So looking like it's time for a new vehicle. And I started homing in on the Highlander, but some additional research is saying some decent to good stuff about the new version of the Dodge.
I figured I'd see if anyone has FHE with recent iterations of those vehicles, or has something good to say on the behalf of something similar.
Thoughts?
needs?
5K+ Tow
Seat heat... yeah I'm spoilt
SUVish cabin height
Reliable
Can be leased - working on life role paradigm shift time so vehicle wants/needs will need re-eval in a couple years
Um...
Have you considered the new explorer? They are impressive
is the Honda Pilot out for some reason?
Explorer gets poor(er) marks for reliability, though lease might mitigate that. And I have to check the price point - might be a bit higher. Might have to circle back on the research.
- Ah yes, now I recall. Ford is getting 'blasted' for the current iteration of the MrFord Touch system that makes it hard to do anything...
Test drove a pilot a couple years back when M was shopping. Though I do like a Honda product the Pilot was underwhelming in the face of the competition at the same price. Felt meh behind the wheel and the interior seemed cheap and econo-ey be comparison to others.
looked at the Hyundai Veracruz already?
just because I know ducatiz will suggest it as well...
No. Wasn't in the Consumer Reports (pulp version) so it's gone under the radar. Isn't the Hyudai analogue to the Kia Sorento? Might be looking for a slightly bigger platform than that. And it lists 3,500 tow. Not a deal breaker, but under that magic number.
If you can find one, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Redesigned for 2013, so I can't say anything about the new model. We have a 2007 and it has been great. The v6 tows 6,000 lbs and the v8 is rated at 7k lbs. Our V6 gets around 20 mpg, has third row seating, and rides and handles better than anything that size has a right to. Drive one before buying something else, I think you'll be surprised.
Hmm seems worth checking out, but only has a CVT now. Only driven a couple CVT equipped vehicles and HATED them, though never driven this one, so who knows.
We have a 1 year old highlander. I like it, other than a few dash rattles and stuff that have started showing up already. It tows well, and gets great mpg under normal driving.
We test drove the new durango during the purchasing process. I really liked it also. It was the first year for it so I wasn't comfortable with the Dodge name and no track record for reliability.
We went with the highlander over the other 3rd row SUVs. One big point for us was our kids could climb into the 3rd row without folding a seat up since the 2nd row seats are "captain" chairs. That is a huge plus, and I can't believe more SUV's out there don't do it too.
mitt
Agreed on the cvt. Personally, I wouldn't even consider the 2013 model because of the changes to it. The new one is way down on capability vs the 2012 model. The 2005-2012 though is quite comfortable and still very capable.
MB Sprinter!
Probably '12s on the lots still around here, potentially. I'm in a major metro area, so we're not bereft of car dealers in the area.
Sort of on topic - any use CarWoo.com? A coworker did well with it so I'm curious. Got USAA on my side as well, so there's options like that as well.
NO sprinters... Brian S already suggested the Nissan NV, which I cold get with a custom wrap...
Maybe that Ford transit powered by the Xj-220 engine... that might do.
Quote from: Slide Panda on December 10, 2012, 08:43:27 AM
NO sprinters... Brian S already suggested the Nissan NV, which I cold get with a custom wrap...
a custom wrap eh?...LOL...
the Sprinter is pretty cush and gets great milage and the 2.5 diesel is pretty durned hearty!
Noooo
Nissan Xterra? If you get the Pro-4X model then it should have heated seats (my Frontier does). I've had several Nissans and they've all been dead reliable. Only downside is fuel economy.
I agree that CVT sucks.
I know previous iterations had a supercharger that required Premium - doesn't seem the case on the '12s. Any notion there?
Previously they made XE, SE, and Supercharged (SC) Xterra models. I put 100,000 miles on an SE model before trading it in on my Pro-4X Frontier (no supercharger). It never had a problem.
I'm not sure if they still make the supercharged models...I don't think so. I bought the SE back in 2004 because I didn't want to deal with the supercharger and premium gas. The new models now have more hp than the old supercharged models. My SE had about 180 hp (SC model was 230 I think)...my new Frontier (and the new Xterras) have about 260 hp. [thumbsup] I tow my race bike around quite a bit in a 6x10 enclosed V-nose trailer and it does well...better than my Xterra used to.
They're still a little bare bones (relatively speaking)...but they're supposed to be, and I like that. That said, my Pro-4X has leather seats, a Rockford Fosgate stereo system, heated seats, traction control (fairly useless IMO), and an electric rear locker. It's nice, even if not as nice as some other vehicles (also not as expensive).
2013 has a substantial redesign - doesn't seem like nissanusa.com has quite caught up. Only X and S models on there at present. They might be on a different release cycle I guess
They're showing a Pro-4X model (2012 though).
http://www.nissanusa.com/xterra?next=header.vehicles.postcard.vlp.image#/models/ (http://www.nissanusa.com/xterra?next=header.vehicles.postcard.vlp.image#/models/)
Doesn't look like the Frontier or Xterra will be changed in 2013.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/new-cars-for-2013-nissan-news (http://www.caranddriver.com/news/new-cars-for-2013-nissan-news)
Ah, I figured it out. They don't display the Pro-X until you select 4x4. 4x2 is default display tricked me... which is not so good as I do web design and UX for my job. Tut, tut nissan - let folks know what's out there up front.
I don't have experience with any of the vehicles you listed.
But you did mention heated seats and spoiled and I have experience with those.
My car was at the BMW dealer last month for repairs and was given a X1 35i as a loaner.
If it's a lease you decide to go with I would put this on the short list.
Great handling, strong twin turbo motor, all wheel drive, great gas mileage, optional heated leather seats, and much more.
Only catch is it comes in just shy of the 4,000 lb tow capacity mark.
Best of luck with your decision. Get some test drives in and enjoy the process of deciding on a new vehicle. [thumbsup]
X1 list tow capacity as N/A. One has to go to the X5 to get over 5k tow rate. But, perhaps an X1 would make it easy for me to talk the wife into using her vehicle for any tow duty.... But I'm looking for more cargo capacity seems the X1 is much like the VW tiguan which has about none without the rear seats down.
Rear seats are a must, as a rear seat only passenger is appearing in later March
Ford Explorer Sport. All the goodness of the Taurus SHO in a cushy SUV.
I want to drive one bad. I don't need that big a vehicle though (probably a good thing)...
We love our Audi Q5 but the tow rating is a touch under your goal
Have you thought of the the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Word on the street is a diesel is to be added to the lineup in 2013 which could b good for gas mileage. I don't have FHE with the new model but loved my '05. Not sure tow capacity of the V6, but pretty sure the V8 handles 5k and also comes with the system that shuts down 4 cylinders for fuel economy when not needed.
If you can wait until next fall, the 2014 Highlander looks awesome.
Quote from: Pedro-bot on December 10, 2012, 10:45:26 AM
I don't have experience with any of the vehicles you listed.
But you did mention heated seats and spoiled and I have experience with those.
My car was at the BMW dealer last month for repairs and was given a X1 35i as a loaner.
If it's a lease you decide to go with I would put this on the short list.
Great handling, strong twin turbo motor, all wheel drive, great gas mileage, optional heated leather seats, and much more.
Only catch is it comes in just shy of the 4,000 lb tow capacity mark.
Best of luck with your decision. Get some test drives in and enjoy the process of deciding on a new vehicle. [thumbsup]
My only pregnant dog with the X1, why can't we (north americans) get it with a manual tranny and the 200hp diesel. If I could get a german spec X1 123d (diesel) with a 6mt, that would be my daily driver. Current dd 135i M-sport 6mt.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on December 11, 2012, 05:37:18 PM
If you can wait until next fall, the 2014 Highlander looks awesome.
Got some details on the changes?
Quote from: sno_duc on December 11, 2012, 07:06:28 PM
My only pregnant dog with the X1, why can't we (north americans) get it with a manual tranny and the 200hp diesel. If I could get a german spec X1 123d (diesel) with a 6mt, that would be my daily driver. Current dd 135i M-sport 6mt.
I hear you on that.
One of my prior loaners was a 335 diesel. That thing was torquey and fun.
I read really good things about the 135. I bet that thing is fun. Have you uncorked the motor with a tune or the JB4?
100 extra ponies on tap with simple bolt on ECU map.
Quote from: Slide Panda on December 10, 2012, 10:58:39 AM
X1 list tow capacity as N/A. One has to go to the X5 to get over 5k tow rate. But, perhaps an X1 would make it easy for me to talk the wife into using her vehicle for any tow duty.... But I'm looking for more cargo capacity seems the X1 is much like the VW tiguan which has about none without the rear seats down.
Rear seats are a must, as a rear seat only passenger is appearing in later March
Not sure why BMW NA doesn't list tow capacity. Must be a lawyer thing.
Auto guide has it listed as 3891 lbs.
The wife has a 4.4 X5. It's AWD and the thing drives likes its glued to the ground. We've owned several Japanese cars and domestic SUV's in the past but nothing quite measures up to how solid the X5 feels. For us, seems it will always be BMW.
Good luck with the new car decision. It's not really a bad problem to have. On the one hand you have a new car on the other a different new car. Ha! [drink]
MB ML350 and GL350 has a towing capacity of 7200 and they can be had with the Diesel engine.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=Hmg3A5l9s0M#/watch?feature=related&v=Hmg3A5l9s0M (http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=Hmg3A5l9s0M#/watch?feature=related&v=Hmg3A5l9s0M)
Quote from: Slide Panda on December 11, 2012, 07:21:55 PM
Got some details on the changes?
Unfortunately, no.
I saw a clay model at our most recent dealer meeting.
The exterior is vastly improved, IMO. We did not see images of the interior.
But based on what I've seen with the new versions of Camry, Avalon & RAV4...it will be impressive.
But I doubt it will have 5K towing capability.
Current 4Runner is rated at 5K.
It too, gets a fairly dramatic makeover next August.
Quote from: Pedro-bot on December 11, 2012, 07:22:57 PM
I read really good things about the 135. I bet that thing is fun. Have you uncorked the motor with a tune or the JB4?
100 extra ponies on tap with simple bolt on ECU map.
I live in a state where the highest posted speed limit is 65mph, which means I can get into serious tickets in about 8 seconds and still have 4th, 5th, and 6th to go. (kinda like the 916 [evil]) Why would I need another 100 hp??? If I lived in germany, I would love a modded 135 as an autobahn cruiser. It is a blast during the winter ;D BMWs drift really well, once you press the DTC button and tone down the electronic nanny.
Quote from: sno_duc on December 11, 2012, 10:19:47 PM
I live in a state where the highest posted speed limit is 65mph, which means I can get into serious tickets in about 8 seconds and still have 4th, 5th, and 6th to go. (kinda like the 916 [evil]) Why would I need another 100 hp??? If I lived in germany, I would love a modded 135 as an autobahn cruiser. It is a blast during the winter ;D BMWs drift really well, once you press the DTC button and tone down the electronic nanny.
NEED?!
It's never about NEED man!! Why would anyone with a daily commute NEED 300+hp twin turbo engine car to begin with?! LOL
This is about WANT! Big in your face, in excess, bite off more than I can chew WANT! LOL
DTC off definitely livens things up. Add M power plus EDC, that just .........let me just shut my pie hole and plead the 5th. [evil]
Here's my daily. :D
(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k582/joaramos/2E7B7F92-8D82-4F0B-9121-789E52924FAD-3321-000001D742A5B80D.jpg)
END THREAD JACK
Sorry Panda!!
One last thing before I get outta your thread.
BMW FTW!!!
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on December 11, 2012, 09:03:49 PM
Unfortunately, no.
I saw a clay model at our most recent dealer meeting.
The exterior is vastly improved, IMO. We did not see images of the interior.
But I doubt it will have 5K towing capability.
Current 4Runner is rated at 5K.
It too, gets a fairly dramatic makeover next August.
Any notions on the hardware updates? That's a bit more interesting to me than the cladding. Sub 5k tow isn't a killer, just a line in the sand. But that 5k mark, and accompanied 500 pound tongue weight would allow me to carry the KTM on a hauler, no trailering needed.
And time is a factor. My current wheels are solid for now, but will need some potentially costly, or just big PITA if I do it work. The igniter or ballast on one of my lights has shit the bed and I need it running by the end of Jan for the annual safety inspection - well to pass it that is. Cant say I wouldn't mind making that electro gremlin someone elses problem.
I have a 2011 BMW 328xi and it's awesome. Sure, only 230hp, but it will do 135mph (don't have the sport package so it's limited artificially) and with the awd, it's a snow demon as well.
Guess I'm saying, don't overlook the X1/X3/X5 or even an X-drive sedan
X1 is out due to the utter lack of cargo volume. Can't carry crap in there without the seats down. Got a minion due in march. Gotta plan for seats up - car seat and sufficient room for strolling gear+
And the rest, probably on price. X5 is 15-20K more than what I'm realistically looking at.
Quote from: Slide Panda on December 12, 2012, 05:20:11 AM
X1 is out due to the utter lack of cargo volume. Can't carry crap in there without the seats down. Got a minion due in march. Gotta plan for seats up - car seat and sufficient room for strolling gear+
And the rest, probably on price. X5 is 15-20K more than what I'm realistically looking at.
X3 sounds like your next car then
if it weren't for the towing/tongue weight issue of need, I'd tell you to go look at a Subaru C9 Tribeca...
perhaps this is the one time to think about where you might sacrifice in terms of towing and pick up a Kendon folding trailer for those specific times of need?!?!?
Yeah. might need to visit a scooby dealer and kick some tires. Did like the outback when M was shopping. But it was during the supply shortage after the Tsunami and they just didn't have any at the time.
I can't believe people are suggesting the X1 and X3. Those are maybe the ugliest SUVs out there. [puke] Just get a minivn and call it good. ;)
Quote from: Triple J on December 12, 2012, 08:40:05 AM
I can't believe people are suggesting the X1 and X3. Those are maybe the ugliest SUVs out there. [puke] Just get a minivn and call it good. ;)
I've also had an X3 as a loaner (yes Virginia some dealers still provide loaners while your car is receiving it's free service), go drive one with the 3.5 turbo 6.
Then get back to us.
Another vehicle to check out is the VW TDI sports wagon.
Quote from: Triple J on December 12, 2012, 08:40:05 AM
Just get a minivn and call it good. ;)
Might put me into middle age before my time- but they are practical make the beast with two backsers in many ways. EXCEPT that Honda wants $1000 for a tow set and Toyota doesn't even seem to offer it up as an option.
No bimmers or mercs they price out. Not in my fiscal planning at present
Quote from: sno_duc on December 12, 2012, 08:48:46 AM
Another vehicle to check out is the VW TDI sports wagon.
I wish there were more Oil burner choices in the US - I'd be on one for sure, but doesn't look like this is much for pulling stuff.
One other thing to keep in mind is the orignal "SUVish cabin height" criteria. As noted, I've my first kid on the way. This vehicle might not be the m-f kid mover, but will pull that duty (no poo jokes!).
The sage advice given me is that a taller cabin makes dealing with loading up a kid much easier on the body. It's a fair bet that my child will be a dense one - both mom and I are former athletes and have the genes to put on muscles quickly. I was a dainty 5'10" 220 pound barbarian when playing super league Rugby (very briefly until that inattentive driver ran me over - but that's a different tale) - but now the sins of youth+ have to be minded and awkward stooping does me no good.
Quote from: sno_duc on December 12, 2012, 08:48:46 AM
I've also had an X3 as a loaner (yes Virginia some dealers still provide loaners while your car is receiving it's free service), go drive one with the 3.5 turbo 6.
Then get back to us.
Last I checked performance doesn't make a car prettier. ;) It'll still be fugly. I'd get a used X5 before an X3, on looks alone.
Quote from: Triple J on December 12, 2012, 09:39:44 AM
Last I checked performance doesn't make a car prettier. ;) It'll still be fugly.
Well, last I checked pretty looks doesn't make a car perform better either. [cheeky]
And the X1 looks waaay better than any minivan.
As good as the in line 6 cylinder engine is in the 35i, I would go for the 4 cylinder turbo motor. The 8 speed auto on that thing is almost magical.
Quote from: Triple J on December 12, 2012, 09:39:44 AM
I'd get a used X5 before an X3, on looks alone.
I completely agree with you on this. The X3 seems to have some proportions that don't make it very appealing to the eye.
Panda, what about the GMC Acadia? Trailering is a bit down at 3500lbs but seems to have the other things you're looking for, roomy cabin, creature comforts, etc.
If a used vehicle is an option, maybe consider a full size SUV like a GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Tahoe. These options would have everything you're looking for on a vehicle that if new may not have otherwise been at your price point.
Quote from: Pedro-bot on December 12, 2012, 10:32:00 AM
Panda, what about the GMC Acadia? Trailering is a bit down at 3500lbs but seems to have the other things you're looking for, roomy cabin, creature comforts, etc.
If a used vehicle is an option, maybe consider a full size SUV like a GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Tahoe.
Acadia is on the working list too, though ranked lower. I think that was mostly on size - it's a biggun.
Used is an option, though I'm leaning towards lease as times they are a changing and vehicle needs may shift and override any wants (aka the mini van era)
I think lease is a great idea if you don't plan on driving the car very much.
You can get into the red pretty quick if you're over on miles when the lease term is up.
I don't know if you have kids already but congrats on your new expected joy. [beer]
My wife and I just had our first in September. We found out she was pregnant 1 week after I bought my M3. From the pic you can obviously see it's a 2 door.
So not the best "family vehicle," especially considering it's a 6 speed manual.
I thought about trading the car in the last few months she was pregnant. But after a lot of serious consideration we opted to hang on to the car.
I'm a forum member at M3post.com and searching and reading posts with similar scenarios, "should I trade in my coupe for a family car, etc, etc.." it made the decision to keep the car a lot easier. Now keep in mind my daughter is only 2 months old, so much can still change, but some of the members with children posted things like...
- rear facing car seats for baby only last 1 -2 years, booster seats after that are much easier to deal with
- my wife stays home with baby so there's not much driving with the baby in the car, trips are minimal
- we have 2 cars
I'm finding that bringing the car seat in and out of the X5 is still somewhat akward. Especially since the recommendation is to secure it in the center of the back seat. We don't go many places with baby, at least not yet, so it's not really that big of a deal. I have a Thule roof rack on my M if we choose to take my car, I can strap on a soft cargo bag. We've only used my car once, all other trips in the SAV.
So far, 2 1/2 months into a new baby girl I'm finding that the inconveniences of packing strollers, carriers and diaper bags is not that big of deal. It can be if you make it.
I think if you accept the simple fact that a new baby will make everything just a little bit harder and take a little more planning, then you won't have a hard time dealing with the challenges you'll meet.
And another factor I really mind blanked on earlier - there's a 75 pound dog in the mix. So he'd need room if we all pile in for a family road trip. So sufficent cargo room behind the 2nd row for dog and some cargo is a weighting factor. He's pretty aged so don't know how long he'll be around. But he's tough too, so could be a while and he'll need his space.
My present wheels are a 6 speed manu, and M (the wife) won't drive it. She says she can drive a manu, but is scared to 'mess it up'. So an auto magic trans is in my future so we have more driver flexibility.
Yes, miles on a lease are a concern - but usual driving habits don't take me all that far each year. And I'd probably wrangle for some more Work From Home days once The Minion arrives in March.
75 pound dog?!
That's practically a horse for some people. [laugh]
Well then, sounds like you need max cargo plus max towing.
March is still a pretty good ways off so you have plenty of time to make up your mind.
Then again, purchasing this time of year may get you a better deal on most any new 2012 model.
Quote from: Pedro-bot on December 12, 2012, 11:37:14 AM
75 pound dog?!
That's practically a horse for some people. [laugh]
March is still a pretty good ways off so you have plenty of time to make up your mind.
He's a little thing... at least compared to his 85 pound youth. Not as much muscle in his golden years.
Aiming to decide before the end of Jan. Got a ballast or igniter on the current wheels HID that I'd rather make some dealers problem. Past the end of Jan it's my problem - annual inspection is up at the end of Jan and running 1 headlight, no matter how bright will fail.
I drive a 2012 highlander V6 SE 4WD. It was bought last year now has 21k miles. Previous car was a 2003 GTI VR6, and the repairs bill was getting to be annoying and AC gremlin did not help.
Wanted to get a SE with 2WD but it is nearly impossible to find in the midwest. Also, All the V6s seem to come from the factory with the "upgraded" towing package for 5000 lb. I have not towed with mine.
So far, the only problem was a dealer sold Compustar remote start controller that went bad. It was replaced under warranty.
Likes:
roomy cabin (the hatch with third row seats down should be roomy for the 75 lb pooch)
cushy ride
Larger rear view camera screen from GPS display vs highlander w/o GPS.
Dislikes
wind noise loud above 70 MPH.
seat bottom are uncomfortable for my bony butt.
Slow GPS.
MSRP seemed high...
Gas mileage:
City 15-18 MPG
MIX 18-21 MPG
Highway 20-25 MPG (at avg speed of 65 MPH, multifunction trip computer calculates about ~24 MPG)
Thanks ZyMe - heard some other complaints about the seat comfort too. I'm spoilt by my current seats. In '04 Acura put some nice seats in my car. I'd take it out an stick feet on it for the house if I could.
3rd row down should be more than enough for the dog. He fits well in the wifes sorento, which is a bit smaller than the toyota or many of the other things under discussion here.
If I were in the market for an SUV, I'd have to look pretty seriously at the 4runner, especially if you're already considering the highlander...which is basically just a camry with a taller roof. Been driving an 08 Tundra for a while now and it's been good to me...
I looked at the 4Runner - but consumer reports and a number of other places panned it. From CR 'Great for towing and off road, and that's it'. I Do like the looks more, the Highlander is a bit soft looking... but probably better suited to the needs at hand
Durango...
If you like tinkering, better intake and freer flowing exhaust has meted people about 5+ MPG jump..
yeah the new durango looks nice..and the 4runner is most definitely a better looking truck than the highlander. I'd say if you're at toyota anyway, have a look at them both - you might be surprised. also, something you might not have considered is if you get something with a high enough tongue weight, you can strap that KTM to a rack and it makes transporting really easy. I have the pickup, and I still use a rack to get the dirt bike around...
Quote from: cokey on December 13, 2012, 05:37:07 PM
Durango...
If you like tinkering, better intake and freer flowing exhaust has meted people about 5+ MPG jump..
Oh? Got some more info?
shift1100 - yeah i had a Versa hauler that came with my first monster. Sold it to another board member as I couldn't use it, but he doesn't use it much so I might see about a buy back. That's part of the reason for a 5k+ tow as that generally translates to a 500 tongue capacity which is enough for the KTM and hauler. I have pretty ready, but not guaranteed access to a buddies trailer - but a plan B like the hauler would be nice
Too bad this doesn't have a trailer hitch because it gets 37.9 MPG combined and hauls even more than my E 320.
â–º 2:39â–º 2:39
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqHdhtXT38o (//http://)
Aug 7, 2009 - Uploaded by autotuningnews
Interior New Mercedes E250 CDI Estate BlueEFFICIENCY 2010.
Price: from $105,500
Sweet jebus!
Don't buy them new. Look what the 2008 models are going for.
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2008/mercedes_benz/e_class/ (http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2008/mercedes_benz/e_class/)
I own an 01 wagon and its pretty nice.
The seats fold all the way flat and you can put a lot of cargo in there. It's pretty quick and handles good too.
Over all it's the best car I've ever owned.
If I had the money I would be tempted by a Merc ML350 BlueTEC: lots of torque and decent mileage.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC HD Video Review (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1_gZde4_IM#)
But I'm a cheap bastards so I got a used 2000 Disco II (Ikea sells 'em now, some assembly required). I manage 14.5 Mpg on my commute (avg speed 17.8 MPH) but it's nice and big (seats 7) and it can tow:
(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4010/4209198128_82a18dbc67_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewood_eddie1968/4209198128/)
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Edit:
Here's a local Q7 for sale (2010 Q7 TDI Premium Plus - $43450): http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/3445081151.html (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/3445081151.html)
My father has an E350, same motor I think. piece of crap. he says worst car he's owned due to motor problems
Quote from: Raux on December 14, 2012, 10:25:20 AM
My father has an E350, same motor I think. piece of crap. he says worst car he's owned due to motor problems
I have had one issue with a crankshaft sensor going out at 180k. $97.00 and 15 minutes later it was fixed. Otherwise no issues whatsoever ever. Mine is the 3.2 V6 it think the 3.5 just has a longer/ bigger bore and stroke.
they've spent thousands on the motor.