Looking for an SUV

dtul · 12-19-2013, 04:06 AM

To add on to he said about BMW, in terms of dealer service it will be hard to beat. The cars are very reliable and will suit your needs perfectly, especially the X5. If you do go that route consider going to Classic BMW here in Dallas. Its a few hours from you, but in my opinion very worth it. Their service departments are phenomenal and it sounds like you need a good customer experience after the **** ORR put you through. My dad's 650 had an electrical issue that no one could diagnosis properly and they just kept going at it; gave him a 650 from their lot that only had like 3000 miles on it to compensate while his was in there. Normally they would just give you a 3 series or something, but they let him use a nearly new 650 they had on the lot because no one at all could figure out what was wrong. He put close to 1000 miles on the loaner in the time it took them to fix his car and they were fine with it all in the name of keeping the customer happy due to their inability to fix a problem.

ImportConvert · 12-19-2013, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtul

To add on to he said about BMW, in terms of dealer service it will be hard to beat. The cars are very reliable and will suit your needs perfectly, especially the X5. If you do go that route consider going to Classic BMW here in Dallas. Its a few hours from you, but in my opinion very worth it. Their service departments are phenomenal and it sounds like you need a good customer experience after the **** ORR put you through. My dad's 650 had an electrical issue that no one could diagnosis properly and they just kept going at it; gave him a 650 from their lot that only had like 3000 miles on it to compensate while his was in there. Normally they would just give you a 3 series or something, but they let him use a nearly new 650 they had on the lot because no one at all could figure out what was wrong. He put close to 1000 miles on the loaner in the time it took them to fix his car and they were fine with it all in the name of keeping the customer happy due to their inability to fix a problem.

I've only known one other person with a BMW SUV. They had an X5, and I asked about it. They kindof shrugged. Were very neutral about it. I have heard great things about BMW service, though, but I've also heard that out of warranty, the service is pricy.

ImportConvert · 12-19-2013, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

I'm not taking it personally. I already mentioned my concern. I'm sorry that you had to go though hell. We all have done it with some cars in past. Who knows, my next car could be completely lemon. I don't have any control over it. But I'm not going to label that whole model and manufacturer as "crap". I'll just try to accept the fact that I have an unfortunate sloppy car and I'd try to get rid of it. Sometimes in life things happen like this. We have no control over it. It's all part of life. You should look into BMWs (x3 or x5) as they carry 100% maintenance free service first 4 years. Even rotors, pads and tires are included! Anything else you buy, there's no guarantee this won't happen again. I think BMW has a VERY good first 4 year maintenance plan

Feel free to pm me and we can discuss this further. Let keep this thread on topic.

I agree, and would go that route in a heartbeat, or Mercedes, which I think is similar/identical re:service plans, except I am trying to keep D/I very favorable because I don't know how much I will make where I'm going, and want to not worry about cutting it close on D/I for the house.

I may well go with that after 3-5 more years, but for the intermediate future, I'd like something in the $20K +-$2500 range. That should be nice, serviceable, and last 5-7 years if it's a normal experience.

Yes, crap happens, but it's crazy that it was undiagnosable, the company threw me under the bus, etc. I mean, if my car had some issues and they sorted it out and shoot my hand and it didn't cost me anything, yeah, that's life, but that's not how I feel that it went.

Currently:

--2009-2010 Grand Jeep Cherokee V8/AWD/Limited or Overland (I like the amenities and the AWD system it uses and the 357hp V8)
--FJC (I like the looks)
--Toyota 4Runner (I have never seen one die. Never heard of one dying.)

That's kindof where I'm at.

Red__Zed · 12-19-2013, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Hi,
How can do you still have 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty and still "tired of paying for repairs"? Anything happen during 3/36 is fixed under warranty with no questions asked. I do not understand that statement. Please elaborate

Warranty does not cover "wear items"

Quote:

Lets switch position for a sec: lets say you're the admin of a huge Mustang 5.0 forum and I'm importconvert_5.0, a member who owns 5.0 mustang. Every day I constantly bash this 5.0 Mustang to no point, I call out Ford as a pos, I call out mustang as the biggest pos, I wish to hurt the Ford any way I can by spreading my stories and engage in regular argument with 5.0 enthusiasts that their car sucks! What do you think will happen to me on that forum? Let me let you in a real secret: I'll be gone when I create my 3rd thread!

A. Kaiser

Unlikely. Most other forums welcome truthful criticism of the car, otherwise you wouldn't have hundreds of mustang forum threads (all started by the same guy) about the transmission issues. You wouldn't have threads on the Audi forum about carbon build up, which do nothing but trash the car. The s2000 owners who rip the car regularly. It's quite a common discussion on every forum but this one.

Discussion, good and bad, should be available for future purchasers to evaluate their decision. Frankly, you'd have less downers owning the car if they were privy to certain members experiences, and you'd probably get less of these threads in the long run. Banning members and deleting threads for reasonable discourse on the issues they've had doesn't fix the issues with the car--it just prevents others from learning from them. Do you remember when (on this forum) members were getting dogged for complaining about their steering lock issues? I think a couple of those early threads got nasty...

AK370Z · 12-19-2013, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Warranty does not cover "wear items"

I know Dan. I think you missed this post: Looking for an SUV

http://www.the370z.com/images/370zfo...and%20tear.JPG

I was actually shocked how much it covered. It's actually 1990 parts that's covered. So, minus the everyday wear and tear parts (tires, breake pads/rotors, clutch etc), this Gold Preferred covers everything and this is straight from oem NIssan that literally extends that bumper to bumper coverage. If tomm my engine blows up or transmission takes a crap, I don't have to spend 1 penny. Whether dealer spends $10,000 or $20,000 dollars, I don't pay anything.

Gold preferred at a glance: https://owners.nissanusa.com/content...plans/Gold.pdf

Parts in detail that's covered (first column): http://www.vadennissanprotectionplan...chart-2013.pdf

Quote:

Unlikely. Most other forums welcome truthful criticism of the car, otherwise you wouldn't have hundreds of mustang forum threads (all started by the same guy) about the transmission issues. You wouldn't have threads on the Audi forum about carbon build up, which do nothing but trash the car. The s2000 owners who rip the car regularly. It's quite a common discussion on every forum but this one.

Discussion, good and bad, should be available for future purchasers to evaluate their decision. Frankly, you'd have less downers owning the car if they were privy to certain members experiences, and you'd probably get less of these threads in the long run. Banning members and deleting threads for reasonable discourse on the issues they've had doesn't fix the issues with the car--it just prevents others from learning from them. Do you remember when (on this forum) members were getting dogged for complaining about their steering lock issues? I think a couple of those early threads got nasty...

Of course I remember! Do you remember in early 09-10 when we got a oil temp threads every other day? Every car has it's ups and downs. This forum is here to discuss it all. We welcome truthful criticism just like if not MORE than any other forum. But you have to understand there's a fine difference between truthful honest criticism vs. everyone chiming in and causing a riot. We always appreciate feedback from affected owners. We have hundreds and thousands of threads where members wrote (and write everyday) about good and bad things about the z over the years. However there's a threshold or limit how far we let a thread go to prevent drama/personal attacks etc. We don't delete threads but we lock it when it gets out of control. You can use the search feature and I'm sure you'll find hundreds of oil temps threads, brake icying threads, steering lock threads, fuel starvation threads, 6spd manual vs auto

and many other topics. They are all there. Since this is a privately owned (me) forum (vs corporation run ie. Internet Brands or autoguide etc), it's run with limited manpower. So if I see a thread that's going out of control, I close it to review or come back to it at a later time. I have a life outside the forum, you know. You and me had our ups and down over the years and at the end you are still here. I think that says something

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I've only known one other person with a BMW SUV. They had an X5, and I asked about it. They kindof shrugged. Were very neutral about it. I have heard great things about BMW service, though, but I've also heard that out of warranty, the service is pricy.

Yes they are. That's why I always tell people (those who wants peace of mind) - buy a bmw and trade it in on the 4th year for a new one and continue that cycle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I agree, and would go that route in a heartbeat, or Mercedes, which I think is similar/identical re:service plans, except I am trying to keep D/I very favorable because I don't know how much I will make where I'm going, and want to not worry about cutting it close on D/I for the house.

I may well go with that after 3-5 more years, but for the intermediate future, I'd like something in the $20K +-$2500 range. That should be nice, serviceable, and last 5-7 years if it's a normal experience.

Yes, crap happens, but it's crazy that it was undiagnosable, the company threw me under the bus, etc. I mean, if my car had some issues and they sorted it out and shoot my hand and it didn't cost me anything, yeah, that's life, but that's not how I feel that it went.

Currently:

--2009-2010 Grand Jeep Cherokee V8/AWD/Limited or Overland (I like the amenities and the AWD system it uses and the 357hp V8)
--FJC (I like the looks)
--Toyota 4Runner (I have never seen one die. Never heard of one dying.)

That's kindof where I'm at.

Aren't the Grand Cherokees are now benz made? I thought it was made on GL chassis? I think you'll be super happy with the grand Cherokee. Only problem is that gas mileage on the v8

. Toyota 4runners are GREAT too but they hold their value like crazy. So, you may not find a newer model or low mileage with the 4 runner. My recommendation will be (out of those) is FJC (FJ Cruiser, right?). If you like what it offers and as long as you like the look (IMO, appearance is it's biggest drawback), I think you can get one brand new, no? Full bumper to bumper warranty etc. There's no way you can get x3 or x5 with 20K budget.

Red__Zed · 12-19-2013, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

You and me had our ups and down over the years and at the end you are still here. I think that says something

.

Yep, it's too bad none of the truthful, unbiased threads I posted about my issues with the car survived along with me.

AK370Z · 12-19-2013, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Yep, it's too bad none of the truthful, unbiased threads I posted about my issues with the car survived along with me.

Well, you decided to delete them? not me. I haven't deleted a single thread of yours. You're always welcome to pm me about anything without taking this thread off topic

http://www.the370z.com/images/370zforum/red_zed.PNG

Red__Zed · 12-20-2013, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Well, you decided to delete them? not me. I haven't deleted a single thread of yours. You're always welcome to pm me about anything without taking this thread off topic

http://www.the370z.com/images/370zforum/red_zed.PNG

That list misses most of the really fun threads I posted, like the service records for my fourth overheating rear diff, as well as the time I posted this article:

Best-Handling Car For Less Than $40,000: 370Z vs. Evo, Mustang GT, GTI, Miata, Mini JCW - Feature - Car and Driver

I'll PM you. Would love to see them reinstated as I don't believe any rules were broken.

AK370Z · 12-20-2013, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

That list misses most of the really fun threads I posted, like the service records for my fourth overheating rear diff, as well as the time I posted this article:

Best-Handling Car For Less Than $40,000: 370Z vs. Evo, Mustang GT, GTI, Miata, Mini JCW - Feature - Car and Driver

I'll PM you. Would love to see them reinstated as I don't believe any rules were broken.

Absolutely! if they didn't break any rules, they will be reinstated after review.

ImportConvert · 12-20-2013, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

I know Dan. I think you missed this post: Looking for an SUV

http://www.the370z.com/images/370zfo...and%20tear.JPG

I was actually shocked how much it covered. It's actually 1990 parts that's covered. So, minus the everyday wear and tear parts (tires, breake pads/rotors, clutch etc), this Gold Preferred covers everything and this is straight from oem NIssan that literally extends that bumper to bumper coverage. If tomm my engine blows up or transmission takes a crap, I don't have to spend 1 penny. Whether dealer spends $10,000 or $20,000 dollars, I don't pay anything.

Gold preferred at a glance: https://owners.nissanusa.com/content...plans/Gold.pdf

Parts in detail that's covered (first column): http://www.vadennissanprotectionplan...chart-2013.pdf

Of course I remember! Do you remember in early 09-10 when we got a oil temp threads every other day? Every car has it's ups and downs. This forum is here to discuss it all. We welcome truthful criticism just like if not MORE than any other forum. But you have to understand there's a fine difference between truthful honest criticism vs. everyone chiming in and causing a riot. We always appreciate feedback from affected owners. We have hundreds and thousands of threads where members wrote (and write everyday) about good and bad things about the z over the years. However there's a threshold or limit how far we let a thread go to prevent drama/personal attacks etc. We don't delete threads but we lock it when it gets out of control. You can use the search feature and I'm sure you'll find hundreds of oil temps threads, brake icying threads, steering lock threads, fuel starvation threads, 6spd manual vs auto

and many other topics. They are all there. Since this is a privately owned (me) forum (vs corporation run ie. Internet Brands or autoguide etc), it's run with limited manpower. So if I see a thread that's going out of control, I close it to review or come back to it at a later time. I have a life outside the forum, you know. You and me had our ups and down over the years and at the end you are still here. I think that says something

Yes they are. That's why I always tell people (those who wants peace of mind) - buy a bmw and trade it in on the 4th year for a new one and continue that cycle.

Aren't the Grand Cherokees are now benz made? I thought it was made on GL chassis? I think you'll be super happy with the grand Cherokee. Only problem is that gas mileage on the v8

. Toyota 4runners are GREAT too but they hold their value like crazy. So, you may not find a newer model or low mileage with the 4 runner. My recommendation will be (out of those) is FJC (FJ Cruiser, right?). If you like what it offers and as long as you like the look (IMO, appearance is it's biggest drawback), I think you can get one brand new, no? Full bumper to bumper warranty etc. There's no way you can get x3 or x5 with 20K budget.

The FJC holds insane value, and the 4wd loaded ones are mid 20's even with 60k miles, etc.
The GJC now is a Benz platform, but I'm not sure about '09-'10. I average 22mpg with my Z. The 16-18 that I project with the GJC, esp. Being able to run 87 in it won't bother much much.

I like the FJC looks, but they seem to have a near cult appeal to those who do, and the used prices are high, imo.

IMWEZL · 12-20-2013, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

The GJC now is a Benz platform, but I'm not sure about '09-'10. The 16-18 that I project with the GJC, esp. Being able to run 87 in it won't bother much much..

If it's the same 5.7L Hemi in the Durango I think it runs on 89 Octane. Maybe it's just the V8 Hemi's with cylinder deactivation.

Also, I think early 3rd Gen Durango's (2011s) are already in the mid-low 20's depending on the options. V8/AWD combo's exist and the styling is way better than the 2nd Gen.

DEpointfive0 · 12-20-2013, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

So you could get away with one of the unibody SUVs as long as it was 4wd? Pass on the Trailblazer. My dad's was a complete POS. The Terrain I rented fell into that category too. Would a Forester have enough ground clearance for you?

The LX is a Land Cruiser. Land Cruisers cannot be killed with conventional weaponry. It's a moot point if it has to be 2009 or newer with a $20k budget, though. I never had a single issue with my Lexus. Not one. I've had less reliable hammers.

Yes, my family has ONLY owned Toyota and Lexus until I bought 2 Nissans in a row, and they have been MUCH worse than the Toyotas. And we beat the shít out of them. My brother's Avalon did 160k miles before he totaled it, and he did oil changes MAYBE once a year. My Avalon did 145k miles before my gf totaled it, and I jumped that car, went hunting in it, plenty of desert off roading in it, went in the snow 19-15 times too. Dad had 2 Highlanders back to back, last one had 150k miles before getting totaled, and we REALLY beat that car. It was a 2WD 4 banger, went off roading in the desert MANY, MANY times barely got oil changes, just top offs. Mom's Lexus has 80k miles, barely gets oil changes, only problems, she blew out 2 speakers (because she's a moron) and she f'd a CV boot, lol. Grandma's RX300, at 121k miles, only problem was that it killed batteries... because she'd leave the lights on, lol. Grandfather's Camry had 135k miles before they sold it last month. I don't think it ever had maintenance done because it was the family whore, everyone took it for a ride, all it needed was an alignment once. Best friend's RX300 had 279k miles before they sold it, only problem was an exhaust leak because we of roaded in it... lol. His PryUs, 147k miles when it got totaled, used maybe a quart of oil between 10,000 mile oil changes, and he beat that bítch. His dad's 2005 Toyota Tacoma is at 137k miles without, looks the same as when they bought it. 2 problems... The front mud guard tore off... You guessed it, while off roading, lol. And the other problem is that his dad burns through tires because he is the angriest driver, lol. Last (that I'm willing to type) is our family friend/co-worker's Highlander, 320k miles on it when he sold it, base model 4 banger, that only started using oil after 200k I believe, and after 300k is when it used 1 quart per 3000 miles.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand done... Toyota FTW!!!

XiP · 12-20-2013, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEpointfive0

Yes, my family has ONLY owned Toyota and Lexus until I bought 2 Nissans in a row, and they have been MUCH worse than the Toyotas. And we beat the shít out of them. My brother's Avalon did 160k miles before he totaled it, and he did oil changes MAYBE once a year. My Avalon did 145k miles before my gf totaled it, and I jumped that car, went hunting in it, plenty of desert off roading in it, went in the snow 19-15 times too. Dad had 2 Highlanders back to back, last one had 150k miles before getting totaled, and we REALLY beat that car. It was a 2WD 4 banger, went off roading in the desert MANY, MANY times barely got oil changes, just top offs. Mom's Lexus has 80k miles, barely gets oil changes, only problems, she blew out 2 speakers (because she's a moron) and she f'd a CV boot, lol. Grandma's RX300, at 121k miles, only problem was that it killed batteries... because she'd leave the lights on, lol. Grandfather's Camry had 135k miles before they sold it last month. I don't think it ever had maintenance done because it was the family whore, everyone took it for a ride, all it needed was an alignment once. Best friend's RX300 had 279k miles before they sold it, only problem was an exhaust leak because we of roaded in it... lol. His PryUs, 147k miles when it got totaled, used maybe a quart of oil between 10,000 mile oil changes, and he beat that bítch. His dad's 2005 Toyota Tacoma is at 137k miles without, looks the same as when they bought it. 2 problems... The front mud guard tore off... You guessed it, while off roading, lol. And the other problem is that his dad burns through tires because he is the angriest driver, lol. Last (that I'm willing to type) is our family friend/co-worker's Highlander, 320k miles on it when he sold it, base model 4 banger, that only started using oil after 200k I believe, and after 300k is when it used 1 quart per 3000 miles.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand done... Toyota FTW!!!

we're never had any problems with any of our toyotas and we've owned camry, 4runner, land cruiser, 2 tacomas, 2 rav4s, highlander

alcheng · 12-20-2013, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEpointfive0

Yes, my family has ONLY owned Toyota and Lexus until I bought 2 Nissans in a row, and they have been MUCH worse than the Toyotas. And we beat the shít out of them. My brother's Avalon did 160k miles before he totaled it, and he did oil changes MAYBE once a year. My Avalon did 145k miles before my gf totaled it, and I jumped that car, went hunting in it, plenty of desert off roading in it, went in the snow 19-15 times too. Dad had 2 Highlanders back to back, last one had 150k miles before getting totaled, and we REALLY beat that car. It was a 2WD 4 banger, went off roading in the desert MANY, MANY times barely got oil changes, just top offs. Mom's Lexus has 80k miles, barely gets oil changes, only problems, she blew out 2 speakers (because she's a moron) and she f'd a CV boot, lol. Grandma's RX300, at 121k miles, only problem was that it killed batteries... because she'd leave the lights on, lol. Grandfather's Camry had 135k miles before they sold it last month. I don't think it ever had maintenance done because it was the family whore, everyone took it for a ride, all it needed was an alignment once. Best friend's RX300 had 279k miles before they sold it, only problem was an exhaust leak because we of roaded in it... lol. His PryUs, 147k miles when it got totaled, used maybe a quart of oil between 10,000 mile oil changes, and he beat that bítch. His dad's 2005 Toyota Tacoma is at 137k miles without, looks the same as when they bought it. 2 problems... The front mud guard tore off... You guessed it, while off roading, lol. And the other problem is that his dad burns through tires because he is the angriest driver, lol. Last (that I'm willing to type) is our family friend/co-worker's Highlander, 320k miles on it when he sold it, base model 4 banger, that only started using oil after 200k I believe, and after 300k is when it used 1 quart per 3000 miles.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand done... Toyota FTW!!!

you guys have totaled... quite some numvers of cars... eh..

Chuck33079 · 12-20-2013, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcheng

you guys have totaled... quite some numvers of cars... eh..

And the other ones read like "why you don't buy used cars".

12-19-2013, 04:06 AM	#91 (permalink)
dtul Base Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dallas Posts: 191 Drives: n/a Rep Power: 12	To add on to he said about BMW, in terms of dealer service it will be hard to beat. The cars are very reliable and will suit your needs perfectly, especially the X5. If you do go that route consider going to Classic BMW here in Dallas. Its a few hours from you, but in my opinion very worth it. Their service departments are phenomenal and it sounds like you need a good customer experience after the **** ORR put you through. My dad's 650 had an electrical issue that no one could diagnosis properly and they just kept going at it; gave him a 650 from their lot that only had like 3000 miles on it to compensate while his was in there. Normally they would just give you a 3 series or something, but they let him use a nearly new 650 they had on the lot because no one at all could figure out what was wrong. He put close to 1000 miles on the loaner in the time it took them to fix his car and they were fine with it all in the name of keeping the customer happy due to their inability to fix a problem.