Hey guys. The time has come for me to pick up a new car for the wife and I'm looking for some opinions on the models I am choosing from, so I thought I would ask the I30 guys . We are expecting our first child in May so I am in the market for a mid-size SUV (need the extra room). Here are my choices so far:

1) Infiniti QX4 / Nissan Pathfinder
2) BMW X5
3) Acura MDX

I am leaning toward the Infiniti just b/c I have been very impressed with my I30 as far as reliability and my wife seems to like the Pathfinder/QX4. My budget is around $15 - $18K (and yes I can find an X5 in that price range). Any thoughts/opinions/comments are welcome, especially from anyone who has owned either of these vehicles. Thanks in advance!

 

Get the X5, it drives like a sedan. You'll love the stiff and direct steering, and firm brake pedals.

 

OK..anyone else?

 

I think all three of those are great vehicles to pick from. Although I have not driven a X5, I'm sure it handles great. But, I would keep in mind that since its a used vehicle and probably not under warranty, BMW parts and labor are usually very expensive....just something to keep in mind.

I wish I could tell you more, but I don't have a whole lot of experience with all of those...theres my two cents.

 

I'd personally go for a 2001 or later QX4. The X5 is a really nice vehicle, but I doubt you can find a CPO one in that price range. BMW repairs are a biotch when the cars not under warranty...I know a guy with a '96 M3--over a grand to replace the clutch.

The QX4 will give you a nice interior, great offroad performance, and good reliability.

MDX? Don't even bother. They're cheap.

 

OK...that is pretty much what I am thinking too. I found a 2000 X5 4 sale locally for under $19K w/ only 60K miles on it...sounds like a great deal to me....I will keep everyone posted but thanks for all the assistance!

 

I had a 02 Qx4 and traded it in for my I35. I loved that truck. It had a good amount of power (especially after mods), very good offroad capabilities and great sedan-like-truck feel. I had NOT ONE problem with my Qx4 and I like the way you could aim the headlights manually. I always got compliments on the Qx4 and I miss not having the utility and room to haul equipment and items. The only reason I traded my truck in was that a neighbor hit my truck while parked in my driveway and it was never the same. I had an annoying rattle and it didn't feel the same any more. I have a cousin who has an X5 and between the maintenance and tire replacements (on the 4.4) and no real offroad capabilities, he decided to get a Land rover. A Qx4 will be cheaper on your pockets, just make sure you upgrade to a Cold Air Intake or K&N filter to save you some gas.

If you go to my homepage and click on my profile, you can see my old QX4 cardomain page.

 

My dad has a 2001 MDX and I love it. Lots of room, nice leather, nice sound, quick to drive, and doesn't feel like it's going to flip over. Don't know much about the other cars, except that the x5 is realll stiff. I actually don't like that in an SUV.

 

If you get the Pathfinder/QX4, ensure it is 2001+. The 2000 and older are underpowered.
leeI35, that QX4 was beautiful.

 

My wife has a 04 pathfinder, and she loves it. The VDC has saved her at least once from smacking a curb. Got some new book shelves at world market the other day, lay down the seats and you're good to go. Hers is the "platinum edition" with leather, etc.

Personally, I would trust a $18K nissan a lot more than the same priced BMW. Never driven the Acura, but the bimmer is as nice as one would expect.

 

I'll throw in my vote for the QX4. We've had a 2000 Pathfinder in the family since new and it's caused us zero problems. With the more power found in the VQ35 equipped models it'd be perfect.

 

Thanks iRaMarine - I haven't seen that page in a while. I am surprise I have that many hits.

I decided to take one of the pics of my old Qx4. (can you believe I saw the truck on the road like 4 months ago, owned by some old lady, get that). Anyway, with some nice wheels the Qx4 is perfect. Put on some nice off roading rubber when you ready to do some real work and the Qx4 will reward you. Just change the rear shocks on the QX4, Qx4s seem to have a problem with bottoming out just like the non-sport I35.

How can you go wrong with a REAL truck not soccer mom SUV. I have never seen a MDX or X5 off-roading or hauling something around i.e. trailer, boat, jet ski, etc..

 

My brother has a QX4 and loves it. I would go that route.

 

Thanks for the help guys! I am really leaning toward the QX4 now....found one on Ebay that seem perfect (other than slightly high mileage)....let me know what you think about this deal. This is local to me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4623176078

Thanks!

 

Acura MDX or Infinjti QX4, my neighbor has a X5 and I wasn't that impressed with it. BMW parts and repairs are a rip off compared to other SUVs on the market.

 

Did you win the Auction???

If not, I would look around. You can definitely find a used 01 -02 Qx4 for under 20000 with way less miles. Hell, I had only 40000 miles on my 02 Qx4 and I didn't even get 20000 for it on trade in. So, I say look around for lower mileage 2002 Qx4 WITH 4x4. If you checked out the pics of the Ebay auction, the QX4 was a 2wd. I've driven a 2wd, though faster than a 4x4 and saves more gas, it will really do you no good for bad weather or off -roading. Try autotrader or autobytel or search ebay some more.

 

No...I didn't win. I would never bid on a car on Ebay without seeing it in person 1st lol. I know I could find one under $20K with less mileage...but I am really looking to stay under 15K if possible, so I think I might have to accept a few more miles on the clock...

Also, this is for my wife and off-roading is the LAST thing she will do in it LOL.

 

Ok, I overlooked the 15k part. Well I found one for 16900 in your area and I think it's over priced. You definitely should be able to haggle them down to like 15000-15500 out the door. I usually can have a dealer knock off a few thousand when I buy used.

Worth a shot.

http://www.autobytel.com/content/buy...te_vch/Georgia

 

GOOD ONE LEE!! Thanks!! Getting more info now.....

 

BMW X5 - Very sporty ride and handling, but may be too stiff for most taste.
ACURA MDX - Good all around, but it looks too much like a minivan.
INFINITI QX4 - Nissan quality, but has a rather small interior.

Out of the three choices, I would probabley go for the Acura. The Bimmer is quick and has great handling, but it will cost you an arm and a leg for repairs. The QX4 is very nice, but if you need space, you will find it lacking. The Acura looks crappy, but gives the most utility. I say get a 2001-2006 Chevy/GMC Tahoe/Yukon and go see Linginfelter Performance in Indiana. You could get space and pace all in one!

 

I could set you up with a Backup rearview camera system, if your future ride does not have this option yet. Call 630-301-9858.

 

Congratualtions on soon being a dad! Did you end up getting one of the SUVs you were looking at? I too was looking at the QX4 vs. the MDX. I was leaning toward the MDX just to keep things different since I have the I35. QX4 and I35 Interiors are basically the same in stlye and size w/the exception of the rear cargo area. You can find a QX4 a lot cheaper than the competition though, sorta like the I30/I35. But prices on the MDX should drop soon since the new model will be out this Fall.

 

Absolutely do NOT buy a BMW X5 V8 that is out of warranty. The trannies are weak. Reverse gear failed in ours at 75k miles. BMW V8’s start weeping oil by 100k. On the other hand, the inline-6 will last you over 250k miles and the manual boxes are some of the best made.

 

Oh yeah, we replaced our X5 with an I30.

 

yeh i would agree the bmw costs alot to fix its really your preference on what u want

 

I had a '98 Pearl White QX4. It was underpowered and a gas hog (16-17 mpg with 75% highway driving). I sold it because it kept dropping out of 4th gear. The 3.3L's had TPS (throttle position sensor) problems and even after I had a brand new TPS installed and set, the car would still drop out of overdrive on the interstate. It was very annoying! Besides that, it was a great vehicle. My I35 is still my favorite.

 

If you really are impressed with the i30's reliability, the QX4 is better. According to Consumer reports 2002 new car buyer guide, the I30 was the most reliable passenger car, the QX4 was the most reliable vehicle--period. The X5 in contrast is not recommended because of reliability issues. However, the QX4 does have a weird looking rear seat(they cut a huge square out to clear the wheelwells). I would get the 2001+ since the 3.3 V6 sucks, and the 3.5 is worlds better-- 170 vs 240 horses.

 

I say get the later model QX4 with the 3.5 Engine and HIDs. I had a friend who had one of the earlier models and he constantly complained about the poor acceleration.

 

WHY are you buying an SUV? To hold three people? I don't think so. I think you are more concerned about the extra protection that an SUV allegedly gives you than extra room. I would choose a full-size car or a van over an SUV any day, IMHO.