[techie182]

No kids. My parents had Grand Cheerokee and had tons of problems.
Plan to test drive these cars on holiday break.

Will also look at 4runner.

Didn't know Q5 is that small.

[Sedoy]

You probably never heard about famous Audi 2.0L DI carbon build up. My local mechanic claims that they just did 3k repair on Audi A4 with 2.0L DI, it was so bad that walnuts blasting didn't help much, it needed major disassembly.

Originally Posted by Twixboy

Lexus and Toyota are obviously the most reliable, but don't dismiss the Audi either. They are up to #3 on the most reliable brands list released by Consumer Reports each year. My wife's Q5 hasn't had any problems, but it's the 2.0T which is very reliable. The 3.0T is newer and more powerful, so it's not as reliable. Stay away from the 3.2 - it's the biggest piece of junk Audi made in the last decade. My only complaint about the Q5 is cabin space. It's not in the same class as the RX350 and Highlander which are more much larger. The Q5 is more similar in size to the X3.

[Ali Shiralian]

Originally Posted by CSanto

Is a 4Runner too big. You can get a really nice used 4Runner for high 30s and I've heard they can run until 300k miles.

The ride of the 4Runner is very harsh compared to the Highlander due to the unibody construction. 4Runner is a beast of a truck more suited for off-roading than city commute. I had a 2010 limited with all the bells but could not stand the ride. Trade it in for the X5

[scostu]

Originally Posted by techie182

No kids. My parents had Grand Cheerokee and had tons of problems.
Plan to test drive these cars on holiday break.

Will also look at 4runner.

Didn't know Q5 is that small.

Check edmunds.com for trunk/boot space. New 2015 Ford Edge actually has more room and comparable interior.

I was browsing them on line today as a possible replacement for Q5.

[scostu]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Then why an SUV? If you need utility then get a wagon, much more fun to drive.

I am in a 9-3 wagon, i have a 4 year old and baby due in a month. With two seats it is tight but the boot (trunk) is SO MUCH bigger than the Q5 my father in law drives.

Agreed.
I love my 2014 F31..... but wife likes higher riding CUV/SUVs.

[Alfisti]

If no kids and no Home Depot duties then Q5 IMHO, it's such a nice trucklette. But TBH at that point i'd test drive an X3, RDX, MKC, NX etx, you don't need to go to RX350 or Edge size if no kids or no Home Depot.

[Twixboy]

Originally Posted by techie182

No kids. My parents had Grand Cheerokee and had tons of problems.
Plan to test drive these cars on holiday break.

Will also look at 4runner.

Didn't know Q5 is that small.

If you like the Q5, take a look at the Allroad while you're at the dealer. Not only is it a bit quicker (comparing 2.0T vs 2.0T), but it's also night and day handling vs the Q5. It's surprisingly spacious for its size compared to the Q5 which looks bigger from the outside than it is on the inside.

Originally Posted by Sedoy

You probably never heard about famous Audi 2.0L DI carbon build up. My local mechanic claims that they just did 3k repair on Audi A4 with 2.0L DI, it was so bad that walnuts blasting didn't help much, it needed major disassembly.

Nope, what year is that? The 2.0T in the Q5 was changed in either 2011 or 2012. Prior to that, the 2.0T had oil consumption issues (you had to add 1 qt between oil changes).

[Alfisti]

If i was to replace the 9-3 wagon tomorrow it would be with the All-Road, though again, the boot (trunk) is EXTREMELY small.

[Sedoy]

Originally Posted by Twixboy

Nope, what year is that? The 2.0T in the Q5 was changed in either 2011 or 2012. Prior to that, the 2.0T had oil consumption issues (you had to add 1 qt between oil changes).

Basically most VAG's FSI engines share this problem. I believe the A4 he was talking about was 2011, check audizine forum they have carbon buildup megathread about this issue.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by scostu

Wife has had our 2013 Q5 for 43000 miles.....completely problem free. And if you need more engine punch SQ5!

....just saw your budget... Like nyalpine90 said.... cross off X5/X6 from your list.

He said 2013-2014. I found a lot of 2013 X5 35i Sport for $42k. Just negotiate the dealer to $38k and OP has an X5 Sport with 20" staggered wheels. The E70 X5 35i is a solid car and the best looking from the list, IMO.

[earlgrey69]

Originally Posted by techie182

No kids. My parents had Grand Cheerokee and had tons of problems.
Plan to test drive these cars on holiday break.

Will also look at 4runner.

Didn't know Q5 is that small.

I have a 2014 4runner that I use as my daily driver. IMO the ride is not harsh at all. There is probably more body movement over rough terrain than other models you have mentioned but on "normal" pavement I find the ride more than acceptable FWIW.

As others mentioned they also hold their value better than most.

[Kwando]

If there's a CPO X6 or X5 for $40k otd you will have to fight me to the death for it.

[BimmerRookie]

Get a 4Runner. /thread

[Meeni]

Got a CX5 for the wife, she's happy with it. It the most expensive trim, it feels somewhat luxurious (except for the road noise, he).

[FriskyDingo]

4Runners definitely have a rougher ride and worse body control than your average mid-size CUV. The Limited, in particular, rides rather rough.

That's the price you pay, for it is the last off-road capable, fully enclosed/hardtop true 4WD SUV. It'll go places CUV's couldn't dream of.

[M3Bimmer77]

Nissan Pathfinder...or Murano

[FriskyDingo]

Pathfinder is garbage. Murano is at least better looking, but CVT and Nissan resale/reliability? Hard pass. Nissan sucks these days.

[Alfisti]

Nissan is a true mid-sizer in the Murano but he doesn't really need a true mid-sizer. I also take back comments re. the Edge, it's ABSURDLY expensive. FFS it's near $50K.

[W///]

Originally Posted by FriskyDingo

4Runners definitely have a rougher ride and worse body control than your average mid-size CUV. The Limited, in particular, rides rather rough.

That's the price you pay, for it is the last off-road capable, fully enclosed/hardtop true 4WD SUV. It'll go places CUV's couldn't dream of.

Not to mention that engine has been around since the Dark Ages and is bulletproof.

I have to say, I rented a new Ford Explorer Limited and really liked it. The car was a whopping $47k, but I thought it was rather comfy.

[Alfisti]

Ford's pricing is crazy, at their price point i'll just go Acura or Lexus etc.

[FriskyDingo]

Haven't been in the new 15+ Explorer yet, but unless they improved dramatically over the outgoing ones, I'd pass. Poor packaging, build quality, driving dynamics, and resale.

[Jai 302]

Get a used G55 AMG. The toughest and most exotic mid size SUV on the market!