Spend some time inside the LR3, the fit and finish isn't all that wonderful and the overall layout is a little busy. I think they are way overpriced for the segment and they drive too much like a truck (for me anyway).

 

I've got a Toyota 4Runner, and I think it's the best SUV in the market. It's relatively cheaper than the rest. It's got the SUV rugged-ness look, but drives well on the road. (my avg. MPG has been around 18, but I have over-sized tires--before that, it was 20-21). I've gone through mud, snow, etc. and had no problems.

My folks have an 05 MDX and it has all the amenities you could possibly want--voice act. Navi, DVD, etc. Really nice, quiet ride on the road and the AWD works fairly well in the snow or mud. I'd never take it off-road, but I can't imagine anyone taking a $50k+ off-road (by "off-road," I don't mean a dirt trail to the camp ground. I'm talking like Moab.)

Also keep in mind the Land Rovers have been in the worst dependibility list for quite a while, not to mention one of the top candidates in the depreciation department.

I'd say go for a Pilot/MDX/4Runner.

 

think of what you daily needs are; driving on the street in good to moderate condtions with 1or2 passengers.

dont buy a suv.

 

Well if you really wants lots of room, dependability, rugged SUV and a resonable price this baby offers up the space for real size adults.




I absolutely my Titan

 

I'm not sure if your comment is intended for me, but I live in a state that has snow 6 months out of the year and I'm an avid skiier. Plus, I like to go offroading every now and then. I also have a little fishing boat for fishing/hunting.

Why would I NOT have an SUV?

 

Isn't that an Armada? (not a Titan)

I can't remember where, but I thought the Armada and the Infiniti counterpart was rated on of the worst for reliability. Since I can't remember if it was a credible report, this could be thrown out, but I'm thinking it was from CR or JDPowers... I'll have to look.

They do look nice, though.

 

And they perform extraordinary!

Yes, that is the Nissan Armada/Infiniti QF56; they are both built off of the Nissan Titan mechanicls, so although I do not own an Armada, I can speak to the vehicle's mechanics and drive train.

The reliability report was from way back in 2004, keep in mind that was an all new vehicle design, at an all new manufacturig plant, with all new line workers; you bet they had some issues. My Titan is an '05 and my ownership has been great.

And trust me, I know all about snow as I live in Rochester, Buffalo is 75 minutes to the west and Syracuse is 90 minutes to the east, and those three cities are all within the top 15 snowiests cities in the continental USA.

I just love this latest review of the '07 Totan from Canadian Driver...
2007 Nissan Titan Crew Cab

The Nissan Titan is the new kid on the block when it comes to V8-powered, full-size half-ton trucks. And what a V8 it is! Taking only 8.6 seconds to travel from 0-100 km/h, the big Titan was the bullet of the bunch, and was equally adept at stepping through the obstacles when negotiating the off-road challenge. When it comes to hauling and towing, cruising and accelerating, the Titan is a force to be reckoned with.

 

because:

-suv's have the "rugged look" but no function.
-these vehicles are to expensive and a bother to get the scratches dents, its like having a Lotus Elise on the track.
-my friend's allwheel hatchy matches performance in snow and has at least moderate cargo capacity. i drive it.
-dosnt look like you need significant tow capacity/stability, your trailer is lite.
-in general use the suv handles poor, difficult to park and interface with general life. its like a project to navagate the boat on land every day. it feels like i gained 20-30 pounds and have to sport the extra weight around, like rocks in a backpack. what do people think when they see you; that you hung with stupid too long and cant sell off the suv for the price you paid for it. no bling in a suv anymore.

many people live in an area where winter brings snow. nothing will substitute for skill and moceration while driving in it.

consider where 98% of your driving takes you.

 

Look at the latest reliability polls and you'll find that the Land Rover, Infinity/Nissan at the bottom of it. So I wouldn't touch either one of those if I were you. Yesterday I went with a friend to check out the MDX and it's very very nice. I believe fully loaded it's something like 48k, so not a bad price considering all the options it includes.

 

huh?