Considering A New Vehicle - Feedback Wanted

Kinja'd!!! by "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
Published 11/30/2017 at 23:04

Tags: Car buying advice
STARS: 0


The Talon is undoubtedly reliable as the day is long. Soon I’ll be adding a second Talon to my fleet. Winter is closing in, and that means it’s time to rip the motor out of the black FWD Talon for next year’s build, and I’ll be without a reliable transportation device.

I’m considering a performance SUV. I live in the snow belt, and I don’t want to drive a DSM in the salt. I’ve compiled some vehicles that fit my price range, and want to see what you all think. By buying one of these things, I’ll have the ability to my car to the track, drive through all weather types, plus the performance and luxury is great.

I love my older vehicles, but having the opportunity to enjoy some other newer vehicles lately makes me long for some creature comforts. My Talon just got a power steering delete and soon probably the rear seats. So for once, I’m the guy that takes comfort into account.

So far, this is what I’ve come up with.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Ah yes, with a 6.4 liter HEMI pumping 485 horsepower and a 0-60 of 4.4 seconds, it’s hard not to consider this beast. The interior is very nicely appointed and looks gorgeous in my humble opinion. I’ve raved about how much I love the uConnect interface, and all wheel drive of course is standard. The exterior is mean, but still subtle. These can be had in the $50,000 range with some pretty nice options, and the 6.4 has been a reliable mill. There’s a metric ass load of torque, so hauling my DSM should be an easy task.

Jaguar F Pace

Although my favorite journalist called it “average” it makes my list. The 3.0 supercharged model cranks out a respectable 380 horsepower and starts just under $60,000. Jaguar models depreciate as rapidly as a toddler art project, so I have no doubt a good deal could be had here. I find the exterior to be super attractive, and of course the interior is amazing. All wheel drive makes my snowy duties very feasible, but reliability remains a questionable aspect. I’d be looking at a CPO with a warranty for sure.

Audi SQ5

I can’t leave this one off, after all I love me some Audi. Starting at $55,000 with a 354 horsepower turbocharged V6, the Audi seems to offer a lot of bang for the buck. The exterior is gorgeous, and there’s no debating that’s Audi knows how to build an incredible interior. Quattro all wheel drive is legendary, and of course standard. This vehicle seems to offer it all, and hopefully depreciation will set in. However, Audi models, especially specialized models seem to retain value very well. Reliability remains unknown for now, but I’d take my chances.

So with that being said, what are some vehicles in this segment you’d recommend? Any experience with any of these models?


Replies (24)

Kinja'd!!! "CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
11/30/2017 at 23:11, STARS: 1

How much would a used supercharged Range Rover be? A guy I work with just bought an Autobiography trim and it’s pretty nice

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
11/30/2017 at 23:14, STARS: 1

And the Audi has some of the best paint colors you’ll find in the segment. I’d pick that out of your choices. But... Probably Porsche over all. You could certainly pick up a used Cayenne for a bargain. Super comfy, great tower, will embarrass many dedicated sports cars... And no less reliable than a lot of the used luxury SUV’s

Kinja'd!!! "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/30/2017 at 23:16, STARS: 1

Not sure, I’d considered that too. The only drawback for me was reliability. Unless of course, bumper to bumper warranty hah.

Kinja'd!!! "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/30/2017 at 23:17, STARS: 0

Was going to put the Cayenne GTS on here but was too lazy to dig through Porsche’s dreaded CPO location device because it sucks on mobile. It’s definitely on the list :)

Kinja'd!!! "Spasoje" (Spasoje)
11/30/2017 at 23:17, STARS: 3

A Porsche Macan is definitely worth looking at: in essence, you trade some backseat and cargo room for the best performance in its class. I found the F-Pace really fun (it was more engaging through an auto-x course than the XE!), but I’d never pay Macan S money for it. The infotainment in the Jag is kinda clunky, too. Looks awesome, though.

The SQ5 is an easy choice! Haven’t driven one, but I’ve been hearing nothing but good things about the new Q5 range in general. The GC is the best bet if you want to tow; plus, it’s a size up from any of the others.

Kinja'd!!! "shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/30/2017 at 23:18, STARS: 1

Of those three, I’d go for the F-Pace on looks alone.

Kinja'd!!! "For Sweden" (rallybeetle)
11/30/2017 at 23:18, STARS: 1

Just how long is the day though, really

Kinja'd!!! "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/30/2017 at 23:19, STARS: 1

Excellent points. I haven’t driven the F Pace yet, so that feedback is very appreciated.

The Macan was on my original list, just not as a new vehicle. Holy shit options add up really fast on those. CPO would be another thing.

The SQ5 is super attractive to me, I want to find one to spend some time with. Plus it would made for a fun Oppo review.

Kinja'd!!! "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/30/2017 at 23:19, STARS: 0

It certainly is handsome isn’t it?

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
11/30/2017 at 23:20, STARS: 0

2017 and some companies still can’t figure out mobile. Drives me crazy.

The other option of course, is to get an old Miata, lift it with tall winter tires and have more fun every day than anyone else in a 500mile radius

Kinja'd!!! "Spasoje" (Spasoje)
11/30/2017 at 23:20, STARS: 1

Are there any Audi dealers in your area that’ll give you a demo unit overnight?

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
11/30/2017 at 23:20, STARS: 3

For comfort, I’d look at the Volvo lineup ... not performance, certainly, but solid transportation. And pick up a CPO - save money for rebuilds.

Kinja'd!!! "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/30/2017 at 23:20, STARS: 1

About as long as my OEM head bolts and head gasket will hold HAHA

Kinja'd!!! "For Sweden" (rallybeetle)
11/30/2017 at 23:21, STARS: 0

haha

Kinja'd!!! "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/30/2017 at 23:22, STARS: 0

Potentially. That would be great!

Kinja'd!!! "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/30/2017 at 23:23, STARS: 0

Ooooh snap! Didn’t even consider Volvo. Great recommendation!

Kinja'd!!! "shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/30/2017 at 23:28, STARS: 0

Yeah, it really is.

Kinja'd!!! "The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
11/30/2017 at 23:43, STARS: 1

One of the last manual Juke Nismo RS’s.

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
12/01/2017 at 01:04, STARS: 0

And if only Saab were still an option ...

Kinja'd!!! "LOREM IPSUM" (lorem---ipsum)
12/01/2017 at 01:14, STARS: 1

The Jag is sexy, but I’d buy the SRT8 Jeep because that powertrain kicks everything elses ass by a wide margin and at a comparative bargain.

Or you could buy a $4000 FX45, like I did. 

Kinja'd!!! "AM3R, lost another burner" (am3r17)
12/01/2017 at 01:16, STARS: 0

If you want a performance SUV that handles well, get an X5M. They are IMO the best handling SUV (haven’t gotten to drive any nicely spec’d cayennes). An X5M is by far going to be the most fun if you like curvy roads.

Kinja'd!!! "G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3" (gbodyman)
12/01/2017 at 01:43, STARS: 0

I’m going to throw a vote in for the GC SRT, because it’s just so freaking awesome. Launch control is like firing a 155mm Howitzer up a ski slope. A sensible use of money? No. Absolutely necessary? Hell no. Fun? Fuck yeah.

Kinja'd!!! "pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
12/01/2017 at 05:33, STARS: 0

jeep

Kinja'd!!! "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
12/01/2017 at 14:51, STARS: 0

Excellent feedback and recommendations so far. The Jeep seems to be leading the pack according to many of you!