Audi is definitely at the vanguard of design and performance in the class you're describing...if you're into the performance cars for a combo of design, drive quality and practicality, I think the Audi Qs- Q5/Q7 give a great balance.

I don't know what people are talking about regarding extra repair $$$ over the other German imports- I'm on to my third Audi and have had nothing beyond the run of the mill maintenance issues.

Anonymous wrote:I vote MDX, too.

The new Volvo XC90 is coming out in the spring and looks interesting. Might want to look into that as well if you can wait a few months. http://autos.jdpower.com/content/new-car-preview/sF4jA64/2015-volvo-xc90-preview.htm

That's my plan. I'm holding out a little longer so I can get the new XC90. It looks awesome.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:anyone know what the maximum amount you can put on a credit card for a car purchase - would like to maximize the amount of points. Plan to pay cash for the car.

When we bought from a dealer in NJ last summer, they wouldn't let us put more than $5000 on a credit card.

Same in VA, wouldn't even let me put more than $5k on credit cards even if I wanted to do $5k on one and $5k on another, etc. Dealer said its policy because they lose a lot on credit card merchant fees when they let people put a down payment on a CC. Had to write a check for the remainder of our down payment less $5k. And I put it on my AmEx, so PP who said you can put the whole car on it, what dealer let you do this?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check out the Ford explorer. You'll love it and can buy a family trip to Europe with the balance saved.

I have a fully loaded 2013 with about 10k miles on it. I can't stand it. Do you want it???

I need the 3rd row and the legroom for all the kids is terrible. DH is 6'3. I suspect the kids will be tall. This car was supposed to last 7-10 yrs but the kids are going to outgrow the back seats before then.

I don't understand this. Did you not actually look at the vehicle before you bought it?