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Best 7 passenger luxury SUVs for 40-50 K

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Old 12-20-09, 08:52 PM
  #1  
I8ABMR
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Default Best 7 passenger luxury SUVs for 40-50 K

Hey guys I am currently looking to get a new SUV for the wife and new baby on the way. I am wanting to get the wife something that will be very safe, luxurious, and with 7 passenger capacity for the in law visits. I want to stick with a tier 1 company or at least someone who will get her a loaner for any visit (like Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Mercedes, etc).
I have been looking at the RX350, ML350, and MDX ( all 2010 ). So far we kind of like the MDX the most because it looks more masculine than the RX, handles better than both the Benz and RX and it has been refreshed for 2010. Lexus will provide the best service experience and Mercedes will provide us a new ownership experience since we generally only drive Japanese.

As far as Consumer reports the 3 SUVs listed are the highest ranked in this category. What do you guys think???????
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Old 12-20-09, 08:55 PM
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MPLexus301
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ML and RX are 2 rows so you'll have to rule those out.

My choices would be X5 or GX. As much as I like the Q7 it's too heavy, underpowered, and prone to quite a few mechanical problems.
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Old 12-20-09, 09:21 PM
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My choice would be the LX. That caar is phenomenal.

Does the car need 7 seats? Because if not then u have alot more options like the ones u suggest. Id also include the Q5.

Would u also consider vans as well? MErceds vaio is a good family choice car, or u can go with something like the Toyota Venza
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Old 12-20-09, 09:25 PM
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MDX is the only one that fits what you're looking for, brand new, luxury name plate, 7 passenger seating, 40-50K.

The new GX starts over $50K.

The new 4Runner Limited has an available 3rd row, not sure how big it is though. Sequoia might be too big, and can also get pricey for the upper trim levels.

Lincoln MKT (similar to Ford Flex) has gotten good reviews, especially with the EcoBoost engine.

Mazda CX-9 is supposedly a good option as well.

Land Rover LR4, like the GX, will most likely be over $50K.

Last edited by pbm317; 12-20-09 at 09:30 PM.
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Old 12-20-09, 09:45 PM
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I've always been a fan of the MDX. It is a great value, has 7 passenger seating, albeit the 3rd row isn't well suited for adults, it rides on an excellent chassis, and has an excellent all wheel drive system. For the money, it just can't be beat.
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Old 12-20-09, 09:53 PM
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I love the Audi Q5. Its the best looking SUV IMO.
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Old 12-20-09, 10:09 PM
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I've always liked the MDX and now with the new body style and lines it looks more aggresive than the previous models.. I also like the new ML and than RX.. For the money and what you want MDX maybe the way to go.. GL..
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Old 12-20-09, 10:09 PM
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I8ABMR
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Let me correct myself. We are flexible on the 7 passenger option but the 5 passenger vehicles would lose a slight edge in comparison. I am still open to the RX and the ML. I will check out the Q5. Thanks for the input guys
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Old 12-20-09, 10:16 PM
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biggie27
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gmc denali is pretty nice if u want to go that route, so is the escalade, if not u can look at a used lx570 or maybe a mercedes GL
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Old 12-20-09, 10:33 PM
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MR_F1
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Get a minivan
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Old 12-20-09, 10:35 PM
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Infiniti FX might also be a decent option. For a bit more change you could also get a new Porsche Cayenne or a Range Rover Sport (although reliability may or may not be questionable).
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Old 12-20-09, 10:58 PM
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Initial B
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Originally Posted by MR_F1
Get a minivan
that would make too much sense...we are in America, after all
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Old 12-20-09, 11:24 PM
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STIG
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X5 diesel.
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Old 12-20-09, 11:52 PM
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How about a pre-owned 2009, 2008 or 2007 GX 470? They're very nice and have the room you need...
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Old 12-21-09, 12:21 AM
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I would stick with Lexus. Particularly the RX or the LX.
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