance isn't a big concern; but dealing with the PITA of broken car isn't anything I'm wanting to deal with.
Vernada
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Kyle Field Shade Chaser said:

Lexus GX550
Toyota Land Cruiser

We've got a 460... so probably wouldn't turn around and add the 550 - that's why the TX is on there... I'd consider an RX too.
TSJ
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Vernada said:

The problem I'm having is that I'm not finding anything I can really get excited about.


Ineos Grenadier!
HollywoodBQ
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Seems crazy to see this as a real requirement but it's also why I'm not buying anything new anytime soon (nevermind with perennial WFH, I don't really need to drive anymore)
Quote:

preferably <$100k

YouBet
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If you don't get the Mercedes AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon, which is on your list, then you will have failed this decision.
YouBet
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HollywoodBQ said:

Seems crazy to see this as a real requirement but it's also why I'm not buying anything new anytime soon (nevermind with perennial WFH, I don't really need to drive anymore)
Quote:

preferably <$100k




Yeah, it's wild. I keep pushing my next purchase out. My original plan was to replace my car at 50 but at 51 pushing on 52 my 9 yr old car still only has 43k miles on it and looks brand new. And it's fun as hell to drive.
Vernada
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YouBet said:

If you don't get the Mercedes AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon, which is on your list, then you will have failed this decision.


Definitely looked at it - super awesome. But so heavy. Recommended psi on the tires is about 50 psi. So super cool car, but not a fun daily driver.

I do think the e450 wagon would be pretty sweet.
aggiepaintrain
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3.0 Yukon Denali
or 2020/21 Toyota Land Cruiser

None on your list honestly.
TXAG 05
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HumbleAg04 said:

Quote:

  • 3 rows is a bonus, but not necessary
  • Want comfortable, quiet ride
  • Reliable - seems like every car I look it has nightmare stories online lol
  • Hybrid is a plus



This is why you aren't excited. Least exciting list of requirements for a vehicle ever.


Sounds like he needs a minivan
Redstone
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I decided on a 4Runner Limited 5th Gen after deciding to prioritize reliability. I got very tired of the Check Engine light on an Equinox (GM), which I shouldn't have got. However, my father raised us in a GM family (he had a 94 and 95 suburban), and I had good luck with a 1996 Chevrolet truck and 2001 Tahoe.

My wife got a Kicks (Nissan), which I definitely don't recommend. She wanted a Juke, but we couldn't find one and this was before I learned about CVT transmissions. I'd definitely avoid Nissan, although I like some of the Infinity line.

My brother and stepfather generally like their Expeditions (Ford), but I've avoided the company due to being annoyed by the Ford Foundation. My mom decided on a Buick Enclave, and so far she doesn't regret it. My stepsister only buys Range Rovers, although the bulk of that is wanting to be a DFW socialite.
Choward4
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LX700H would fit everything but under $100k but they hold resale really well in the past.
Complete Idiot
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Lucid Gravity
Vernada
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Choward4 said:

LX700H would fit everything but under $100k but they hold resale really well in the past.


Yeah, I talked with my Lexus guy about that one but the ones they carry are generally $116k+
Mas89
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Vernada said:

Kyle Field Shade Chaser said:

Lexus GX550
Toyota Land Cruiser

We've got a 460... so probably wouldn't turn around and add the 550 - that's why the TX is on there... I'd consider an RX too.

460 to an Escalade is a nice change. Up the budget and get what you want, especially if you plan on keeping it long term.
YouBet
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Based on your criteria, here are three more options not mentioned:

- Toyota Sequoia Hybrid
- Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
- Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Not much else out there that meets your needs unless you want to look at a lower tier than this but considering your original list, you don't.

You can get a Cayenne E-hybrid but you will go over $100k as soon as you add tires to it.
fig96
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We actually purchased a CX-90 (non PHEV) a couple months ago and have been really happy with it.

Was coming from a Volvo and considered the XC-90, Lexus TX, and a few others but couldn't justify another 20-30k on a family hauler that's going to have the typical kid wear and tear. The Mazda interior is shockingly nice and their midrange model comes pretty loaded for well under 50k.

Edit: because we have rules
Johnny Foosball
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The X7 is by far the best driving SUV with a 3rd row. As mentioned in this thread, the B58 is a phenomenal engine and BMW's have climbed the reliability charts in the past few years.

If you decide to give BMW a shot, send me a PM and I'd be happy to help
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