Homer,

waht about FX35? I know it is more expensive but you get a better vehicle. And of course the new wonderful 7-speed auto! Our FX35 is almost 6 years oled and with 85,000 miles has been almost flawless. Today we looked at the new SRX and new FX35. There is no way may wf would go for the SRX! Her next car is going to be FX35. A two years old FX35 can be had for under $35k.

Just my2c

 

Oh no! It's the end of an era.

-njjoe

 

Oh boy.......

 

Joe, Mr.Z - your time will come as well....

Nothing stands still....

Even Murano fanatics

 

Well Kris, that's an idea........ Of course I would rather have something new.

BTW a quick look found me a 2008 FX35 w/12000+ miles . No options as far as i can see.
But it is low miles.
It is less than $35k.
It is a certified (What the hell ever that means.......I know that if i was a "certified" murano, it wouldn't mean squat.)
And it's only 30 miles from me.

http://tiny.cc/V0Quw

EDIT----------------------------------------
However.......does that make it a good deal?
Well not really. It sold new for $37,950.
EDIT-----------------------------------------

And no, I don't want the SRX. Nice looking, but 228 pounds of Torque and weighs way over 4000 pounds?
I don't have to drive that one to know that it would be too slow for the money. (I could buy a stripper for the 35K.....)


I am looking forward to testing the cars on the list.

As to the end of an era......I have said all along that although the MO turned out to be a good car after i did Nissans QC for them, i would not do it again.

Those who were here in those days know I was terribly disappointed in my foray into Japanese car ownership during the initial 6 months.
I felt like i had been lied to by a bunch of homeboys.
But once I saw that many other cars built by the Japanese ARE made well........then I decided that I could do that part again.......but not Nissan.
I would never forgive myself if I caught a lemon Nissan (And it could happen)... The old "fool me once, shame on you.......Fool me twice, shame on me".

Interestingly enough......as I visit the various forums, it is possible to form very quick impressions on the reliability of the various CUVs.
So far, the most impressive from that admittedly non-scientific POV, is the 2010 Subaru Outback.
It doesn't seem to have many problems. As in damn near none.


Oh well, this is a process.
Possibly flawed, I have to remind myself.
After all, I researched the MO and it damn near fell apart in my driveway after I drove it home...........


Still looking for comments on any of the cars on my list or more suggestions to add to the list.



Homer

 

I'm a big fan of the CX7. I traded in my Mo for it - largely for the reasons you want to get rid of yours.

I loved the Murano; loved the style, loved the room, loved the handling and the fuel economy was pretty good.

However, I could no longer stand for poor quality and wallet biopsyies from Nissan dealers - assuming I would take it. My favorite Nissan experience (sarcasm) still remains the dealer telling me it was time to change my timing belt within the Murano. THink about that one for a while.

This said, I drove the Edge (VERY nice car) - but went w/ the CX7. The fuel economy is modestly better then the Murano (it's true! despite being a turbo!!). The handling is much sharper then the Murano. The speed / power is about a wash (turbo lag vs CVT = wash). The CX7 is a bit smaller then the Murano (about 5/8 the size really) - but I still manage to cram a PILE of gear into is. I absolutely adore the interior. Every time I drive it - it puts a smile on my face (similar to when I first started driving the Murano pre-issues).

With nearly 100,000 km's on my CX7 - I've only had one issue (warranty covered)...

Now that the 2010 models are here - some of the earlier issues seem to have been addressed - largely it was the use of 'hard plastics' in the interior; from what I've heard, the new CX7 interior is much better.

Finally, because Mazda is a smaller company - I find their dealers are MUCH MUCH MUCH more interested in customer service. As well, because their they are not the dominant player - they are always willing to deal. For example, I picked up my 2007 CX7 GT AWD (loaded w/ every option except rear camera) for $28K (regularly $40K at the time in Canada) - and they threw in a 160KM bumper to bumper warranty (I told them I didn't want a repeat of the Murano experience - so they tossed this in to address my concerns) - THAT is standing behind your product!!

At a minimum - it is worth taking one for a spin.

My second favorite 'Nissan' service story is that when I documented my concerns - and told them about it within a customer satisfaction survey - I never heard a peep from them (it was one of the 'when are you going to buy again, and will you buy another nissan' surveys). Again, they never once addressed my concers - however have yet to miss a chance to send me a 'please come buy a car from us' mailing.

It's too bad that my love affair w/ Mo ended so poorly. HAD Nissan bothered to even acknowledge my concerns and offer me an extended warranty on a newer Mo - I likely would have bought another from them.

 

Earlier in the year, I was considering the Murano LE, Highlander Limited, Highlander Hybrid Limited, 2010 RX350, and the Venza.

I went with the Venza with AWD, premium package and JBL stereo. It had the best blend of features that were important to me and it actually had the lowest price of the group.

 

I am not even considering giving it up!
69000 miles since Mar '03. Never saw the inside of a dealer. Except for 2 recalls.....

 

Earlier in the year, I was considering the Murano LE, Highlander Limited, Highlander Hybrid Limited, 2010 RX350, and the Venza.

I went with the Venza with AWD, premium package and JBL stereo. It had the best blend of features that were important to me and it actually had the lowest price of the group.

The Venza is a nice looking rig...for my tastes - maybe a little TOO close to a station wagon - but still a good looking rig. Especially the grey - very classy.

It wasn't an option when I bought - had it been, it would have been a serious contendor.

 

Another SUV worth your attention would be the newly redesigned Kia Sorento or even the newly redesigned Hyundai Tucson. As for myself, I'm just waiting for the next generation Santa Fe see how it comes and if it''s any well balanced like the 2011 Sonata, it might just be my next car. Loving the exterior of the Venza but I wouldn't be able to drive the Venza for a long period of time as the interior, for me, is one of the most ugliest I've seen.

 

I've always liked the look of the FX and some models of the RX. I think Ford is supposed to be releasing the new Kuga soon. The new Volvo XC60 looks pretty nice. I've been in a Saturn Outlook and it was surprisingly NICE and very fuel efficient.

 

Why not go for an 07 MO? I know for sure that the shifting profile and engine managagement profile in the computers is different between the years. Might want to jump into an 07 MO and drive it around to see if it feels different from your 03. It may fulfill the trade in urge!

Plus...we can keep you around for a few more years.

 

Homer-

I know you love your Caddy, so I wondering if you have considered the new Caddy Sport Wagon?

Optional 304-hp V6; 19" wheels; 6-speed auto; MSRP - $37K;

-Joe

 

Or the 2010 Cadillac SRX...it's one fine CUV!

 

Guys,

Homer wants “higher siting”. The CTS does not provide it and with some options it get pricey - $50k or so. SRX – it is just a glorified SUV. The engine is sluggish (only 3l, direct injection though) and it is FWD! Once you drive a proper car, i.e. RWD there is no way going to FWD. I know it from experience as rentals I drive are FWD.

Anyway, I am sure Homer will make right decision…..when time comes

 

Hfelknor - what did you decide on? What have you driven so far? Tell us your thoughts

 

Ok. Where am I? Well I am just starting actual test drives. I have one set up for this afternoon with the Mercedes Benz dealership. I will be test driving a GLK.

(My test drives are quite extensive and most makes do not survive my critique. I cannot stand people who come on here and say that there car has been (fill in the blank) since the day they drove it off the lot. What the hell do people do on the Test drive anyway? I drive the demo over my favorite concrete hwy with the expansion strips (This eliminated the SE back in 03), i drive them over city streets, I drive them over the mall parking lot with it's speed bumps, i drive them over Alligator Alley, I do a minimum of 80 MPH (Try for 100, but the presence of traffic can negate that) and I try the brakes from that speed. You do not want to buy the demo that I test drove.I thrash the car. Then I drive the car I actually bought for just a quick around the block test......I do believe in breaking in my long term cars)

CUVs that have not made the cut.....
Infiniti ES35 - this is a car. Just because it has been lifted 3 or 4 inches does not make it a CUV.
Just because Infiniti calls it a CUV, it is not a CUV.
Same thing with the Outback. I know it is very capable, but it is a car not a CUV.
One thing that makes a CUV what it is is the rear cargo area. If the rear Cargo area is only 25 inches high......it's a station wagon, not a CUV


So those two have been eliminated.
However two more have been included.
While I was at the Subie dealer, I fell in like with the Forester.

And I was wrong about not including the Chevy Equinox in the original group. They have completely redone this previously boring CUV. New body, New engines,new interior.

Just from going around looking and researching, the germans are in the lead.

The GLK is my absolute favorite.
It is powerful, looks good to me (I don't care for the rear end) , is RWD and makes my price point.
Will it pass the test drive? I would imagine so. It is after all German. The German's do know how to build a driving machine.
Can we do the Homelink and Ipod? We will have the answer today.

My wife likes the Tiguan #1. And I like it too.

As you might have guessed, we don't need a CUV as big as the Murano.

Homer

 

Hey Homer, while you're checking out the German's, take a Porsche Cayenne for your test spin, I think you'll like it. My little bro is on his second one and they are his absolute favorite so far.

Those little BMW X3 don't look too bad either. Personally, i don't care for the previous X5, seemed too much like a lady's cruiser than a sport mobile, I don't know if they've changed any.

The new little Land Rovers seem like they might be ok, might be worth a peek. The LR4 isn't too bad, I'd guess the LR2 might be worth a drive.

Keep us posted, this is intriguing.

 

Well, pops, if I could buy a Cayenne for the aforementioned 35K, I would go checkit out.

Today will be busy day. Driving the VW. The RDX and the CX7.


Yesterday was the Mercedes GLK.
It will be very difficult to beat that one.
It was very strong. Much faster than the MO.
The seats are far superior.
The materials are all excellent.
The engine torque is available at a much lower point than the VQ engine and that adds to the capabilities.

The RWD chassis is very nice. No plowing into corners.
I have to wonder what the top speed would be.....it did 110 ridiculously easy. I wish there was a track I could let it lose on.....but I suppose there is a governor on it somewhere.

The only thing that is "different" is the steering.
It seems to have no feel for the road. Pretty much totally isolated.
But it is quite quick (2.8 turns lock to lock) and very accurate.
It is also very tight. No slop whatsoever.

When I mentioned how isolated the steering was the sales guy(A very nice fellow......the upper class brands seem to have more upper class guys.....I'll never forget the guy that sold me the Murano.....his nickname must have been "Slick".....) said that all MB were that way.

He put it this way...... If you want to drive sporty with some luxury, go next door and drive the BMW, but if you want to drive luxury with some sport, you are in the right place.
He offered and I took him up on it, to let me drive an E model sedan.
Sure enough, same steering.
Not sure about it.....
But there is no question that the GLK is a quality piece.


Later.



Homer

 

Homer,
An interesting choice – Mercedes. I am eyeing the new E-class. Mercedes has recently improved immensely in quality and the look of the cars. It took divesting Chrysler to finally get it right.

Engine – I am always surprised how strong they are. Going 100 mph on the autobahn they still pull with ease. So it came to me as no surprise.

Handling – yes, that is also true. You do not get the road feel as you do with BMW but somehow I never had problem with it. Even driving 120+ mph I always felt secure. An as you said the steering is precise.

I am sure if you go with the GLK you will be happy.

Keep us updated on the other drives…

 

Well, pops, if I could buy a Cayenne for the aforementioned 35K, I would go checkit out.

Today will be busy day. Driving the VW. The RDX and the CX7.


Yesterday was the Mercedes GLK.
It will be very difficult to beat that one.
It was very strong. Much faster than the MO.
The seats are far superior.
The materials are all excellent.
The engine torque is available at a much lower point than the VQ engine and that adds to the capabilities.

The RWD chassis is very nice. No plowing into corners.
I have to wonder what the top speed would be.....it did 110 ridiculously easy. I wish there was a track I could let it lose on.....but I suppose there is a governor on it somewhere.

The only thing that is "different" is the steering.
It seems to have no feel for the road. Pretty much totally isolated.
But it is quite quick (2.8 turns lock to lock) and very accurate.
It is also very tight. No slop whatsoever.

When I mentioned how isolated the steering was the sales guy(A very nice fellow......the upper class brands seem to have more upper class guys.....I'll never forget the guy that sold me the Murano.....his nickname must have been "Slick".....) said that all MB were that way.

He put it this way...... If you want to drive sporty with some luxury, go next door and drive the BMW, but if you want to drive luxury with some sport, you are in the right place.
He offered and I took him up on it, to let me drive an E model sedan.
Sure enough, same steering.
Not sure about it.....
But there is no question that the GLK is a quality piece.


Later.



Homer

Let me know your thoughts on the CX7. Also, did you drive the Equinox? How is it? You're right that the changes have been extremely positive! Does it drive as good as it looks?

 

Well, pops, if I could buy a Cayenne for the aforementioned 35K, I would go checkit out.....

It's very easy to find low milage used Porsches in that price range if you don't mind one that's been stored in someone's garage for a few years. With the Porsche Extended Warranties available for used Porsche vehicles, it doesn't have to be much different than buying new.

I just thought it might add to your possibilities is all. They are very reliable cars, much more so than my Mercedes ML430 was.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=269549120&dealer_id=855612&car_year=2006&rdm=1257779974474&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=100&model=CAYENNE&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=POR&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=25000&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&position=top&position=top&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=73102&advanced=&end_year=2010&transmission=&doors=&max_price=35000&cardist=1330&standard=false


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?position=top&position=top&systime=&doors=&model=CAYENNE&search_lang=en&style_flag=1&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&search_type=used&highlightFirstMakeModel=&distance=0&lastStartYear=1981&min_price=25000&rdm=1257779974474&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&end_year=2010&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=73102&sort_type=priceASC&rdpage=100&awsp=false&max_price=35000&num_records=100&seller_type=b&make=POR

 

You are right. Guy could get into a 2004-5-6 for about 35K depending mostly on Mileage/condition.

For me? No.
Too big. Pretty much the same as the MO. Or the X5, etc.

Would be something for a younger fellow to look at I suppose.

Homer

 

... Too big. Pretty much the same as the MO. Or the X5, etc....

FWIW, this is the Ford Kuga that I mentioned. It's currently sold in the UK and I read somewhere that it's supposed to be available in the USA before long.

The one I read about was a coupe like this one so it was smaller.

 

This is one of the articles I saw on it:

http://wot.motortrend.com/6525112/future/rendered-2010-ford-kuga-coupe-crossover-takes-shape/index.html

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/rendered-speculation-ford-kuga-crossover-to-get-rakish-coupe-co/