QX56 Vs. LR3 et all?

[1X83Z]

The B9 Tribeca, to my knowledge is much lower-end vehicle, much like a Explorer or XL7.

Putting the Explorer in the same league as the XL-7 is a slap in the face to the Explorer, which, even in basic trim with the manual transmission formerly available, was leagues better than the XL-7 could ever even dream to be. Meanwhile, the Explorer, particularly in high-end Limited or Eddie Bauer trim, provides a credible alternative to expensive but dynamically uninspiring "premium" SUVs like the Lexus RX330 and, yes, the Acura MDX - it's better than both of those vehicles.

B9 is supposed to compete with the high-end versions of the Explorer and stuff like the MDX and RX330. It also is in desperate need of a 290-horsepower 5.3-liter V8.

 

[a6m5]

I really like those Porsche SUVs, except I don't remember the name of it, or if it seats seven. Looks sweet in & out though. 👍

Expedition is a really nice looking SUV, but I've never driven it. I was not impressed with it's interior, but on the plus side(not counting it's sweet looks), I think they are pretty reliable.

I also like the Lexus version of the 4-Runner and the Infiniti's version of Armada(Nissan full-size SUV). I'm sorry I don't know the names of them, but you(E55) know about cars a lot more than I do, so you probably know which vehicles they are.

I'm commited to finding the strangest solution to this problem possible.
-Toyota Mega Cruiser
Good thing you're outside reality, this justbarelynotahummer isn't availible in any real US markets.

When the Mega Cruiser came out, I thought I'd never be able to see one in real life. Few years ago, I was driving by Yakima(State of Washington) on some highway. I see like a mile of military transports carrying everything from huge tanks to a little Jeeps. Since I have a bit of interest in military stuff, I recognized half of the vehicles that was being hauled, and they were all Japanese Defense Forces'! All the marking(flags, etc) had been painted over, probably to avoid panic. And that's when I got to see the Mega Cruisers for the first time, and most likely for the last time. Later, I asked this Army guy I used to work with. I guess the JGSDF does the "High Desert Training" in Yakima. I still don't know what kind of training that is.

Edit: That Porsche SUV was "Cayenne". Sorry.

 

[1X83Z]

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[E55Power]

We actually have a Cayenne right now, the Turbo, however, it's only a 5-seater. Lexus 4Runner...the RX300? That's also only a 5 seater.

 

[E55Power]

Doug, in the case of nearly all those, the interior quality, materials, amenities, and styling is MUCH better on the right side.
Not that it's a reason to buy it, but it is one thing they have on them.

 

[1X83Z]

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[E55Power]

Right. I was getting the 4Runner and Highlander confused.
The GX470 looks like it's ungodly top heavy.

 

[a6m5]

We actually have a Cayenne right now, the Turbo, however, it's only a 5-seater. Lexus 4Runner...the RX300? That's also only a 5 seater.

Actually I was talking about the GX-470. M5 just corrected me.

 

[1X83Z]

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[E55Power]

I was referring to the Taureg vs. Cayenne in particular. Same goes for the Lexus/Toyota ones.

 

[a6m5]

Right. I was getting the 4Runner and Highlander confused.
The GX470 looks like it's ungodly top heavy.

Yeah, it does. Just more cushion, when you roll over the vehicle. Are you getting a stick shift?

P.S. I forgot about the King Ranch Edition. I haven't been inside one of those. Maybe it is nicer. I really think Expeditions look as nice as any imports(except the Porsche).

 

[Sage]

Anyone who knows a damn thing about the auto industry would buy:

- Volkswagen Touareg instead of Porsche Cayenne/Cayenne S

So, did you not know a damn thing about the auto industry in May of 2004?

 

[1X83Z]

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[a6m5]

So, did you not know a damn thing about the auto industry in May of 2004?

Ha ha. Is this right, M5?

 

[E55Power]

Well, I was comparing the interior of our Turbo to a Touareg V8/V10. It's a significant difference.

 

[Sage]

Pah, just admit it Doug – we all know you're just a Porsche fanboy.

Speaking of fanboys, I think I want a Protege5, and Kelley Blue Book puts them right at $15,000, so it's perfect!

*Gets ready to get yelled at about such things as "features" and "Maximas".*

 

[1X83Z]

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[E55Power]

The LR3 4WD HSE is $49k. The King Ranch Expedition 4WD is $48k.
Which is better?

Also: Am I right in assuming the RR Sport has 5 seats?

 

[Sage]

The Protege5's sole redeeming quality […] was the available automatic transmission

And did I mention I want to get a manual?

And anyway, I seriously looked for a 2003 Maxima in this area for under $15k, and I couldn't find one (cars.com, Autotrader, CarsDirect, Yahoo! Autos, etc.). But that doesn't matter, since I want a Protege5!

 

[1X83Z]

The LR3 4WD HSE is $49k. The King Ranch Expedition 4WD is $48k.
Which is better?

Actually I'd compare the King Ranch to a larger vehicle like the QX56 and the LR3 to a smaller one like the Durango Limited.

Also: Am I right in assuming the RR Sport has 5 seats?

Yes.

 

[E55Power]

It's my thread, I can do whatever I want. =)

LR3 vs. King Ranch. Which would you take? And then, KR vs. Armada?

 

[1X83Z]

And did I mention I want to get a manual?

The '03 Maxima SE came with a manual!

And anyway, I seriously looked for a 2003 Maxima in this area for under $15k, and I couldn't find one (cars.com, Autotrader, CarsDirect, Yahoo! Autos, etc.). But that doesn't matter, since I want a Protege5!

Right now the hot price for them is about $17500, but give them a year - they'll come into your range. And they're a hell of a lot better than the poo that is the Mazda Protege5. Another thing you might want to look at is the Ford Focus SVT - do a quick check on those: made from 2002 to 2004, 3-door from 02 to 04; 5-door from 03 to 04.

 

[1X83Z]

It's my thread, I can do whatever I want. =)

LR3 vs. King Ranch. Which would you take?

A Durango.

And then, KR vs. Armada?

Regardless, I still win, since you're comparing a Ford to a Nissan, rather than a Lincoln to an Infiniti. So it doesn't matter.

Honestly, my favorite car in the segment is the Durango, and looking at the specs I'd actually rather an Expedition Limited ($41600) than a King Ranch.

 

[E55Power]

I must say, that beige two tone lower body crap on the KR is hideous. I mean. Wow. That's some ugly ****.

 

[Sage]

Yeah, I actually found several Foci SVTs the other day, which got me pretty excited (I even found one that was Certified Pre-Owned and still under $15k, but I checked back today and it was bought). In all probability, unless I find the seats awful, that's probably what I'll end up getting.

There's also a 2002 Honda S2000 up for grabs for $12k, but that's mighty suspicious.

Oh, and, sorry for the thread hijacking, E55Power.

 

[E55Power]

A S2K for $12k? It either has 1) 400,000 miles, or is 2) MAJORLY ff-ed up.

 

[1X83Z]

I must say, that beige two tone lower body crap on the KR is hideous. I mean. Wow. That's some ugly ****.

I personally believe, as do the vast majority of human beings, that the current Expedition is probably the best-looking large SUV ever built, if not second to the 1995-2000 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Yeah, I actually found several Foci SVTs the other day, which got me pretty excited (I even found one that was Certified Pre-Owned and still under $15k, but I checked back today and it was bought). In all probability, unless I find the seats awful, that's probably what I'll end up getting.

Yeah - good deals, all, even if they're not too quick. You could also check out decent Jettas and Golfs, maybe even a PT Turbo or two. You can't go wrong with an SVT Focus, but you can go even LESS wrong with an '03 Maxima.

There's also a 2002 Honda S2000 up for grabs for $12k, but that's mighty suspicious.

Book says $20100 on an '02, but an '00 would probably easily be in your range next year. Too bad you need a 2003+.

(actually if you had $15k to spend on any model year, we'd be finding you a Mercedes C36 AMG right now)

 

[E55Power]

Ummm...Wow. FWIW, I think the Expedition is ass-ugly. But, thats just my opinion.
I'd say the best looking big SUV is the LR3. That thing looks GREAT.

 

[Evolution.]

Ford Excursion..woohoo!

Get in a fender-bender and kill 8 people!

Or you could ride in style and go with a Black Yukon Denali.Woohoo.

 

[1X83Z]

Ummm...Wow. FWIW, I think the Expedition is ass-ugly. But, thats just my opinion.
I'd say the best looking big SUV is the LR3. That thing looks GREAT.

Lord, where's Duke? Sage will have to do.

Sage, we've finally found someone whose views on automotive styling are more screwed up than mine!

E55Power - check this out regarding the LR3's styling. The Expedition is boring at the very least, and certainly not ugly.