Looking for some advice / opinions regarding a good daily driver SUV, used or new, for $30-40K to help deal with the unpredictable chicago climate. Currently have a '04 GS300 and it's up there in miles (105K) and its RWD but otherwise runs like a champ. Considering a new Acura RDX (low 30s), Audi Q5 (sl used) , BMW X3 (sl. used '08 low-mid 30's), new Infiniti EX35- but I kinda like the idea of having Cayenne S as the 911's big bro. Would you guys take a '06 Cayenne S (Titanium) CPO'ed over these other SUV's - to keep for 5 years, 10-12K miles a year?

 

My vote is for the Q5. Used to have a 2005 Cayenne S (purchased new). As the miles piled on and the warranty was about to expire, we experienced quite a few problems that were fortunately covered under warranty: coil pack failures x8, A/C failure, suspension failure, Navigation failure. Any of thse problems outside of warranty would have been quite costly.

Had the Q5 as a loaner for a weeked. Really nice SUV. Great handling, decent power, nice sporty handling, decent room, nice interior.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Unless you really baby your C2S............ Snow Tires & Rubber floor mats, save the money of another vehicle.

Dunlop 3D's for snow & ice traction while still maintaining good dry performance.

Blizzaks for heavy snow & ice traction; not so much in the dry.

Will ground clearance really (and I cant speak from experience) be an issue in Chicagoland? Don't they have top notch snow removal?

Cars are not investments. Enjoy it!

 

I have clients with a new Q5 that absolutely love it. If it'll work with the budget, I've had all kinds of sedans and SUVs as my business car and the 2007+ BMW X5 is absolutely exceptional. I've been thrilled with it, and the V8 (4.8i version) is fantastic.

 

Well --The Cayenne certainly consolidates service to one location.
As for the car .. I wuld pick the Cayenne S and probably opt for a newer model than the 06 with the current engine .
I would pit it against the X5 --not the x3 .

It's over 30K though . I feel that in the sub 30K all weather driving the 328xi sedan woild be a better value than any of the SUV's though .

 

Appreciate all the advice- agree that reliability with the 2005-06 Cayenne is a concern- would really like the 08+ GTS but out of the budget (prob 60K +). The Q5 is really nice too but local dealers don't have too many and aren't very open to negotiating- some still want MSRP. The current X5 is a great drive but again, probably too much $$$ and a little big for my needs (and my garage). The 328X or 335X may be the best compromise between utility, driving involvement, and pocketbook. Although the RDX is a fun little SUV too-

 

I hear ya . Cost is factor , although the 08 Gts lacks the PCM and techno gadgets . An 09 S woild be more practical . I woild also pick the 328 over the 335 . The normally aspirated BMW engine is real solid . The Turbo engine is faster .. but lacks some of the reliability .

 

Larry is spot on about the turbo engine issues...however to borrow a line often used by others here...I would get the 335xi...if you get the 328xi you will alway wonder "what if"...and to me there is a world of difference on performance between the two cars. So its worth the slight potential issues the turbo engine might give to own one.

I own an X5 and it been a good ride the past three years but the transmission concerns me as the miles get up there. I have another year of warranty so I will make a decision sometime soon.

I am thinking cayenne and will test drive a few over the winter but sometimes I go in a different direction and think about a subaru forester (turbo)...but the 4 speed and no manual options are downers.

good luck

 

As you asked. Yes I would take the CayenneS over the others (I think its a tad nicer than the BMW X5). The BMW (in X5) would be my 2nd choice BUT the Audi is a very very nice vehicle but hear that they go through tires quickly. (Neighbor has one and it seems to, but wow what a nice SUV it is)

 

I understand about the X5 size and price. Given that, I'll add in another vote for the 335Xi. I had a 2007 335i Cabrio and LOVED that engine, especially matched with the 6-speed manual if that isn't inconvenient for your daily driving. I'll be replacing the X5 with a 2011 535i (new body style) as my daily driver when the X5 lease is up this summer since I enjoyed the combo of that turbo engine and the BMW driving experience so much.

 

Personally I love the new Q5 with the rs6 wheels. I think it may have like an s-line package on it as well, but I think its one of the best looking SUVs out there right now.

 

have you ever tried toyota land cruiser? May not look that flashy but it is a car that can drive for real over anything.

 

Thanks again- probably going to take a look at the 328x-335x (w/auto tranny) this weekend- and agree about some concern for the turbo engine- 2 friends with 335i's have had trouble within the first year and are pissed as heck about it. The Land Cruiser is a great truck but prolly wouldn't fit in the garage or budget at this point and the wife is NOT open to expanding the garage - yet. Recent pictures of the upcoming 535 look spectacular esp compared to recent BMW offerings- but looking at significant $$$ > $55K again. MisanoRS4- what I wouldn't do to get my RS4 back- that would be a ridiculous daily driver and I've missed it every day since trading it in last year. I'd still take that over the current M3, C63, etc-

 

I have to agree with you. I really think that the rs4 is one of the best daily drivers on the market. Audi interior, enough power for a DD, smooth gearbox, AWD, and great looks.. What more can you ask for? The thing I miss most about mine is just being able to drive it everyday. The P-car doesn't quite fit the bill in that category haha.

 

I would go for new Toyota Highlander.