I'm a 24/7 Car Guy yet can't decide what to get for next daily driver

"raddy21" (raddy21) 07/31/2014 at 23:50 • Filed to: None

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So I have an interesting life. I live in NYC and work in Long Island. I drive to and from work as well as for work from time to time.

But living in Manhattan, as you can imagine, is no place for a nice car. I'm selling my current 2003 QX4 w/ 165k miles this weekend and need something to replace it with. My budget is roughly $5-$7k. Ideally I'd like an RX330 but those are a tad out of my budget currently. I would like to stick with the Asian-Luxury SUV theme for reliability and comfort.

I need an SUV for potholes, snow, visual aide for jaywalkers darting out around cars, as well as light off-roading at fiancee's families weekend house. So yes, that's a "need" and not a "want"

This pains me to ask for help since I am a car guy but I have hope the oppo community can give me some good ideas.

Gracias!

Nibby > raddy21 07/31/2014 at 23:51

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WOO Another LI Jalop? Where on LI?

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > raddy21 07/31/2014 at 23:51

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Subaru Forester XT

raddy21 > Nibby 07/31/2014 at 23:54

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I work in Syosset, what about you?

raddy21 > Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT 07/31/2014 at 23:56

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I like the Foresters but need something that sits higher up. (I know I sound like a soccer mom but I'm really a 6'2 dude... I swear)

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > raddy21 07/31/2014 at 23:57

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a slight lift kit on those works

They make them for the forester and they are cheap if I recall...

why asian market though? why not american? Just picky? or personal preferance?

onewheelofsteel > raddy21 07/31/2014 at 23:57

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Woo! Long Island represent! Baldwin/Stony Brook Student here.

deekster_caddy > raddy21 07/31/2014 at 23:59

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hard to go wrong with a Yukon/Tahoe. They are reasonably priced, decent interiors, easy to fix or find a mechanic who can, overall pretty reliable.

It's no infinity, but they are good and can meet your budget.

AM3R > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 00:01

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A first gen BMW X5 with the inline 6 is reliable, comfortable, and fun to drive.

But if it's gotta be Asian buy a Pathfinder. I know it's basically the same car you already have, but my dad had a fully loaded one back in the day and I always loved it.

raddy21 > Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT 08/01/2014 at 00:05

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Good question. A mix of personal preference vs. statistics. I feel some SUVs like my QX4 age better than a similar Ford Explorer or Jeep GC from the same year. Although I was considering an Aviator but then I read about a widespread issue regarding the design of the rear tailgate ( http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settle… ) And Jeep GCs from that era now have a new recall ( http://fortune.com/2014/07/22/chr… ). All cars have their issues but certain models age better than others and at the end of the day I'd rather be back home than the side of the road. That's not to say all domestic cars are junk, it's just that no matter which car you buy used, it all depends on previous owner's treatment until they hand you the keys.

Nibby > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 00:05

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I... er. uhfmdgsm

I was BORN and raised in Syosset.

raddy21 > AM3R 08/01/2014 at 00:06

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I've thought about X5 but wondered about reliability. Have to do some more research into them. Also parts would be higher I figure (Just random thoughts in my head) thank you!

raddy21 > deekster_caddy 08/01/2014 at 00:08

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Yes. I've considered this but the one issue is I park my car in a valet garage in the city and my "average" sized SUV barely squeezed in so moving up to yukon/tahoe would be rough. Love the mid 00's denalis though. Thanks!

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Nibby 08/01/2014 at 00:09

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I'm from Syracuse and live in Oswego, can I join this party even though I'm on Lake Ontario?

Nibby > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 08/01/2014 at 00:09

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CLOSE ENOUGH! I was in the 'Cuse a few months ago with one of my friends for a day.

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 00:10

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With the Jeeps, that recall gives you a free tow hitch, anyone with a tow hitch is not being recalled, and the 4.0 is unbreakable, belive me my friend ran his with NO oil in it for about 50 miles one night....Its impressibe how reliable that engine is.

I stay away from all SUVs cuase I don't need one, but all I can suggest is what I know, which is Subaru, and Toyota, and Jeep. haha

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Nibby 08/01/2014 at 00:10

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It's a nice city if you stay out of the West and South sides. Where were you?

Your boy, BJR > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 00:11

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first gen Honda Pilot EX-L. Just as luxurious as the Lexus, but more under the radar. No cop will look twice at a grey 2004 Pilot. That's why I'm going with one. Plus VTEC.

AM3R > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 00:12

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Nah the first gen X5 was a huge seller so parts are abundant. OEM parts can be bought on most tuning sites like ecstuning.

If you get the 3.0 with the inline 6, you'll be good. Even available with a manual! The I6 it used was tried and true so it really shouldn't give you any issues.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 00:16

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1st gen Acura MDX. Bulletproof reliable and quite indestructible. Plus they're just badass looking.

raddy21 > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 08/01/2014 at 00:21

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I'd love if the 2nd Gen actually looked like this:

raddy21 > AM3R 08/01/2014 at 00:22

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Good point with the fact that they made a ton. I'll look into these, thank you again!

raddy21 > Your boy, BJR 08/01/2014 at 00:26

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I like the idea of a blacked out pilot. And yes. gotta love the VTEC. I'd probably continue on theme of my old accord and black it out... pictured here:

STAGGERED-6 > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 00:28

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Found it! Of course you'll need to ship it from Arizona.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/459060…

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 00:30

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3rd or 4th gen 4Runner Limited.

Your boy, BJR > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 00:42

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do it. We can start our own pilot based sub blog. It won't be terribly interesting.

Doug DeMuro > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 01:49

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Why'd you ditch the QX4?! That was perfect for you!

Can you get an FX35 in your price range? Or a turbocharged RDX? Otherwise — LX470 or Land Cruiser?

Failing those, definitely an 04-09 RX.

Or keep the QX4!

raddy21 > Doug DeMuro 08/01/2014 at 07:10

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Yes the QX4 was exactly what I needed and fit my life like a glove, i know, i know. However @ 165k miles is just before little issues start popping up like Whac-A-Mole and I just don't have energy or time to deal with them. I've had my eye on FX's but was never a huge fan of their shape. And yes the RDX's are fun and a good size for the urban lifestyle.

I love the LC's and LX's, especially the 1996-1997 years but too big for manhattan garage lifestyle.

raddy21 > STAGGERED-6 08/01/2014 at 07:21

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Ok perfect! Search is done! Thanks folks, found my unicorn

raddy21 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/01/2014 at 07:22

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Yes, I'm considering these also. Thank You!

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 08:00

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I mean it does. That's just some bolt-on cosmetic mods.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 10:11

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With that list of needs... I would get a QX4. Oh wait... I would stay away from first gen x5. It will fall apart around the engine. They made tons of them, but how often do you see them anymore? I almost never see them. Off-road ability is nonexistent, but that can be said about most of the options you're considering.

STAGGERED-6 > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 10:41

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It's essentially an SUV version of a reliant robin, so SUV check. Also it's apparently made in China and I don't know about you but I'd feel pretty luxurious driving this bad boy around town, check and check on those two requirements. Budget no problem, matter of fact you've got extra dinero for some upgrades. Off-road ability, I'm pretty sure atvs had three wheels in the 70s and 80s so this thing should be an off-road tyrannosaurus at your in-laws place.

raddy21 > STAGGERED-6 08/01/2014 at 14:03

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I think one of the main problems would be fending off the hoards of women throwing themselves at me and chasing me down the street in this bad boy.

STAGGERED-6 > raddy21 08/01/2014 at 14:51

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Precisely why I'm worried my wife will say hell no. A vehicle with that much sex appeal is bound to put strain on a marriage. It's definitely not because she told me she refuses to ride in a wheel barrow with an engine.

dale hunter hall > raddy21 08/03/2014 at 03:17

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Toyota Tundra. I have a friend who has a Tundra. (he originally bought a 2002 model, and bought a 2013 model after trading in his 2002.) The Tundra has the legroom you need and the headroom you need.

raddy21 > dale hunter hall 08/05/2014 at 16:52

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That's a good suggestion but I really need an SUV or else I'd go for something like a Tundra have it all set up with TRD parts etc. Thank you!