Moved back to the Northeast, Need a New Car As Well

[Happy Panther]

I've had my heart set for a while now on a crossover or small-mid size SUV. I plan on trading in the G37 and getting a vehicle that makes more sense to drive in this region all year round. Recently I have been looking into used Mercedes GLKs and the M class, BMW X3/5, Infiniti FX, Audi Q5, or Acura MDX. I really loved the 330hp of the G37 and would like something that still performs well and is fun to drive. I believe any of the SUVs I listed would fit that criteria.

 

I was looking to replace my wife's MDX for something bigger (new dog) that could go on the beach last year and found that the MDX is surprisingly big inside. I think it has the most cargo space of the cars you listed and is almost as big as the Lexus LX which you would think would be way bigger.

 

It also has a functional third row if you need it while I don't think some of the others you listed do.

[Anybodyhome]

I was looking to replace my wife's MDX for something bigger (new dog) that could go on the beach last year and found that the MDX is surprisingly big inside. I think it has the most cargo space of the cars you listed and is almost as big as the Lexus LX which you would think would be way bigger.

 

It also has a functional third row if you need it while I don't think some of the others you listed do.

 

Do you drive the MDX at all? I'm curious to know just how much room they have. My biggest problem is simply finding something I fit in at 6'6"...

 

And yes, I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of buying a winter 4x-beater and keeping the nicer ride for the 3 weeks of summer you all enjoy in Maine. 

 

[Happy Panther]

Do you drive the MDX at all? I'm curious to know just how much room they have. My biggest problem is simply finding something I fit in at 6'6"...

 

And yes, I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of buying a winter 4x-beater and keeping the nicer ride for the 3 weeks of summer you all enjoy in Maine. 

 

 

Yeah drive it all the time but I am 5'11". I don't think it would be bad but with the third row I am guessing the front seat only goes so far.

[Anybodyhome]

Yeah drive it all the time but I am 5'11". I don't think it would be bad but with the third row I am guessing the front seat only goes so far.

 

I currently have a Tahoe LTZ and the third row is still in its original plastic in the attic. Third row is one of those features which mean nothing to me.

 

I will be trading it for a Pilot or an MDX soon. 

 

[TNPanther]

Buy a winter beater. I spent 1200 on an old explorer last year. Drove it from november to march, sold it for 500 bucks and never looked back. Better than spending the money to drive an suv year round. Especially with these north east gas prices

This. Although I wouldn't recommend a used Exploder made within the past decade.

Have you ever considered a Subaru? They kind of get the stigma of being hippie cars but they are virtually bulletproof and perform like champs in the snow.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Unfortunately I don't have the room for two cars at the moment...ended up trading in my Infiniti and getting a 2010 Mercedes GLK350 with almost as many packages as possible. I got good value for my previous car and the deal was the best I could find within a couple hundred miles so I purchased the vehicle in Massachusetts and it is being delivered today.

 

I know Benz' are expensive and even more expensive to service; but something about this one as opposed to the Audis and BMWs and the other SUVs I test drove just called my name and it worked out. I ended up finding the color and wheels I wanted as well.  

 

I'll post pictures when I get the chance. Some people find them ugly, but for a small compact SUV the fit was just right for me. 

[Anybodyhome]

Congrats on the new ride. You are aware you may be banned for becoming the antithesis of a southern redneck Panther fan- an uppity, Euro car driving Yankee....

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Here she is...

 

[Kurb]

Baller.

 

What do you do ?