[Nkc]

Originally Posted by P1et

I need it to haul two adults and two small children, plus a dog. I want to be able to put my bikes on a hitch without having to throw them in the back. If it's something I can take offroad, then I'll see that as a bonus. I like big body SUVs, so nothing smaller than an X5.

I'm pretty sure the murano is about the same size as an x5. Go down to your local Nissan dealership and check out the brand new murano and take a test drive. You'll be surprised how big and comfortable the interior is. Those zero gravity seats are amazing. They've really stepped up the styling of the exterior and quality of the interior for this new model year. It seems to also meet your budget with change leftover on a brand new and extremely reliable car. Take my word and at least give it a try man. I've had mine since 09 and love it. I have 5 other cars (4 bmws) and the murano is the closest thing to being a family member.

[MaC-N54-E82]

Without question a Toyota Land Cruiser. Their reliability is legendary. My winter DD is a FJ60. If you can't swing a LC, a 4Runner or GX is also a great option.

[P1]

Originally Posted by MaC-N54-E82

Without question a Toyota Land Cruiser. Their reliability is legendary. My winter DD is a FJ60. If you can't swing a LC, a 4Runner or GX is also a great option.

Which years though?

[overcoil]

Autoblog or Jalopnik did a story on the 2016 LCruiser and described how the vehicle is designed to have a 25 year life span with things like thicker glass.
After reading that I started to research the LC for myself.
Reading LCruiser forums along with my gym friend a common issue was the electro-hydraulic suspension failure out of warranty causing the rear ride height to collapses is common. As were a few other electrical issues ( believe windshield wipers ).
Not that other cars won't have similar forum complaints, though some expect class leading reliability or exceptional reliability overall from a Cruiser and the reality may not be so exceptional.

[rcracin]

Originally Posted by MaC-N54-E82

Without question a Toyota Land Cruiser. Their reliability is legendary. My winter DD is a FJ60. If you can't swing a LC, a 4Runner or GX is also a great option.

Love my fj60 but I think it's time to move on to a 100 series so I can tow and have some creature comforts.

[MaC-N54-E82]

Originally Posted by P1et

Which years though?

100 or 120 series if you want creature comforts. Personally I would be looking for a 100 series that was owned by a soccer mom. I tried to get the Mrs. Into a new LC, but the 3rd row was a deal breaker. She ended up with a Platinum Sequoia. Another great option if you need a people hauler.

[MaC-N54-E82]

Originally Posted by rcracin

Love my fj60 but I think it's time to move on to a 100 series so I can tow and have some creature comforts.

I hear you, but the 60 is a classic. I added a 4th generation 4Runner to the stable and it just didn't have the soul of a LC so I sold it.

[M3Bimmer77]

Midsize SUV: 4 runner new or previous gen
Large SUV: land-cruiser 100 series
Small SUV: Nissan Pathfinder. Previous generation is more of an SUV. New gen is more of a station wagon.

[BloomRunsDubs]

2012+ Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Those things are just so badass. You can get a good used one for 40-45k

I personally wouldn't switch to anything Japanese after having a X5 looks and performance wise. I wouldn't buy a Ford or a Chevy either

[2HIGH~PSI]

I just went through the exact same thing. I had a 2011 x5, bought the M4 and needed an SUV. Ended up going with a 4Runner. I love it.

[qspring]

My wife wanted a 4runner, but ended up going with the newest highlander limited AWD after we test drove both.

The V6 in the 4runner felt sluggish, and there was too much roll for my liking. I used to drive the previous generation V8, which felt more capable.

Other reliable SUVs I would also consider are:

1. Acura MDX
2. Infiniti QX 80
3. Ford Explorer

[KingOfJericho]

My brother has a brand new 4Runner and it feels so much cheaper (lower quality) compared to my parent's 1998 model. Doors are hollow feeling, interior is plastic overload, and the interior design is atrocious. Really disappointing.

[P1]

Originally Posted by BloomRunsDubs

2012+ Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Those things are just so badass. You can get a good used one for 40-45k

I personally wouldn't switch to anything Japanese after having a X5 looks and performance wise. I wouldn't buy a Ford or a Chevy either

A good friend of mine has one. Certainly looks good, sounds great with some exhauast and has the power to match it. But feels much smaller inside compared to my E70 and the leather is already showing lots of signs of wear, even though it's pretty new...

And I hear you about the bland looks of a Japanese SUV vs. an X5 etc. The only one I look twice at is an LX 570. Do love the new GL550s look. My favorite design out there today.

[MaC-N54-E82]

If you priorities are performance then look elsewhere than Toyota or Lexus. A MDX is a solid, reliable option with decent performance for a SUV. If you want care free and reliable with the ability to drive it for 250,000+ miles a Land Cruiser is the clear choice.

[Nkc]

I'm not gonna quit till you at least go try one.





Same length as an E70 X5. Much larger interior and trunk space. Fully loaded AWD Platinum edition at $40k brand new. Extremely comfortable and reliable. COME ON!!! lol.

Seriously I dare you to go try one, then come back and tell me what's wrong with it. I ain't gonna quit you. I would get 10 of these if it could tow 5000+lbs.

[Kidscollege$]

I am a Sequoia fan. I am on my second one, I passed my first one to an employee for a company vehicle. it has 220k and not one problem. I am currently at 80k on a 2013 and not one problem. Will probably be looking for a replacement next year. I really dont worry about being out of warranty on Toyota. Even if something does go wrong, they are not really anymore expensive than American.

I would like to consider the Land Cruiser next time...but the comments above will have me checking reliability. I am finding this really hard to believe! Are people getting confused with the LAND ROVER? I hear those are a giant POS.

My wife drives an 2012 XC60...cant say I would recommend. Kinda cheap interior and uses oil...

EDIT: Oh and if you are thinking about Sequoia, start shopping about now to December, they always have great rebates to get rid of this years/last years model.

[Kidscollege$]

Originally Posted by P1et

I should also add that I'm looking to buy used, and I don't care if it has between 40K and 50K miles on it already. If it's reliable, then the miles should not matter. More concerned about it being clean.

Budget is between 40K and 45K...

If you catch the right rebates on Sequoia, you could be around the $50k-55k for a Platinum...I bought my Limited for $52k but the Platinum could get another $6-8k off (I needed 2nd row bench, not buckets )

[jkrig]

Originally Posted by initialgemini

My wife wanted a 4runner, but ended up going with the newest highlander limited AWD after we test drove both.

The V6 in the 4runner felt sluggish, and there was too much roll for my liking. I used to drive the previous generation V8, which felt more capable.

Other reliable SUVs I would also consider are:

1. Acura MDX
2. Infiniti QX 80
3. Ford Explorer

+1...Same boat with my wife last year chose the Highlander Limited FWD....the 3.5 is more refined than the 4.0 but it still moves the 5k lbs pretty well, adds a nice uptick in fuel economy as well...

[CJ0920]

We have an '07 Expedition, fully loaded w/heated/cooling seats, remote start, dvd entertainment, navi...3rd row seats power fold flat into the floor, and have enough room for anyone back there. Its comfortable, and can tow +9k lbs. We tow our boat and use it for long trips. We have had no trouble with it, and now has 140k miles on her. Nothing other than plugs, brakes, battery, tires and oil changes here.

The new ones have the Ecoboost twin turbo v6!

[kwality]

pretty happy with my 2012 acadia awd- standard with auto start and backup cam. just added some heated seats.

"minimum" issues - just a tranny overhaul under warranty. (5years 100k) and a goodwill assistance to replace the radio, which failed 4 months after bumper to bumper ended...

pretty huge truck area when not using the 3rd row.

perfectly holds 48" dry wall between the wheel well humps.

gas mileage could be better - average mix is 16.

IMO - handling is pretty balanced and controllable on stock GY Fortera. acceleration is ok.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by P1et

I should also add that I'm looking to buy used, and I don't care if it has between 40K and 50K miles on it already. If it's reliable, then the miles should not matter. More concerned about it being clean.

Budget is between 40K and 45K...

We have been a lexus family for years, they are not the most fun cars , but it's the only luxury brand I would trust buying a used higher milage car from.


Just traded my dad's 2010 lx for an x5m a few weeks ago, that would have been perfect for you. BMW Austin might still have it.

[P1]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

We have been a lexus family for years, they are not the most fun cars , but it's the only luxury brand I would trust buying a used higher milage car from.


Just traded my dad's 2010 lx for an x5m a few weeks ago, that would have been perfect for you. BMW Austin might still have it.

The silver one? I saw it. How much did they give him for it? I saw your 6-series there a few weeks ago.