Gotta buy a crossover

[wdfifteen]

The company car is going off lease next month and we need a new vehicle. Those of us who use the company car agree that this time we want a low mileage used Pilot/Murano/Highlander type vehicle. Does anyone have any experience with these? I bought my mom a Murano because she wanted it, so I haven't done any real shopping. Any insights, suggestions, ideas?

[Nathans_Dad]

Look at the Mazda CX-7 or CX-9. They always win the crossover comparos.

[Heel n Toe]

wd15, as far as I know, the Murano is only available with a CVT. Not sure what kind of driving experience that would be... or how costly it would be if it went on the fritz.

How does your mom like hers?

[Jrboulder]

My father bought an 08 Ford edge SEL AWD with 11k on the clock for 21k in early 09. I will admit, it's a damn good car. It's now at 62.5k and is still like new. I have had to put a set of rear pads and an air filter in it as well as a dozen oil changes. If I was in the market to buy a crossover I wouldn't hesitate to buy an edge.

Jackson

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

wd15, as far as I know, the Murano is only available with a CVT. Not sure what kind of driving experience that would be... or how costly it would be if it went on the fritz.

How does your mom like hers?

As it turns out she broke her hip and hasn't been able to drive since January, so I've had it most of that time. I like it just fine. The CVT is great - smoother than the transmissions in the MBs I've had. I actually drive it in preference to the BMW 535 xi. The only complaint I have is the headlights aren't nearly as good as the BMW's. But it's the only crossover I've had any experience with at all and I was hoping someone here had other experiences to share.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Jrboulder

My father bought an 08 Ford edge SEL AWD with 11k on the clock for 21k in early 09. I will admit, it's a damn good car. It's now at 62.5k and is still like new. I have had to put a set of rear pads and an air filter in it as well as a dozen oil changes. If I was in the market to buy a crossover I wouldn't hesitate to buy an edge.

Jackson

Great. This is just the kind of input I was looking for. With the clientele I deal with having a domestic name on the grille is a plus. Thanks!

[kaisen]

If a domestic nameplate would help, I think the Edge is a very nice vehicle for the money. Also consider it's cousin the Lincoln MKX. Depending on the year, the choices were 3.5L V6, 3.7L V6, or Ecoboost Twin-Turbo V6. Either front or all wheel drive. 6 speed automatic.

The 'all-new' 2011 Ford Explorer shares mechanical components/platform with the Edge/MKX, but it's a little bigger inside, with a third row of seats being the biggest difference. I drove one on a 2500 round trip earlier this year and was VERY impressed.

I'd recommend the big GM crossovers only if you need the size....even bigger than the new Explorer. The GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chev Traverse are pretty nice people (or cargo) haulers.

[Shadetree930]

My company car is a Ford Edge.

I am very happy with it. Trying to think if I have any complaints ...... none come to mind.

[Scuba Steve]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

wd15, as far as I know, the Murano is only available with a CVT. Not sure what kind of driving experience that would be... or how costly it would be if it went on the fritz.

How does your mom like hers?

The hugest fault I've seen with the Murano is that you can't open the glass on the tailgate. Very annoying if you want to move something long around. A friend has one and found that out the hard way when he came to pick up an extension ladder he wanted to borrow.

[wdfifteen]

The Edge looks very promising. Ebay has 2009 -2010 models for $22 to 28k, which is in the ballpark price wise. Eric you have a PM.

[Seahawk]

Pat,

My company car is an 09 Venza, FWD with the 4 cylinder motor.


I have zero complaints but no high praise either: In 30k miles it has done everything extremely well but nothing spectacular. I do enjoy the 28mpg and the sitting position and the fact that at 6'4" I can get in and out of the thing with ease.

Two guys in my company went out and bought one for personal use after riding around with me.

My sister owns a Lincoln MKX which, in the two years she has owned it, has been flawless.

Good luck.

[NutmegCarrera]

Don't overlook a Subaru Outback. (Insert various jabs here, please).
Very versatile. The new CVT is great in 4cyl.
I've had mine for 1yr+ & about 14k miles.
Hwy gets around 30mpg.
Lots of use-able room. Very deep in the wagon area. Seating-wise, it's really comfy too.
No rocket ship, but not horrible.
I swapped out the rear sway bar for less body roll.

While the image isn't for everyone, we've had three of these - and have been happy. Going from 2009 to current 2010/2011 design is a big step in terms of room.

We have had an Acura RDX, and it was nearly useless in terms of utility. Fun, but useless. Kept it for less than two years.

The subaru can be had for about $26k out the door with some nice options (CVT, sunroof pkg). More if you want leather or high end audio, nav, etc...

Good luck.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Pat,

My company car is an 09 Venza, FWD with the 4 cylinder motor.


I have zero complaints but no high praise either: In 30k miles it has done everything extremely well but nothing spectacular.

Good luck.

This is toyota in a nutshell. I've beat on a corolla relentlessly for 52k miles and its only been in the shop once, which was a recall that I was questioning if it needed.

I have no complaints, but its nothing spectacular...


We all know I'm not a Ford guy, but the Edge Sport is a good looking ride...

[HardDrive]

I know a very pleased Ford Edge owner.

[chocolatelab]

My company car was the equinox LX. Put 65k on it in 2 years. Changed oil and new tires at 60k. I still cant figure that part out.

Good on gas with all wheel drive.

[fluque]

Some months ago I bought a lightly used low mileage 2009 Pilot and it's been great. The car still has a warranty and Honda service is quite good.

My only complain is gas mileage. I know it's a big car but it's nowhere near the advertised mpg figures.

If it's to be used as a family car the Pilot is a great vehicle.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've ridden in an Edge several times and came away impressed. The Sync system is awesome, even if you don't have hundreds of mp3s on your iPod it's worth it for the hands-free Bluetooth cell.

Stay far, far away from the Dodge Journey. I've had two different ones as rentals and they're terrible.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

... My sister owns a Lincoln MKX which, in the two years she has owned it, has been flawless...

I know it's a bit od an old thread, but I just pick up a 2013 AWD tonight (thanks to my Costco trip on the week-end... They had one at the door with an extra $1,000 off for Costco member as well as 0% buy or lease), ride great and look great inside/out.

The warranty is 4 years Basic & 6 years Powertrain. You can buy a maintenance package for up to 7 years in advance and it covers all recommended maintenance as well as brake disks/pads, spark plugs, belts and suspension components. The advantage being that the labor cost is calculated at 50% of the normal price.

[Cajundaddy]

Give the Lexus RX a look if you can swing it. It is my wife's car and she freaking LOVES that thing. She is on her second one and with 7 years and 100k miles, people still think it's new.

[BRPORSCHE]

Mazda Cx-5?