The thing is that Lexus is just a Toyota...nothing more.....so I don't really get into paying for the name. That Mazda is sweet. I just tricked one out and loved the features....rear entertainment DVD system, Sat Nav.... I like a lot. DD
It's pretty cheap too... One other option that gives you more room and has terrific reviews everywhere is the GM 'trio' of large crossover SUVs (Acadia, Outlook, and if you want a luxed-up version with looks go for the Buick...it's an amazing vehicle). But yeah, the Pilot/Pacifica/CX9 would probably be the cheapest ones.
We have 0% percent available for our 07's WAC. For 08's it can go as low as 1.9%. We've gone from a 3.5L to a 3.7L engine for the 08's. 273 HP. Our suggest retail for a fully loaded CX9 fully loaded Nav, DVD etc is about 41K. Now of course we dont sell them close to that amount. But thats where we start at. Currently at my location we dont have any used ones available.(though we do have used CX7's not fully loaded however)... I think we have a CX9 Demo though its not fully loaded. I will check when i get to work in a few hours. My email is thegreenwall62@yahoo.com. I'll be happy to answer all your questions or anybody elses thats interested in Mazda.
I think that the Limited 4Runners have a third seat option. I have an 07 (not a limited, though) and love it. Best of luck, DD
Dude go with the Navigator, I love that car. You can get one fully loaded for like 50 K, if thats in your price range, but then again you sound like you are well off. Or go with the Caddilac Escalade or Escalante.
Not to hijack the thread, but does anybody know anything about the Hyundai Tucson? We were looking for a small SUV, and the Tucson gets pretty good reviews everywhere I've looked. Plus, it has more cabin space than the Santa Fe, and we can get it tricked out for very little $. Thoughts?
I love em too, but they are too big for my taste, I may go Aviator though which is the smaller version of the Navigator. DD
Hey if you want to go with a SUV at least GO BIG. Never understood why people would buy a SUV that fits only 5 ppl. Its pretty much a normal car with a bigger trunk. But check out the cadillacs they really are nice.
DaDakota, I agree with some of the other posters that the new Mazda CX9 is a beautiful SUV or is it CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle). I think it is one of the better looking SUVs out there. Very modern with nice lines. If you want something cheaper price range Hyundai has come out with a new "upscale" SUV called the Rendevous (sp?). It is very close knockoff of the Lexus RX. There is also this new Buick Enclave which looks very, very good. Never thought I would ever say that about a Buick. But I would seriously check it out as it looks like a winner. There is also the GMC Arcadia and a new Saturn Outlook (which are based on the same platform). I was one that swore for the longest time I would never buy a minivan so my wife always had an SUV for the longest time. Than with the price of gas skyrocketing I did alot of research and ended up falling in love with the Honda Odyssey EX-L. It was a great choice (leather, rear-dvd, 6-Cyl - but no Nav - although that option is available). They also have a touring version as the most upgraded (but we were happy with EX-L). It can be configured to seat 8 or if you take out the middle seat in the second row 7 adults can sit very comfortably (with still plenty of room to store stuff). It gets very good gas mileage. It is a 6 cylinder but it has this economy feature where it only uses 4 cycl when driving at a constant speed. It has been very dependable as most Honda's are. We love taking it on road trips to Orlando. We are only a family of 3 (will be growing to 4 next March ). But my wife loves it and she is usually hauling my son and his friends everywhere. I am sure you can find several with the new body style (2006) preowned.
Oh, almost forgot... For the best 'bang for the buck', go see the Hyundai Veracruz. It's a large seven passenger SUV that has received rave reviews as of late, has a handsome interior, plenty of power, and costs thousands and thousands less than a comparable model from any other brand. Another good value would be the new Toyota Highlander...it's pretty roomy and has three rows of seating.
Interesting read, FT. I always considered my Dad's '65 fastback a '64 1/2, but they didn't start making them until the middle of August, early in the '65 run. Dad got his in Orange, Texas, from the father of a student of his, who had the dealership there, and it was supposed to be one of the first fastback's in Texas. We went up to Orange on a weekend, picked it up, and drove it home. I can't recall if it was before or after Labor Day. I'll have to ask my mom. The looks we got from people! You had to be there. The car was a sensation. Dad drove it forever, then I ended up with it. (outstanding!) Had the big 289 with the automatic, silver grey, with a red enterior. Used to sneak a chick into the drive-in back in the trunk, and make her squeeze through the little door in the back that came into the cabin. The AC damn near froze your nuts off. The best car I ever owned. Sadly, it was totaled by an insurance company after getting smashed up (which I had nothing to do with, dammit!). It could have been repaired, but they didn't consider it worth enough. Can you believe it? Happened when I didn't have the bread to pony up for the repairs.
I have one exactly like it, in burgundy with the leather enterior. Gets excellent gas mileage for something that weighs well over 4,000 pounds. Turns on a dime, which is pretty amazing.
