Looking for quiet rides, convenience, some luxury, and reasonable cost of ownership

Member6608

Looking for advice and recommendations around replacing my 2004 BMW X5 4.4i. I've owned this car for about 8 years, and have been quite happy with it most of the time. Liked the handling, responsiveness, and panoramic sunroof the best as its features. Didn't particularly care for the higher cost of repairs (when they were needed) or the requirement to use premium fuel all the time, though - but I guess that's what you should expect when purchasing those vehicles.

So far I've been looking primarily at used GM vehicles - The GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave 2012 models, to be precise. I have a preference leaning toward the Enclave, due to the quietness of the ride and nicer styling. I've also looked at the Acura MDX briefly but not really in any sort of depth. Could the MDX be considered a good substitute for the Enclave?

The main reason I'm not looking at BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, or similar brands this time around is primarily due to budget and the desire to move away from "luxury sport" type vehicles to something with a quieter and smoother ride with all (or most) bells and whistles. (At least as much as the budget can afford.)

I'm looking for recommendations here on something that will last as well as my last car - ideally I'd like this next purchase to last at least for at least 7 or 8 years (maybe longer). Cost and frequency of repairs are a consideration too - I expect that I'll be making visits to the shop every so often for things, but I just don't want to be put into the situation of solely financing the mechanic's kids' college educations.

Any thoughts? Buick seemed like a reasonable route, but I'd like to hear about other similar possibilities that others have experienced - and why people would (or would not) go with an Enclave.

Thanks in advance all.

Priorities: Interior styling / Quietness / Warranty, maintenance cost

Preferred Bodystyle(s): SUV

Car Needs: Errands about town / Long trips

Primary Driver(s): Tall driver

Need minimum of 4 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 50000
Maximum age: 5 years

Maximum price: US $ 32000

« Return to results