[HyperMac954]

So, after having the Mac for a few months now, the Cayman R just seemed... blah. And I've been meaning to get rid of my pick up truck for something more multi-person friendly. And by switching to a single vehicle I save on registration, insurance, etc (and on the new brakes/tires I needed on both vehicles). So I sold them both. Now I need to pick out a single new vehicle. I need something that can carry my scuba gear and/or race tires in the back, and also be able to carry my two large dogs (doberman, pitbull). Was going to go Cayenne, but my Porsche dealer pissed me off, so that's out of the running for the time being. Lastly, since the gf will be using it on occassion and I'll be using it to commute (in traffic), has to be auto or paddle shifted - so JCW Minis are out, as is Golf R and all Subaru WRXs.

So, I've got it down to these seven (feel free to add suggestions):

BMW X6 (there's a used X6 M available for $60K...)
Infiniti EX
Mini Countryman
Nissan Juke
Range Rover Evoque Dynamic
VW Tiguan
Volvo XC60

They all have their own pro's and cons (cost vs performance being quite notable).

 

[robbie]

So, after having the Mac for a few months now, the Cayman R just seemed... blah. And I've been meaning to get rid of my pick up truck for something more multi-person friendly. And by switching to a single vehicle I save on registration, insurance, etc (and on the new brakes/tires I needed on both vehicles). So I sold them both. Now I need to pick out a single new vehicle. I need something that can carry my scuba gear and/or race tires in the back, and also be able to carry my two large dogs (doberman, pitbull). Was going to go Cayenne, but my Porsche dealer pissed me off, so that's out of the running for the time being. Lastly, since the gf will be using it on occassion and I'll be using it to commute (in traffic), has to be auto or paddle shifted - so JCW Minis are out, as is Golf R and all Subaru WRXs.

So, I've got it down to these seven (feel free to add suggestions):

BMW X6 (there's a used X6 M available for $60K...)
Infiniti EX
Mini Countryman
Nissan Juke
Range Rover Evoque Dynamic
VW Tiguan
Volvo XC60

They all have their own pro's and cons (cost vs performance being quite notable).

Got my wife a Tiguan for the dog's its a great car call this guy Vince or Mat 01273 433480 just say Robbie gave you the number TOP GUY'S ( they can get anything )

 

[Moncho]

I'm a Range Rover fan. I have the supercharged Range Rover Sport and love it.

 

[roundincircles]

The Evoque has exceeded all expectations in sales terms. It has made every competing car look last century. Not sure how it drives but Victoria Beckham likes it!

The X6 is left field and are always being driven at 11/10ths.......so maybe that's the one if fuel consumption is not an issue.

In Europe the Juke has an asthmatic engine choice.

 

[texas mongrel]

I bought a Range Rover HSE supercharged new in 2007. The dealership in Houston is hopeless, but despite that, I've had very few issues with it over my 50,000 miles. The Evoque however seems a little "girly" to me, and in the US its horribly over-priced. Residuals on RRs are terrible too - mine was $100k new and is now probably worth $35k?
The little Mercedes SUV is quite good looking?
I've owned 9 Volvos over the years and they were all good vehicles, why not wait a little for the XC90 replacement - I think its coming out later this year?

 

[Jerry]

I found myself with the exact same dilemma recently. In the end I swallowed my pride and went back to Porsche and ordered the Cayenne (I had previously been telling anyone who would listen that I would never buy another Porsche in Dubai). In my humble opinion, it really is better than it's competition and I've not had a single complaint during the last 14k km/ 6 months .... that is very rare for me!

 

[6th element]

I found myself with the exact same dilemma recently. In the end I swallowed my pride and went back to Porsche and ordered the Cayenne (I had previously been telling anyone who would listen that I would never buy another Porsche in Dubai). In my humble opinion, it really is better than it's competition and I've not had a single complaint during the last 14k km/ 6 months .... that is very rare for me!

Which Cayenne do you have? How are the Hybrid S models holding up, reliability-wise?

Surprised to hear so many complaints about Porsche service. In Canada, it seems to their reputation is quite sterling, but I'm not an owner so I could be wrong.

 

[Marin 12C]

Audi Q7 Diesel.

I've had one for 2.5 years, and will keep it for another year or two, significantly exceeding my typical 2 year hold.

It handles pretty well, has a great freeway ride, has lots of room for two big dogs, golf clubs, 4 adults.

And, it gets >25 mpg average economy, nearly 600 miles on a tank of fuel.

 

[Jerry]

Fuel is fairly cheap in this part of the world so I avoided the Hybrid (they do market them here and a few of us expats have been buying them with the intention of taking them home when they leave) and went for the S. Ticking a few of the options such as the full sports exhaust and trick air suspension make it great fun.

The Porsche Aftersales service came as a real shock to me and I could write pages about the numerous issues I had. I've always thought that it was a Dubai issue rather than a Porsche issue but maybe I was wrong.

 

[HRH]

I have a complete 2011 BMW X6M Hamann Tycoon (670HP) for sale. The exterior is white and interior is red. It's got the complete aero kit (wide body) & power kit. It currently has 700 miles on it. 1 owner car located in Los Angeles. PM me if you're interested. The Hamann stuff alone cost $80,000 but if you want something unique, fast and fun to drive this is it.

 

[falb]

Personally if you are going to get a big transport, get a BIG one.

My Escalade ESV is very functional, family friendly and my wifes daily. A Tahoe or Suburban function just as well for a lot less money.

All of the SUVs you mention are not much larger than a large sedan.

 

[HyperMac954]

Lots of interesting responses! I'm digging the Q7 diesel (diesel cars in general being quite rare in the US, and California in particular). What color did you go with Ronn? Don't want to have TWO nearly identical cars!

My dad and I were at the Nurburgring on wednesday, and he actually got passed by an Evoque - that was pretty funny (we were driving little rental Suzuki Swifts, utterly gutless, but fun to toss around). And I like the look. Unfortunately, it's the least sensible cost vs. performance/utility. Ironically, with it's low price and nimble handling, the Juke is the best.

 

[roundincircles]

Hyper. I have a Q5 3 litre diesel with 0-60 in 6.5 secs. The dealer got me to test drive a V8, but it may have been a V12, and it had tree stump pulling torque.......great fun when gunned from the apex and petrol engine cars going backwards.....a real hooligan vehicle but as big as a house on UK roads!

Fabulous engine if you like instant torque.

 

[Ritesh]

What's your budget? Do you need Towing capabilites? back Seats?

Acura MDX/VW Touraeg can be bought for $45-50K. Touraeg is basically a Cayenne with a Diesel option. Same as a Q7 but with an upgraded interior. Audi's interior is from 2006-7 and a bit outdated.

Plenty of choices!

 

[HyperMac954]

Budget is $55K +/-

Good to know about the Audi interior.

I'll be test driving this sunday when I get back from Europe - should be fun!

 

[Ritesh]

Porsche Cayenne and VW Touraeg are built in the same factory since they are basically twins. They are 5 seaters. The Q7 is a 7 seater and is on a stretched C/T chassis but Audi has been busy Launching the A6/A8 so the new Q7 launch has been delayed. The other option is the new MB ML350. It has a diesel option. It was redesigned from the ground up with the Jeep Grand Cherokee! it's much nicer than the last gen but IMHO not as nice as the C/T!

Personally I think the MDX is best BUT it is bigger which U might or might not want, specially if GF is driving it!

I wouldn't go smaller than Midsize b/c the dogs will be cramped, won't have room for race tires or tools, etc.

 

[Marin 12C]

Lots of interesting responses! I'm digging the Q7 diesel (diesel cars in general being quite rare in the US, and California in particular). What color did you go with Ronn? Don't want to have TWO nearly identical cars!

My dad and I were at the Nurburgring on wednesday, and he actually got passed by an Evoque - that was pretty funny (we were driving little rental Suzuki Swifts, utterly gutless, but fun to toss around). And I like the look. Unfortunately, it's the least sensible cost vs. performance/utility. Ironically, with it's low price and nimble handling, the Juke is the best.

The Q7 is a metallic grey that closely resembles the 12C, but not on purpose, it predates the 12C order by 18 months or so, and originally I was not going to go with Graphite Grey on the 12C, but when I saw the last PP cars being assembled at the MTC, it grabbed me and I switched to it.

My wife has the new ML350 diesel, and while it is a great car, and she loves it, it does not handle nearly as well as the Q7. If you want any more thoughts on it, email me, and I'll share my thoughts in more detail...

 

[SSO]

I would highly recommend taking another look at the Cayenne, specifically the Turbo. Had one for several years now and it has been a great workhorse.

 

[HyperMac954]

I just can't bring myself back to Porsche - they REALLY annoyed me. First they tried to push me to sell me back my R for $17K less than I'd already agreed to sell it elsewhere, and then they'd only offer me $500 off a new Cayenne Turbo- which would've been my fourth new Porsche from them.

 

[HyperMac954]

Decided on a 2013 BMW X3 3.5i - grey w/ black interior and sports package. Drove ALL the cars on the list this morning, and in the end, the X3 was my favorite. Thanks for the help guys!