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Small SUV - Q5, EX, Tiguan, Forester - recommendations?

countrygent

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Hi all,

I am somewhat reluctantly starting to look at small SUVs for next vehicle - I would prefer a station wagon, but I often take my dear old dad out and about, and he is increasingly having difficulty contorting himself into standard-height car seats. I am thus thinking about joining the yuppie cute-ute brigade.

I'd like something small-ish, easy to park, comfortable, reasonably nimble, with easily accessible front seats, that doesn't drive like a truck. Thoughts, experiences and suggestions welcome.

Cheers,
H

PS One definite criterion - I need to be able to fit 8' lumber inside - this doesn't happen often, but several times a year, I cart home a half-dozen 2 x 4s or similar. Doesn't matter if it is resting on the dash, so long as it will fit.
 

justsayno

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Did you look at the Infiniti EX35? It is a crossover that looks like a SUV, but drives like a nimble sedan.
 

impolyt_one

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I've gotten wood inside my A4 Avant before. just sayin.
 

impolyt_one

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ps I wouldn't want one myself, but the new 2011 (?) X3 looks better than all those you listed, and is in the same class I think, well, no more than the Q5.
 

Pilot

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Jetta or passat wagon
 

countrygent

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Originally Posted by impolyt_one
I've gotten wood inside my A4 Avant before. just sayin.

laugh.gif
Ha! I've gotten wood in a few different vehicles - I hope the trend continues with the cute ute.

Haven't looked into the new X3 - is there a re-design for '11 or '12?
 

countrygent

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Originally Posted by Stylish Pilot
Jetta or passat wagon

Wagons are too low, dude - I'd love one, but I want something with slightly elevated seating for Pop.
 

impolyt_one

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Originally Posted by countrygent
laugh.gif
Ha! I've gotten wood in a few different vehicles - I hope the trend continues with the cute ute. Haven't looked into the new X3 - is there a re-design for '11 or '12?

I think it should be out early next year, it was just shown in Paris. The way they showed it was with a bunch of highline trim that made it look like a mini M-series X3. http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...BMW-X3/251396/ BMW says they can build to order, with a weeklong turnaround: http://www.egmcartech.com/2010/08/15...-order-option/
 

countrygent

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Originally Posted by impolyt_one
I think it should be out early next year, it was just shown in Paris. The way they showed it was with a bunch of highline trim that made it look like a mini M-series X3.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...BMW-X3/251396/

BMW says they can build to order, with a weeklong turnaround:

http://www.egmcartech.com/2010/08/15...-order-option/


Looks pretty good - glad to see they've cleaned up the interior. Now if BMW would just turf the stupid extended model names - xDrive35i - bah!

Will have to see when this is scheduled to be on sale in the Great White North.
 

pg600rr

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def. go with the Q5, was considering one before ordering an S4 and it was really nice. Did a lot of research on the cross overs and the Q5 had the pick of every auto publication for that class. Has great styling, the interior is amazing, and the ride was great...

Others I was looking @ was the LR4 and X5, didnt even bother with the X3 or whatever the MB thing is... both are smaller and much much much more feminine looking than the Q5 imo.
 

akatsuki

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Q5 is nice looking. I liked the GLK when I drove it.

Or just get an Icon FJ40.
 

Krish the Fish

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I'm sort of in the same position. I've really narrowed down between the GLK and the Q5. I was unable to choose between the two, which might be good if you're trying to get a good deal on financing or a lease.
 

fss

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I'd say Q5 or the new X3, the old one is ugly and I found the ride quite stiff. GLK looks somewhat ackward IMO.
 

countrygent

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Q5 is definitely going on the test-drive roster. I'm not a big fan of the styling of the GLK. Will probably postpone purchase until new X3 is in stock so I can test it as well.

Anything I'm missing?
 

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