Topic: Volvo XC60 vs. Infiniti EX35 vs. ...

[ktm525]

So the Venza's out. Although it has plenty of room, it feels claustrophobic. And we really don't like the softness of it (it rolls more than the Odyssey).

Basically, we're looking at a loaded-to-the-gills Tiguan, or...

Brian Jessel has a very tempting used BMW X3 for $43,900 before taxes (similar to the Tiguan). Comes with 13,000 km, real leather, Premium Package (panoramic sunroof, Xenon headlamps, heated steering wheel and a couple other niceities) and the M Sport Package (bigger wheels, sport seats, more aggressive body kit). It's got 3 years of its original bumper-to-bumper left, and has 2 years on top of that because it's BMW Certified Pre-owned (the extension is provided through BMW Canada, NOT a third-party).

What do you think... take the deal? They're offering $7,000 for the Odyssey (coming up to 160,000 km now) which we think we can bargain that up to $7,500.

We like the car. The fuel economy is a slight improvement over the Odyssey, it seemed clean, it's the right size, space-wise (the Tiguan is a little small), it's great to drive and it's comfortable. Our only worry is reliability, but with the 5-year warranty, we've got a little peace-of-mind.

Buy the used Audi  A6 Avant with adjustable air suspension being sold at the Audi dealer in Calgary. Absolutely loaded with every option including a nice light brown leather. 5 year 110k bumper to bumper warranty. Yum.  (I'm having non-buyer remorse here). This car will so out handle everyhting listed, haul as much, and do it with such a magic carpet ride you swear you were riding on air. Wait a minute...you are.

[carsncars]

If that was a demo, then I'd pass it.

Lease return.

I'll get him to take another look at the RDX tomorrow, because it's likely to be more reliable than the X3. From what I remember though (shopping for my mom) we didn't like the forward-angled headrests (why do so many vehicles have these now?). Also felt a bit twitchy on the highway. But it wasn't atrocious, so it's worth a second look before dropping forty grand.

Regarding the A6 Avant... my dad really prefers the high driving position of vans and SUVs. We did look into an XC70, which probably has a similar ride height to Audi's Allroad, but it was a no-go.

[LeftLand]

we didn't like the forward-angled headrests (why do so many vehicles have these now?).

For safety.  Active head rest techology is being implemented across the industry, and the latest models are getting much better scores in rear collision crash tests.  In order to be most effective, the headrest needs to be closer to your head.

[vdk]

we didn't like the forward-angled headrests (why do so many vehicles have these now?).

For safety.  Active head rest techology is being implemented across the industry, and the latest models are getting much better scores in rear collision crash tests.  In order to be most effective, the headrest needs to be closer to your head.

Yes, quite annoying in Volvos too.

[ktm525]

we didn't like the forward-angled headrests (why do so many vehicles have these now?).

For safety.  Active head rest techology is being implemented across the industry, and the latest models are getting much better scores in rear collision crash tests.  In order to be most effective, the headrest needs to be closer to your head.

Yes, quite annoying in Volvos too.

I found the new XC70 and XC60 the worst. To make matters worse the headrest is thinly padded. I don't have the same problem in my current Volvo though (06 V70R)

[carcrazy]

Have you looked at the LR2? Otherwise I would say go for the X3.