New car (SUV) advice

[TimSJ]

I am biased being an MB guy but there is a new M-Class coming out this year. Early models had some issues no doubt but the 06 and up have been great. Driving a CTS-V you obviously like a sports car. Have a look at the ML63 500hp all wheel drive can tow a trailer. great truck. $100k new but a 9 or a 10 should be able to be had at a decent deal.

[TylerSVT]

Why not just get a big diesel truck that is 3-4 years old and get your new CTS-V or similar sports car?

In the end it sounds like you really just need the truck for towing and not much else. It would be a shame to drive something year round that you dont like just because you need to tow a couple sleds once in a while.

[Table 5]

I am biased being an MB guy but there is a new M-Class coming out this year. Early models had some issues no doubt but the 06 and up have been great. Driving a CTS-V you obviously like a sports car. Have a look at the ML63 500hp all wheel drive can tow a trailer. great truck. $100k new but a 9 or a 10 should be able to be had at a decent deal.

Plus all your girlfriends will all be super jealous! Sorry, I know the M-Class is solid, but it's CUV styling makes it hard to look at it as anything but a Mommy machine.

Now the G-glass, there's a Mercedes SUV i can get behind!

[Sliver]

Or instead of a CTS-V get an AWD sport sedan and you'll be golden year-round. In that price range I'm sure there are a million wicked ones to choose from with huge HP (M, AMG, etc.). Plus a tow vehicle obviously, but I just think a sport sedan is way more fun to drive 90% of the year than a truck.

[Tron_fdc]

The more I look into it, the more I like Touareg. Almost 8000lbs capacity, 8 speed tranny, almost 30mpg when not towing, and it's small enough to be a city driver.

It's listed at 406 ft/lbs of tourque @ 1800rpm, anyone know what that's comparable to? I see 3/4 ton diesel trucks rated around 400ft/lbs@3500rpm, but I don't know what that means.

This pic kinda scares me, but it's amazing what guys are pulling with these things.

[burn_this_city]

Your GMC was rated at 650 ft/lbs stock.

[Table 5]

The Touareg seems like a pretty good option for you. You''re still taking a chance with VW reliability, but at least it's not Land Rover poor.

[burn_this_city]

Personally I'd browse a bunch of VW forums and see if people are having trouble and what kind of problems.

[Tron_fdc]

Yeah, the VW thing sort of scares me. I've owned a few, and it always seems like it's either a lemon, or it's awesome. No middle ground.

I'm reading a lot on these, but I also know a few VW/Audi service guys that can give me a pretty good idea if they're junk.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/volkswagen/touareg/

Most people seem pretty pleased with it...

[Bill Bumface]

Diesel Touareg!! Great engine and the best looking short of the Land Rover, which are pieces of crap.

[Canada 02]

since the VW has already been suggested, might I suggest the Infiniti QX56; I believe it has a towing capacity of ~9000lbs. Many $thousands less than its rivals

http://video.ultimatestreet.com/vide...wing-a-trailer

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

since the VW has already been suggested, might I suggest the Infiniti QX56; I believe it has a towing capacity of ~9000lbs. Many $thousands less than its rivals

http://video.ultimatestreet.com/vide...wing-a-trailer

I really like the QX56. I drove an M56x to Saskatchewan last year and it had a lot of jam. The Q is obviously heavier, but it's still a ballsy engine.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I really like the QX56. I drove an M56x to Saskatchewan last year and it had a lot of jam. The Q is obviously heavier, but it's still a ballsy engine.

yeah, i test drove it for fun two weeks ago while I waited for an oil change at the dealer. Great ride and handling for a monstrous vehicle, and loaded with luxurious standard features

[Sliver]

Yeah I'd trust the reliability of an Infiniti way before any of the German cars. Plus I think they offer better value.

[Travis Munroe]

Based on reading this thread I think its a no brainer towards the Vdub.
Didnt see any mention of the FJ... I know nothing of them but it came to mind when reading the OP

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

Based on reading this thread I think its a no brainer towards the Vdub.
Didnt see any mention of the FJ... I know nothing of them but it came to mind when reading the OP

The biggest problem with the FJ is that everyone will kick you in the balls when they find out you drive a FJ.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

Based on reading this thread I think its a no brainer towards the Vdub.
Didnt see any mention of the FJ... I know nothing of them but it came to mind when reading the OP

There's no way that has the towing capacity he needs. It's probably Toyota's 3.5 liter six banger in there.

[lucky1]

I am pretty sure that the Toureg is built in Germany vs Mexico.....the 'built in Germany' lines like the toureg, Tiguan etc are excellent vehicles with much improved reliability. Lets not forget that VW and Audi are now one and the same, sharing much of the same technology...for example...the 4Motion AWD system in the Toureg/Tiguan/Passat vehicles are basically the Audi Quattro system.....one of the first true AWD setups.
The diesel in the Toureg is so bloody quiet, and pulls like a freightliner from a standstill. Interior is typically german, excellent fit and finish, but very Utility like (ie functional).

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by lucky1

Lets not forget that VW and Audi are now one and the same, sharing much of the same technology

Problem is that Audi is equally crappy when it comes to reliability.