Looking for a “zippy” SUV

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it's just the two of you, I would look into hatchbacks and wagons. The Subaru Impreza or Outback, VW Golf, or a Volvo wagon would be my preference. I know you said you want to sit up higher, but that always means bulky. Like even the smaller SUVs like RAV4s and Forresters are so huge these days -- the new Forresters are basically full size SUVs.

You get so much room from a wagon and because they are smaller, you can get a lot of the comfort items for less than even a base model SUV.

Already driving a hatchback- drive a GTI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about the GLB? The GLA is junk. The GLC is even better.

Can you tell me more? Only reason I’m going with the GLA is size.

Because for the same price you can get a very well equipped Honda. It’s a poser car.

True, but how is the handling/driving? That’s one of the top things I look for above all else. I did drive a civic for a day and did not like it at all. Guess just need to go test drive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You said not Japanese, but my Subaru Forester (albeit, a 2012) had good pickup, a tight turning radius, and nice height for a 5' driver.

LOL no it didn't.

+1 Was all set to buy a Subaru in 2019 until I test drove them. TERRIBLE pickup, and I was coming from an early 2000s midrange sedan. Given all the Subaru hype, was really disappointed - tried both the Forester and the Crosstrek in several years, nope, acceleration was sluggish in all of them. Wanted to love them, went back to my old standby.

[Anonymous]

Audi Q3?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You said not Japanese, but my Subaru Forester (albeit, a 2012) had good pickup, a tight turning radius, and nice height for a 5' driver.

LOL no it didn't.

+1 Was all set to buy a Subaru in 2019 until I test drove them. TERRIBLE pickup, and I was coming from an early 2000s midrange sedan. Given all the Subaru hype, was really disappointed - tried both the Forester and the Crosstrek in several years, nope, acceleration was sluggish in all of them. Wanted to love them, went back to my old standby.

In fairness the 2012 could have been an XT model, which had good pickup. Similarly, the pickup in the 2021 outback XT is respectable.

[Anonymous]

Love my Audi. Like driving a Porshe compared to a Honda.

[Anonymous]

Tesla model Y

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about the GLB? The GLA is junk. The GLC is even better.

Can you tell me more? Only reason I’m going with the GLA is size.

Because for the same price you can get a very well equipped Honda. It’s a poser car.

Be aware of people with outdated opinions on cars. The PP's take on the GLA only applies to first-generation GLA and related CLA vehicles, which were indeed pretty bland. MB went down-market too far with those cars and they generally did not measure up to the brand image that MB targets with the rest of their lineup. I have driven quite a few GLAs as loaners from the local MB dealership and they just did not feel like anything I would consider buying. The previous generation GLA was a complete failure both inside and out: the exterior was ugly and the interior was cheap and looked dated - a throwback to the MB interior design of the 2000s, with a "tablet" tacked on.

The first clue that the PP's opinion is now outdated is his recommendation of the GLB while calling the GLA junk. For the 2021 model year, the GLB and GLA use the same chassis, engine, and very similar interior design. The only difference is market targeting: the GLB is a more traditional boxy shape, while the GLA is more swoopy. The two SUVs do drive differently, with the GLB being more like a traditional SUV, while GLA more like a taller hatchback. Reviewers comparing the two comment that the GLA is quicker, more car-like in its handling, and is the choice for those who want a more sporty feel while trading off some cargo space.

[Anonymous]

GLC coupe -perfect suv for two people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:GLC coupe -perfect suv for two people.

I would normally agree with the GLC recommendation, but a new one is due in 2022 as a 2023 model year.

[Anonymous]

I'm looking at the GLA 250 as well. Want a small SUV with a little more of a luxury feel than a Honda or Mazda. I'm just worried about the cost of maintenance and repairs and can't lease b/c of mileage (I commute 25 miles each way and drive to NY pretty often during regular times). Can any non-snarky person respond on maintaining and servicing Mercedes? Thinking of doing a pre-certified used with a maintenance plan but know that that won't cover everything. Have a Lexus right now which isn't cheap to maintain either.

[Anonymous]

I have a new Mazda CX-5 and love it! I’d definitely describe it as zippy. It also has a very luxurious feel inside and out- high quality interior materials.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm looking at the GLA 250 as well. Want a small SUV with a little more of a luxury feel than a Honda or Mazda. I'm just worried about the cost of maintenance and repairs and can't lease b/c of mileage (I commute 25 miles each way and drive to NY pretty often during regular times). Can any non-snarky person respond on maintaining and servicing Mercedes? Thinking of doing a pre-certified used with a maintenance plan but know that that won't cover everything. Have a Lexus right now which isn't cheap to maintain either.

As you may expect, the maintenance costs for a Mercedes will be higher than that of a Honda or Toyota. This is due to the higher quality of parts/materials demanded by Mercedes for warranty eligibility, and the somewhat higher cost of Mercedes shop rates. Like most brands, Mercedes use an alternating annual A/B service schedule. The A service is an oil/filter change, while the B service also includes a brake flush. Costs for the GLA will be about $250 for service A, and about $600 for service B. Compare this with about $50 for a Honda service A, and $250 for service B. In the grand scheme of things, this is not that much money. If you are going to be affected by an extra few hundred dollars in maintenance costs every year, then a luxury brand certainly would be a poor financial choice.

As previously explained, the first-generation GLA 250 is a poor choice. Depending on the Lexus you have now, it may be feel like a step-down in luxury. Go look at one and see how you like the interior and exterior. I would recommend a nice Mazda CX3 or CX5 as a small SUV alternative if you cannot swing $40k+ for a new 2021 GLA 250. Since 2021 is the first year of the new generation, there aren't any to be found that's certified pre-owned. Maybe in a year or so, you'll find some, but even those will still be quite expensive, saving you maybe $5k off of the price of a new one. Generally, a certified pre-owned MB becomes a better choice when it is 3-4 years old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tesla Y. Fastest by a lot.

Also least reliable. By a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm looking at the GLA 250 as well. Want a small SUV with a little more of a luxury feel than a Honda or Mazda. I'm just worried about the cost of maintenance and repairs and can't lease b/c of mileage (I commute 25 miles each way and drive to NY pretty often during regular times). Can any non-snarky person respond on maintaining and servicing Mercedes? Thinking of doing a pre-certified used with a maintenance plan but know that that won't cover everything. Have a Lexus right now which isn't cheap to maintain either.

As you may expect, the maintenance costs for a Mercedes will be higher than that of a Honda or Toyota. This is due to the higher quality of parts/materials demanded by Mercedes for warranty eligibility, and the somewhat higher cost of Mercedes shop rates. Like most brands, Mercedes use an alternating annual A/B service schedule. The A service is an oil/filter change, while the B service also includes a brake flush. Costs for the GLA will be about $250 for service A, and about $600 for service B. Compare this with about $50 for a Honda service A, and $250 for service B. In the grand scheme of things, this is not that much money. If you are going to be affected by an extra few hundred dollars in maintenance costs every year, then a luxury brand certainly would be a poor financial choice.

As previously explained, the first-generation GLA 250 is a poor choice. Depending on the Lexus you have now, it may be feel like a step-down in luxury. Go look at one and see how you like the interior and exterior. I would recommend a nice Mazda CX3 or CX5 as a small SUV alternative if you cannot swing $40k+ for a new 2021 GLA 250. Since 2021 is the first year of the new generation, there aren't any to be found that's certified pre-owned. Maybe in a year or so, you'll find some, but even those will still be quite expensive, saving you maybe $5k off of the price of a new one. Generally, a certified pre-owned MB becomes a better choice when it is 3-4 years old.

This is close to the dumbest thing I've ever heard. If Mercedes spec'd such quality parts, they wouldn't need replacing in the first place. The repairs cost more because dealer parts and service is a profit center, and Mercedes knows their customers can (and will) pay.