[ivanrocks321]

My family has been driving the original Mercedes Benz ML320 since it was first introduced, and since then it was giving up many small problems here and there. And I would here of the horrible QC that many have had to suffer thru with this car. Well after just only 60K miles and routine tune-ups it has started to have serious problems with the engine, etc. We have had it enough with this money pit and looking for a replacement SUV is in the 45k-50k price range. 
 
My dad does not want to even consider a MB after this issue, and is leaning for the new 2011 BMW X5, since we just got a 2010 3-series and it has been great (so far). So Im in charge of research and not making the mistake of getting into a money pit a second time around.
 
What is of most importance is safety and reliability,  then confort, and then lastly all the extra bells and whistles. I have done some research but nothing really address all my questions quite the way, so im hoping others here have something to say.
 
Cars that I have been considering is the:
 
2011 BMW X5
2010/2011 Porche Cayenne
2010/2011 Range Rover LR4 
 
personally Im leaning a bit for the Porche, but I would need to do some convincing to the rest of the family. So im especially curious if there is anything negative about the cayenne. 
 
Thanks! 

 

[revolink24]

There are a lot of things negative about the Cayenne, as there are with all of those. And it's a Land Rover LR4, not a Range Rover. Just so you know. Are you really that set on an SUV? Most of the luxury SUVs are less than stellar values, have lower than average reliability, and poor fuel economy. Generally people are much better off with luxury sedans, or, if you need lots of space, wagons.
 
Also, how important are the driving characteristics? If you're not interested in having a "sporty" car, you'll get better value out of the BMW. Also, if you are looking at the Cayenne, you owe it to yourself to look at the VW Touareg as well, since they were concurrently developed. Oh, and the Q7, which is another similar model and highly regarded.
 
If you could even consider sedans, then you open yourself up to a whole new world: A6, Taurus SHO, 5 Series, etc. 

 

[ivanrocks321]

True, as I like sedans way over suv but this will be my fathers purchase for family so its not up to me

I think its for the storage area of SUV thats appealing to pops. Thanks for the heads up for the LR4. I'll look into the Q7 as many people I know has one lately, the VW is also good too.

 

[revolink24]

Have you looked at something like the A6 Avant? They have loads of room. 
 
If reliability is your #1 concern, you can immediately rule out the LR4. In fact, if you really want reliability you should be getting something more.... Japanese. My preferences, in order, would be the Acura MDX, Infiniti FX, and Lexus GX. Although I personally would take a Q7 over any of these, it won't be quite as reliable, and not quite as good value as any of them. In the real world, I think the MDX might be the best choice if you want pain-free motoring. The Lexus has a reputation of near-flawless reliability, but isn't quite as nice a car to be in.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Check Consumer Reports. You'll find everything you need to know about reliability.

Also, do some homework on parts costs and repair work. Some of the German cars are positively breathtaking when you look at what a new engine or transmission costs, let alone something like replacing the motor in a power window.

And do you really need a SUV? 4x4 is great if you have to drive through a lot of mud or ice, which you might in upstate New York. But if you're going to spend 99% of the time of paved roads, you'll pay a lot extra for a feature you won't use that consumes a lot of extra gas. Further, when I lived in central Oregon, the taller vehicles seemed prone to roll when things got slippery. The humble 5-speed Escort I had at the time would spin instead of roll, which saved my bacon one time when I ended up in the ditch. The car was unharmed, as well.

If I needed all-wheel or four-wheel drive, I'd look hard at a Subaru. Low center of gravity and they're reliable. Otherwise, I'd go for a Honda or Toyota or one of their subsidiaries.

Having a "luxury" car where the money is funneled into advertising instead of reliability ain't worth much when you're stranded on the side of the road then handed a healthy four-figure repair bill.

 

[XxATOLxX]

My mom has the E53 X5 and the thing is a money pit. Electrical problems everywhere. I would imagine the newer generation would be the same.
 
Normally I would point you towards comparable Japanese cars for reliability, but during the past few years I haven't been able to find one that is even remotely pleasant to look at. The Japanese car companies seem to have adapted to a new kind of styling that would make a Pontiac Aztek look good. The worst of them being Acura.
 

Have a look at the new Ford Edge, that's a company that has been on a roll lately.
 

 

[revolink24]

Quote:

My mom has the E53 X5 and the thing is a money pit. Electrical problems everywhere. I would imagine the newer generation would be the same.
 
Normally I would point you towards comparable Japanese cars for reliability, but during the past few years I haven't been able to find one that is even remotely pleasant to look at. The Japanese car companies seem to have adapted to a new kind of styling that would make a Pontiac Aztek look good. The worst of them being Acura.
 

Have a look at the new Ford Edge, that's a company that has been on a roll lately.
 

The Acura MDX is a far better looking car than the Cayenne, IMHO.

 

[salannelson]

Subaru or Honda
 
I don't see why anyone would want anything more

 

[revolink24]

Quote:

Subaru or Honda
 
I don't see why anyone would want anything more

Because that post was so constructive. Obviously, your views are not those of his family, and, therefore, your advice is not terribly applicable.

 

[appophylite]

Quote:

Subaru or Honda
 
I don't see why anyone would want anything more

...Say wha? I'd say you represent a minority considering that Subaru and Honda are not the only two car companies present in the world. Incidentally, while I love Subarus, I can certainly see why someone would want a car that is not a Subaru (or a Honda) if neither meets the needs or desires of the individual in question.

 

[salannelson]

Quote:

Because that post was so constructive. Obviously, your views are not those of his family, and, therefore, your advice is not terribly applicable.

You're absolutely right. I just don't see the point in luxury cars. Not only repair costs but maintenance costs are unbelievable. I didn't mean for my post to sound negative like that, so I apologize. I should have elaborated a bit more.
 
Quote:

Also, do some homework on parts costs and repair work. Some of the German cars are positively breathtaking when you look at what a new engine or transmission costs, let alone something like replacing the motor in a power window.

If I needed all-wheel or four-wheel drive, I'd look hard at a Subaru. Low center of gravity and they're reliable. Otherwise, I'd go for a Honda or Toyota or one of their subsidiaries.

Having a "luxury" car where the money is funneled into advertising instead of reliability ain't worth much when you're stranded on the side of the road then handed a healthy four-figure repair bill.

 

 

[revolink24]

Quote:

Quote:

You're absolutely right. I just don't see the point in luxury cars. Not only repair costs but maintenance costs are unbelievable. I didn't mean for my post to sound negative like that, so I apologize. I should have elaborated a bit more.
 

 

No harm done after all. I typically feel the same way anyway. 
 
If I had that cash, I would horribly tempted by the Ford Taurus SHO. A high class car with much lower maintenance costs. Actually, it should be said that high maintenance costs are mostly exclusive to European marques.

 

[marvin]

I'd also recommend taking a look at the Acura MDX. It's safe, reliable, comfortable, and can be loaded down with way too many unnecessary gizmos. Looks and cachet aren't Euro spec, but the initial price and repair bills aren't either.
 
If low operating costs are a concern, I would steer well clear of anything with a Porsche badge. Porsche does make some great cars, but the lower spec Cayenne isn't one of them.

 

[appophylite]

Quote:

Quote:

You're absolutely right. I just don't see the point in luxury cars. Not only repair costs but maintenance costs are unbelievable. I didn't mean for my post to sound negative like that, so I apologize. I should have elaborated a bit more.
 

 

 
That's something we can both agree on. A friend of mine was absolutely shocked that I opted to buy a Jeep instead of buying a Range Rover or Land Rover, and all I could think when he said that was "What relevant purpose would that serve me?"
 

 

[Anaxilus]

I would avoid the BMW for two reasons.  One, their reliability isn't that much better than MB though they are less prone to 'catastrophic' failure mechanically.  Still lots of electronic niggles.  Two, the BMW isn't even classified as an SUV by their own standards.  If you depart asphalt for even grass, forget about getting anywhere.  
 
Honestly any German car other than Audi is charging you a 15% surcharge that goes straight to the Deutsch Labor Union.  Audi manufactures in Hungary for this reason among others.  This makes it nigh impossible to offer the same amount of value as the competitors.  As a certified Petrolhead I go to the auto show every year and I can say honestly its been about 4 years since I sat in a BMW of any kind that exudes any sense of luxury.  Even the new flagship 7 series is a failure in that regard.  Porsche does very well by all reports and it's hard not to recommend them.  I personally think the Cayenne looks like an ugly toad, meh.  I wish Subaru were big enough to have a luxury lineup like Lexus.  Superb mechanicals and performance.  Just needs better aesthetics and luxury feel.  I do like the Lexus RX/GX/LX.  If you seriously consider any of those, shoot me a PM and I'll let you know what my Lexus tech friend has to say about any issues or concerns.
 
On a side note, check out the Toyota Sequoia w/ the full leather package.  3 row seating an the second row seats can almost fold flat into a bed.  Insane for long distance travelling.  Not going to have that brand recognition factor though.  Although despite being Toyotas the Landcruisers are world renowned for off road ability, reliabilty and comfort though they get less recognition in the US.  The LX is the Lexus version.