new car question

K

kmac30

500+ Posts
it's time to find a new car for the wife.

she really wants a volvo xc90 (the suv). and we just looked at the 2010 lexus rx350. even the base lexus is loaded. the rear view camera in the rear view mirror is pretty cool. it's very "hands off" doing things, which works well for my wife. also thought the lexus was more comfortable than the volvo.

i've got a couple great deals lined up on the xc90, but i'm hearing from some people not to go with volvo.

her brother has a lexus and always talks about how good their service is.

anyone have any thoughts on these two cars?
 
I would never purchase any European car. Maintainence is absolutely ridiculous on them. However, many of the companies offer everything included leases that would certainly take advantage of, and that's the only way one would end up in my driveway.

Isn't the Volvo a 4wd? That's even more expensive to maintain.

The Lexus is just gas and go. Change the oil every 5k mi (yes, 5k, not 3k), change the air filters every 20k, and there's not much else to do for 100k except the usual suspects: tires, brakes, alignments, and belts (despite what your dealer may tell you about 30k interval maintaince).

Speaking of belts, I know the Lexus uses a timing chain for that motor, but I have no idea for the Volvo. Again, it's a matter of how long you intend to keep the ride, but if you know you're the type to push past 100k on a regular basis, that's another $1500 you won't have to spend on the Lexus.
 
I bought my first Lexus last summer and the previous poster is right the service is great. I love the car, the ride and everything has been worth the price. It was used when I bought and Lexus still goes out of their way on service. The last time I was in for an oil change I drove the RX as a loner car. Nice car, good ride. The loner was a Hybrid with leather and navigation. The car was nice. If you live in Dallas check out Sewell Lexus.
 
Take a look at the Acura MDX. Volvo was high on my list until we looked at the MDX. Great car/suv.
 
yeah, my wife's honda... blah. i just haven't had time to take it in. i work from home and don't drive much, so the wife has been taking my car for the time being. after talking to my father-in-law, we might be able to get this fixed under warranty.

thanks for the replies on the cars. i was thinking about the mdx today when i saw one. we're going to nyc for a week, so all this is going to be put on hold.
 
Agreed. Honda, Acura, Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti... We bought my wife a new Honda CRV recently and it drives great (not in the same class as what you are looking for). She had an Accord before it was great. I drive a Nissan and their reliability is slightly below Honda/Toyota but the cost of ownership is very low.
 
If safety is your top concern the Volvo. If maintenance is top Lexus.
If you go for the XC90 I personally think the 6 cylinder engine is under powered for the weight of the XC90 and would get a used with the turbo that they don't do anymore or the V8.

If you are a safety ratings shopper check out iihs.org and safercar.gov The two sites do their crash test rating differently and I suggest making sure it does well for both methodologies.
 
I think April recommended the BMW X5 and with her thorough investigative work before making any decision that has to be the way to go.
 
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