The Mini Cooper Countryman, despite its rustic name, is not much of a family vehicle. It's cute, fun, but not really family. Inasmuch as you seem to be shopping German upscale, take a look at the Mercedes-Benz R-Class wagon or B-Class Hatchback.
Exactly the reason BMW bested Mercedes and Lexus as the luxury car of the year. And Mercedes was none too happy about either.
I'll be driving their new 3-series next week and will have a review up for you.
Part of the reason is carbon fiber. BMW went into a joint venture with a carbon fiber group and that makes a car lighter, more agile, just as strong etc.
I have a video of BMW's newest electric cars I'll put up later today. It is beautiful.
Why not the A4 Allroad Wagon? It makes perfect sense for family travel but, unfortunately, won't be available for another six months. But here's the deal. If you buy the Audi A5 now, I guarantee that you will be kicking yourself when the A4 Allroad Wagon rolls out especially if, as expected, it rolls out with a diesel option.
Try it. Techhie inputs, anyone?
You're right, Honda has a more consistent reliability number. But the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is going to be a great car. The kids will like the Jeep factor when you take them to school in it. If you can buy a car for only what is left on the lease I would go with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Warren, “ You were asked this question last week (someone beat me to the punch!) - Same question - but take the CR-V out of the equation and add an engine with more oomph - which are your top 3? "Of the 2012 midsize SUVs in the under $30k category, as far as MPG economy, safety, seats for 5, navigation included, AWD and good visibility, what would you consider the top three candidates? I'm replacing a 2001 Mazda Tribute that had good interior space and good visibility. Newer models in this group seem to have reduced visibility. Not a family vehicle, a grandma vehicle, sometimes I cart 3 grandchildren but not too often."
So, we're talking at least V-6 models? V-8's make no sense, unless you are in construction or something. That being the case, I'd go with the Jeep Laredo, GMC Terrain, or Nissan Xterra.
I wrote in last week about diesel and why it's under used in the US. Some wrote in saying I was wrong . "Hi, Warren. The recent post about diesel fuel in the USA is wrong. USA/Canada have some of the most stringent diesel standards in the world, only 15 ppm of sulphur in Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel at all pumps. http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/dieselfuels/index.htm."
Yes the US is at 15 PPM we got there just as the EU went to 10 PPM. last developed country there, and will be the last to 10 PPM. Also in US oil companies see standard as the high jump, how close to the bar can you get in Europe its the limbo, how low can you go. Actual average in Germany has been below 5 PPM for 7 or 8 years. But I wasn't talking about just sulfur. the EU has very tight requirements for everything from aromatic content to Cetane,flash point, viscosity... This results in very consistent fuel which allows engine makers to tune Euro engines much better both from mileage and emission. In the US there is much wider range for these attributes, save refining costs, which make it harder to tune engines especially to meet emission standards.
Diesel was in the United States, but it was dirty, smoking. It got a bad reputation. The oil companies didn't want to clean up the diesel. They did it kicking and fighting Congress for five years.
Once the diesel was cleaned up the oil companies kicked up the price of diesel because it cost them to clean it up. Diesel is still higher than gasoline in some states. The car is more expensive than gasoline. Gasoline is in every fuel station, diesel is not.
Diesel is starting to make head way again. The car companies are bringing their European diesel engines over to the US.
You are right, it is in the M3. The roof of the M3 coupe is carbon fiber. The bumper bars on all M cars are carbon fiber. The M6 was the first carbon fiber roof.
BMW built a plant in Washington State for the BMW i series. It will have a complete body structure of carbon fiber.
You said you wanted a "family" vehicle, assuming you are the same chatter. If you are not the same person, please understand that I don't put "sultry" in the same category as "family," although sultriness helps to get thee to "family."
Hi Warren, we like the new Odyssey van style..there seems to be lots of 2011s out there with low miles, $5-8K less than the brand new 2012s. Any thoughts? We don't need lots of fancy extras like leather or DVD system, just a reliable people-mover for a family.
The Odyssey is one of the best minivans ever. But the style proved polarizing. Detractors likened it to a hearse. I disagree. I love that one--one of the best family haulers available today. You can get a deal. Go for it.
Hi Warren, I am looking at used 2010 Lexus RX350 AWD with Nav. I have read reviews said that the engine is noisy and other engine related issues. Have you heard anything like that or other known issues. I thought this is very unlikely especially for Lexus. Any other better alternatives or I am pretty safe with a RX? On the other hand, I like Porsche Cayenne as well. However, with the same money, I would have to go down to 2008 and start to worry about repair and high maintenance costs. Your thoughts?
I have a girlfriend, Maryann, that has an RX and she has the same complaint. Her husband says it sounds like the lifters are loose, but the dealership says that when the car is cold the lifters go up and down really quickly and that's what makes the noise.Once it gets warm the noise goes away.
I will check this out with Lexus and get back to you.
I own a 1993 Lexus LS400 and it is so quiet. You don't hear a thing. I'm surprised that a new car would be noisier than a 1993.
Technology!!
Are they available in the US this year? Best I've found is that the plan is to have them available in 2013. Tell me I'm wrong (please! I kinda like 'em) but if not, it's a wasted recommendation for the previous LW.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class hatchback will carry a 2013 model-year designation, to be available in the late sspring-early fall of 2012.
Warren Last week I took your advice and went to shop for a new Nissan Pathfinder LE vice a used 08 Lexus GX 470 and I have to say I was very disapointed with the trim quality of the LE. The faux wood was surprisingly cheap plastic, particularly surprising given the MSRP was close to 40k...I follow your chats weekly and had previsouly crossed off the MDX given the proximity of the third row seat head rests to the back window...Plan to look at the Q-7 and Volvo XC90 this weekend, should I worry about third row safety on these as well? What would you reccomend for SUV with leather and third row seats at about 30k? Thanks
Seriously, I'd go with a Buick Enclave or GMC Acadia. Reason: Interior materials are top quality, as is layout; lots of power; excellent reliability; GM has been sued so many times, the company's engineers and lawyers anticipated possible law suits over 3rd row seats and placed them a safe distance from rear hatches.
I was in Stuttgart last year and got to see the new B-Class and A-Class. The A-Class is just as spectacular as the B-Class. Gorgeous cars.
Mercedes has confirmed that they will be bringing in smaller luxury Mercedes all the way through 2015.
I heard that Mercedes will bring a plug-in hybrid to the US, but they won't confirm it. But technology is a core element for all manufacturers so expect it.
The VW engine sold in America meets all the specs of the American market. So does the diesel fuel.
VW waited for the two to be compatible before bringing their engine over.
The Elantra, quite simply, is an excellent First Car, as in first purchase. That generates excitement. The Sonata is a "family" car, a mid-size car, an extremely crowded segment filled with buyers who are "settling down," coming off their crazy days. By definition, they are a bit less exciting.
Any Land Rover dealer in the United States.
Try the Buick Verano turbo edition.
The Nissan Maxima
Those are two I can think of right off the bat. Let me know what you like or don't like about them and we'll continue to narrow it down.
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