New ride
 

Want to reconsider?

A6 Avant pics @ bimmerfest post

New ride
 

That's the hotness. Damn! Anyone have $50k they don't need?

Security
 

You may want one of these for your new car.

anti-theft device

I'd speed just to get pulled over . . .
 

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/....184.2.650.jpg

The story behind the picture:

NY Times (registration required)

For the long haul
 

I might just break down and get one of these: http://images.cobaltgroup.com/5/2/3/157941325.jpg

Acura
 

I drove an MDX this weekend and I can say without hesitation that it was Meh.

There's something odd about the front seats that makes it seem like there's a bulge under the back of your knees. Husband and I both noticed it. It felt weird. Also, while idling, the cab is very quiet, but on the freeway there was an unusual amount of windnoise. This seems to be a design flaw in several models of Acura as we noticed this in the Integra, the RSX and TSX.

The steering was mushy and there was a lot of body roll in the corners. It understeered in heavy cornering and the 300 hp is highly overstated. With the accelerator to the floor on the freeway offramp, there was a lot of engine noise, but not a lot of pull. It seemed to take the bumps OK.

That said, it was pretty good for $40,079 sticker price. But I'd take an X3 at $42,000. X3 is smaller but handles better - less road noise. And no 3rd row seat - and we all know why you don't want a 3rd row seat.

We also got to see the new RL. Looks like it's taking on a little bit of Mercedes in the door molding. Seemed nice.

We went across the street to drive a Lexus RX 330 and/or RX 470. We saw the 2005 RX 470 and do not like it as well as the 2004 which has a nicer front end and doesn't look so jacked-up.
Lexus dealer was too busy so we left.

Acura
 

Yes, yes, rub it in. A fun ride it is not. If you don't have kids, I have no idea why you would want to drive one.

Acura
 

My lease expires next month.

Don't get me wrong. I said it was definitely worth the 40k.
But excitement it's not.

I have driven almost every vehicle on the road at one time or another. It's what I do.
How can I give a review otherwise? Seriously, my next review will be the Lexus.

Acura
 

Don't mind me, I'm just sad I had to stop driving a sportier car.

Have you driven the Infiniti g35 coupe or sedan yet--the 2005 manual transmission models have gotten a HP increase....

Acura
 

You and me both. I used to have a Porsche. Now I drive an SUV so we can "actually take luggage to the airport and pick people up when they come and visit and not make them sit on the hump of a sports car."

I drove the 04 G35 with auto and manual. A HP increase was not what it needed. It was a very adequately powered car with excellent road manners. It needed help in the interior which was designed with 21 yo guy and his first purchase in mind. It looked like it was trying too hard to be a Lexus IS200 only not quite.

Acura
 

Come on, you know that's what you wanted to say.

And it's a little unfair. Even the monkey knows he's driving a four wheel drive Odyssey.

balt[Drives a Swedish Ford, and likes it]assoc

Acura
 

Not really. I'm quite reasonable when picking vehicles in certain price ranges. At least as far as what I like and what I'd choose. It's not any different with the car mags. It's just that I don't get to drive most of them through cones or do a power stop. Hell, look back - I didn't like the Porsche Cayenne so much. At least not for $1100/month. And now that they're having mechanical problems - even less.

Hell, my own vehicle was built in South Carolina or something like that.

Acura
 

I wasn't suggesting that you dislike cars manufactured in America, but rather noting that every comment you have about a car compares it unfavorablely to a BMW. You know what you like. That's okay.

And BMW's plant is in Ashville, SC. I have some inlaws in the area. No one quite knows what to make of all the Germans suddenly popping up around town.

Acura
 

Given the relative military histories of Germany and the South, I'd suggest doing everything to keep them happy.

Acura
 

$1100/month? Isn't the base Cayenne less than $50k? Even with the problematic VW engine, it seems like a good deal. I heard you can get the cheapest Cayenne for about what it costs for the cheapest Touareg, which is pretty amazing considering you get the Porsche interior.

ETA...

Looks like the MSRP of the base Cayenne in an absurdly low $42,900, compared to a lower but same ballpark $37,140 for the Touareg. I'll bet you can't find either one close to that stripped, though, and the options of both make them add up fast.