Shocked and appalled: Xterra vs base Cayenne and X5 3.0si

[evolver]

We are in the market to replace wife's 6-speed Xterra with something more comfortable (for the kid) and something that handles better on the road. We looked at all German SUVs and tried 2009 FX35. Then, we went down the path of test driving and comparing these SUVs to each other. We narrowed it down to X5 and base Cayenne. But once I included our Xterra into the comparison spreadsheet, we were shocked to see that both base Cayenne and 3-liter X5 are slower than the Xterra! 3.6-liter Q7 joins the gang of slow *** SUVs. Didn't see that coming (about Cayenne and X5)... X5 4.8 feels much stronger but it is still slower than 2009 FX35. But 0.9% that BMW offers is very tempting. What a mess

[DieselCasa]

did u test the fx? why didnt you like it? Theres an enormous price diff between the xterra vs x5, cayenne, q7. Sounds like for the money xterra is the best bet.

[evolver]

FX is great. There is nothing in particular that we disliked. One thing that concerned us a little is that it is the first model year and FX may be prone to having annoying bugs here and there. Plus, dealers are not very willing to negotiate price because the demand on this thing is hot. We are moving away from Xterra due to its harsh ride in the back (where the baby spends most of the time) and we are looking for upgrade in comfort and driving pleasure too. Xterra is a great truck and a rare find in 6-speed but we don't use it for it is intended...

[DieselCasa]

i hear ya on the xterra. I think the x5 looks a lot better than the cayenne but i have never driven either. Im surprised bmw has that good financing. that sounds like a winner. .9% is great

[Wannabe6MT]

They really are slow for how much you pay... i dunno. Try some of the other less common SUVs (Lexus RX, Range Rover maybe??? Saab)

[Skaterbasist]

If you wanted a fast luxury SUV that handles well for its class, look at the FX50 (if you can get passed the exterior, which is purely subjective).

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[Skaterbasist]

Originally Posted by Wannabe6MT

They really are slow for how much you pay... i dunno. Try some of the other less common SUVs (Lexus RX, Range Rover maybe??? Saab)

The Lexus RX is a very common vehicle... atleast in SoCal.

[evolver]

FX50 is faster that X5 and they both are in the same price range. But I'm concerned about first-year bugs... And looks. Well, X5 looks better, in my opinion

[evolver]

RX350 gives almost no connection to the road. RR Sport has infamous terrible reliability. SAAB? Well, that's too exotic and from the specs they don't look attractive.

[SVLRx]

they have some current incentives, where you'd be able to get a base Xterra for like 17k before tt&l, which under 20k for a fairly capable SUV is pretty good in my book, too bad i have a tahoe for when i need to carry things/people

[Wannabe6MT]

Originally Posted by Skaterbasist

The Lexus RX is a very common vehicle... atleast in SoCal.

Yea, i used the wrong wording lol

[Wannabe6MT]

Originally Posted by evolver

RX350 gives almost no connection to the road. RR Sport has infamous terrible reliability. SAAB? Well, that's too exotic and from the specs they don't look attractive.

Go drive one with the 5.3 or the aero with the vette motor. Blow the doors off any one of those SUVs you listed

Iv driven one, they are smooth.

[ipearlg]

What about the ML350? 3.5 V6 268hp

Not great specs but its a comp.

[jayelleseven]

u guys dont like the Armada?

Im not SUV expert but umm ive driven both the exterra and the Armada and the latter was much better.

they have some nice options for it and it seems pretty fast. Def. not as pricey as X5's either.

[ipearlg]

Originally Posted by jayelleseven

u guys dont like the Armada?

Im not SUV expert but umm ive driven both the exterra and the Armada and the latter was much better.

they have some nice options for it and it seems pretty fast. Def. not as pricey as X5's either.

Some douche in an armada tried to race me....i wasn't up for it but was surprised when he took off on the green light