Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Nissan Murano vs Toyota Highlander vs Subaru B9 Tribeca vs Honda Pilot
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
I think she'd fit fine until she was a teenager. By then I'd be in another vehicle most likely.
I've been happy with both Fitz locations, though White Flint is closer so we usually go there. I think they will do a 24 hour drive, sure. Say hi to Maurice while you're there.
By the way, long time, no see. Remember you came over once for me to help troubleshoot an issue with your Forester? Say hi to Cindy.
-juice
I have not made up my mind on whether to buy a Tribeca. My short list at the moment is Tribeca ($$$), Highlander V6 AWD ($$) and Highlander Hybrid ($$$$). I think Highlander V6 also uses premium gas (can anyone confirm this?). I have looked at all three, but not test driven any. The fact that I can get a Highlander V6 AWD at less than the amount that Fitzmall asks for a Tribeca 7-pass Ltd sways me a little toward the Highlander. But I agree with some of the ppl here that the exterior of Highlander is kind of dull. Plus, I heard that Toyota will come out with a new Highlander in 2007. I really don't know which one to get. Of course, I will have a better idea after test driving them.
I will check out other dealers in the area as suggested by you (but that requires some price haggling, which I am not good at). But I would not mind doing the haggling via e-mail. Do dealers in the area do deals over e-mail? I looked at the pricing at Herb Gordon Subaru in Silver Spring via subaru.com. Herb Gordon's internet prices on Tribeca are somewhat comparable to Fitzmall.
Some Tribeca (7-passenger, Ltd.) I found on the internet have "security system shock sensor" and "cargo tray" as installed options. Can you or Juice or anyone tell me what they are (what do they do)? Are they worth the extra money? As Juice alluded to, I drive a Forester. I love the auto dim rearview mirror with clock and compass. So the extra money I spent in getting that in my Forester was well worth it. I want to make sure that I will get my money worth with the "security system shock sensor" and "cargo tray" in a Tribeca.
Thanks.
Hi Juice,
Yes, long time no see. I will say hi to Cindy for you. Every now and then when I see a green Forester on the highway around here, I would think that it might be you. Thanks for helping me on the trouble shooting on my Forester a few (4?) years back. As it turned out. the wining noise that I told you about sort of went away (or got covered by other car noises as my 2001 Forester put on more mileage, about 40k miles so far). The bottom line is that no mechanical problem has developed so far.
I am thinking of replacing Cindy's Camry with an AWD vehicle (for the snowy days in the winter). I test drove a 2005 Legacy XT a few months ago. But Cindy did not like the fact that Legacy is not as roomy as her Camry. She also had concern over the quality of the interior of Subaru vehicles (her judgment was based on my Forester). I took her to Fitzmall looking at Highlanders, and by chance the salesman also showed us a Tribeca Ltd. After seeing the interior there, she would not mind us getting a Tribeca Ltd. We both did not like Highlanders or Tribeca without leather seats. I liked the 5-passenger Tribeca Ltd., but she likes the 7-passenger Tribeca Ltd. After reading your messages in this forum on the benefits of the 7-passenger version, I now agree with you that the 7-passenger version seems to be better (especially because of the additional air-conditioning in the rear). Does your rear air-conditioning unit benefit passenger seating on the second row? Or does it benefit only the third row? But if I am getting the 7-passenger version just for the rear air conditioning. That appears to be a lot of money for the rear air conditioning. What do you or others think? Any inputs are welcome.
Juice: Since you know the people at SOA, do you know whether and when they will introduce the turbo version of Tribeca? The low end torque of the boxer engine now may be not enough.
Thanks.
Oldjayhawk
Dealers: almost all dealers haggling via email. That how I bought my last two Subarus. Use the dealer inventory on Subaru.com to ask for price on specific vehicle on dealer's lot that fits your need. I got mine for $500 over invoice at Farrish Subaru. Fitzmall is $700 over invoice and Stolhman is $600 over invoice.
Security sensor is a small piece of shock sensor. Basically, Subaru prewired most of the security system in the car sans the shock sensor. With it, the car alarm will go off if someone try to smash your car's window or hit your car with force. If you worried about your car get stollen, you may want this option. In my area (NoVA), there is no insurance discount for security system. So, I'm not even insterested in it.
Cargo tray is a piece of plastic tray for the rear cargo area so that you can put dirty stuff in there without worry about the floor getting dirty. It's quite useful but I don't know how they handle 3rd seats. I never see one in Tribeca (my old Outback comes with one standard). My guess is that you have to take it out if you decide to use 3rd row seat.
Toyota does a-la-carte pricing. Subaru is more content-rich and one-price-fits-all, with just a few options. When you add things like leather, heated seats, bigger rims, moonroof, V6, AWD, etc. to a Highlander, the price is a wash. Buy the one you prefer.
I like the cargo liner, to keep the carpets clean.
Legacy's interior is much nicer than the Forester's, IMO. I own a Forester but I'm willing to admit that. Tribeca's is also.
Rear A/C in the Tribeca was great for my kids. I had a loaner for 4 days, we loved it. Make sure you can get comfy in the seats, sample the NAV, it's awesome. Wish we had that kind of auto budget right now, but we'll have to wait. I felt very poor crawling back in to my '98 Forester after having that Tribeca.
I don't think it "needs" any more power, the problem is Subaru makes so many nice turbos (all reach 60mph in 6 seconds or less) so loyal fans think the Tribeca should too. I think that's overkill. No idea if Subaru will do that.
-juice
Let me rephrase my statement: it needs more low end torque not more horse power. Even my wife commented that from the dead stop, the Tribeca feels very slow to pick up speed even compare to her old 98 OB with only 165hp. Once moving, there is enough power for passing etc.
-juice
Are security sensors the things that cause the alarms of some cars to go off when a heavy truck rumbles by? If yes, does the alarm automatically shut off in Tribeca after a period, e.g. one minute? How long does it stay on? I am concern that it could be a while before I come back to the vehicle to turn off the alarm. Sort of a nuisance to people around.
Enter a destination, just a street address, and hit the checkered flag to go and it will give voice commands and alert you of oncoming turns.
My wife isn't a techie either, but she loved it. It is very, very easy to use. It's a touch screen, you see a keyboard and enter a street number than a street name.
For example, you hit Destination, then enter "12345" and then "Tribeca Rd" and voila, it shows the house on a map. Hit the flag and you get a voice prompts to help you get there. It's so easy a trained monkey could operate it.
Try Audi's MMI or BMW's i-Drive, and you almost need a PhD to figure those out.
Subaru's system was quite easy though, she knows how to use a computer to this would be easy to figure out. Try it.
MDX Touring compares roughly to a Tribeca Limited in terms of equipment. Ask yourself if you like it $3000 better. MDX is bigger, but it's also heavier and less sporty. Tribeca is a fresh design.
-juice
I think the thing that distinguishes the MDX Touring from the base MDX is the memory seats and mirrors, something that the Tribeca doesn't offer at all (sadly). True, the Tribeca has a standard power passenger seat which is missing from the base MDX, but otherwise, the base MDX seems to match up well to the Tribeca.
I have agree with your other comments on the MDX being bigger, bulkier and not as fresh looking.
I think even with that equipment you can get a Subie for about $35k, the Acura for $38k or so.
Touring also gets you a 6CD changer, and Tribeca Limited has that standard. Not a big deal, really, but the DVD/NAV options are IMO.
Tribeca also has 18" rims, MDX are 17".
-juice
rctennis3811, "MDX vs Tribeca (now that prices are very close)" #6, 6 Aug 2005 2:28 pm
Also, I'd choose the MDX over the B9 because of the proven quality.
JD Power results -
2005 Initial Quality Study (first 90 days of vehicle ownership)
http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2005069b.gif
http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2005069c.gif
2005 Vehicle Dependability Study (after 3 years of vehicle ownership)
http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2005089a.gif
http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2005089b.gif
2005 Customer Service Index (satisfaction)
http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2005092a.gif
With Subaru owners consistently stressing how well-made the their vehicles are, I just thought it logical to point this out. Not to say that the B9 isn't a well-made vehicle (in fact, it is of very high quality), but Acura has proven to produce high-quality vehicle whereas Subaru is slightly behind.
Like I said before, these two are very close. Each has ups and downs. It's really up to yourself to pick one you like.
This is our 3rd Acura. First came the Acura TL in 2004 along with the MDX, then we traded in the MDX for an 05 which we just gladly received.
My wife gets car sick sitting or driving cars that have soft spring ratings. Is the MDX any better? I guess I have to go test drive it.
harsh. I would describe the ride of my B9 as firm but supple.
It handles better than a BMW X5 but the ride is not as stiff.
However, the softer suspension in the Tribeca doesn't put it out of the running as a car for my wife, and I certainly thought the Tribeca was sportier than the Highlander I test drove.
X5 rides very stiffly to achieve that flat stance. 5 series wagon has a much, much better ride, I'd suggest one of those if you want a Bimmer.
-juice
It also scored well well and better than most in emergency braking also.
So it may lean more in a turn but it still beat the BMW X5 V6 - for what ever thats worth.
And before anyone says it the Subie has an H6 (horizontally opposed).
-juice
Hey! I represent that remark!
The competition should really just be the top 6 rated midsize suvs recommended by Consumer reports which would be in order of overall rating.
1. Lexus RX 330
2. Honda Pilot
3. Toyota Highlander
then I think there may have been another suve that had the overall rating in the 4th spot but wasn't recommended meaning it didn't pass in some categories.
so...
4. Nissan Murano
then further down the list with a lower overall score but at least getting a recommended check were the:
5. Infiniti FX
6. Acura MDX
there may have been like one other midsize suv with a recommended check mark and it might have been the Chrysler Pacifica but was even further down the list in overall score that I dont count it much plus dont care for it much.
Its tough when your favorite looking car doesn't even get a recommended check mark but CR is thee best thing to go by and is completely unbiased and test and rates everything thoroughly.
I'm hoping the B9 Tribeca gets not only recommended (which is likely as every Subaru model is and the Tribecas is based on the Outback/Legacy?) but also will be interesting to see how high of an overall score it gets in its first year. If its anywhere near the top 4 mention will be an amazing feat.
-juice
Talking about unbiased
Can anybody direct me to this comparison test between the Tribeca and X5? It wasn't Road & Track, because I subscribe to that magazine. Was it Motor Trend? Is it online anywhere yet? Thanks.
-juice
Some comments:
The author devotes a fair amount of the article to a few poorly fitting interior components. No one on the HH board has ever mentioned this, if it indeed exists.
Although others have occasionally complained about the styling of the cloth seats on the HL, the article can be misleading in inferring that leather seats are not available on the HH; they are.
Although actual fuel economy falling short of EPA estimates is by far the most significant, and a very major, gripe of people on the HH boards, it should be noted that while the author says he got around 21mpg in mixed city and highway driving; the vast majority on the HH board report getting around 26mpg.
Here's how I'd summarize what people have been saying on the HH boards:
Its a neat automobile, handles very nicely, and has excellent acceleration (even better than a conventional V6 HL, which is saying alot).
The big major disappointment is the less than EPA city mileage being realized, as noted above. This, when coupled with the increased purchase cost of the HH when compared with the non-hybrid HL, means you'll have to wait maybe 10 years or more to break even on the improved fuel economy, so its apparently not a cost-effective purchase.
Otherwise, most seem pleased with the HH, although there is some apprehension as to what the cost will be to replace the battery packs when they go out around 6 years down the road.
I personally am 100% satisfied with my (non-hybrid) HL; its a car that people fall in love with.
However, there are a few things that would prevent me from buying the car.
1. I live in Tucson. The AC just isn't strong enough. The air never got very cold and it was 'only' about 95F when I test drove it. What happens when it's 110F?
2. No driver's seat memory. Just too annoying not to have if you're sharing a vehicle. I love my chevy that operates indivdually off of the key fob. sweet.
No vehicle is perfect- but if they could just fix these items, I'd have a candidate for me to buy. Right now I'm going nuts trying to find a vehicle that I like well enough to blow $30-$40K on.
Murano
The 2006 Nissan Murano crossover sport utility vehicle combines the uncompromising functional aspects of a true SUV with the ride comfort of a sport sedan in a highly refined, well-equipped package. Murano comes standard with a 245-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 for superior acceleration and offers standard Nissan’s Xtronic™ CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which provides smooth, quiet, responsive acceleration while virtually eliminating shift shock and providing better gas mileage than conventional automatic transmissions.
Enhancements to the 2006 Murano:
· New wheel design and restyled front grille
· Brushed aluminum roof rail (SE)
· Chrome accent lower front bumper
· Chrome accent fog lamp rings and side sills (SL, SE)
· Brushed aluminum rear bumper protector
· LED rear combination lamps
· Enhanced driver instrumentation to improve both daytime and nighttime visibility
· 7-inch LCD color display standard on all models
· Audio system adds the ability to play mp3 CDs
· Illuminated steering wheel controls
· Added Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
· RearView Monitor standard on SL and SE
· New Leather Package
· New interior color – Hazelnut, and new exterior colors – Sunset Red and Brilliant Silver
Did you have recirculation on or off? In auto mode, the A/C will turn off the recirculation when the temp is a few degrees close to your desired temp. What I found out is that if outside is hot (like 95F), the vent let in too much hot air so you never feel it is cold enough. Manually turn on the the recir button solved my problem. I hope the software for the automatic climate control is smart enough so that when temp difference is too big, it should not try to turn off recirulation.
Really..?
I thought Honda and Toyota were.
Subaru was CR's most reliable brand for MY2004, ahead of Lexus and Infiniti.
Neither of these are what I would call a reliability risky.
-juice
Double-check your source, they certainly do have NAV, in fact many, many Edmunds members have opted for NAV on their Tribecas. The system is fantastic IMO.
-juice