So I'm back estimating and selling home improvement projects after being medically retired from police work. I enjoy it, it's easy and lucrative, and zero stress comparatively.

I've been driving my wife's 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee because it was giving her problems. It continued with the problems and now Chrysler has agreed to buy it back. I'm trying to decide what to replace it with. I don't need a truck as I don't carry much and the mileage sucks so the mid size SUV has been perfect. Easy to get in and out of, a small cargo area that doubles as a shaded area (with the hatch open) while I write up quotes, and decent mileage. The Jeep was an underpowered V6 which sucked. I was considering the v8 version but decided against another potential problem.

So I am considering an Audi SQ5 (354 hp v6), a BMW X3 (300 hp twin turbo), or These are the only two I found with decent motors in the price range I am comfortable with. I like the BMW motor (we have a 5 series with the same motor/transmission) and the X3 is very comfortable. The BMW is also less expensive. I do worry though that driving a BMW to appointments to sell people stuff might put out the wrong vibe. I think Audi has less of a stigma even though the SQ5 is probably 5-8K more expensive. Opinions?

Since you asked...

IMO both of your choices give the wrong vibe.

Yeah, I agree with DP.

I think you need something a little more 'everyman' so potential customers feel like they can relate to you better.

Keep in mind, turbos are great but can get expensive if repairs are necessary.  

Vibe-wise, I usually hire the guy in the banged up pickup for most of my work as long as the quote looks good and he knows what he's talking about.  Granted, I grew up where most of the people we knew drove banged up pickups.

JM

mini cooper s



you get the BMW quality, without the BMW price association.

After reading the first two paragraphs; I was going to suggest the Mazda CX-5.  

After the last, nadda.

Neither the Audi nor BMW will return any better gas mileage than the Jeep did.

Quote from: ducpainter on August 15, 2014, 04:57:24 AM
Since you asked...

IMO both of your choices give the wrong vibe.

Yeah, I considered that but Audi doesn't have the same rep around here.

Quote from: Speedbag on August 15, 2014, 05:47:22 AM
Yeah, I agree with DP.

I think you need something a little more 'everyman' so potential customers feel like they can relate to you better.

And what is that but still fills the power requirement?

Quote from: hbliam on August 15, 2014, 06:54:14 AM
Yeah, I considered that but Audi doesn't have the same rep around here.

I guess it depends on your customer base.

If your customers drive Chevy's and Fords the Europeans wouldn't work IMO.

You live in a different world than I do though, so the opinion might be regional.

Quote from: hbliam on August 15, 2014, 06:55:10 AM
And what is that but still fills the power requirement?

If you're only carting your own ass around how much power do you really need?

Quote from: ducpainter on August 15, 2014, 06:58:52 AM
If you're only carting your own ass around how much power do you really need?

The Jeep V6 is a dog, always hunting for a gear to pass, working hard on hills. I like wife's Beemer, cruising at 60 and barely feels like it working. And around here if you are going 75 in fast lane you are being passed.

Quote from: the_Journeyman on August 15, 2014, 05:49:23 AM
Keep in mind, turbos are great but can get expensive if repairs are necessary.  

Vibe-wise, I usually hire the guy in the banged up pickup for most of my work as long as the quote looks good and he knows what he's talking about.  Granted, I grew up where most of the people we knew drove banged up pickups.

JM

I always have a warranty so repair cost not an issue.

The installers have the banged up truck, I'm a salesman. And I've looked at Chevy/GMC yuk ons and such but not only are they a bit big, they are as expensive. Stupid really, 60K for a Yukon?

Jeep Diesel.


Toureg.

I think being passed at 75 in the fast lane is universal in America.

Sounds like you've made up your mind regardless what we think...

and that's fine.

I guess you'll find out by sales per quote numbers.

Quote from: red baron on August 15, 2014, 07:09:28 AM
Jeep Diesel.


Toureg.

Drove the Jeep Diesel. Dog. Also, like the food poisoning thread, don't think I'll try jeep again for a while.

Toureg is worth a look, though I'm not a VW fan.

Quote from: ducpainter on August 15, 2014, 07:11:10 AM

Sounds like you've made up your mind regardless what we think...

and that's fine.

I guess you'll find out by sales per quote numbers.

Mostly, wanted to hear opinions though.