Find me a $30k fast SUV (UPDATE: with decent MPG, or a wagon)

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein) 09/03/2014 at 00:18 • Filed to: None

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I've been toying around with the idea of consolidating my 135is and Grand Cherokee into one vehicle. I'm slightly tempted by the various hotted up SUVs out there, but they're all so... heavy .

Here's a list of possibly-not-insanely-expensive SUVs with some kind of sporting pretenses, sorted by power-to-weight ratio. For reference, my 135is at 320 hp and 3439 lbs has a power-to-weight ratio of 10.7 lb/hp.

2007-10 BMW X5 4.8i/xDrive48i - 350 hp - 5335 lbs - 15.2 lb/hp
2006-09 Range Rover Sport Supercharged - 390 hp - 5671 lbs - 14.5 lb/hp
2004-06 BMW X5 4.8is - 355 hp - 5016 lbs - 14.1 lb/hp
2005-10 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi - 330 hp - 4665 lbs - 14.1 lb/hp
2011-14 BMW X3 xDrive35i - 300 hp - 4222 lbs - 14.1 lb/hp
2011-14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi - 360 hp - 4850 lbs - 13.5 lb/hp
2010-14 Ford Flex EcoBoost - 355-365 hp - 4909 lbs - 13.4 lb/hp
2011-13 BMW X5 xDrive50i - 400 hp - 5379 lbs - 13.4 lb/hp
2008-09 Saab 9-7x Aero - 390 hp - 4781 lbs - 12.3 lb/hp
2008-10 Porsche Cayenne GTS - 405 hp - 4949 lbs - 12.2 lb/hp
2006-09 Chevy Trailblazer SS AWD - 390 hp - 4663 lbs - 12 lb/hp
2003-06 Porsche Cayenne Turbo - 450 hp - 5200 lbs - 11.6 lb/hp
2006-10 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 - 420 hp - 4819 lbs - 11.5 lb/hp
2010-13 Range Rover Sport Supercharged - 510 hp - 5816 lbs - 11.4 hp
2012-14 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT - 470 hp - 5150 lbs - 11 lb/hp
2008-10 Porsche Cayenne Turbo (+ '06 Turbo S) - 500 hp - 5200 lbs - 10.4 lb/hp
2007-12 Mercedes ML63 AMG - 503 hp - 5093 lbs - 10.1 lb/hp
2010-13 BMW X5 M - 555 hp - 5368 lbs - 9.7 lb/hp
2008-10 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S - 9.4 lb/hp

Obviously not everything on this list can't be had for $30k, but just throwing all the ideas out there.

Which would you choose? Anything I've missed? (And don't say Q7 or Touareg—the V8 & V10 TDI are massively heavy and at the low end of the hp range.)

UPDATE:

Other options that people suggested and might as well throw on the list: Trailblazer SS/Saab 9-7x Aero, ML63 AMG, X3 35i. List has been updated.

I also did a little math on gas. My yearly fuel cost on both my cars is about $2270. Something that gets 15 mpg and takes premium would burn about $3000/year of gas.

So, $730/year more on gas isn't earth shattering, but since my goal here is to save money by consolidating, something to keep in mind. The only members of this list that won't raise my fuel cost are the Flex Ecoboost, and X3 35i.

UPDATE 2:

Oh and I guess there's also the idea of a fast awd wagon, to which I'm not opposed. Lighter, certainly better on gas, plus lower to the ground (which I'm willing to live with as long as I've got awd + snow tires).

2005-2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT wagon - 243 hp - 3530 lbs - 14.5 lb/hp
2009-2010 Audi A6 Avant 3.0T - 300 hp - 4255 lbs - 14.2 lb/hp
2008-2010 BMW 535xi/535i xDrive - 300 hp - 4145 lbs - 13.8 lb/hp

Brian Silvestro > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:02

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I've looked at both of the Cayennes because they seem like the most attractive choices. I just like how the first gen GTS looks from the rear.

GhostZ > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:05

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I'm on the side of the Cherokee Hemi or SRT8. Get the Cayenne because you want to spend tons of money to have your cake and eat it too. Get the SRT because you want a fast SUV.

But honestly? Keep them separate. One for terrain, one for fun.

ly2v8-Brian > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:06

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Trailblazer SS

AM3R > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:07

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I'd either get a cayenne or a X5 4.8i, which was going to be my recommendation.

Or you could get an X5 35i and tune it to 450whp.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > ly2v8-Brian 09/02/2014 at 19:09

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This is the one and only answer.

Or Saab 9-7x Aero.

Arben72 > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:09

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Forester xt. Not luxurious, but not heavy. 3600 pounds at 250 hp 14.4hp per lb. But it's a wrx underneath, so mods are crazy plentiful. Oh and it can be had with a manual, and you can get one new under your budget. It'll be the cheapest to maintain too.

Aaron James > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:10

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Spend a little (14K) get a lot.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:13

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If weight is your primary concern, and can do with something quite a bit smaller than the others listed up there - buy a mint Subaru Forester XT? Will have plenty left over for STi mods and dedicated summer and winter rubber too.

Won't have the same huge engines, or quite the brand appeal - but very capable and frighteningly fast little things.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:14

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How about a V10 TDI Touareg? 310hp, but it's got 550ft-lbs of twist force. it's not the fastest here, but it PULLS like a fright train

Also, I found this for you... you can get '06+ Turbo cayennes!

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:17

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Range Rover Sport, HSE comes with a locking rear differential and low range.

ly2v8-Brian > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 09/02/2014 at 19:18

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Absolutely those two were LS2 powered beasts.

ekimp > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:24

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Maybe not as big, but may I suggest an X3 35i with a tune? Would probably be right around 12 lb / hp which is just what you want. Not insanely expensive either.

ekimp > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 19:24

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Maybe not as big, but may I suggest an X3 35i with a tune? Would probably be right around 12 lb / hp which is just what you want. Not insanely expensive either.

Vicente Esteve > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 20:20

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Cayenne GTS. Because Manual.

Tom McParland > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 20:42

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Forester XT...and add some boost yo!

hike > GhostZ 09/02/2014 at 21:01

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The Grand Cherokee will be so much cheaper to maintain than any of the luxury SUV's as well. Granted, it will still cost more than an average SUV, but that's the price paid for a fun truck.

GhostZ > hike 09/02/2014 at 21:10

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It depends on the year. I imagine if you catch it after depreciation, it will hold its value FAR better than the average SUV, because A) they depreciate quickly because they're Dodges and B) once they depreciate, they hit stable floors due to their rarity.

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 21:39

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Y U NO want CTS-V wagon.

Textured Soy Protein > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man 09/02/2014 at 21:54

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Because I live in Wisconsin and prefer to have real winter capability.

Textured Soy Protein > GhostZ 09/02/2014 at 21:55

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I'm looking at the '06-'10 models since they're (relatively) cheap.

Textured Soy Protein > ly2v8-Brian 09/02/2014 at 21:57

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Hmm totally forgot about that—might be worth considering.

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 21:58

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My grandparents have a 2008 Subaru Outback and live halfway in the sticks, and it does well in the winter (Idaho winters where I live) albeit, it is AWD vs the CTS-V's RWD. I just bought a Merc Mountianeer the I hope will do okay this winter, (2000 4WD model).

Textured Soy Protein > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 09/02/2014 at 21:58

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I kinda like the overall room and comfort I have in my Grand Cherokee. A more performance-oriented SUV isn't going to have as comfy of a ride, but I'm sure it'll be cushier than my 135is.

I'm not completely opposed to a Forester XT but it's not quite as roomy/cushy as I'd like.

Textured Soy Protein > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/02/2014 at 22:00

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Thought about the Touareg V10 but it's almost 6000 lbs.

Textured Soy Protein > Aaron James 09/02/2014 at 22:01

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Kinda older/smaller than I want.

Textured Soy Protein > ekimp 09/02/2014 at 22:02

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Hmm yeah maybe, I forgot about it.

ly2v8-Brian > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 22:09

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Performance wise it compares well to the Cayenne. Interior not so much, but I suspect the Chevy is more reliable and much cheaper to maintain.

Aaron James > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 22:23

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Much less refined than those on your list too. I first rode in one in 1994 and it was blisteringly fast for the era but it certainly wouldn't compete with a Cayenne. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

JohnPlayerSpecial > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 22:28

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ML63 AMG . 5000-ish LBS, 10.4lb/hp, highly tuneable M156 block, $32k.

EtrnL_Frost > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 22:47

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No love for an x1 xdrive35i? Only problem is that I don't think the twin turbo 6 comes w/ a manny. Pewp. But, def in the 30k range used, and a biiiiiiiiiiig power to weight ratio. It was on the shortlist for next car for myself, but the lack of a manual tranny at the time was a deal breaker.

Textured Soy Protein > EtrnL_Frost 09/02/2014 at 23:16

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I looked at one before I got my 135is. Back seat is too small. I'm 5'11" and with the driver's seat adjusted to fit me, I technically could fit in the back, but my knees were not happy.

EtrnL_Frost > Textured Soy Protein 09/02/2014 at 23:20

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Oddly, I think the Countryman we ended up purchasing has a bigger back seat. Oh yeah, and like half the cost (new). I did note that many of the vehicles were on the larger end... just thought to give the little ones a chance!

Textured Soy Protein > EtrnL_Frost 09/02/2014 at 23:23

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I don't need or want something huge, it just seems like most of the fast SUVs aren't the small ones. Although someone mentioned the X3 35i which might be a good option.

Textured Soy Protein > ly2v8-Brian 09/02/2014 at 23:25

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The 9-7x Aero is semi-appealing since it's got at least a mostly-acceptable interior instead of the playskool crap in the Trailblazer. But after your suggestion, I looked into them more, and they get atrocious fuel economy thanks in part to their antiquated 4-speed auto. Not going to completely rule them out, but something to consider.

Textured Soy Protein > GhostZ 09/02/2014 at 23:35

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Yeah, that's certainly a possibility. I like both of my cars. I've been thinking of either consolidating, or getting a cheaper fun car, mostly because I want to save some money if possible.

I mostly drive the 135is when the weather is nice. I love how it drives, but it's not that big and the seats are a little tight, so I still use the Jeep when I just want to spread out and relax. Also for road trips, the 135is is only borderline acceptable. Driving solo it's no problem, but with a passenger and a few days worth of luggage it gets cramped quickly.

Then the BMW sits inside all winter because I live in Wisconsin, and even when it's not actively snowing, there's always slush and muck and salt on the roads and I don't want that crap to get all over it.

So if I had something that combined speed/handling with decent comfort and room, that could be a decent all-rounder and save me some cash.

Textured Soy Protein > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man 09/02/2014 at 23:42

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Before I went crazy and got both a 135is and Grand Cherokee within a few months of each other, I had a Mazdaspeed 6, which was awd and great in the winter with snow tires. Well...at least as long as he snow didn't get too deep. The Grand Cherokee on all-season truck tires is much better at pulling through deep snow, but I have to be more deliberate on the brakes than with the MS6+Blizzaks combo. But basically, I've gotten used to having something that kicks ass in snow, and I don't want to give that up.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 00:28

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FLEX ECOBOOST ALL THE WAY!!!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 00:35

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I want an LR3

http://greenbay.craigslist.org/cto/4644178190…

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 00:41

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Why not an Outback XT? It's literally the WRX of SUVs.

Textured Soy Protein > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 09/03/2014 at 00:47

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I suppose it's a possibility...something about them just doesn't quite excite me though.

The Legacy GT wagon does a little more for me.

Textured Soy Protein > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 09/03/2014 at 00:49

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Not sporty enough for what I want here.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 00:52

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sporty you say?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ctd/4635882039…

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/462855…

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Grand…

Textured Soy Protein > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 09/03/2014 at 00:53

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And...it's already on the list.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 00:58

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i know It was a long list I only skimmed it.

also I can't think of anything that isn't on the list

jmart > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 02:13

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2002-Present V8 S4 and RS4?

Spasoje > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 02:14

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I'd go for the unicorn of a previous-gen Porsche Cayenne GTS w/ manual trans!

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Thing is, with more MPG you get less of the fun factor. Since it needs to replace a sporty car, perhaps the smile on your face would be worth the hit in fuel costs. Plus, one insurance policy could be less than two, so there's always that.

DipodomysDeserti > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 08:41

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A Forester XT will weigh about the same as your Bimmer, and you could get it to the same HP levels relatively cheaply and easily. Assuming you purchased your BMW you're going to lose money on it, so I'm not sure if you'll actually save money by consolidating. I would keep the 135. It's going to be much more fun and satisfying to drive than any spiced up SUV and you'll miss it. The turbo Subaru wagons are a lot of fun and handle like cars, but they're not going to feel nearly as solid as the BMW.

quarterlifecrisis > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 09:26

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I had a Trailblazer SS for 22 months. Loved it. Killed me on gas though. It had bolt-ons, and would run mid 12s all day long. Plus, I had some god awful steelies and Blizzaks for the winter - most fun I've ever had in a vehicle in the snow. If you're interested, I can talk at length about them.

I've considered getting another one. Although, to do it again, I'd try and find a 9-7X Aero.

ntl0505 > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 09:51

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I did this same search for the past year or so. I almost pulled the trigger on a Jeep SRT8 and a 9-7X Aero. BUT I ended up with an Ecoboost Lincoln MKT. Got a 2012 with 40k miles certified pre owned for 30k otd. Thats with 6yr/100k mile bumper to bumper warranty.

It had the most storage, decent tow rating (4500lbs), could seat 7 (6 if you got the captains chairs in the middle row), has 355hp/355tq, and beats the shit out of a lot of things reliability wise. Also, it was WAY more comfortable than anything else. To put the nail in the coffin, it also can easily average 22+ mpg when driven sensibly on the highway. I took it on a 7000 mile road trip earlier this year and averaged 24.4 mpg for the entire trip with the cruise set to 73 on the highway.

Ad a Livernois tune and you have a low 13 second 7 person hauling monster.

brjklein > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 10:00

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My top three choices:

Flex Ecoboost-365hp-4909 lbs-13.4lb/hp

2012 Jeep SRT8

2008 Subaru Forester 2.5XT with STi bits

Textured Soy Protein > quarterlifecrisis 09/03/2014 at 10:55

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I actually happened upon a 9-7x Aero in my neck of the woods . Might have to go check it out.

quarterlifecrisis > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 11:10

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Do it. It's a mid 2000's GM interior, made a little nicer. But price wise, you can't complain too much at this point. The other thing worth pointing out, is that the TBSS and 9-7X Aero had 4:10s. Not sure if that means anything to you, but, it's geared pretty short. I mean, it'll still peg the speedo, but it definitely helps it out of the hole, a LOT.

Textured Soy Protein > DipodomysDeserti 09/03/2014 at 11:24

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It's a lease, which I can get someone else to take over. I'd be out the down payment, but I'd still be out the down payment at the end of the lease anyway.

Textured Soy Protein > ntl0505 09/03/2014 at 11:25

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Between the Flex and MKT, I'd probably choose the Flex. I'm sure the Lincoln has a nicer interior but it's just weird looking to me.

Textured Soy Protein > quarterlifecrisis 09/03/2014 at 11:27

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That final drive probably is one of the reasons the mpg is so terrible.

Andrew T. Maness > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 11:45

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If a manual transmission is of no concern then I'd recommend a 2007-2010 Subaru Outback 3.0. The LGT wagons are great vehicles but they never really felt all that quick to me without a tune and some modifications. The 3.0 on the other hand feels very quick right out of the box and you don't have to use premium fuel.

If you're looking for something with 3 pedals when the 5'er or Cayenne GTS are the standout options.

Also, I know you said you're opposed to them but you really should consider the V10 Touareg. Might be at the low end of the HP range but the torque, dear god the torque!

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/10-best-v10-to…

quarterlifecrisis > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 11:48

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Yup. Truth be told I would get 18ish on the highway. And bad in town.

If there were a good way to swap a 6L80, or whatever the hell it's actually called, into one of these it would be much better. There was a guy on the forums trying to do a T-56 swap, but last I saw it was mothballed.

ntl0505 > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 13:32

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I understand that. To me the Flex looks like a tiny school bus. But it definitely has more useable interior space. Ever look into a Explorer Sport?

TheRallyStache > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 13:43

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"I've been toying around with the idea of consolidating my 135is and Grand Cherokee into one vehicle."

Just do this. Literally.

Textured Soy Protein > ntl0505 09/03/2014 at 13:58

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I figure between the Flex and Explorer, the Flex is lower down so it probably handles better, right? Also I actually kinda like the styling on the Flex whereas the Explorer very much blends in with its surroundings. Except when I see a white one with the black grille and think it's a cop.

Textured Soy Protein > TheRallyStache 09/03/2014 at 14:05

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This isn't quite the look I'm going for.

Anthony Miller > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 14:14

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Don't forget the S4 Avant

Cyrus > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 14:44

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X3 xDrive 35i. It's quick, quicker with a tune. Handles well and KW even has a suspension set up for it.

ntl0505 > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 14:47

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I believe they're all on the same platform and the cg for all of them are probably fairly similar. I think the Explorer Sport has "tuned" suspension where as the MKT and Flex share most of their suspension components. I must say the MKT doesn't handle bad at all, it stays fairly flat through the corners. And it comes stock with 255/45/20s all around which hug the road pretty well. I think the Flex is very similar. I've ridden in both the Flex and MKT, and preferred the lux of the MKT. The Explorer Sport wasn't an option when I was looking so I've never been in one.

Bliq00 > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 16:12

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Range Rover Evoque or the new Land Rover Disco Sport? I really like the way each of them look. And the Land Rover is under $40k

Textured Soy Protein > Bliq00 09/03/2014 at 16:25

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Wow, I'm shocked at how light the Evoque is—only 3680 lbs! Looks like they haven't quite trickled down into my price range just yet. The way Land Rovers typically depreciate, it probably won't be much longer though.

Marty Graw > Textured Soy Protein 09/03/2014 at 22:11

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Wouldn't an ML63 hit the spot?

Malforus > Textured Soy Protein 09/04/2014 at 11:09

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Have you considered a Forester XT? 250 Horsepower with 32/24 mileage and tons of space.

Yes some people consider it a lesbian car, but what does that mean when you leave them in the dust. Yes its a CVT but the thing can still move 0-60 is about 6.4 seconds.

Best part of a Forester? HUGE cargo space while still being fun to drive. Plus Subaru understand cold as shit areas and has lots of creature comforts like block heaters, battery warmers, and the like.

Textured Soy Protein > Malforus 09/04/2014 at 11:26

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I'm not opposed to the Forester per se but something about them just kinda is meh to me.

Malforus > Textured Soy Protein 09/04/2014 at 11:30

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Compared to a Cayenne I agree, however I would recommend taking one for a test drive and flogging it. They remind me of the average looking girls in high school who when you date them turn into your wildest dreams come to life. Not only do they make practical sense but you can have lots of fun with them.