Wife needs new car, narrowed down choices: need opinions.

So the wife wants a new vehicle. We'll be expecting our first child soon. As fate would have it, it's been a headache. She narrowed down to her serious choices: '13 X3 and '13 Wrangler Unlimited. Her other choices that I had to just say no were the GLK and Q5. Her requirements are: 1) Looks (based on her opinion alone) 2) SUV/Crossover

So for the price of a base X3, I can pick up a nicely loaded Rubicon. And, since it'll rarely see the light of Moab, I'm positive a Sahara will do since she fancy's the matching colors of the fenders and tops.

Personal opinion:
Since the X3 and loaded Rubi will cost the same, my selfish self would prefer a Rubi since it's just more fun off-road. I could care less about the leaky doors and roof, the seats and driving position felt comfy to me, and the only thing I need is A/C. But it'll be loaded, just for her sake. But, I'm worried that'll it'll be plagued with problems.

I'm extremely religious about maintenance, will that 'help' in preventive measures with the JK? And, what problems are just unavoidable that I would have to look forward to.

As with the X3, any opinions other than the fact that it costs measurably more than your average vehicle 'if' it ever needs fixing? I hate the fact that BMW requires the tranny fluid to be poured in at a certain temp, does it even have the dipstick for the motor anymore? I know the M3 doesn't.


I prefer wrenching things myself if possible, she drives at most 10k a year if that makes any difference.

Thanks all.

 

Just curious why you ruled out the Q5 and kept the X3?

Between those 2, the Jeep would be more fun but as a daily driver the X3 is probably more practical (this is coming from someone living in an area where it's cold 6 months out of the year and potentially snowing for a lot of that time. If you live in a fair weather area, the Jeep would likely be a lot more fun.

 

Personally I think Jeep quality sucks a fat one. I wouldn't buy any Jeep for a DD. Cheap interiors and crappy power trains. Not what I would pay money for.
Drop an Acura MDX brochure on the counter. 100x better.

 

Most people I know that drives an Audi has their engine light on most of the time, and while she drives an 08 VW with 32k, it's got an engine light on also(false code), but its enough to keep me away.

The most difficult part is we'll definitely have more fun and adventures with the JK, if not for that fact, I'd go the X3 route. Should I seriously just forget the fun part that I can have with the jeep and take the latter option?

 

Agreed with the dude above me. Jeep wranglers are known for their offroad prowess, not on road comfort.

Go with the X3, otherwise your wife is going to be miserable driving the Jeep Sahara as a DD, and in turn, she'll make YOU miserable.

 

IMO since you are having a child soon, I would choose the X3 since it is a lot more safer in an accedent over the Jeep. You wouldn't want anything to happen to your child. When my daughter was born, one of the first purchases I did was buy a brand new Toyota Venza fully loaded with AWD.

 

Most sales people at luxury dealerships are as rude as they come. That fact alone and the money pit a benz is is ridiculous.

 

Great point.

 

+1

 

Tell her to check out the Toyo Venza. Ride is amazing, loaded with options. Mine bought herself a V6 with AWD, has the panoramic sunroof...pretty slick. She has the JBL sound system too, the thing is amazing for stock system. Nav, bluetooth etc.

 

Nissan Murano is super nice!

 

I'll bring that up. Mind if I ask how much yours was loaded?

 

One thing to consider is how long you plan to keep the suv. My wife has the X5 4.4 & while I like the car the maintenance on it sucks. Granted it's an 04 & has 120k miles when there are issues it is costly. Right now there's a small oil leak from the valve covers. When I say small leak it is just a few drops a day. Cost to repair was quoted at $1k from an independent shop that was referred from a mechanic that we've dealt with for the last 4 years. I was told that it was typical for the BMW's to leak at the valve covers over time. My M5 had 5k miles and had a small leak. Granted it was 5yrs & I hardly drove it. It is not a vehicle that I can easily work on. Oil chages are fine. Tune up ran me around $600. Tires are terrible and last only 24k miles or so. She has the staggered 19" wheels so you cannot rotate it. While the X3 is nice unless you want to pay the cost to maintain it long time it's not worth it.
We'll be looking for an suv shortly and are considering either the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander. I have 3 kids and leaning towards the Pilot since it has more room.

 

Toyota Venza or Highlander. AWD or 4WD. Or Lexus RX.

 

For a daily driver i would never buy a jeep! One of the least reliable vehicles on the road!!!!

 

Lexus GX460. Luxury with Landcruiser roots

 

What part of the Bay Area are you located in? My buddy is the GM at Toyota Vallejo. Tell him Esteban sent ya in and he will take care of you! Bought my '10 Venza and '12 Tacoma from him. No need to haggle!

 

Take a look at the Venza like others have suggested, we have an '11 V6 AWD loaded with heated leather, bluetooth, sunroof and panoramic, backup camera etc. It was the best economical deal for what you got compared to the others, it's a super comfortable ride (keeps the wife happy, plus I'm 6'4" and have legroom both in front and rear) the backseat is HUGE (keeps the kids happy) plus with a little one in a car seat in the middle you still have room for two others back there, plus the factory 20" wheels with the body proportions looks great and the JBL sound system rocks. Only downside is it's not meant for any offroad travel.

GenuineRides

 

I moved to Daly City now from Benicia, very familiar with that dealership. It'll be worth a trip if the price is great and the wife is fine with any Toyota vehicles. I'll make sure to mention your name. Thanks!

 

Before I wised up as a tacoma owner I wanted a used Honda Civic, found one at a Lexus dealer, after filling out the finance app and taking it on a test drive was told there was no way they could finance me. Next day stopped at the toyota dealer and bought my 08 Taco which was 5k more at an outstanding interest rate. I guess us common folk dont look like we can afford a vehicle. Idiots and Snobs indeed.