Help My Sister Buy a Car

"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion) 09/05/2019 at 14:42 • Filed to: None

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Pic unrelated. Eye candy, for your time. Keep reading. No, she is not buying a AMG wagon. 

My sister needs a new car. In her own way, she’s narrowed the search to a Lexus RX and a Jeep Grand Cherokee, budget seems to cap out in the low 20's but isn’t totally rigid. $25k would be too much, but she was sending me some links of JGC’s in the $16-17k range, so that’s kind of a big range. She’s in Boston and drives to NH regularly. She doesn’t commute to work by car most of the time.

She’s currently driving a 2002 Lexus RX and she wants something similar in size. MPG doesn’t seem to matter to her, or she’d just get a Prius V or a Highlander hybrid. She wants the space, but doesn’t need a third row. For sure she’ll want things like heated leather seats, which puts her in the higher trim levels of the JGC, while I assume most Lexus RX’s would have that kind of thing standard.

Example:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I don’t know much of anything about this era of either car. Tell me what you know! Are there engines/transmissions to avoid? Particular years that are plagued with issues, or known for being fantastic?

And trust me, making suggestions of “why don’t you look at _____ instead?” will fall on deaf ears. She’s on the right track compared to where she started, I’ll just leave it at that.

Thanks for your input!

Chariotoflove > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 14:48

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I say go with the RX.  Probably a better value for the money, a better car, and a known quantity.

Tapas > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 14:48

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I’m p artial towards the RX and Lexus in general.

But the Acura MDX is also a solid choice.

Tripper > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 14:49

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I don’t know much about either car, but I do know that every Lexus driver I know is all set to buy another Lexus when the time comes in 15 years.

CRider > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 14:50

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JGC is rwd/4x4 and available with a V8 engine. No question which is better. 

For Sweden > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 14:50

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What about this RAV4 Hybrid I found on Cars dot com?

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/784941522/overview/

ihm96 > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 14:52

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Those RX’s are great. I hate the mous epad tho

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Tapas 09/05/2019 at 14:56

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I’d say RDX instead, similar dimensions but a lot newer and better looking. Problem is I doubt it's  in her price range 

smobgirl > For Sweden 09/05/2019 at 14:58

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The best of all worlds.

dogisbadob > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:00

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TourX

functionoverfashion > Tripper 09/05/2019 at 15:01

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This is true. In fact, the one she has is the second or third in a row, owned by its previous owner. That person moved to a Rav4 which I tried to convince my sister to buy, but she’s hearing none of it. 

functionoverfashion > For Sweden 09/05/2019 at 15:01

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Geez they all look alike these days eh? 

functionoverfashion > Tapas 09/05/2019 at 15:02

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I don’t have an opinion either way I guess. I mentioned the Acura. She shrugged. 

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:02

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Maybe add the Acura MDX to the search, possibly a loaded Explorer as well

functionoverfashion > dogisbadob 09/05/2019 at 15:03

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This is the right answer, but also she will not hear my suggestions outside of what she’s already decided she likes. I might as well suggest a used Rolls Royce.

WilliamsSW > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:03

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Leather isn’t standard on the RX FYI, so look closely - but most do have it.

The RX is a miserable driving experience imho (wife  had a 2011 and now has a 2017) but she loves it and both were dead reliable.  

functionoverfashion > ihm96 09/05/2019 at 15:04

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What years do they have a mousepad/touchpad , I assume it’s something you use to control the infotainment or whatever?

functionoverfashion > Chariotoflove 09/05/2019 at 15:05

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I suspect she’s leaning that way, but her close friend has a JGC... hence its entry into the mix.

functionoverfashion > WilliamsSW 09/05/2019 at 15:07

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I didn’t mind the 2002, but I have no idea what the newer ones are like to drive. Her previous cars were a 2006 WRX hatch and a 2004 V70R, oh yeah and a 1996 Honda Civic before that. This is a decidedly less interesting direction in her car history.

I’m not hearing a lot of support for the JGC here in terms of which is more reliable. 

functionoverfashion > CRider 09/05/2019 at 15:08

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She probably does not care about the engine, so long as it runs and isn’t horribly slow. Her last car before the RX was a 2006 WRX. 

Tripper > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:09

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My brother in law has a Rav 4 and it’s nice but I’d also have none of it. Dosen’t want another RX?

functionoverfashion > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 09/05/2019 at 15:09

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I like the explorers a lot, but not sure if she’ll go for it. The MDX is a great suggestion but she shrugged it off like the Rav4 or CRV. Both of those are probably equivalent to the 2002 Lexus by now, especially in the higher trim levels. 

functionoverfashion > Tripper 09/05/2019 at 15:10

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She’ll probably get another RX, but if that’s the case, why is she asking me lol

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:14

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Hmmm. If the Infinti FX or whatever it got renamed as wasn’t so damn small inside, I’d suggest that. Volvo XC60/90 ? Although truth be told there’s nothing wrong with either the Jeep or the Lexus.

Nothing > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:16

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We’ve had the Jeep for almost six years now. A couple of warranty related fixes, but it’s been reliable for us. It’s really comfortable, although more so from the drivers seat, as the passenger side footwell has an intrusion from the center of the car. It rides great, moves ok, and my wife has no plans to give it up anytime soon. That said, we’ve only put 30k miles on it too, so it doesn’t get a ton or wear and tear. Honestly, we don’t have a complaint about it at all. It’s a great looking rig, too.

dogisbadob > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:17

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Push those peasants outta the way :p

OK fi ne, between the two, the RX, because Toyota makes the best cars :o)

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:22

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I like the Highlander/RX idea. 

ihm96 > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:23

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Im not sure what years they have it but its the worst. You have to literally point and click with a mousepad to choose options on the screen, its impossible to do while driving. However I’ve seen many high mileage (over 200) RX trade ins, and my grandparents have had one for years as does my best friends parents and there have been very few issues. They seem like very solid vehicles, I just hate the mousepad quirk in some of them

syaieya > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:35

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Where i am JGC hold their value like stupid well. My neighbor is in a similar market though. Taller suv/cuv thing with heated seats under 23k otd.

Honest the ones weve found that suit her best are either a grand touring cx5 or a santa fe with options out the nose. 

WilliamsSW > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:41

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I’m generally not an SUV/Xover fan anyways, and her 2011 wasn’t so bad - though it always felt to me like rear visibility was lousy.

The newer one is much worse, mostly due to weird intrusions by electronic nannies that make the steering awful. Plus it still feels like a dungeon to me inside.

They are very reliable though. And luxurious.  

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:43

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I think the diesel in the Grand Cherokee is still a must-avoid.

In 2014 the Grand Cherokee got the universally loved ZF 8 speed transmission, though the 2014 model year is the one with the wild shifter that killed that actor and ended up getting recalled.

Who’s that guy here that’s in the service dept of a CDJR dealership? I believe I’ve seen him say that some of the 5.7L Hemi V8's get a lifter thing at 150k miles. And I think I’ve also seen him say that the Pentastar V6's have turned out to be extremely reliable, though last week there was that post about some of them having oil consumption issues.

Other than that, standard Jeep deal where a noisy set of people swear they’re the most horrible hunks of junk anywhere, yet there are boatloads of them on the road.

B e sure to check out the Altitude trim level. It’s a really good middle ground between Laredo and Limited.

Sovande > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 15:45

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Why get a Jeep when you can just g et another Lexus? 

Sovande > CRider 09/05/2019 at 15:45

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I agree. The Lexus is the better option.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 09/05/2019 at 15:49

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What percentage is the car and what percentage is the dealer experience?

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > For Sweden 09/05/2019 at 16:00

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Transmission: Automanual

It’s an automatic damnit, stop making up words.

boredalways > For Sweden 09/05/2019 at 16:21

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Oooh, the rare, slammed VAG RAV4 Hybrid!

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/05/2019 at 16:25

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70/30 Toyota makes a good product. That said all cars break, and having to go to the dealer can be a nightmare. I was impressed with Lexus, but not as much as I was with Audi. That said, those are the only two dealers where I thought, wow that is how a dealer should operate.

boredalways > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 16:31

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If she doesn’t care about infotainment, the Lexus RX/RX Hybrid. Plus, it would hold its value better.

If she does care about infotainment, JGC for the UConnect. She could get one loaded, most likely less than the RX. But will it last as long as the Lexus without major issues since the current Lexus that she owns is from 2002?

Shift24 > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 16:38

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What about a Pi lot elite or sister car to the Jeep  the Durango?

The reason I ask for the Durango is it has available 3 rows. I have researched these as well and it seems like up to 2013 they had issues with the P entastar. 2014 on hasn’t had any issues

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 09/05/2019 at 16:44

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Mrs. addiction is currently in an Acura, and the local dealer treats her very well. Currently considering Subaru/Kia, and wondering how much of a shock to the system that would be, based purely on dealer experience.

412GTI > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 16:46

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I’m a pretty big Grand Cherokee fan, but I will say Lexus all day. I’ve seem most of the lower 20k GC’s that come through our dealer and I wouldn’t want any part of financing one.

She’s already an RX owner, it makes the most sense to get back into a newer one. 

NKato > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 16:57

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Get a used Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis for less than 9k, use the rest of the budget to make needed repairs/refurbs to the car. That’s what I did. Initial start up was less than 5k, and though the rear end blew up a few months later, I was able to get it replaced for less than 4k. Still cheaper than your average 2015 dealer car. It is also relatively cheap to maintain, and if you have your own garage, you can do most of the maintenance yourself.

It’s also insanely reliable when maintained properly.

Downside is the poor side impact ratings compared to current standards.

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/05/2019 at 16:59

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Hah, I can’t speak to Kia but I think Subaru will be a shock . I have done business with 3 of 4 local Subaru dealers...Brand new Subarus, used Subarus, used other cars, service etc... I have stories about all three that range from not covering a turbo under warranty to denying a scheduled test drive without me essentially buying the car first....

Luckily my wife is the only one who deals with the 4th, and when I asked her about the dealer she say’s they’re nice and they have a little area for kids to play.

I’d check reviews on your local dealer, but even if they’re one of the good ones I doubt that they’ll be as good as a premium dealer.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 09/05/2019 at 17:11

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Yep.

“Free” loaners are pretty great.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 09/05/2019 at 17:15

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Mmmm FX. easily one of the best looking crossovers period

CRider > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 21:07

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I mean, about all you can say about a Hemi GC is that they run (It's a Jeep but the 5.7 is solid) and aren’t horribly slow. All you can say about a RX is that they run.

CRider > Sovande 09/05/2019 at 21:08

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If your name is Katherine and you spend half your free time in HOA meetings , I agree.

functionoverfashion > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 09/05/2019 at 21:17

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If the redesigned XC60 had been around a little longer, I’d drag her down to the Volvo dealer and make her buy one on the spot.

functionoverfashion > Sovande 09/05/2019 at 21:20

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Novelty?

functionoverfashion > syaieya 09/05/2019 at 21:21

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CX5 is an excellent choice. It’s been arbitrarily ruled out for some reason.

functionoverfashion > NKato 09/05/2019 at 21:24

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This is way too practical of an answer. Get out of here with your logic and reason lol

functionoverfashion > Nothing 09/05/2019 at 21:26

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This is the most positive review I’ve heard, and from an actual owner. Thanks, although I suspect she’s leaning toward the Lexus anyway. She’s not overly abusive of cars, but she isn’t great at addressing issues before they become... crises.

functionoverfashion > boredalways 09/05/2019 at 21:28

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Hmm, well I suspect she won’t have this car for quite as long, but I guess you never know.

Sovande > CRider 09/05/2019 at 21:34

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Lots of people just want to get in and go. Hard to argue with a Lexus in that regard. 

Sovande > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 21:35

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That Jeep lost almost 60% of its value in 4 years. My guess is the Lexus did better in the same time frame. 

Jordan > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 22:23

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Wants lots of space, heated leather, doesn’t car e about mpg? Price aside, that E63 wagon would be perfect. How about an E55 AMG wagon? The 5.5 supercharged V8 is insanely reliable, and it won’t depreciate.

Or if she’s hell-bent on getting an SUV, how about a used Land Cruiser? Again, super reliable, and they depreciate VERY slowly. Great off-road too- its not a pretender like the Lexus RX

CRider > Sovande 09/05/2019 at 23:01

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It’s hard  to argue with an Uber in that way, too.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > functionoverfashion 09/05/2019 at 23:50

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My mom has about 50k on a 2014. Only issue was power tailgate lift stopped workin g but that was covered under warrenty. Rides OK little flaoty due to big tires. (I find all suvs to be either way too floaty or stiff ). My parents love the seats, but I can never get comfortable.

If it is for going north, the JGC has 4wd.

NKato > functionoverfashion 09/06/2019 at 04:33

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Do it. There is also a lot of upgrade potential. I plan to someday install a 5.0L Coyote in it.

pip bip - choose Corrour > functionoverfashion 09/06/2019 at 05:24

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tell her to buy an Equinox

functionoverfashion > Jordan 09/06/2019 at 07:14

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I would LOVE for her to get an old Land Cruiser, but while they’re very reliable, I wouldn’t count them as “low maintenance” in the $20k range from what I understand. Might also just be a little to big, compared to an RX but that’s only my gut feeling.

I would also LOVE for her to get an AMG wagon, but it’s probably too flashy. The RX will blend in around Boston like a tree in the forest. 

Sovande > CRider 09/06/2019 at 07:41

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Except for the fact that ridesharing and car ownership are two completely different things, I’d completely agree.

My mom drives a Lexus. So far, in four years she has needed the oil changed a couple times and I think she got her brakes flushed. It's a fine car that is comfortable and reliable. She doesn't need or care about a hemi and all that crap, she just wants a comfortable place to be when she goes to the store or on a trip for a few hours. Plus the dealer experience is pretty nice.