Advice on buying a new SUV

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For the last ten years or so, I have purchased a new vehicle every three years. This seems to be the point where the balance between trade-in value and the price for a new vehicle is the best. (Am I correct in this assumption?) I am keen to buy another SUV, but the choices are increasingly bewildering. On my shortlist at the moment (in no particular order): Mercedes ML350 CDI, Audi Q7 3.0TDI, Porsche Cayenne TDI or S, VW Taureg 3.0TDI, new Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland (available later in the year) and BMW X5 3.0SD. (Not keen on the Discovery - really do not like the boxy shape). I do a fair amount of off-road driving, but not the really serious stuff. I do not want to spend much more than about R750k. Judging by some of the discussion on this forum, there are plenty of guys who are very knowledgeable about cars. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[dotVIBE]

of that lot probably the cayenne TDI if it was me. problem is, you prolly wanna spend more than a R100k on extras there. it really does come with nothing.

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of that lot probably the cayenne TDI if it was me. problem is, you prolly wanna spend more than a R100k on extras there. it really does come with nothing.

Thanks DotVibe. The issue of optional extras is certainly a problem. Some car manufacturers are really in the business of ripping people off with 'options' that should be standard. VW even charges for a spare wheel on the Taureg! The new Jeep Grand Cherokee (about R700k) comes standard with almost everything except a sunroof.

[PearlJam]

The problem with these extras is that you lose that money immediately when you take delivery.  IMHO you should only spend a lot of money on extras if you plan on keeping the car and it makes a difference to your travelling (not just those nice to have stuff)

Of the listed ones I would be looking seriously at the ML350 if space is not a big issue and you don't require a lot of extras.  It is capable for basic off-roading.  ...and has a good maintenance plan (not saying the others don't) 

Some people might shoot me here, but my opinion is that you will have a better resale value on the ML vs the Q7 for instance or even the Touareg.  The big thing also to consider is the possible release of a newer model.  The Touareg and Jeep will be new.

[Big G]

I'd go with the Toureg, or another option not listed... The Volvo XC90. This seems to get good write ups for its off road ability, despite effectively being an 'on-road' $x4 (just like the majority of modern 4x4's)

The Toureg and Cayenne share the same chassis, but just have different running gear on them, so between the two its neither here nor there, it just comes down to the options, as mentioned above!

My friend has a Q7, and loves it, but the most off road they get is the side walk!!

Also maybe consider the Toyota Fortuner?? These have survived the rigors of travelling through most parts of Africa, and parts are in abundance!

Hope that helps some?
G!

[dotVIBE]

eish no, not the jeep! terrible car And the cayenne rides streets better than the taureg. the merc is a good option. I'm not a big fan because there are so many of them out there, it seems that everyone is driving one. but for buying with your head instead of your heart, it's good option. personally i wouldn't class the fortuner with the vehicles listed here, it's a bit more of a bakkie. nice vehicle, no mistake, but the ride is just not the same. Volvo is ok, Q7 is 4 wheel drive, but not off road so much. frikken HUGE things those.

imo, ymmv, etc etc.

[Daniel Weston]

Q7 for the win. Will probably give you the best resale value later on plus give you a great chance of top trade in price if you decide to go to another brand when you change vehicles next as the Q7 will have a much broader marketplace than some of the other choices on your list.

I have some key contacts at a number of Audi and Mercedes Benz outlets. If you want someone specific to speak to, drop me a pm and it would be a pleasure to put you onto some of my personal contacts.

[chipwelder]

P.S. the new X3, is much much better than the old one... closer to X5 in size and looks, and the diesel is astounding.
Personally I'd get a 5 series and a real off-road vehicle... SUV's for the road blegh!... compromises compromises... if you want to sit high get a 5 series GT - looks are a bit love it or hate it...

The new grand cherokee seems even better than the previous one, which was miles ahead of the previous one. Dad has current one and had old one...

If you want off-road, get a GL or a Touareg, or a Cayenne... or a Landcruiser 200...

[Rudi]

NEVER NEVER NEVER buy a jeep. biggest piece of **** I have own in my life. you don't want to go there believe me.
R420 000 in 2002 - repair bills not covered by warranty R280 000 first big repair bill R50 000 at 68 000km and so the list goes on. sold for R65 000

I will never buy diesel again either. now I got a 4L petrol turbo. fuel gauge en rev counter drops to zero at the same rate. but it is 100% reliable.

hey but it was the car I enjoyed the most despite trauma it caused me and the coolest of them all. and the new jeep is beautiful.    

[Daniel Weston]

Sorry Audio Bug- I forgot to mention that at this particular level of vehicle I would strongly suggest that you look at the demo models in whatever brand you decide on. Why? Because this particular price range of vehicle will only have been driven by a dealer principle or possibly a local franchise director and I will bet you half the money that you will save on buying one with +- 5000kms on or less that the depreciated value applicable to the demo model will go a long way to ensuring that when it's time to trade in or sell, you will have easily gone past that critical point of 'can I get out of it' 

Typically, DP or FD driven company demos will have low mileage for the months that they have been on the road so you will very rarely start off on the back foot. These particular vehicles are often loaded up with the most attractive specification packages so you can expect something with all the bells and whistles!

[oradba69]

Pity about your feelings of the Disco. It is the best off-road of the bunch and very close to the best on-road as well. That TD motor is a gem.
Cant wait to trade my 3 for a 4.
What ever you do, dont go and drive the Disco since you will change your mind on the looks 

[dotVIBE]

Actually, just close your eyes and ignore your bank manager and drop that extra R200k for a range rover sport tdi. c'mon. you know you want to 

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Many thanks for the advice, guys. You have given me some serious food for thought. Must admit, I am increasingly leaning towards the Cayenne. Despite the fact that the Disco and Range Rover are really good vehicles with stunning interiors, I just can't get beyond the styling - it looks like the designer used a ruler. My last two SUVs were diesels and it is hard to let go of 500+NM of torque. I am not a speed freak, but going up Van Reenen's pass at 130kph at about 2500rpm is a real treat. A V8 petrol will be nice, but with the rate at which fuel prices are increasing, it may become an extravagance.

[dotVIBE]

good choice my man, good choice. just don't buy a black one.

[PearlJam]

...and if you drive the Q7, people will expect a bored housewife behind the steering wheel, so don't worry too much about other men staring at you driving past!