roughyear

ok.. lease is up, time for a downgrade to a smaller, more efficient suv.

what do u guys know and think about the following (and try not to laugh, i'm being serious)

-volvo xc90 3.2
-hyundai santa fe limited (actually very nice drive and beautiful interior)
-buick enclave

yes... i know i know, they're a step or two down from the ML... but it's needed for a commuter car, and we need more fuel efficiency and REGULAR gas

lkchris

The ML320CDI (diesel) has better fuel economy numbers on its window sticker than the Honda Pilot. (I know because my GL's better, too.) But, it might use regular fuel. Of course, any engine using regular gasoline is not as efficient as one with higher compression using premium or diesel. Buick's a brand about to go the way of Oldsmobile.

MB Dave

vw tiguan not toureg the tiguan is a small suv uses vw's 2.0t 4motion is an option

or waight for the glk i would say x3 but its too ugly

http://www.vw.com/tiguan/en/us/

dgiturbo

If you "think about it", you won't buy the Hyundai. They look nice because they are styled with the similar lines of the ML. They are cheaper because they dont include some needed things like structural strenght.
Price one with a V6, four wheel drive and whatever a ML comes with in a P2 and the price difference narrows. The Buick and Volvo cant touch the CDI's for economy.
So... looks like the winner will be a ....ML320 CDI...

vinceching

i'm surprised you haven't considered the 2008 toyota highlander hybrid.

roughyear

we looked at the highlander, it was nice, but at nearly $40k, i can probably get an ML320cdi for a little more

i'm going to go and look at the vw tiguan

yesterday i looked at both the mazda's cx7 and cx9, there's good value there and a nice sheet metal as well.

i've never really liked the volvo xc90, but she loves that thing... but the mpg on the xc90 is no better than the ML

i've got about 6wks to make up my mind... so i'll keep all posted.

bmurphywa

I took a Volvo for a test ride. Do the same. I thought it was going to leave the road in easy turns and I was driving very moderately. I never would feel safe in that car despite their marketing hype.

paulybagadonuts

I owned a Sante Fe before buying the ML and let me tell you, you get what you pay for.

The Santa Fe wasn't a bad car although there were a few trips to the dealership that replaced things under warentee but the lack of quality of the vehicle started to show after a few years.

I would not purchase another after owning the first.

Why not look into the GLK, I thought they were coming out with or already have the Blue tec? Maybe I'm wrong.

If not a MB I would strongly recommend the Rav 4. Great little reliable car. You can't beat a Toyota for getting your $$'s woth IMO

Good Luck.

VW Informant

Audi_guy's right, if you're looking for a smaller crossover, check out the Tiguan. It's much cheaper than the ML and X3, but still has a level of German refinement you won't find on other crossovers. If you have any questions about the car, feel free to let me know. I've been helping VW spread the word about it.

roughyear

give us a little history on your Tiguan!!!

how long have u had it??
any troubles??
how does it ride??
is it lacking anything??
does it feel "cheap"??
how's the fuel economy??
etc.........

MB Dave

pbs review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0FzSF8SFzk

msn u.k review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1Rdr...eature=related

i like it

Beltfed

The XC90 3.2 is a waste, you get that vehicle with the V8. They get very similar gas mileage, doesn't pay to get the 3.2. Other than that, its a good vehicle just dated though.

The Lambda platform vehicles are nice, the Enclave/Acadia/Outlook/and new Traverse.

For 09 they get more HP and go DI, which should improve gas mileage.

The Tiguan seems too cute ute for my tastes, but that doesn't mean you won't like it.

1985mb

If you're looking for smaller + more efficient, then it has to be the Santa Fe among those 3. I can't imagine the XC90 or the Enclave being meaningfully smaller or more efficient.

I would bet that the new Santa Fe is night vs. day better than the last one, just simply judging from how Hyundai improves with each iteration.

Also consider:

RAV4: very efficient
CR-V: ditto
EX35: 7K+ off MSRP

MissMyBenz

Stay away from the Volvo. I owned an XC90 2.5T (5 cylinder turbo) 2004 and finally dumped it in Dec of 06 for the 03 ML500. The Volvo was a disappointment in many ways and we moved from a 2 Volvo household to a 2 Mercedes household. Nothings perfect, mind you, but after waiting for the 2nd model year and a 9month order time it let us down big time. Uncomfortable seats (Volvos were known for great seats), semi truck turning circle, mediocre mileage with slow performance (averaged 14 mpg on premium in daily versus 12 with the MLV8, just to mention a few. Lots of time spent in the shop for little irritating problems and the dealer always had to order parts. Spent way too much time in the shop. A sales rep I work with just traded her XC90 in on a new MDX after the tranny failed at less than 2 years and because of mileage and Volvo did nothing. $6000 plus to replace. I'm not a big Toyota fan but how about the new Highlander? Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

SEXYBEEST

agreed my sis has a volvo and it's crap, i say x3

red00lght

You can get a steal on the Infiniti 08 fx35s that are brand new and left over from the previous body design (which I think is better than the new one...).

I went from my 06 ML500 to my 08 G35 and absolutely love it. I'm averaging 22mpg in my G and the FX has the same 306hp engine but is a little heavier. It does take premium though (unless leasing...MUHAWWW!!) Good luck!

O...another idea....the new Subie just beat the Tiguan and Mazda in the latest comparo. I think the XT has the WRX engine?

Beltfed

I think the 09 FX makes the previous model look dated, not to mention its an infinitely better vehicle. The ride and interior alone are greatly improved. I've driven both the 35 and 50.

red00lght

You are correct...the ride and interior among other things are greatly improved on the 09. However, I'm just not a fan of the new front end. An infiniti salesman also told me there have been more than a handful of frowns at the redesign of that area...and the tacky chrome vents on the front quarter panel.

I guess my point is the 08 is still an excellent vehicle and if he needs to save money, it is worth looking at. There is one here going for $33,000 brand new...sport package and pretty well loaded. An 09 is WAY higher and they will do no negiotating on the vehicle (yet.....).

Baloo588

Infiniti EX35 will be a great bargain with its good look and interior. Not bad gas mileage and engine power as well. If not that, then wait for the GLK.

roughyear

do u find the EX35 to be crampped, especially the back seat?

the wife did love the cockpit and drive of the car, my only concern was cramping my two tweens.

red00lght

I found it to be cramped big time! My G35 actually seems to be much bigger inside and just feels more spacious. I took both vehicles out for long test drives and went with the G. Next time it will be the FX35 for me I think.

alewifebp

I'm considering an FX to replace my ML500 when my lease expires in the next few months. From what I have read, the FX35 is about as fast as the 500, but I'll need to take a test drive to really see.