Ladies and Gents,

My 2004 X5 is coming to its end of the warranty, and its time to get into something different. Obviously, I am posting in the Cayenne section, so I expect a bias.

I am looking for a truck (live in chicago, nasty winters) which is also fun. My x5 was a 3.0, and let me say it was a fun car to drive, handled well, but was deathly slow. I was looking to get into the new x5's, but I have heard too many problems. I am looking for something with class, updated interior features (that are not standard like a moonroof) which is reliable. I would be buying used, and would be looking to spend no more than $40k on this car, as it is just an everyday driver apart from my love 996tt.

The choices so far are:

-BMW x5 (heard horrible things about reliability)
-BMW X6 (not a fan of the looks that much)
-Porsche Cayenne (not enough info for me yet)
-Range Rover Sport (heard bad things about reliability)
-Dodge SRT8 Jeep (not much in terms of class, but a beast in terms of power and warranty is cheap)

non trucks (which I am not too keen about since they are not AWD) are BMW 550i, M5 (yes for the winter, who knows), Audi S4, Audi S6.

Chime in, I hope you guys have had these vehicles in the past and can help out.

Edward

 

The later model Range Rover's (06>) aren't that bad anymore but still a bit costly with maintenance.

I've heard the new X5's aren't too bad for reliability though.

However, might I suggest the 07+ Acura MDX? We have an 07 and it's really good. It has the optional third row (folds into the floor), 300hp V6, so it's not too sluggish (0-60 in 7.7), the AWD is amazing in winter (We're in Ottawa/Toronto Canada so we know harsh winters here).

Some may not consider it "classy" because of the badge, but it definitely is a good premium SUV, safe, Acura reliability (we beat the crap out of ours) and perky. The tip tronic is fun and and with the help of the super handling system (70% of power to outside rear wheel when on throttle on turns) it is fun to throw the hefty suv into the curve.

Really luxurious on the inside, we have the RL as well and it's pretty much just a larger RL. Really great for long trips!

I'm sure you can buy one a year old for the price you're looking at, the options from Acura are good. There aren't too much for aftermarket mods nor engine mods.

Edit: We bought ours new and cross shopped with the X5, Cayenne S, Range Rover Sport and the ML. In the end we opted for the MDX.

 

I would also consider the VW Touareg, similar to the Cayenne but less $. i had two different ones, the V8 gas and the V10 diesel, great vehicles. You can get nice used ones in your price range.

 

I had a friend who used to have a touareg V8 with air suspension. How reliable are they?

 

Had the x5 4.4, horrible reliability issues, performance was good but major major issues...

Love my 09 Cayenne S, not as comfortable as the RRS, transmission not as smooth but it's an edgier car compared to the x5 and the RRS

My 06 RRS was super reliable and comfortable, but performance not on par with Cayenne S or the X5. The new RRS supercharged with 500 horse power is very tempting.

Performance wise I would go for the Cayenne, if you are looking for value definitely the RRS.

 

-BMW x5 - you already know about this one...the drives are improved...
-BMW X6 - pretty awesome vehicle, going to be hard to find one in your price range
-Porsche Cayenne - well, we know what the performance is going to be, but remember it is a porsche, it is meant to perform, so you've got a stiff suspension, it is no soft lexus.
-Range Rover Sport - looks awesome, reliability has improved but may be an issue, luxury and drive are great....don't plan on getting your money back when your done though.
-Dodge SRT8 Jeep - power is really all this vehicle has to offer, yes it handles better than a base Jeep, but nothing like the other vehicles you're shopping, or even the one your returning.

I think i would just make sure I drove them all....peoples preferences are different..so drive them all, and don't be afraid to admit it when you don't like one of them.
Good luck, and let us know what you chose.

 

I had an 05 x5 4.4, great power, great handling (or so i thought until i drove a cayenne tt). In my opinion, for overall satisfaction its an easy choice. Power +++, handling +++, reliability +++, tech options +, overall value based on 40k ++++, its the Cayenne Turbo. Hands down, above and beyond the rest.

 

Regarding the Touareg's reliability, as long as you stay away from the 2004 model year you will be fine, it was their first year and there were problems with the electrical harness and the TPMS system. In your price range you should be able to find a nice 2006 or 2007, maybe even a 2008 depending on the options you want. I like the power of the 4.2 V8 (same base engine as Audi and the Cayenne use) or the V10 diesel- a real torque monster, about as fast as a Cayenne Turbo up to 80 mph. The early V6 engines were underpowered IMHO, but they were improved in later years. There is a new V6 diesel available in 2009, haven't driven it but it is supposed to be nice.

 

How much space do you need? You can get a 2006 Cayenne Turbo for your price range and it comes with air suspension as standard which is a nice feature to give you a option to go offroad. If you don't need that much space than an M5 would be a better choice given it's V10 engine and the handling. Of course I am biased with V10 engine. Perhaps this video will help you with your decision.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt1_O...e=channel_page

 

Wicked exhaust,nice wheels...might just have to get me one

 

i want me an m5! lol. sick exhaust sound...

 

Have you considered a 535xi? Its AWD stock power is not too far off from 550. Many tuning options available. I am in same boat as you with an 04 X5 3.0 with an expiring warranty. Have been considering

X5 diesel
535xi wagon
G500/ G55 (non cpo would be a concern)
Cayenne Turbo (non cpo would be a concern)
Lr3 (need the space over sport for 10month old and 3 dogs. Not too mention insane lease deals now)
C4 or C4s (wife is not keen on babyseat in rear or cargo space)

 

As the ex owner of 3 Gwagens (2 -'02's and one '05 G55) I would strongly suggest that you not consider such a beast. It is far more costly to maintain and it is not a road "car" but a solid axle truck. The newer ones have not been reliable and are notorious for eating window regulators, transfer case malfunctions etc. Limp home mode occured spontaneously on each of my vehicles and on the 55 the tranny was shot at 46K. mMy Cayenne has been an economy car. Finally the MB dealer network is beyond horrific as they do not know how to service the G. Friendly warning run from a newish G. A pre 2000 G is a different beast and is very well made and designed. But that is a whole different kettle of fish.

 

Hey, I resemble that remark!

I have a "early 04" (vin under 15000) and I have had a number of electrical and TPMS issues, but none have been major, and none are put the car out of commission. They are however annoying, I have worked all the bugs out of this car since taking it from my wife, and it drives very well. I just bought an extended warranty for it, so I am staying with it for a while.

I will say that the Touareg like the Cayenne, is awesome in the winter weather, and have yet to get stuck with it (running all season tires). I would imagine that in Chicago you need to get a vehicle that can handle the tough weather as well, and with the choices you have listed, I would say get the Cayenne, and then the X5 would be my second choice.

 

my friend has the srt8 and its a nice car for the price but you are still in an american car... you can find them with about 10k miles for around 32k which is very cheap. i have a rover myself as well as my dd and its nice. but hands down my fav is the ctt out of those 3 suvs. with ur price point go for srt8