what suvs would you consider as a 2nd car to Maxima?
12-01-2002, 05:51 AM
#1
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what suvs would you consider as a 2nd car to Maxima?
That XC90 is interesting. Very tight turning radius in the Volvo tradition, 18" rims available. Since Maximas have poor resale, why not keep the 98 SE and get the SUV as a 2nd car? I've found as a homeowner I always have to call my buddy with the CRV or my girl with the Suburban every time I need anything for the home. Maxima is useless, not even a folding seat on the 98!
The numbers are rather sad, though. $25,000 down (don't like that at all, rather have cash for rainy days), 36 month financing and the payments would be $450/mo. So much for the theory of don't borrow, pay cash for your new car! Interesting how leasing changes everything, new 325i for $349/mo. But leasing = rental imho, only you're still responsible for the insurance and taxes...
The numbers are rather sad, though. $25,000 down (don't like that at all, rather have cash for rainy days), 36 month financing and the payments would be $450/mo. So much for the theory of don't borrow, pay cash for your new car! Interesting how leasing changes everything, new 325i for $349/mo. But leasing = rental imho, only you're still responsible for the insurance and taxes...
12-01-2002, 06:11 AM
#3
We're car shopping for a new car right now and it looks like the MDX is going to be our choice. You just can't beat that car for the money. Also the 2002 Pathfinders are selling for $4k+ under sticker over here, so you can get a loaded one (GPS/DVD/LSD) for $34k.
-Cyrus
-Cyrus
12-01-2002, 08:32 AM
#9
Originally posted by Vyrus
We're car shopping for a new car right now and it looks like the MDX is going to be our choice. You just can't beat that car for the money. Also the 2002 Pathfinders are selling for $4k+ under sticker over here, so you can get a loaded one (GPS/DVD/LSD) for $34k.
-Cyrus
We're car shopping for a new car right now and it looks like the MDX is going to be our choice. You just can't beat that car for the money. Also the 2002 Pathfinders are selling for $4k+ under sticker over here, so you can get a loaded one (GPS/DVD/LSD) for $34k.
-Cyrus
I've spent a bit of time in an MDX, and I have to say, I was pretty darn impressed. It's comfy, roomy and rides really nice. I just rented a Pathfinder for when my Max was in the shop for a deer hit repair (new hood, front quarter, rear door and fixed dent on front door - passenger side for $300 incl. new paint! wwooooooo!), and I wasn't that impressed with the Finder.
Now, remember, I'm used to driving a car, but this thing felt high and floaty. The Acura we drove in didn't get pushed (traffic sucked that day), but I enjoyed being in it. And for $50K Canadian ($34K US), fully loaded with leather, it's a great buy.
Just my .02
Mike
12-01-2002, 08:38 AM
#10
Originally posted by Blaxxxima
Hey Cyrus,
I've spent a bit of time in an MDX, and I have to say, I was pretty darn impressed. It's comfy, roomy and rides really nice. I just rented a Pathfinder for when my Max was in the shop for a deer hit repair (new hood, front quarter, rear door and fixed dent on front door - passenger side for $300 incl. new paint! wwooooooo!), and I wasn't that impressed with the Finder.
Now, remember, I'm used to driving a car, but this thing felt high and floaty. The Acura we drove in didn't get pushed (traffic sucked that day), but I enjoyed being in it. And for $50K Canadian ($34K US), fully loaded with leather, it's a great buy.
Just my .02
Mike
Hey Cyrus,
I've spent a bit of time in an MDX, and I have to say, I was pretty darn impressed. It's comfy, roomy and rides really nice. I just rented a Pathfinder for when my Max was in the shop for a deer hit repair (new hood, front quarter, rear door and fixed dent on front door - passenger side for $300 incl. new paint! wwooooooo!), and I wasn't that impressed with the Finder.
Now, remember, I'm used to driving a car, but this thing felt high and floaty. The Acura we drove in didn't get pushed (traffic sucked that day), but I enjoyed being in it. And for $50K Canadian ($34K US), fully loaded with leather, it's a great buy.
Just my .02
Mike
-Cyrus
12-01-2002, 08:55 AM
#11
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 220
My friend used to have a 99 Blazer LT, they are ok trucks, the only problem he had with it is one day, something was draining the battery while it was turned off. When he tried to power up the truck the next day, the thing didn't even turn, had it get it towed and a get something replaced, but it was still under warranty. And it got crappy milage too.
Then he got one of those 99.5 Jeep Grande Cherokee Limited's. That thing gave him all kinds of problems, the leather driver seat started to rip, so he had to get the whole leather cover replaced, there was a leak in the trunk area, where water was somehow gettin in and filling up the the area where the speakers are placed, the tranny started to make funky noises, and at 44,000 kms, his shocks were all shot, and he doesn't even go off-roading! And it got VERY crappy milage.
Cyrus, if you're looking at the MDX, have you taken a look at the Honda Pilot, are they pretty much the same thing? They have the same engine and tranny I believe. If they are, you might be able to save some $$$$$ on that.
Then he got one of those 99.5 Jeep Grande Cherokee Limited's. That thing gave him all kinds of problems, the leather driver seat started to rip, so he had to get the whole leather cover replaced, there was a leak in the trunk area, where water was somehow gettin in and filling up the the area where the speakers are placed, the tranny started to make funky noises, and at 44,000 kms, his shocks were all shot, and he doesn't even go off-roading! And it got VERY crappy milage.
Cyrus, if you're looking at the MDX, have you taken a look at the Honda Pilot, are they pretty much the same thing? They have the same engine and tranny I believe. If they are, you might be able to save some $$$$$ on that.
12-01-2002, 09:11 AM
#12
Originally posted by Iqb316
Cyrus, if you're looking at the MDX, have you taken a look at the Honda Pilot, are they pretty much the same thing? They have the same engine and tranny I believe. If they are, you might be able to save some $$$$$ on that.
Cyrus, if you're looking at the MDX, have you taken a look at the Honda Pilot, are they pretty much the same thing? They have the same engine and tranny I believe. If they are, you might be able to save some $$$$$ on that.
-Cyrus
12-01-2002, 12:51 PM
#15
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Originally posted by Vyrus
Thanks for the info Mike, I'm pretty sure we're going to go with the MDX. Like I said the Pathfinder is a good value for money, but the inside just isn't up to par with the MDX, not to mention there is a significant amount more road noise in the Pfinder. And it has a lot more rear legroom as well. The MDX we are looking at runs $42k, it has every option in the book +$3k in accessories (yes my dad is getting a deal, $1k under sticker for a car that normally sells over). Plus the Acura saleman in our area are a cut above Nissan, plain and simple. We own alread own an RL, so I know it's not the normal great-service-until-you-sign-the-papers deal going on. I think the only thing I'd ever argee with old Russ on is Acura service, which IMO is better than Nissan.
-Cyrus
Thanks for the info Mike, I'm pretty sure we're going to go with the MDX. Like I said the Pathfinder is a good value for money, but the inside just isn't up to par with the MDX, not to mention there is a significant amount more road noise in the Pfinder. And it has a lot more rear legroom as well. The MDX we are looking at runs $42k, it has every option in the book +$3k in accessories (yes my dad is getting a deal, $1k under sticker for a car that normally sells over). Plus the Acura saleman in our area are a cut above Nissan, plain and simple. We own alread own an RL, so I know it's not the normal great-service-until-you-sign-the-papers deal going on. I think the only thing I'd ever argee with old Russ on is Acura service, which IMO is better than Nissan.
-Cyrus
12-01-2002, 01:18 PM
#17
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,029
Re: Re: what suvs would you consider as a 2nd car to Maxima?
Originally posted by cwally
I want a new Navigator! Soo much that I have been looking into leasing one... Jus need to make more money.
I want a new Navigator! Soo much that I have been looking into leasing one... Jus need to make more money.
)
12-01-2002, 02:10 PM
#18
Re: Re: what suvs would you consider as a 2nd car to Maxima?
Originally posted by cwally
I want a new Navigator! Soo much that I have been looking into leasing one... Jus need to make more money.
I want a new Navigator! Soo much that I have been looking into leasing one... Jus need to make more money.
12-01-2002, 02:53 PM
#19
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Join Date: Jul 2001
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My fiance and I have a 2002 Toyota Highlander. It's the fully decked out AWD Limited version. That SUV is definitely *VERY* handy when it comes to toting big stuff around. Definitely a very good car...err, I mean SUV. As much as everybody hates them, it's really good to have at least one in the family.
12-01-2002, 03:52 PM
#21
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 722
Re: what suvs would you consider as a 2nd car to Maxima?
Originally posted by Frank Fontaine
That XC90 is interesting. Very tight turning radius in the Volvo tradition, 18" rims available. Since Maximas have poor resale, why not keep the 98 SE and get the SUV as a 2nd car? I've found as a homeowner I always have to call my buddy with the CRV or my girl with the Suburban every time I need anything for the home. Maxima is useless, not even a folding seat on the 98!
The numbers are rather sad, though. $25,000 down (don't like that at all, rather have cash for rainy days), 36 month financing and the payments would be $450/mo. So much for the theory of don't borrow, pay cash for your new car! Interesting how leasing changes everything, new 325i for $349/mo. But leasing = rental imho, only you're still responsible for the insurance and taxes...
That XC90 is interesting. Very tight turning radius in the Volvo tradition, 18" rims available. Since Maximas have poor resale, why not keep the 98 SE and get the SUV as a 2nd car? I've found as a homeowner I always have to call my buddy with the CRV or my girl with the Suburban every time I need anything for the home. Maxima is useless, not even a folding seat on the 98!
The numbers are rather sad, though. $25,000 down (don't like that at all, rather have cash for rainy days), 36 month financing and the payments would be $450/mo. So much for the theory of don't borrow, pay cash for your new car! Interesting how leasing changes everything, new 325i for $349/mo. But leasing = rental imho, only you're still responsible for the insurance and taxes...
12-01-2002, 04:10 PM
#23
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,431
I wish I had the cash to get a SUV in addition to my max.. or at least get one to replace my mom's camry cause right now it's hard to move stuff around when we need to. Also difficult to go skiing/boarding.. Soon I guess. My friend by contrast.. well, his family is pretty well set. Decked out/modded Chevy Tahoe, 2001 AMG S55 (yes, S) that they just got, and '00 Jaguar Coupe... What does my friend drive? A Tempo that's falling apart.. That just distubs me 
12-01-2002, 04:44 PM
#24
Mang, it never cease to amaze me when people compare Acuras to Nissans, if you compare MDX, compare it to the QX4.
If mommy paid for my car, or I had that other life, FX45 all the way. I will be needing a utility vehicle soon, and the Nissan Alpha T will be it. Murano is nice too.
- ßaller
If mommy paid for my car, or I had that other life, FX45 all the way. I will be needing a utility vehicle soon, and the Nissan Alpha T will be it. Murano is nice too.
- ßaller
12-01-2002, 05:31 PM
#27
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Join Date: Nov 2000
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Re: Re: what suvs would you consider as a 2nd car to Maxima?
Originally posted by wdave
WHY? Do you live in the wilderness? Why waste the money, resources, handling, fun? If you want space get a van or a mini-van - a sport version can even handle well.
WHY? Do you live in the wilderness? Why waste the money, resources, handling, fun? If you want space get a van or a mini-van - a sport version can even handle well.
Vans are a waste of money unless you're a florist, in which case they are a must-have. Mini-vans, I'm sorry dudes, give the wrong image altogether and do not drive that well. I borrowed a brand-new Grand Caravan and unless I have 3 kids, um......no. Not even the Oddysey, which my neighbor broke down and got for his wife. Actually, it's a great vehicle, but what else would you expect from Honda Motor?
12-01-2002, 10:29 PM
#31
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Don't buy new. Compare prices on used luxury vehicles. I could have bought a loaded range rover with less than 40k miles (much less), less than 2 years old for less than my wife's 2001 pathgfinder. SUV's depreciate 50% or so within the first 2 years. If you can hunt around, you can find a normally 70k SUV for under 30k.
I say Audi A4 or A6 Avant. Hell, S4 wagon for that matter!
I say Audi A4 or A6 Avant. Hell, S4 wagon for that matter!
12-01-2002, 10:31 PM
#32
Perhaps some of you MDX lovers should at least look at the Murano. It's pretty comparable to the MDX and will be out soon. I sat in one at a car show last week and aside from the fugly colors they chose for the interior it was a very nice vehicle. It was fairly easy for me to enter and exit through the back doors unlike many of the midsize SUVs on the market today. It seemed to have plenty of headroom and a comfortable seat. The interior did seem to look fairly basic and doesn't have as much going on as in the MDX. And best of all it comes standard with the 'torque master' VQ35DE which you can't get in the MDX 
. AWD is an option with the standard equiped CVT with 7 speed manual shift mode. This vehicle should be quite fun to drive.
Another vehicle that hasn't been mentioned is the full size SUV that Nissan will introduce in '04. Thecarconnection.com has spy shots of one (looks similar to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, i hope like hell it doesn't drive like one). They claim it may be equiped with a 5.2 liter V8 (all along ive been wishing they would stretch the 4.5 to at least 5 liters for these vehicles, 5.2 is even better
).
. AWD is an option with the standard equiped CVT with 7 speed manual shift mode. This vehicle should be quite fun to drive.Another vehicle that hasn't been mentioned is the full size SUV that Nissan will introduce in '04. Thecarconnection.com has spy shots of one (looks similar to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, i hope like hell it doesn't drive like one). They claim it may be equiped with a 5.2 liter V8 (all along ive been wishing they would stretch the 4.5 to at least 5 liters for these vehicles, 5.2 is even better
).
12-01-2002, 11:03 PM
#35
For me, it depend on the budget. If I dont want to throw around too much, then I would definitely get something like an 89 Blazer for $500 as a beater/utility vehicle. If I have much more to play with it, I'd go to a dealer auction and pick up a 2001 QX4 with 50K miles for $21,000. If I have a bit more, I'd aim for a 2000 X5 4.4I for around $36,000 at a dealer auction.
12-02-2002, 01:00 AM
#36
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I own a Toyota 4Runner and love it. It's a 96 with a lot of mileage and despite all the abuse its been through, I've had absolutely know problems out of it. Very dependable and reliable. A new one would be rather expensive since they are not cheap by any means, but you could find a used one in good condition for a reasonable price.
12-02-2002, 01:36 AM
#37
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Posts: 295
try out the murano...
There's a lot of twisties and hills in Hawaii... I got the opportunity to test drive it last week. Nimble for an SUV not as much roll as I expected. Also, on the highway, acceleration was a breeze, thanks to the CVT... It's a little unsettling not feeling the car shift from gear to gear. As the RPMs rose, in the back of my head i was thinking the tranny would slip, but it just kept pulling and pulling... I'm amazed by it, there is no lag when you punch it, power is instantaneous. Uphill, it doesn't skip a beat. Cargo room is plentiful, the rear seats recline and fold forward for more stowage. There are rear aircon vents.
bryan
bryan
12-02-2002, 04:28 AM
#39
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Originally posted by NYC GXE
For me, it depend on the budget. If I dont want to throw around too much, then I would definitely get something like an 89 Blazer for $500 as a beater/utility vehicle.
For me, it depend on the budget. If I dont want to throw around too much, then I would definitely get something like an 89 Blazer for $500 as a beater/utility vehicle.
money, money, money....I keep thinking 25 g's down for a SUV (XC90, MDX, whatever) and the payment is still almost $500/mo.....
12-02-2002, 07:23 AM
#40
Not DAVEB the parts guy
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,555
Re: Re: what suvs would you consider as a 2nd car to Maxima?
Originally posted by wdave
WHY? Do you live in the wilderness? Why waste the money, resources, handling, fun? If you want space get a van or a mini-van - a sport version can even handle well.
WHY? Do you live in the wilderness? Why waste the money, resources, handling, fun? If you want space get a van or a mini-van - a sport version can even handle well.
I totally agree with this statement. This SUV craze is just rediculous, IMO. It just makes us Americans look more like the overweight greedy pigs we really are. When are you really going to put to use a 5800lb Denali? God knows you can't off-road the $48K beast because of it's highway bias tires nor would you want to dirty up the leather interior. What makes me sick though is the fact that BMW and Porsche both have SUVs now
I rent SUVs for work and I've rented majority of them (Montero, Blazer, Tahoe, Expedition, old and new Explorers, Grand Cherokee and Cherokee, Escape, Durango, Suburban plus tons of trucks). Like most SUVs, the only thing they do well is swallow cargo, at least most do. The only one that's truely an off-road machine is the Grand Cherokee, but their storage capacity is a joke. I've gotten plenty of these SUVs stuck while working out in the field.
What's really sad is that my wife's Subaru Legacy GT wagon can haul around as much gear as "most" of the SUVs I rent for work plus it handles far better, generally accelerates better, and has about as much "offraod capability.
Dave