[B3M3W5iXM]

The 335xi I have now is almost my exact unicorn (it's basically the unicorn, just missing one or two features). It's awd, rolls on a lot of cars on the highway even stock, and even has a man pedal. My commute to work is 25 miles each way on the highway with barely any traffic (in PA where radar detectors are still effective because only state cops can use them and they only use 1 band ).

The only issue I have is the car is really small. The backseat, even though I bought the E90, is basically useless with the front seats in any comfortable position.

So fellow E9x owners, I value your opinions and would like to ask what SUVs you guys would consider?
I'm really looking at the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT... it's not much more than a new optioned up 335i and 0-60 time is about the same. Any opinions on it?

I would check out the new X5M but as usual with the higher series BMWs, the person pricing it was obviously on some serious drugs and they mistakenly set it in the ballpark of a middle class house. The price of automobiles shouldn't be 6 digits before the period.

[fructus]

I would look for a nicely kept 2010 or 2011 Cayenne GTS. Could still be had with a proper transmission those years.

[335NJ]

I was in the market for an SRT before I bought my Jeep. I highly recommend 08-10 or the newer WK2 body style.

FWIW, I had a Jeep GC Hemi (Non-SRT) and with a custom tune, and some bolt ons, it's was a monster.

I agree, I saw a few X5M's at my local dealer, 110k+ is insane.

[stewey]

I really like the look of the new grand Cherokee, but I have heard bad things about reliability - at least historically. I would personally buy a couple year old X5 if I could afford it. As it is my next SUV will probably be an e70. Likely well used though as my budget is limited.

[idrift4wd]

new? XC90, cayenne gts, range rover.

used? cayenne turbo, ml63, x5m (under 40k used, cheapest one is 34 on cars.com)

get a wagon imo.

[335what]

If money and gas mileage is no object and you really care about going fast .. JEEP SRT8 all the way.

On the other hand if you want cheaper gas mileage and still a nice performance suv with tons and tons of aftermarket.. TrailBlazer SS all the way.

Those are the two perfect family suv's in my opinion. If you want a fast truck, Ram srt10 is a great option for trucks .

[B3M3W5iXM]

Originally Posted by 335what

If money and gas mileage is no object and you really care about going fast .. JEEP SRT8 all the way.

On the other hand if you want cheaper gas mileage and still a nice performance suv with tons and tons of aftermarket.. TrailBlazer SS all the way.

Those are the two perfect family suv's in my opinion. If you want a fast truck, Ram srt10 is a great option for trucks .

Thanks guys. I'll have to check out the SS. If I find a decently priced one I may even be able to keep the E90. As for the SRT10 Ram, I like them but RWD is an absolute no go (bashing expected) but I consider it to be a hazard. When I'm sitting at an intersection and I mash the gas to pull out real quick (sometimes when traffic is coming), I don't want to have to worry if I'll actually move or just sit there spinning tire (and I know it's probably not as bad as I'm thinking but most of the RWD experience I have is in a Silverado 1500 single cab 8ft bed with the bigger engine.. the unintentional wheel spin gets old quick).

[Fundguy1]

Got a 2012 Hemi Grand Cherokee overland Summit. It has more options than my 335. Its about a 7 second 0-60. Not blazing but a good compromise for me and her. Bigger you may consider a GL 550. Last generation used are about 30,000 for a 100k+ sticker car. We're looking at those right now. Porsche is great but still to small for practicality and love it hate it looks.

[OP3NAIR]

I went with the Explorer Sport. Twin turbo V6, hits 60 in about 6 seconds. Fits enough crap in the back for a 10 day family vacation and I can still see out the back window, rides down the highway comfortably and still returns over 22MPG highway. I dont know if they changed the way the options are done (mine's a '13), but there were basically 2 options. The moonroof, heated/cooled perforated leather seats and MFT, and bucket seats in the 2nd row. About 85% of them have the option package, and only a few had rear buckets, so they basically chose the car for you, and you just picked the color. Downsides - Ford dealers suck, and its definitely not built as well as any German car. The fit, finish and paint work just arent up to par. I dont have any major complaints about the MFT or the voice activation, its far better than the CIC voice commands in my e93, but Ford's new system comes out next year, I think. Mechanically, I havent had any issues with it.

[jon_335]

We've been happy with our Acura MDX. For a SUV with a third row, it's peppy and decent on gas. It even fits in our garage. As cool as a Jeep GC, Cayenne or X5? No. But the price was right in the used market and a little more versatile given the 3rd row. Plus it's an Acura so reliability is up there.

[Dark_Knight_335]

To get a bigger SUV, you're not going to want to go BMW that's for sure.

As others have said, Acura and Honda have some solid offerings. If you want to stay with German, then there are good Audi and MB offerings.

[kdbryce]

I'd have a Porsche or a Range Rover I think. I wish Land Rover sold the defender here in the states

[KeepRidingDirty]

Originally Posted by OP3NAIR

I went with the Explorer Sport. Twin turbo V6, hits 60 in about 6 seconds. Fits enough crap in the back for a 10 day family vacation and I can still see out the back window, rides down the highway comfortably and still returns over 22MPG highway. I dont know if they changed the way the options are done (mine's a '13), but there were basically 2 options. The moonroof, heated/cooled perforated leather seats and MFT, and bucket seats in the 2nd row. About 85% of them have the option package, and only a few had rear buckets, so they basically chose the car for you, and you just picked the color. Downsides - Ford dealers suck, and its definitely not built as well as any German car. The fit, finish and paint work just arent up to par. I dont have any major complaints about the MFT or the voice activation, its far better than the CIC voice commands in my e93, but Ford's new system comes out next year, I think. Mechanically, I havent had any issues with it.

Nice, I bought a 2012 Ford Explorer interceptor. Bigger engine, more power and the bull bar makes people move over on the highway right quick. Pulls the snowmobiles and is great for camping trips.

[kisho]

+1 on the SRT. Other than that I think the GLA45 AMG is pretty fun as well. It also has a 0-60 in 4.8 sec and starts at ~$48k. Though based on others recommendations it seems it might be too small for you.

[ColoCoug]

if you think BMW parts are expensive, you don't want to even LOOK at a parts list for Porsches. If your income is under about a quarter-million a year, stay away.

[Wilt]

read the JD Powers reliability reports!

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/...st-021214.html

Not too complimentary about Jeep

http://247wallst.com/autos/2014/02/2...-in-new-study/

[E90SDGUY]

Get a Toyota 4 runner or the Land Cruiser if you don't want to spend money on repairs.

[YGazis109]

Originally Posted by E90SDGUY

Get a Toyota 4 runner or the Land Cruiser if you don't want to spend money on repairs.

+1 on the land cruiser I have a 2000 with over 250,000 miles and it still runs like new with only a few hundred dollars ever other year or so with repairs! Only downside is that it's sucks down gas...obviously I only use it around town...

[B3M3W5iXM]

Originally Posted by Wilt

read the JD Powers reliability reports!

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/...st-021214.html

Not too complimentary about Jeep

http://247wallst.com/autos/2014/02/2...-in-new-study/

Wow, good reads, thanks. SRT might be out, the driver assistance garbage is standard and it screws with my radar detector. Back to the drawing board

[mansito]

Lexus GX470 is bullet proof. We own a 2005 with 175K. Besides proper maintenance (i.e. plugs, brake pads/discs, timing belt, water pump, etc.) the only items that need replacement were both front calipers. Both calipers froze twice as a result of the winter (i.e., salt + corrossion ) weather in NJ and needed to be replaced. You can get remanufactured parts at autozone/advanceautoparts/o'reillys with lifetime warranty. A lot of the 4Runner parts are interchangeable with the GX470.

Underneath the Lexus luxury body is a serious body on frame truck with all the capabilities to go offroad. We also own a 2010 ML350. The GX470 is a much better SUV in every aspect (ride quality, luxury, build quality, cargo capacity, amenities)

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by Wilt

read the JD Powers reliability reports!

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/...st-021214.html

Not too complimentary about Jeep

http://247wallst.com/autos/2014/02/2...-in-new-study/

That stuff is bs for people who don't know about cars. They include stuff that's being fixed or replaced for free under warranty like our hpfp. If they removed that it would be accurate. They sandbagel my armada too cause it took two years to get a vendor to make good brake discs. Meanwhile I got my brakes done twice for free and them the new good disks. 70k on the Jeep and so far one bad harness and a bad water pump. Both under warranty.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by mansito

Lexus GX470 is bullet proof. We own a 2005 with 175K. Besides proper maintenance (i.e. plugs, brake pads/discs, timing belt, water pump, etc.) the only items that need replacement were both front calipers. Both calipers froze twice as a result of the winter (i.e., salt + corrossion ) weather in NJ and needed to be replaced. You can get remanufactured parts at autozone/advanceautoparts/o'reillys with lifetime warranty. A lot of the 4Runner parts are interchangeable with the GX470.

Underneath the Lexus luxury body is a serious body on frame truck with all the capabilities to go offroad. We also own a 2010 ML350. The GX470 is a much better SUV in every aspect (ride quality, luxury, build quality, cargo capacity, amenities)

underpowered Toyota cap like everything they make. They go for reliability at the sacrifice of balls. Women cars.