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I took my wife SUV shopping yesterday...

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by parkerfe, Jan 9, 2011.

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  1. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
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    Franklin E. Parker
    #1 parkerfe, Jan 9, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2011
    She wants to replace her 65k+ mile Honda Odyssey. She was considering even downsizing to a 5 passenger vehicle. After test driving an Audi Q7 TDI, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover LR4, Range Rover and Mercedes GL350 BlueTech, she ended up ordering the Benz BlueTech diesel. While I preferred the Range Rover for its style and interior, she went with the 7 passenger utility of the GL350. The vehicle should be delivered in late February to early March. Anyone have any experience with the GL350 BlueTech?
     
  2. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #2 rdefabri, Jan 9, 2011
    We just replaced our Honda Pilot with a 2011 Nissan Armada. My wife wanted something big - she got it.

    I wasn't even in the market for something in that range, but I was able to snag an awesome deal on it. We really love it - much more her style.

    Good luck - looking is a big part of the fun!
     
  3. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    #3 parkerfe, Jan 10, 2011
    We found the visibility in the QX56 to be very poor...you can not see the front corners of the vehicle at all no matter how you adjust the driver's seat. Does the Armada have the fault?
     
  4. UroTrash

    UroTrash Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 UroTrash, Jan 10, 2011
    Frank, I thought you hated SUVs?
     
  5. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
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    Franklin E. Parker
    #5 parkerfe, Jan 10, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2011
    I do not like SUVs. But, I dislike minivans even more, And when my wife said she wanted to get rid of the Odyssey and get an SUV, I was actually a little excited. As SUVs go, I would have preferred the Range Rover. However, she wanted 7 seats and the GL350 BlueTECH was my second choice. While, the LR4 did have 7 seats, they were small, mechanically operated, hard to get to and looked like an afterthought rather than what one would expect to come in a luxury vehicle.
     
  6. barchetta

    barchetta Formula Junior

    Nov 5, 2003
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    #6 barchetta, Jan 10, 2011
    I think the GL is the best 7 seat SUV out there.
     
  7. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #7 rdefabri, Jan 10, 2011
    Definitely - it's hard to see out of the vehicle for sure. The A-pillar blocks view, and the front spills away drastically enough that it is an issue. One other problem is when you drive - I always do a quick "over the shoulder" glance - very hard to see anything that way in this truck.

    That being said - it's still an awesome vehicle. I was not in the market for anything over $35K, and this truck was almost $50K. I was eligible for Nissan's VPP program, got the car for $1,500 under invoice and then with rebates, it came in right at $35K.

    I would be challened to get a Pilot or Hyundai Veracruz for that. My wife wanted something big, really loved the Armada, so it fell in our lap. We love it, but do recognize the shortcomings. You'd definitely have a similar experience in the Armada as you felt in the QX.
     
  8. ibesuc

    ibesuc Formula Junior

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    #8 ibesuc, Jan 10, 2011
    Yep. The GL is a great car. My wife has the GL550 and we love it. We looked at the range, and I will admit it was attractive, but the GL is a lot more functional and still not bad looking. Good choice. I think it is probably the best larger SUV out there right now. The crazy thing is they have a 7,500 lb towing capacity, that's more then the 1500 Suburban! I think the bluetech is pretty cool too, it does really well on gas and has a lot of low end torque.

    Really all the range is, is looks.
     
  9. Craigy

    Craigy Formula 3

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    #9 Craigy, Jan 10, 2011
    Hahaha, I clicked on this thread thinking, "wonder if that parkefe guy has already found this thread and started SUV-bashing"

    Fantastic.
     
  10. WCH

    WCH F1 Veteran
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    Mar 16, 2003
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    #10 WCH, Jan 11, 2011
    How was the Audi?
     
  11. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    Franklin E. Parker
    #11 parkerfe, Jan 11, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2011
    The Audi Q7 TDI is a great looking vehicle. The Prestige package interior is superb...you would think you were in a Bentley. But, it has very little space inside..especially considering its rather large footprint. It has little room for luggage, even when using it to haul five people, with the third row folded flat. When up, the third row is for small children at best and leaves even less luggage room. When we first started looking, I really wanted her to get the Q7 TDI as I have been very happy with the quality fit-finish of my S5 Cabriolet. But, after driving all the contenders, the GL350BlueTECH was the best fit for her needs to haul around our children, grandchildren and/or their friends with all the accessories that go with equestrian and volleyball activities, as well as hauling us five to on vacation with luggage and dive equipment 2-3 times a year.
     
  12. WCH

    WCH F1 Veteran
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    #12 WCH, Jan 11, 2011

    Thanks. I asked because I know you like your S5. I frankly prefer the GL350 to our Cayenne - I think you'll be happy with the choice.
     

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