jimxo

I'm banging my head trying to figure out what used car I should buy for my wife.

We sold our first generation RX300 and need something quickly.

We like the RX350 (07) but with a 20k budget we have to settle for one with 90k miles.

Our second choice is the 09 Murano SL for about 20k, but the CVT trans makes me uneasy. The previos models 2008 or or older had many trans problems. I'm told that the 09 or newer are great.

The third choice is a 2008 Mazda cx9 Touring with 50k miles for 20k. Test drove all of them and each offer something different.

Anything else I should consider or just flip a coin.

TIA

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

The Mazda CX-9 would be my pick. It's definitely the driver's car despite being the biggest. It's also really refined, and has a well appointed cabin. Also it has those extra two seats. Second choice would be the RX, its solid all around and clearly the most luxurious. I personally don't like the Murano, so I wouldn't consider it.

Also check out the 2007 Acura MDX which might blend the best of both worlds in regards to the CX-9s handling capabilities and third row seating and the RX's luxury. Not to mention the SH-AWD is one of the best

bolido

I just bought a 2011 CX-9 and its a great car for the money. Drives very well and it seems pretty well put together. I paid $6K below MSRP for Grand Touring version. You should be able to get a 2011 Touring in the $26-$27K range. Not sure about you but extra $7K for 50K fewer miles seems well worth it to me. Used car prices are out of whack compared to new car discounts now.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I seriously looked at one before I settled on my IS350 i know total 180. I was coming from an Explorer and was sold on its dynamics, assembly, performance and relatively new sporty design from Mazda (from its time period).

And agreed on Used car vs New car prices

bad co

I would look at highlander hybrid.

memasterac

The CX-9!

My wife loves to drive our 2009 CX-9 GT taking kids to schools and grocery shopping. It has size for 7 and 18 cf storage behind the 3 rd row. It drives like the sport cars of SUV, very nimble and excellent handling. It also won all the comparison tests for similar size crossover SUV among different car magazines. If my wife likes it you should give it a second thought.

Blackraven

You can't go wrong with either of the three.

Btw
You can't leave out the Murano either. With AWD and CVT, it proves to be a powerful combination.

The ONLY downside is that the CVT is stuck to FULL AUTO only (as the American versions of the Murano DO NOT have manual mode).

Other than that, it's a superb vehicle.

<VENOM>

Murano should have a 10 year 120k factory warranty on the CVT

rogers2

I would say whatever one gives you the best warranty. 20k isn't a lot these days for a vehicle so I would say look for an used Honda/Toyota/Hyundai suv.

L3XOTIC

cx-9 is beautiful. dont do the murano for sure. Damn CVT's.

Orzel

iTrader: (1)

We traded in our 05 RX for a new 09 Murano in July of 09, have never looked back. Love the Mo. It's been a trouble free vehicle, lots of room, great for long distance touring, and once one gets used to the lack of shifting in the CVT, it pretty well becomes the norm. We done several over 3k mile trips with ours and found it as comfortable and easily as quiet as the RX. Nav system and back-up camera are superb. Fuel mileage has matched that of the RX and the Nissan engine certainly is no slouch in the power department. And yes, we are still part of the Lexus family as we continue to enjoy our GS AWD.

I8ABMR

I have a 2011 murano LE and it's a great car. I have an RX 450h loaner right now and I really dont think it's really mug better than the murano I'd you discount the hybrid feature. The murano has more room, similar interior design, and is very quick . The RX is great but because of the higher sticker price you will have to get an older one

jimxo

[QUOTE=I8ABMR;6851508]I have a 2011 murano LE and it's a great car. I have an RX 450h loaner right now and I really dont think it's really mug better than the murano I'd you discount the hybrid feature. The murano has more room, similar interior design, and is very quick . The RX is great but because of the higher sticker price you will have to get an older one[/QUOTE


WOW! That's a bold statement. Murano is that good?

I heard the 2008 or older had transmission issues.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

How about an Infiniti FX35... That is one of my choices for an SUV right now... I do like the look of the CX-9... Its up to you what ever you can afford and not stress about the payment every month... GL...

Blackraven

Lol, what's with the hate against CVTs?

It may not be everyone's cup of tea (some people don't like the rubberbanding effect on older-gen CVTs) but imho, CVTs have improved tremendously and can compete with other forms of auto gearboxes.

As far as reliability, the ones that Nissan uses (i.e. the JATCO CVTs) are pretty solid and are capable of handling up to V6 levels of power output as well as AWD.

In short, CVTs are awesome as well