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[Sukhoi]

What's your problem with the RAV4 AWD? It's far better than the CR-V.

 

[TraumaRN]

Dude, why did you change your username?

Just priced out a Explorer Limited, it came out to be $42k thru truecar, $1.6k over invoice. That's crazy! Insurance estimates shows it's also the highest out of the vehicles I'm looking at, kind of strange. Plus, the R-Design XC60 is less.

I'll check it out but I really do want to get better mileage. And after having HIDs for 11 years, I really don't want to go back.

I changed my username cuz it was just time, that was my angst filled teenage name, I'm almost 26 now, besides it better fits what I am. FWIW on the Explorer thing my parents got like 2.5K in incentives with there Explorer it was 41K and they got it out the door at 38K. But yea it's definitely pricey. Then you sit in it and realize whoa you get what you pay for. But the Volvo is nice too I will admit.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Planned to hit a bunch of dealerships yesterday but didnt' realize that they all close at 5pm on the weekends.

Went to Volvo and Audi, today and learned that both the Volvo XC60 R-Design and Audi Q5 both would need to be ordered with a wait of 2 months. The big dog felt comfortable in the back of the XC60. He would be cramped in the Q5. I could go with a regular XC60 but the R-Design is only about $1k more.

Will go back for a 2nd look at the Outback and check out the Fords tomorrow.

 

[Lotheron]

You're lucky yours are even open on Sunday.. For some reason all dealerships here are closed on Sunday completely..

 

[Capt Caveman]

Finally took the Outback for a test drive. Liked it a lot except engine noise on the 4-cyclinder was annoying. It was plenty of power for me, shifted smoothly with the CVT but even driving down a street at 30mph the engine noise was noticeable. I also found the sideview mirrors tiny. The rear-view back-up camera displayed thru the rear-view mirror was really slick and it had enough clearance for my dog. I didn't get a chance to go to the Ford dealership.

Comparison between XC60 and Outback:

Is the XC60 worth $9k more than an Outback?

Power - XC60(comparing 3.2 on XC60 to 2.5 on OB)
Handling - XC60
Ride - Even
Comfort - Even
MPG - Outback
Cargo Space - Even(OB has more cargo room but XC60 has a couple of more inches in height)
AWD - Outback
Safety - XC60(City Safety, Blind-Spot IS vs rear-view camera, need to get Multi-Media Package on XC60 to get rearview, I'll pass on that)
Styling - XC60(exterior and interior)
Warranty - XC60
True Cost to Own - Outback
Other - XC60(Xenon HIDs, panoramic moonroof)
Availability - Outback(2 month wait for XC60 R-Design)

Note - R-Design is only about $1k more than regular version

 

[Capt Caveman]

Visted a Ford dealership this morning to check out the new Explorer and Edge. I like the exterior looks of both but wasn't impressed by the interior. The leather appeared to be kind of cheap and still way too much plastic.

Trying to like the Mazda CX-9 as a dealership near me has ten 2010 Grand Touring(loaded) CX-9 for $28k which is a great deal.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Decided that I'd like a fun car to drive, so the Outback is out for now.

Plan to check out the Acura MDX this weekend and compare it the XC60. Not a fan of the premium gas but it's the same price as the Volvo.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

need AWD? explain

 

[Capt Caveman]

need AWD? explain

Live in the Northeast. Makes life much easier and convenient.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Test drove the Volvo XC60 and Acura MDX back to back. I liked the way the XC60 handled. The MDX's steering felt heavy. Both had similar rides.

The MDX has lots more room, better visibility and lots of nice features(back-up camera, power liftgate, etc) on the base model. The XC60 felt more fun to drive but disliked the rear visibility and how small the side windows were, door sill must have been at least four inches higher than on my vehicle or MDX. The gf thought the Volvo looked better.

The Acura will be much more reliable but it does take premium gas. No overall winner yet. Tough decision.

 

[herm0016]

how about the gmc arcadia and its sisters? the buick version is supposed to be very very nice inside. they have your hids, awd, take out the third seat for plenty of cargo room. rated at 24 city with the 288hp v6.