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Yup, you read that right. What is the sportiest/most fun to drive vehicle that seats 4, can tow 5,000 lbs mininum, and costs under $50K? I think it's a short list, but I can think of:
Porsche Cayenne (though probably too pricey and expensive to maintain)
BMW X5 4.4 (almost as pricey and expensive to maintain)
Ford Raptor pick-up (lots of yee-haw and horrible gas mileage)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (interesting option)
Any others?
Touareg TDI.
CX-9.
Trailblazer ss!
New/Used?
Do you mean car-like? Or just fast?
Wondering what I could buy to replace the utility and reliability of the Ridgeline and the fun-to-drive aspect of the 135i IF I were to sell both and simplify my life by having one vehicle instead of two.
Needs to haul 4 people, easily accommodate one big dog, tow a car trailer, and have some semblance of sportiness and luxury. I think a barely-used BMW X5 is the most obvious contender, but wondering if I'm overlooking other obvious choices...
You mentioned 'reliability' of the Ridgeline, depending on the mileage, or amount of towing you do, that might rule out the X5. It is the sportiest drive by far, but repair costs etc could be steep. Raptor would work, but it is a LARGE truck. Go drive a Jeep or Durango, price is in line with your budget and wil be brand new, with a 6yr/100k drivetrain warranty. I am very happy with the ones I've had, the hemi drivetrain is thristy, but strong. Towing is great, room and luxury too. A little soft suspension, but the Durango's I think have firmer calibrations.
Keep the Ridgeline.
lol @ euro-car reliability. Didn't you learn you lesson with the Audis?