[stimpy]

Figure I'd start here with my fellow car buffs to get some ideas...

I'm looking for an SUV that I'd buy slightly used (2-5k miles), 2013 or newer, and most likely private party (warranties transfer, no sales tax on private party, better bang for the buck).

The purpose of this vehicle is so I can garage the 335i and have a vehicle I can go on road trips in, cruise around town, go up to the mountains (snow) and go camping (dirt trails to camp sites), and something I can easily put the dogs in. The 335i only fits one of those categories - cruising around town.

I'd like the vehicle to look sleek and have creature comforts like heated seats, leather, xenons, 'comfort access', nav, etc.

My #1 choice would be a Range Rover Evoque 5 door Pure Premium but it's at the top of my price range (40k) and need to find a screaming deal to get that.

Any recommendations on what other vehicles I should be looking at?

[BKap08]

personally the audi q5 is my favorite of the german suv's. Its pretty roomy on the inside too with a big trunk

[llama_of_doom]

The last gen mdx is pretty nice, its reliable, and you can get everything you described and seat 7. And used can be had way under 40k.

[ken1137]

The Evoque has terrible reviews but looks pretty sharp. I would look at the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon if you plan to off-road That said, they have their own issues and concerns. GL! Sleek and outdoors doesn't mesh well unless you buy a Cayenne S

[SLOWER]

We are on our 3rd MDX.

2005, 2007, 2013. Just a fantastic vehicle. 7 people if you need to, plenty of cargo when you don't. Tows my boat effortlessly. We love them.

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by SLOWER

We are on our 3rd MDX.

2005, 2007, 2013. Just a fantastic vehicle. 7 people if you need to, plenty of cargo when you don't. Tows my boat effortlessly. We love them.

We had an '07 one of the first 2nd generation mdx's, great vehicle. too bad they pussyfied the '14.

[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by BKap08

personally the audi q5 is my favorite of the german suv's. Its pretty roomy on the inside too with a big trunk

I agree. I drove an sQ5 and it was pretty sweet.

[stimpy]

Originally Posted by ken1137

The Evoque has terrible reviews but looks pretty sharp. I would look at the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon if you plan to off-road That said, they have their own issues and concerns. GL! Sleek and outdoors doesn't mesh well unless you buy a Cayenne S

Just so there's no confusion - when I say mountains and camping I don't mean anything crazy, certainly not off-roading in the traditional sense. I'm talking about going down a dirt road that may have some pot holes or driving to a cabin with some snow on the ground. I took my 335i up to Flagstaff a couple of weeks ago and the cabin was maybe 100 yards off the main road and my 335i couldn't make through a hill that cut to the left due to the snow/ice. I had 4 buddies come down to the bottom and push my car up. The Civic SI and the VW GTI made it just fine though :P

I appreciate the other responses! When I have a little more time later I'll sit down and read them in depth and take a look at the suggested vehicles.

[jlstyle]

I'm in a same boat,although I do take 335i to the dirty camping sites!

My current list is Q5/X3/Audi Allroad/A3 hatchback or ditch all and get the new X5 for my wife and I get a beater.

I thought of Evoque as well but it was too expensive compare to the size. Trunk especially.

Q5/X3/Allroad are at same price point, and so far I like the fit and finish of Q5 but engine and gadgets of X3 and all around for Allroad. Q5 to me has too little trunk compared to X3 and navi is just terrible. However X3 lacks the refinements in interior compared to Q5. And Q5 just got sexier with new taillight.
Very tough call and I can't make a decision.
Maybe I'll save some more and just go with X5 to suit everything.

[bmw-nj]

I'm a big fan of the Q5 in white tinted out. Looks so sharp on the road and all around a great SUV for exactly what you described.

The MDX is not a bad choice either.

Avoid the Lexus RX. It's just so boring and no dude should be driving it. The GX on the other hand is pretty sharp in my opinion.

[outinthesun]

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is pretty nice and I it has all the options you are looking for.

[ASBSECU E93]

q5 TDi.

[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by outinthesun

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is pretty nice and I it has all the options you are looking for.

i drove these recently and like them as well. Lots of trim options.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by SLOWER

We are on our 3rd MDX.

2005, 2007, 2013. Just a fantastic vehicle. 7 people if you need to, plenty of cargo when you don't. Tows my boat effortlessly. We love them.

Had a 2010 back when I still owned my RSX. I regret getting rid of it. That thing was a beast and only required basic maintenance. Loved the interior and the overall drive.


MDX gets my vote.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by outinthesun

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is pretty nice and I it has all the options you are looking for.

We just picked up a 2014 Overland and love it. It has every bell and whistle you could ask for. You could probably find a slightly used V6 overland for that price.

[MidwestGolfBum]

I have a 13 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and love it for a hauler/snowy day/don't care kind of vehicle. I rarely take it off road in the traditional sense but I had a buddy who wanted out of it about 300 miles after he bought it. I also drive a GX470 as a work vehicle when I need to fit more than the E92 can fit comfortably and it's been great for the 180K that I have had it since new.

[SLOWER]

Originally Posted by Billup

Had a 2010 back when I still owned my RSX. I regret getting rid of it. That thing was a beast and only required basic maintenance. Loved the interior and the overall drive.


MDX gets my vote.

The easiest vehicle I've ever had to change the oil on.

My only gripe with the car would be the light colored leather. Our previous 2 were gray, and this one is tan. Can't go a week without cleaning it. Same problem in our TL when we had that. I'd go black or gray on a next one.

[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

We just picked up a 2014 Overland and love it. It has every bell and whistle you could ask for. You could probably find a slightly used V6 overland for that price.

It was a tie for my second choice after the RR Sport SC. It was quite nice to drive. Very comfortable and lots of space.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

It was a tie for my second choice after the RR Sport SC. It was quite nice to drive. Very comfortable and lots of space.

Yeah the day our daughter was born was the day we found out we needed bigger cars. We had an FX35 before that which was a great sporty thing but it had absolutely zero utility and with the rear facing carseat installed, the passenger would have to sit completely vertical. The jeep has several inches to spare with the passenger sitting comfortably. The Hemi is also a nice touch.

[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by outinthesun

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is pretty nice and I it has all the options you are looking for.

We just bought a new Grand Cherokee Overland diesel. It has the same ZF8 speed trans that's in my 328i. The engine was made in Italy and gets 23 MPG COMBINED. It has more standard features than my BMW and the "infotainment" system (I hate that word) KILLS my BMW. The interior is awesome and it even handles pretty good for a tall 5200 lb SUV. I know you're considering used but do yourself a favor and test drive a diesel GC.

[chillbil79]

Save money and get a low mileage 08 Toyota 4runner.
Big enough for dogs , all the creature benefits u need plus Toyota reliability. Would be my choice. I'm looking to get a highlander though for my work/dog mobile

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by Alpine F31

We just bought a new Grand Cherokee Overland diesel.

54 grand for a Jeep!?!?