Probably not the Forum to ask, but....
09-30-12, 11:18 AM
#16
Lexus Test Driver
I use a 2008 BMW 528xi as my winter car. It's not quite as refined/smooth/quiet as the Lex but I would go as far to say that it's almost just as reliable. Car is very nicely built, interior is a nice place to be with minimal squeaks and rattles. AWD system is very capable (I have yet to get stuck in MI or IL where I go to school).
09-30-12, 06:19 PM
#18
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I picked up an 012 TDI Exec Touareg for $45k with 8 k on it warrantee to 110k was another 1700 bucks. They are assembled on the same plattorm as the Cayenne but not 90k. Not real big It handles real well has push button start, HIDS that swivel, panoramic roof, nice tunes gets 19/28 EPA. I enjoy it very much a little choppy at 25-30 speeds but freeway is nice and ultraluxury and it tows 8k lbs. Otherwise the Q5 is getting the TDI this year I think and Audio's are all the rage. Its even a little smaller than Treg and tows like 2k lbs. Both have 8 speed trannys. Q7's are big. Nissan Murano will not get ya the mileage I think. Acura MDX suck gas, the RDX is nice but kinda small may get 25ish
New cars are really getting quiet and smooth to tell ya the truth. Even a used Ford SHO AWD, Acura TL, Buick LaCrosse Chrysler 300c are worth checking out. Not sure if ya will get 29 mpg without diesel.
The RX450H is nice but pretty boring but they are coming out with an FS design not sure the mileage. BMW x5 are everywhere they make a Diesel and up for complete rebuild in 014. I see alot of Hyundai Santa Fe's. Good luck I love the 406 lbs of torque and MPG of my Touareg, check it out!!
New cars are really getting quiet and smooth to tell ya the truth. Even a used Ford SHO AWD, Acura TL, Buick LaCrosse Chrysler 300c are worth checking out. Not sure if ya will get 29 mpg without diesel.
The RX450H is nice but pretty boring but they are coming out with an FS design not sure the mileage. BMW x5 are everywhere they make a Diesel and up for complete rebuild in 014. I see alot of Hyundai Santa Fe's. Good luck I love the 406 lbs of torque and MPG of my Touareg, check it out!!
09-30-12, 06:25 PM
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Replacing the LS430 with an AWD vehicle
I will take the Outback I think its an upgrade from the Forester. I was in my brothers Outback yesterday nice vehicle SUV of year in 010. Jab you really like the Forester, huh.
I drive in the snow alot. With traction control and Stab track I get thru 6-8 inches of snow many times. Up steeper icey hills from a slow start not happening in the LS though.
New2this how much you gonna spend on a car/suv?
I drive in the snow alot. With traction control and Stab track I get thru 6-8 inches of snow many times. Up steeper icey hills from a slow start not happening in the LS though.
New2this how much you gonna spend on a car/suv?
09-30-12, 06:27 PM
#20
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Replacing the LS430 w/and AWD vehicle
I use a 2008 BMW 528xi as my winter car. It's not quite as refined/smooth/quiet as the Lex but I would go as far to say that it's almost just as reliable. Car is very nicely built, interior is a nice place to be with minimal squeaks and rattles. AWD system is very capable (I have yet to get stuck in MI or IL where I go to school).
09-30-12, 06:33 PM
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Replacing the LS430 w/an AWD vehicle
I'm going to check out the Pilot as well. I've got the CRV now, but that will also get sold along with the LS430. Hubby's got the Nissan truck and we're wanting to get down to 2 cars total. Hard getting it all, but quality, comfort, AWD are all important this time around. The CRV has been great so I imagine the Pilot might add some cush. Thanks again!
10-01-12, 04:58 AM
#22
Cad and others had a good suggestion, there is no AWD cushier than the RX the RX450h for 40g's might be s stretch but I bet you could get a new simple gas around 40 ish. Good luck
10-01-12, 04:30 PM
#23
I'd scrub the Pilot. 5 speed tranny only, with history of major recalls(hopefully fixed) turns me off, 18 25 EPA. The RX is rated at 18 24 so if your prerequisite is 29 hwy go figure.
I am not kidding look at the Touareg updated in 011 it is smaller though but seats and ride and handling can't be beat.. The older design has a less than spectacular reliability rating (overblown)but the new ones are pretty good. I think they are 19/28 and ours gets 30 ish hwy all day at 70, 25 plus city/hwy. Seems like folks do not associate VW with ultraluxury SUV's but this SUV is smokin hot and can be gotten relatively cheap if ya look, chaepa mans porsche cayenne. TDI all the way diesel is cheaper than Premium and you have to run Urea but it is not that expensive and 406 ft lbs of torques is pretty fun. Doesn't stink at all!!
X5 diesel is smokin hot also just a 6 speed instead of n eighA it is usually pretty close. RX 450h a good choice with your parameters.
I am not kidding look at the Touareg updated in 011 it is smaller though but seats and ride and handling can't be beat.. The older design has a less than spectacular reliability rating (overblown)but the new ones are pretty good. I think they are 19/28 and ours gets 30 ish hwy all day at 70, 25 plus city/hwy. Seems like folks do not associate VW with ultraluxury SUV's but this SUV is smokin hot and can be gotten relatively cheap if ya look, chaepa mans porsche cayenne. TDI all the way diesel is cheaper than Premium and you have to run Urea but it is not that expensive and 406 ft lbs of torques is pretty fun. Doesn't stink at all!!
X5 diesel is smokin hot also just a 6 speed instead of n eighA it is usually pretty close. RX 450h a good choice with your parameters.
10-01-12, 05:20 PM
#26
ya know whatt I really liked was the Toyota Venza. The 4 cyl will get good MPG good ride nice and soft and wide shoulder oom and back lid for HWY cruising, check that one out prolly get fully loaded for 30 ish
10-01-12, 07:39 PM
#28
I would say cush and AWD, go with the 2nd gen RX, preferably the '07+ RX350. I felt that ride and interior was better than current gen RX350. You'd find them way under $40K at this point and reliability is Lexus, so 'nuff said.
10-03-12, 04:29 AM
#29
I guess if yur looking for a real 29 mpg with a few on and off the freeways yur gonna have to be a bit choosey but 7 speed and 8 speed trannys help As hypervish said the Touargeg TDI has a checkered reliability history. The Passat is 012 car of the year the Touareg is fully redone since the 04-010 T1 and T2 and VW sales are stronger. Hopefully, though I got an extended warrantee, the T3 TDI is an improved VW and is very fun to drive. Diesel is real popular in Europe and the X5, Touareg,MB Blue Tec can be had a year old with like 8-10 k miles without totally breaking the bank, well that is relative. No smell little clatter just have to have a paradigm shift in thinking. road tests are free.
10-03-12, 07:30 AM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
To me, I would get a Subaru Outback. You can get one really well equipped (read, loaded) for under $40k. I drove one back before we got our Jeep (the Jeep rides really well actually...but the gas mileage would kill you) and they ride very well (not as well as an LS, nothing rides like an LS...including any other Lexus), yet they have the ground clearance you're looking for coupled with good fuel economy you won't get out of any SUV or crossover vehicle.
Go drive an Outback...
Go drive an Outback...