[wasabisashimi]

I have a family of 3 with a medium size pet dog.

I want them to be comfortable in a safe vehicle with AWD capable of snow traction.

I have always wanting something higher end and with horse power, while not getting a over-popular vehicle such as RDX and RX350.

I have narrowed it down to 3 vehicles with similar price range.

Jeep SRT8
LR2
Q5

I am leaning towards Jeep SRT8 for its bang for the buck (HP, cargo size). But Q5 looks so nice inside and out, while LR2 gives the classiness.

help me decide..... Need this car before winter comes, need winter traction asap.

[shenmecar]

Jeep SRT8 arent even in the same class as Q5 and LR2........the jeep is going to burn a whole in your wallet. If you don't care about fuel economy then I would say get a Jeep.

[asahai69]

good luck driving the srt-8 in the snow. summer tires come stock.

[wasabisashimi]

I can change it to All season on the 20in rim can't I?,,

How bad is the fuel economy compare to LR2 and Q5


Anyone has experience in Jeep SRT8? tell me how you like it

[shenmecar]

I can change it to All season on the 20in rim can't I?,,

How bad is the fuel economy compare to LR2 and Q5


Anyone has experience in Jeep SRT8? tell me how you like it

This is taken from http://www.fueleconomy.gov

All 2010 Models, city/hwy

Jeep SRT8 - 12/16 MPG, AVG 13 MPG (uses premium)
Q5 - 18/23 MPG, AVG 20 MPG (uses premium)
LR2 - 15/22 MPG, AVG 17 MPG (uses regular)

[godwin]

And there is a law against installing winter tires? Considering winter tires for 18" these days are about $100.. it is not that much.

good luck driving the srt-8 in the snow. summer tires come stock.

[penner2k]

Can you get the Q5 in diesel yet?

[Volvo-brickster]

SRT8 hands down

best bang for your buck HP vs $

for practicality, its not the best. with the center exhaust, you can't mount a hitch to tow stuff

plus, when was the last time you heard a LR / RR that god good fuel economy?

[maxx]

Land Rover

[too_slow]

LR2 is an over-glorified Ford Escape..
Q5s look sexy from the front, but look weird from the rear (same with the VW Tiguan)

I'm assuming your price range is $40-52k. You can get a nice CPO 06 X5 4.8is for less..

[thumper]

my ex-manager at work was in the same boat as you. his rottweiler was getting too big for the family jetta wagon so he wanted to go big-suv, but after working out the operating costs he quickly realized it was not financially feasible and ended up getting an xc70 cross country (volvo was giving out really good lease rates a few months back):

http://www.volvocars.com/us/models/xc70/Pages/default.aspx

the dog, wife, and 2.5 kids seem to be very happy in it.

i remember he test drove some of the suv's you listed... RDX was too ugly, RX350 too boring, Jeep grand cherokee and the LR2 have bad reliability... the Q5 wasn't out when he was looking though. he did try the Q7 but it was too big for his garage :o

[wasabisashimi]

BMW is out of question. My family has an X5. Not the greatest, steering wheel too heavy, several reliability issues, and the car is under 80,000k, Interior just sucked.
I love BMW's, but just not their X5 or X3.

As for Volvo, its really just not my kind of car. Maybe in the future when the wife wants a new car.

I am really stucked. LR2 is pricy with every aspect being so-so, meh.... and SRT8 having too low of fuel economy.

That leaves me Q5, which can really get pricy with navi and other packages.

By the way, We will buy the car in full ownership, not going to lease.

[shenmecar]

my ex-manager at work was in the same boat as you. his rottweiler was getting too big for the family jetta wagon so he wanted to go big-suv, but after working out the operating costs he quickly realized it was not financially feasible and ended up getting an xc70 cross country (volvo was giving out really good lease rates a few months back):

http://www.volvocars.com/us/models/xc70/Pages/default.aspx

the dog, wife, and 2.5 kids seem to be very happy in it.

i remember he test drove some of the suv's you listed... RDX was too ugly, RX350 too boring, Jeep grand cherokee and the LR2 have bad reliability... the Q5 wasn't out when he was looking though. he did try the Q7 but it was too big for his garage :o

Yeah the Q7 is longggggggggggggggg

OP have you looked at MDX/FX35? There are quite a lot of selections at that price range.

[wasabisashimi]

hey, thats a good idea, i will look into FX35, and MDX... we want a new car. I guess i never consider the new FX cuz the catfish looking headlamp

[shenmecar]

hey, thats a good idea, i will look into FX35, and MDX... we want a new car. I guess i never consider the new FX cuz the catfish looking headlamp

My dad loves his MDX, you better get it before the facelift! Its gonna look ugly. I've already seen the facelifted 2010 RDX and its gross.

I like the FX35 actually, its styled to look like a "bionic cheetah"

[asahai69]

I can change it to All season on the 20in rim can't I?,,

How bad is the fuel economy compare to LR2 and Q5


Anyone has experience in Jeep SRT8? tell me how you like it

all season tires on those wide wheels isnt gonna be that great in the snow. plus i wouldnt wanna drive in the snow with 20 inch rims. who knows what might happen. easy to damage those wheels without that nice thick sidewall of the tire.

oh. gas is also a bloody rape aswell. im getting about 18L/100km in my srt8. im sure the jeep is worse.

[wasabisashimi]

all season tires on those wide wheels isnt gonna be that great in the snow. plus i wouldnt wanna drive in the snow with 20 inch rims. who knows what might happen. easy to damage those wheels without that nice thick sidewall of the tire.

oh. gas is also a bloody rape aswell. im getting about 18L/100km in my srt8. im sure the jeep is worse.


how big is your SRT8's gas tank? and how much will it take to fill, and whats milage for a full tank?
I am assuming you are pumping premium. Maybe these SRT8's can take regular octane too with decrease performance.

[thumper]

i can't believe i've been suggesting domestics a lot but... is there anything from GM that works for you?

http://www.gmfleet.com/pages/shopBy/Sport_Utility_Vehicles_byBrand.jsp (this is US not canada site btw)

large but not too large? #1 choice if you do CSI for a living :lol

http://www.gmbuypower.com/images/gmbp/48012/vehicle/2009/med/2009411.gif yukon denali hybrid?

or something smaller...

http://www.gmbuypower.com/images/gmbp/12006/vehicle/2010/med/2010195.gif cadillarc srx awd?

[asahai69]

how big is your SRT8's gas tank? and how much will it take to fill, and whats milage for a full tank?
I am assuming you are pumping premium. Maybe these SRT8's can take regular octane too with decrease performance.

well. it usually fills up for about 80 bucks. get 350km a tank. do not put regular. if ur actually thinking of putting anything less than 94 then this vehicle clearly isnt for you

[thumper]

also wondering why you are not considering a GLK or ML mercedes?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

MDX for the win, way better interior than shitty X5

dad's friend picked one up, the interior is a joke




EDITED



GO FOR THE Q5 instead, not x5

[shenmecar]

MDX for the win, way better interior than shitty X5

dad's friend picked one up, the interior is a joke




X5 would be a decent choice as well

So, are you FOR or AGAINST the X5?!

[thumper]

what is the rear load area like in the current X5? i've only been in the old X5 and i remember not being able to put much of anything in the back because it was rather narrow and it had a very shallow floor :confused:

[asahai69]

MDX for the win, way better interior than shitty X5

dad's friend picked one up, the interior is a joke




X5 would be a decent choice as well

what?

:confused:

[iamaudi]

Audi Q5

[SolidPenguin]

Not sure if youre looking exclusively for SUVs, but may i suggest the WRX wagon.

If you are looking for JUST suv's my votes are in for the MDX or the Denali.

[valent|n0]

I want them to be comfortable in a safe vehicle with AWD capable of snow traction.


u mention comfortable , safe and capable AWD in one sentence
may I suggest a subaru forester or Tribeca :thumbsup:
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=579

grand cherokee crash test result is Medium to good
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=341

[LowTEC]

MDX for the win, way better interior than shitty X5

dad's friend picked one up, the interior is a joke




X5 would be a decent choice as well

what the fuck are you talking about? :thumbsup:

[thumper]

Not sure if youre looking exclusively for SUVs, but may i suggest the WRX wagon.


eek. no good for dog. i used to have a wrx wagon so i know from personal experience unless you like a lot of slobber all over the back glass because the sloping rear hatch eats up what little headroom there is for a hyperventilating fido :lol

that's why i suggested the volvo because the rear gate is almost upright and there is tons of room for my ex co-worker's rottie.

[WHEYsted]

My dad loves his MDX, you better get it before the facelift! Its gonna look ugly. I've already seen the facelifted 2010 RDX and its gross.

I like the FX35 actually, its styled to look like a "bionic cheetah"

Yeah the 2010 MDX looks like a fat TL.

[turboy]

LOL looking for WHAT??
u ask for too many things hahhahaha
is cost in that list as well?
go for hyundai or kia
they have the hp u need with awd and good looks with good interior and great options!
price nobody can beat with 5yr warranty.
suggestions r (kia) sportage or (hyundai) santafe
they have bigger ones so check it out
unless u want to spend more money u can grab a armada or hummer and knock urself out:)

[ilvtofu]

Your best bet is a wagon like the new outback or xc70, easier on the dog probably too
New outback has a new H6 i believe and isn't a bad car, A little big for my taste but forester if you want smaller

[wasabisashimi]

we would like to spend a bit more money to get vehicle with more luxury in it. So Kia, or hyundai or honda, subaru is out.

I am goign to look into the Volvo cross country,, That car reminds me of the Audi Allroad from 2003. Wish they still make it

[turboy]

what bout the bmw X6

[ilvtofu]

Cadillac CTS wagon?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

So, are you FOR or AGAINST the X5?!
Holly shit
what?

:confused:
i must be on crack
what the fuck are you talking about? :thumbsup:
LOL fuck
LOL looking for WHAT??
u ask for too many things hahhahaha
is cost in that list as well?
go for hyundai or kia
they have the hp u need with awd and good looks with good interior and great options!
price nobody can beat with 5yr warranty.
suggestions r (kia) sportage or (hyundai) santafe
they have bigger ones so check it out
unless u want to spend more money u can grab a armada or hummer and knock urself out:)
worst advice ever
what bout the bmw X6

X6 ugly, especially the rear


I MEANT TO SAY Q5, god damn cant believe i said X5 lol

wtf was i thinking

[shenmecar]

what bout the bmw X6

only faggot honger bois have X6s.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

^


werd

than next question would be

wat about M X6


:haha:

[!Aznboi128]

maybe even take a look at the VW passat 4motion wagon, or Subary Legacy outback/wagon

[simsimi1004]

escalade?

[E-40six]

I know that you're looking at higher end SUV's

but have you considered looking at a mid-sized pickup such as the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab?

it'd be perfect for your dog if you got a canopy for the back and wouldnt have to worry much about your dog getting everything muddy or dirty in the back of your SUV

[wasabisashimi]

I think pick up truck would be too large

[hk20000]

i can't believe i've been suggesting domestics a lot but... is there anything from GM that works for you?

http://www.gmfleet.com/pages/shopBy/Sport_Utility_Vehicles_byBrand.jsp (this is US not canada site btw)

large but not too large? #1 choice if you do CSI for a living :lol

http://www.gmbuypower.com/images/gmbp/48012/vehicle/2009/med/2009411.gif yukon denali hybrid??
I always thought this is the shittiest name ever

"Denial Hybrid" yeah I'm saving the planet by driving a hybrid - Denial.

[danizer]

im sorry im jsut wondering.....

is OP white?

Jeep SRT8?.....

Q5 is the car for asians :)

[ilvtofu]

I wouldn't recommend the new GLK
Look what happened today on burrard!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3913966720_0e62fa40e7.jpg

Just sat there with the hazard lights :facepalm:
I was going to say that it's a really good deal considering its a benz

[hk20000]

You don't buy a Mercedes expecting top notch craftsmanship. You just buy it because your folks said they were good. And you ponder about that sitting in the middle of the intersection thinking, "what good?".

[thumper]

we would like to spend a bit more money to get vehicle with more luxury in it. So Kia, or hyundai or honda, subaru is out.

I am goign to look into the Volvo cross country,, That car reminds me of the Audi Allroad from 2003. Wish they still make it


:thumbsup:

take a look at the new xc60 that just came out... again, it wasn't available when my friend was shopping around.

http://www.volvocanada.com/NewsAndEvents/NewXC60Gallery.aspx?lng=2

[Timpo]

Honda Element Dog Friendly :thumbsup:

http://automobiles.honda.com/element/dog-accessories.aspx

http://www.fareastgizmos.com/entry_images/0409/09/honda_suv_2.jpg
http://www.fareastgizmos.com/entry_images/0409/09/honda_suv_a.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2886/3102/32214050610_large.jpg
http://www.uhonda.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/dog-friendly-badge.jpg

[danizer]

I wouldn't recommend the new GLK
Look what happened today on burrard!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3913966720_0e62fa40e7.jpg

Just sat there with the hazard lights :facepalm:
I was going to say that it's a really good deal considering its a benz

hahaha nearly bought a GLK :)...but family went with C Class...pretty much same car isnt it?

[ilvtofu]

GLK is built in the states i believe, much better deal though, C350 4 matic will be around 50 base, whereas GLK is around 8k cheaper, I DON'T GET IT!?!?!?

[thumper]

GLK is built in the states i believe, much better deal though, C350 4 matic will be around 50 base, whereas GLK is around 8k cheaper, I DON'T GET IT!?!?!?

maybe because of NAFTA that makes the US-built GLK cheaper than the euro-built c-class?

[ilvtofu]

Most probably, that and the C-class is pretty good looking compared to... yeah

[BLU_LU]

tahoe?

[wasabisashimi]

looking at an used S4 AVANT... hows the trunk space, and fuel economy, should be better than Jeep SRT8?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

You don't buy a Mercedes expecting top notch craftsmanship. You just buy it because your folks said they were good. And you ponder about that sitting in the middle of the intersection thinking, "what good?".

well anytime u buy a high end car u better expect some sort of high end craftsmanship for the money u pay

[thumper]

looking at an used S4 AVANT... hows the trunk space, and fuel economy, should be better than Jeep SRT8?

fuel economy is the pits. i spoke to someone who used to own one (i think it was a 2005 model? i forget :( ), and i recall him mentioning 14mpg city with a moderately heavy foot. i didn't ask which transmission he had though.

... but if you bought one i wouldn't disagree with your choice :thumbsup:

[shenmecar]

looking at an used S4 AVANT... hows the trunk space, and fuel economy, should be better than Jeep SRT8?

My friend worked on a S4 and a RS4 before. He said that the engine (4.2L V8) kills itself like crazy. You will need to have an engine rebuild every 100k or so.

[B-DiZzLe]

I always thought this is the shittiest name ever

"Denial Hybrid" yeah I'm saving the planet by driving a hybrid - Denial.



It's Denali, not Denial.

[shenmecar]

^


werd

than next question would be

wat about M X6


:haha:

Faggot honger bois with a bigger wallet :haha::haha:

[xpl0sive]

My friend worked on a S4 and a RS4 before. He said that the engine (4.2L V8) kills itself like crazy. You will need to have an engine rebuild every 100k or so.

what the fuck are you talking about? an engine rebuild every 100k? you know that's considered a lemon right? first of all, the engine on the RS4 is completely different from the S4 engine. the problem with the RS4 engines in the intake manifold gets clogged up with oil, but we're not talking about RS4's here. the S4 wagon has the 4.2 V8 with 340 HP. not the RS4's V8 with 420 HP. the 340 HP engines are built like tanks. My car currently has 140km, never had a single problem with the engine. S4 Wagon might be a bit small for a dog and all that, take a look at it, see how you like it. If you find it too small, I would suggest an allroad. get an 04+ with a 4.2, dont bother with the 2.7T unless you want to mod it. Allroads have adjustible air suspension, lots of room inside, and can go anywhere an SUV can. If you want a new car, I would suggest the Q5 or the Q7 TDI. Diesel is the way to go. Great fuel economy, great torque, cheap fuel...

[xpl0sive]

or if you want to get serious.... i would suggest this

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/ctd/1369326125.html

V10 Twin Turbo Diesel... you can haul anything you want with that thing. chip it and you got 800 ft/lb of torque

[shenmecar]

what the fuck are you talking about? an engine rebuild every 100k? you know that's considered a lemon right? first of all, the engine on the RS4 is completely different from the S4 engine. the problem with the RS4 engines in the intake manifold gets clogged up with oil, but we're not talking about RS4's here. the S4 wagon has the 4.2 V8 with 340 HP. not the RS4's V8 with 420 HP. the 340 HP engines are built like tanks. My car currently has 140km, never had a single problem with the engine. S4 Wagon might be a bit small for a dog and all that, take a look at it, see how you like it. If you find it too small, I would suggest an allroad. get an 04+ with a 4.2, dont bother with the 2.7T unless you want to mod it. Allroads have adjustible air suspension, lots of room inside, and can go anywhere an SUV can. If you want a new car, I would suggest the Q5 or the Q7 TDI. Diesel is the way to go. Great fuel economy, great torque, cheap fuel...

meh, thats what I heard.

[teaoh]

INFINITI QX56!

[Prostrho]

I can't believe no one suggested Mazda CX-9 yet. It doesn't have the luxury brand cachet, but it drives as well, if not better than them. It's also not common like Rav4, RDX, GLK etc.

Great crossover. Lots of room, seats 7, handles like a car, reliable. Car magazines have also gave it stellar reviews.

http://www.consumersearch.com/files/images/products/09_Mazda_CX-9_1_LEAD.jpg

[wasabisashimi]

I can't believe no one suggested Mazda CX-9 yet. It doesn't have the luxury brand cachet, but it drives as well, if not better than them. It's also not common like Rav4, RDX, GLK etc.

Great crossover. Lots of room, seats 7, handles like a car, reliable. Car magazines have also gave it stellar reviews.

http://www.consumersearch.com/files/images/products/09_Mazda_CX-9_1_LEAD.jpg

does mazda have full time awd on this one? like quattro or Terrain response system on the LR2 . OR is it just the type used in CRV and RAV4

[Prostrho]

It is a Haldex system similar to Quattro of A3/TT, but not the same as A4/Q5 etc.

Mostly front biased to save fuel, but it automatically transfers power to the wheels that need it more before it loses grip. So it is considered a full time AWD. Actually the Rav4 system is similar. So is FX35, which is rear biased, but power is transfered to the front wheels during acceleration and cornering. etc.

CRV on the otherhand does NOT transfer power until wheelspin occurs.

[wasabisashimi]

how come these systems sounded like a traction control system as oppose to full time symetrical system

[Prostrho]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haldex_Traction

Just realised LR2 is actually a Haldex based 4wd system as well!!!!

Cause a full time awd system with 50/50 torque split wastes gas, and is not generally needed for normal commuter vehicles.

[asahai69]

get a fucking new 4 runner and be done with it.

[luke]

Ford Flex - 340hp twin-turbo v6. Oh, and it has all the other stuff that you were looking for ;)

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

INFINITI QX56!
THat thing is like $80-90g depending on options
I can't believe no one suggested Mazda CX-9 yet. It doesn't have the luxury brand cachet, but it drives as well, if not better than them. It's also not common like Rav4, RDX, GLK etc.

Great crossover. Lots of room, seats 7, handles like a car, reliable. Car magazines have also gave it stellar reviews.

http://www.consumersearch.com/files/images/products/09_Mazda_CX-9_1_LEAD.jpg

CX-9 aint exactly CHEAP, $45-47g before taxes if i remember correctly. And spending nearly $50g most people would want some sort of luxury image.

[wasabisashimi]

ya, I want some car with luxury and brand image. 4 runner wont cut it, CX-9 wont do ( I dont need a 7 seater), Ford Flex isnt up there although twin turbo sounded cool.

Update, Cars still in the list: Q5, jeep SRT8 ( wife doesn't like the look), Maybe MDX, volvo XC60

[Prostrho]

U can't go wrong with a MDX then.. they have 8000$ off 2009 models as well.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

ya MDX is gonna be ur best bet. Cheapest, reliable, , very very nice interior finish/material,decent look, SH-AWD

300hp, 275ish torque

sits 7, lots of room. and around $45-55g

[RE-Jo]

Volvo XC60 ~ looks really nice especially in white.

[wasabisashimi]

U can't go wrong with a MDX then.. they have 8000$ off 2009 models as well.

kinda want to stay from Honda though, had few of them.

[thumper]

Update, Cars still in the list: Q5, Maybe MDX, volvo XC60

i think one of the major car magazines (motor trend or car and driver i can't remember) did a comparsion with these models (including an MB) a few months ago... maybe you can find a back issue or something online?

[jigjag]

+2 for the FX35:

-all the functionality, but still looks, sounds, and drives like a sports car. Theres a few deals still to be had on the 2008's if ur lucky (i too don't really like the new shape, but performance wise it can't b fked with at the price point). Like someone mentioned, its a "bionic cheetah", it truly is. After MUCH research, i found myself a MINT 2003, w/ all the bells and whistles, w/ low k's for ~30g's. Reverse cam, rear DVD ent system, w/ 2 wireless headphones, intelligent cruise control, stock 20's (which are hard to come by tho), and keyless open/start). The engine's bulletproof and it is very functional (but NOT an "off road" vehicle.
As for the MDX argument, meh. Granted they are well built, nice cars, but it comes down to personal preference for the looks. My buddy has an 2008 MDX SH AWD, and well, he was/is quite envious when he gets in my ride or hears it (his biggest compliment, as many of us know, is that the stock exhaust note of the VQ is arguably the best around).
LOTS of happy fx owners. If u are thinking about it, check out this forum, I was on the fence for a while, but after reading so many long-term positive reviews, i pulled the trigger.
Fish around too, theres a new FX owner on here that got rid of his jeep SRT, and he said he was VERY happy with the change. Plus, if u still wanna "mod" a bit here and there, well, u can't fk w/ this choice (almost all parts are interchangeable w/ the g35 coupe).

http://www.infinitiscene.com/

For all the other revscene'er's, take a look at this site and check out "rookie's" fx, friggin 700hp fx!

Ok, Imma go, take mine for a rip now, : )

Cheers,
j

[threezero]

^^ +3 for fx35 too.

I got one, its got power, the look (well that is subjective) AND the handling. Handling is something alot of same size SUV can't really pull off.

However the OP has a medium size dog. I have a 110 pound germans shepherd, while he fit in the trunk, its a tight squeeze. OP may want to take your dog with u to testdrive just to make sure your dog is ok with tighter spaces. The second gen is still limit to fabricated and retrofitted performanced mods at the moment but because it has a VQ35HR, I bet mods are coming just the matter of time.

also if it matter, the trunk space of first gen fx is slightly bigger than the second gen

On the upside if you get the first gen fx, there is already a pretty big aftermarket option and a cult following

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

FX is definitely a good option


but keep in mind FX is NOT THAT BIG

so if u have shit load of stuff to fit in, FX may not do the job


go big or go home

QX45!!! lol tat thing is massive

[ilvtofu]

U mean 56?

[jigjag]

hey threezero, ur on infinitiscene as well right? i think i've seen ur name 'round. Too bad that local meet never came to fruition eh?

anyhow. Dunno what happened to the OP, but ya, our car/trucks rock. i bought mine back on dec 30/08 (late xmas present to myself) and i gotta say, i look forward to everytime i drive it still....

cheers,
j

[threezero]

yea i'm on is too didn't log on for awhile I didn't know they were planning a local meet. I roll around with a infinitiscene decal on the rear window (well actually just the IS part cause apparantly I suck at applying decals, I already ruin 2)

QX may be great and all but its way more expensive than any of the car mention by OP not to mention how much OP would have to pay for gas.

does any of the trucks mention by OP sounds nice? I don't think I will ever get tire of the growl I get from the VQ, and when I do in a few years there will be aftermarket exhaust I can slap on and bring sexy back

[mr_piggy]

Get the Jeep hurry!

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

ya i mean Q56

[jigjag]

QX may be great and all but its way more expensive than any of the car mention by OP not to mention how much OP would have to pay for gas.

does any of the trucks mention by OP sounds nice? I don't think I will ever get tire of the growl I get from the VQ, and when I do in a few years there will be aftermarket exhaust I can slap on and bring sexy back

- ya, the 56 would guzzle and its not really sporty. I think is ballin, but not something i'd like to daily drive, esp in the city/parking, etc. the fx is not bad, if u don't gun it all the time... how many k's do u get out of urs, say mixed hwy/city?
-yes, fo sho. like i siad, i honestly believe the VQ note is the best sounding "non-exotic" exhaust out there.... i really can't think of any other ones that are as good. Hmmm, although i love the stock late 80's/early 90's stangs, but thats a diff. topic....

[threezero]

oh man my mpg is horrible. the computer on board tells me i average 13mpg. and it is mostly mix highway/city.

but
1. I can't resist gunning the VQ
2. I constantly leave the shifter in sport mode even if I'm not manual shifting
3. Me and gas is mortal enemy, I even get bad mpg in a civic...

on another note, none of the trucks suggested sips gas either. Don't know about how conservative the hybrid trucks may be. any input?
I've always wonder if hybrid truck is a good choice with the higher initial price and shittier perfomance (???) vs how much gas is actually saves.

[jigjag]

oh man my mpg is horrible. the computer on board tells me i average 13mpg. and it is mostly mix highway/city.

but
1. I can't resist gunning the VQ
2. I constantly leave the shifter in sport mode even if I'm not manual shifting
3. Me and gas is mortal enemy, I even get bad mpg in a civic...

on another note, none of the trucks suggested sips gas either. Don't know about how conservative the hybrid trucks may be. any input?
I've always wonder if hybrid truck is a good choice with the higher initial price and shittier perfomance (???) vs how much gas is actually saves.

- my thoughts exactly, on all points pretty much. Do u have ur comp in mpg instead of L/100km's? i'd say i average ~15-16L/100k. And i try to offset my gunning w/ periods of conservative gliding, haha. Btw, whats the most u've got out of a full tank?? I did this when first gettin it, and just think its good to know how far u can get w/ the comp indicating **** km's left before E. I friggin drove until i was sure there would only be a litre or two left, went to fill up and only got ~78 or so litres into the tank, which means i still have a bit of driving left (god our tank is huge eh? 90L's for those "outsiders"). Anyway, i've squeeked out close to 'round 500 in mixed driving. But the thing does glide really good on the hwy, milage gets waaaaaaay better...

Anyhow, ya, i concur, don't think its gonna really "save" you any dough unless u keep it for a long time until the increased milage supercedes the decreased performance and pays off the cost diff. Funny thing is most that can afford a hybrid, don't need to worry bout the cost of gas anyhow.

Btw, good teamwork on the threadjack. haha.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

would you consider pathfinder / armada? pretty decent in size similar to a SUV capabilities


previous boss has one loaded pathfinder...pretty roomy

[dutch]

i would NEVER buy a new jeep. I have a friend who bought one, the transmission went FOUR TIMES. He asked for his money back, they wouldn't give it to him so he took them to small claims court and got his money back.

Not to mention jeeps have terrible reliability ratings.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/Reliability.jpg

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-10-23-cr-reliability-ranking_N.htm#Best

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

brand new and tranny went 4 times???

:eek:

did you ever changed the tranny fluid??



i find that....hard to believe


land rover is the worst? hmm still see lots people driving that thing in downtown

[wasabisashimi]

brand new and tranny went 4 times???

:eek:

did you ever changed the tranny fluid??



i find that....hard to believe


land rover is the worst? hmm still see lots people driving that thing in downtown

people who drives Land rover/range rovers dont keep the car long term. So by year 3 when the waranty ran out, they already switched to another new car. No service or repair out of their pockets.

[synchrocone]

what the fuck are you talking about? an engine rebuild every 100k? you know that's considered a lemon right? first of all, the engine on the RS4 is completely different from the S4 engine. the problem with the RS4 engines in the intake manifold gets clogged up with oil, but we're not talking about RS4's here. the S4 wagon has the 4.2 V8 with 340 HP. not the RS4's V8 with 420 HP. the 340 HP engines are built like tanks. My car currently has 140km, never had a single problem with the engine. S4 Wagon might be a bit small for a dog and all that, take a look at it, see how you like it. If you find it too small, I would suggest an allroad. get an 04+ with a 4.2, dont bother with the 2.7T unless you want to mod it. Allroads have adjustible air suspension, lots of room inside, and can go anywhere an SUV can. If you want a new car, I would suggest the Q5 or the Q7 TDI. Diesel is the way to go. Great fuel economy, great torque, cheap fuel...

The old S4 was what I had in mind as they are becoming surprisingly more and more affordable now. Only problem I had was that I wasn't sure about the powertrain durability, as most for sale seem to be very low mileage.

For me, its really hard to visualize a wet, smelly dog inside what was a class leading interior.

[TRDood]

your dog is going to stink your new car and scratch up the paint anyways.

just get a toyota rav4 or venza. and use the left over money to buy something fun instead.

[threezero]

- my thoughts exactly, on all points pretty much. Do u have ur comp in mpg instead of L/100km's? i'd say i average ~15-16L/100k. And i try to offset my gunning w/ periods of conservative gliding, haha. Btw, whats the most u've got out of a full tank?? I did this when first gettin it, and just think its good to know how far u can get w/ the comp indicating **** km's left before E. I friggin drove until i was sure there would only be a litre or two left, went to fill up and only got ~78 or so litres into the tank, which means i still have a bit of driving left (god our tank is huge eh? 90L's for those "outsiders"). Anyway, i've squeeked out close to 'round 500 in mixed driving. But the thing does glide really good on the hwy, milage gets waaaaaaay better...

Anyhow, ya, i concur, don't think its gonna really "save" you any dough unless u keep it for a long time until the increased milage supercedes the decreased performance and pays off the cost diff. Funny thing is most that can afford a hybrid, don't need to worry bout the cost of gas anyhow.

Btw, good teamwork on the threadjack. haha.


lol I just realize what I type. No i'm not an american I use L/100km and I average 13L. the highest I ever got was 16L and that was during break in. once the OD hit 5000km I stop worry and just enjoy the ride my way. Anybody geting any type of SUV shouldn't be that gas conscience anyways.


Also my last ride was the last generation of LR2... It was so horrible I totally forgot what it's call now :rolleyes: I had the transmission die on me around 2 yr. The engine constantly makes strange puttering sounds. The bass rattles every piece of plastic on the thing. The sport shift stopped working after 2 years. And there is the monthly array of different dashboard light that lights up than mysteriously goes away. It does have good power, average handling and amazing offroad capability for its size (funniest time I had in that thing).

I'm sure LR2 is an improvement from the last gen however imo if you going to go land rover, go for a range rover. LR2 is just a range rover wannabe with every possible corners cutted. extended warranty might be a good idea too consider its dismay reliability record

[sonick]

BMW 535iX

[Nightwalker]

My choice would beee......

Jeep + DR heads/cams
http://www.dynamicracing.com/customer/product.php?productid=563&cat=204&page=1

[46_valentinor]

just ask mr.clarkson =D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncQcsPmqttM