[pup73]

Hi all,

Looking for a winter driver. Perhaps "beater" is a bit harsh. This car in theory would get me through the Northeast winters, as well as be available for my wife if and when she goes back to work (so she doesn't have to drive the larger family MDX everyday). Would also get some use as a family (4 yr old and 6 yr old) hauler..

So, ideally needs to be reliable, comfortable, AWD (let's not argue about the merits of AWD/snow tires/etc etc), and honestly, a bit of "luxury" (with it's associated creature comforts), would be nice.

Now, I am biased, in terms of perceived reliability, towards Japanese makes. Therefore, my leading candidates are:

1. 2006+ Lexus IS250 AWD
2. 2007+ Lexus RX350
3. 2007+ Acura RDX

I'd love to get a Mini Countryman S All4, any late model Volvo, an MB GLK (had one, really liked it), MB MLK...but just worried about reliability..

Any thoughts? I'm open to suggestions!

Thanks in advance

-c

[KingOfJericho]

RX is probably your best bet. There are plenty out there so shouldn't be ab issue finding a nice one.

[overcoil]

My two mercedes were extremely reliable 1998 and 2002, kept each for over ten years and purchased from new.

[MightyMouseTech]

The turbo RDX seem great, until about the 100k mark, then lots of issues with the turbo system, especially if you live somewhere that sees lots of winter salt. (SOOOOOO many metal coolant/vacuum lines) We are even starting to see them leak coolant where the turbo bolts to the head due to corrosion.

So glad the new ones went to a V6.

You drive a BMW, why not look at 328 XDrives? I had a 330XI as a winter car last year, was fantastic in the snow.

[Sedoy]

Early 2nd gen RX350's (2007) had water pump failure issues which is PITA for DIY, later into production years they seems to fixed this issue. But other than that it's a very reliable vehicle. A friend of mine recently drove RX350 with 200K+ miles and was shocked how well it ran.

BTW, here is DIY for water pump:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/atta...water-pump.pdf

[Boosted 1]

Gx470 😉

[FrostyDC4]

Originally Posted by Boosted 1

Gx470 😉

15k lol?

[Boosted 1]

I've seen plenty for under 15k. I've had Mine for 8 years now and it's been great in icky weather.

[ORIGIN M.]

The V6 sucks, and the SH-AWD was axed. Salt is the devil.

The current RDX is now a softy Honda with a big A on the front & back.

It is nothing, I repeat nothing to write home about. Not the same buyer either.

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

The turbo RDX seem great, until about the 100k mark, then lots of issues with the turbo system, especially if you live somewhere that sees lots of winter salt. (SOOOOOO many metal coolant/vacuum lines) We are even starting to see them leak coolant where the turbo bolts to the head due to corrosion.

So glad the new ones went to a V6.

You drive a BMW, why not look at 328 XDrives? I had a 330XI as a winter car last year, was fantastic in the snow.

[ORIGIN M.]

For the Money I'd buy the RDX non tech.

2010-2011 are the best years.

[Bluewater328iT]

The 2006+ Lexus IS250 AWD will get better MPG and handle better than the SUVs, so unless you need the ground clearance or the storage space, go with the sedan.

BMW xdrives are very good in the winter. So are Subarus, which has the WRX which is a lot of fun to drive, but not nearly as refined as a Lexus or BMW. A used VW R or would be a lot of fun as well.

[Spinnetti]

You can get some decent cars at that price point. When I lived up north I drove Audi's for 20 years... An A4 has a lot better room, especially in the rear than an IS. RAV4, CRV, or even an AWD Matrix is suprisingly decent too. Heck, my daily right now is a CPO 3 year old bug turbo with 20k miles on it for $13k - hardly a beater...

[KingOfJericho]

That smarter move for a "beater" is something with some room. It's the car you'll bring stuff to the dump in and pick up a new TV with. Just something with the utility you don't need every day.

[nmehta211]

Lexus RX350. easy commuter car, requires 87 octane gas, super reliable. maintenance is a synthetic oil change every 10k, tire rotation every 5k. can be serviced at the toyota dealer for less than $100 per year.

we bought a 2010 with nav and 43k miles, non cpo for $26k 2 years ago. after 2 1/2 years and 30k hard commuter miles in NYC, we have spent a total of $300 in oil changes and tire rotations.

it is very boring though. this is where you appreciate the M3 much more!

[pup73]

Originally Posted by nmehta211

we bought a 2010 with nav and 43k miles, non cpo for $26k 2 years ago. after 2 1/2 years and 30k hard commuter miles in NYC, we have spent a total of $300 in oil changes and tire rotations.

it is very boring though. this is where you appreciate the M3 much more!

That's exactly what we did; Bought a 2009 Acura MDX CPO, 3 years ago. Have since put on 50k hard miles on it. Nothing but routine maintenance during this time (knock on wood).

And I can relate to the boring part...we joke that whenever someone needs a nap, just go for a drive in the MDX...driver included.

Leaning towards an RX350. There's a ton of them around this area.

Thanks for the input..keep it coming!

-c

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

That smarter move for a "beater" is something with some room. It's the car you'll bring stuff to the dump in and pick up a new TV with. Just something with the utility you don't need every day.

If running costs are a concern I'd vote Wagon over SUV. Lose ground clearance but you still have decent cargo space and everything is cheaper to replace. Tires, brakes, etc. Much better on gas too. Would look at Audi, Volvo, BMW, maybe even a diesel VW if you don't care about the emissions thing.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

If running costs are a concern I'd vote Wagon over SUV. Lose ground clearance but you still have decent cargo space and everything is cheaper to replace. Tires, brakes, etc. Much better on gas too. Would look at Audi, Volvo, BMW, maybe even a diesel VW if you don't care about the emissions thing.

Wait, you're trying to compare the running costs of a Lexus RX350 (nearly zero) to a $15k Audi, Volvo, BMW, or VW? Surely you jest...

[angelr]

All day long. In fact you can find the 04 and later models for that regularly with around 80-150k at least in my area.

Originally Posted by FrostyDC4

15k lol?

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Wait, you're trying to compare the running costs of a Lexus RX350 (nearly zero) to a $15k Audi, Volvo, BMW, or VW? Surely you jest...

Meant consumables not if something went wrong. And didn't mean that SUV in particular.

[pup73]

Originally Posted by angelr

All day long. In fact you can find the 04 and later models for that regularly with around 80-150k at least in my area.

This is true; I was a bit surprised as well. Found a private seller in my area, 2005 with 76k miles, asking $14.9

-c

[KingOfJericho]

The GX is based on a Tacoma chassis, which means it drive much more truck-like than something like an RX350, which sits on the same chassis as the Camry. Just something to keep in mind if the wife is going to drive it.

[FrostyDC4]

I thought the gx is/was the land cruiser prado