Looking for a nice, smaller SUV

I'm now on the waiting list for the 2007 Highlander Hybrid. Apparently it is undergoing a body style change after 2006. Don't know if I can wait that long though...

The Lexus Hybrid looks pretty sweet too....
 
if you are looking at volvo/acura/volkswagen/bmw/lexus, you probably won't like driving the CR-V or RAV4. At least I didn't - both felt kind of tinny to me and seem very small.
I love the BMW X3 and loved the way it drives, but it was out of my price range, and I ended up deciding on a sedan (Acura TSX) instead anyway.
Acuras are fantastic cars, and just so you know, they can definitely be serviced at Honda dealerships, I've taken mine to the Honda dealership a couple of times for an oil change/service when I couldn't get to the Acura one.
My mom and sister both have the Lexus RX and love it.
Subarus are not always considered "crunchy." And they are great cars, very reliable too. Check out some of their options - some to me seem nicer than even VW wagons.
 
PCH - Break even in terms of $$? I have no idea and that is not my main concern. I'll feel a little better about what I am driving, and that is my main point.

Tgarden - I totally agree about the tinnyness of some of those smaller SUVs. We did find out that Acura can be serviced at Honda and my husband actually is looking at an Acura sedan now. He had a Legend back in the day. Really great cars. You don't think Subarus are crunchy? I totally do, but I love them.
 
I've done some very little reading about hybrids. The one huge red flag that popped up was, the air conditioner only runs when the internal combustion engine is running! You would die in a Texas summer if that were indeed the case. I think I was reading about the Ford Escape hybrid when I saw that?
 
I almost hate to post this here for fear of getting blasted, but I bought my wife a Suzuki Vitara last summer for short trips and to haul kids to school. It's a pretty nice little compact SUV for under $13K with A/C, CD, and power everything that gets a solid 40 MPG. And, after some hesitation, she loves it.

That's under $13K drive out, NEW.
 
'K. Now I am really leaning towards a Volvo XC70 - the cross country wagon. Yay? Nays?

Pretty sure my husband is going to get an Acura. But he saw a Mercedes E class he really likes...and while timeless, I think the Mercedes will be more of a headache than the Acura in the long run. He wants a sedan he can keep for a looong time.
 
I have a Hyundai Santa Fe. It replaced a Grand Cherokee. I love the Santa Fe. Fully loaded it is 10,000 less and seems to be a much better car. 1.5 yrs old (20K) and no problems yet.
 
<groan>
Another SUV...

But if you're set on a truck, then FWIW:
- The volvo is a nice vehicle, but the price is way too high for what you get - for that price, you're into RX330 territory and it's probably going to be the benchmark for quality in this niche.
- The MDX will probably turn out to be a nice vehicle as well (good reliability too), but in terms of build quality and overall reliability, Lexus>Toyota>Acura>Honda>>>Volvo>>>>>Anything from Germany.
- I personally wouldn't go down the hybrid road. They're commanding premiums right now that fuel milage savings cannot payout over the life of the vehicle, the resale value @ 10 years is an ENORMOUS question mark (the lead acid battery tray -how environmentally friendly is that- has a finite life and costs ~2K to replace), and what happens if it goes out of warranty and breaks down? Who works on hybrids right now? Dealer$hip$, that'$ who.
- The tiny SUVs give up some safety for lighter weight and fuel savings, so that's something to consider. Look into the NHTSA and IIHS crash tests on your respective candidates
- Subaru does make some good cars, but to me I've heard reports from both ends of the reliability scale. As for what people think about you and your image in the car, who cares? Buy the car that fits you and let everyone else deal with it.
- Certified Preowned cars from most of these makes are the best deals (they still come with warrantys)
- You might consider wagons (even though for many generations, some people still revile them as much as minivans) - such options would include: Mazda 6 wagon, Dodge Magnum, Lexus IS300 Sportcross, aforementioned Outback and Forester, etc.
- Car shopping is fun, go nuts - drive EVERYTHING.
 
Japanese are well built and get better gas mileage, but the fatality ratings are horrendous on their SUVs. There was some rule of thumb about for every 100 lbs lighter an SUV is there is a large (can't recall exact %) increase in deaths. That would have to be a concern if you are having children.

Only problem with the Lexus is the RX looks like complete and total ***. It is the ugliest car this side of the yugo. I wish they made it tolerable to look at.

I am looking for similar new vehicle, but my Yukon gets around 15 and 20 so the tin-can SUVs don't really kick its *** in mileage.

What about 4wd SUVs - or AWD? Any suggestions there? Anyone had any luck with Audi sedans? Any other opinions on the bmw X5? I have heard horror stories about repairs.
 
The wife and I have been thinking about getting a Volvo XC90 as well. (BTW, I think the first year they were made was 2004.)
 
OK, we've come full circle. I am really thinking hard about the Lexus RX330 now. I don't think they are ugly at all, either.

I've realized that alll of the smaller SUVs tend to get 17-19 mpg in the city, as do the wagons like the XC70 and the Outback (as opposed to my Tahoe that gets 14.) A sedan is just not an option for me. The newness of the hybrids is making me think twice.

The RX330 2WD gets 19, which is about the best you can get with that size car. Plus it seems like an excellent car in general.

I think I am on the lookout for a 2003/2004 Certified Pre-Owned RX330. Second on my list is still the Volvo XC70 (the wagon.)
 
Does anyone have an opinion of Jeep Cherokees? I like the way they look, and can get a 01 (I think that is the last year they were made before the Liberty came out) for around 10K. It would be the perfect size car for what I need, and the gas mileage is around 20 mpg. Any thoughts?
 
Excellent gameplan Used2BTexaslover - the RX will hold value well and should save you from a lot of quality issues down the line. The CPO program is also a great way to go - my brother bought his GS400 that way, and it's turned out well. I'm sure you know, but you can cruise the CPOs on Lexus' website, or just go to a dealer and have him find something for you...

Re: Jeep Cherokees - They are the suck. My father in law has 2 Grand Cherokees and they are way smaller inside than they look + they have a horribly uncomfortable back seat. The Jeep Cherokee classic (good friend has one) are worse. They're harder to get in/out of than an 80s vette, have lacking power, spartan interior, and just generally suck. Go drive them see what you think. I'm guessing if you buy one of those, you're just in it to buy the nameplate.
 
Outside of the US, BMW markets a diesel X5 :
"The X5 3.0d develops a maximum output of 135 kW/184 bhp and maximum torque of 410 Nm/302 lb-ft from BMW’s DI straight-six.
 
Hybrids are a great idea, but so new that you may want to wait until all the car companies work out the kinks in their models. Frankly, I couldn't wait until the Ford Escape Hybrid came out before getting my '05 Escape (size-up from my 3rd Mustang). I've been very happy with it. It's just small enough without being too small, but can still haul all the **** I buy at Lowe's home.
 
If I were lookiing for a mid-size SUV

I would go with a trailblazer--I drove my dad's new one the other day-- handles well-- 18 MPG city

or the Ford Escape

or the Jeep Cherokee

as far as minis-- just buy a car-- you look like you are trying too hard in one of those
 
Wife just rolled off the lot Saturday with a new '05 Honda Element. Great car, great price. I don't know that it would work for you because while it seats 4 very comfortably, it will ONLY seat 4.
 
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