bob m

In 2009, I leased the brand new Q5 3.2. It was the best handling car I have ever driven; a couple of glitches aside. After 3 years, although my thoughts were to buy out the lease, circumstances dictated that I not buy and ended up leasing a 2013 CRV. Ok, stop laughing.
Money wise, it fit the bill, but the ride is not crisp, nor as solid as I want.
Long story short, I am considering a new Q5 - probably the 2.0. I have test driven the new RDX - nice ride - smooth and quiet, but not that Audi feel and I am not enamored of the exterior looks, nor that busy dash.
Test drove a BMW X1 - the very basic model w/o comfortable seats - not impressed and too small anyhow. May consider the X3.
At 60 y/o, I'm looking to get out of the lease thing and settle down and buy a car. A car that is reliable, fun to drive, good gas mileage. I know no one has that crystal ball, but am I going to regret getting a Q5 or X3 A FEW YEARS DOWN THE ROAD with reliability issues and had chosen the reliable RDX instead?

Bob

Q5 Bob

Before we bought our '13 Q5 we cross shopped RDX, X3 and GLK. It came down to the Q5 and X3. No regrets here. We like nearly everything about the Q especially the solid feel and ride/handling for a vehicle like this.

I normally don't keep cars beyond the factory warranty period so long term reliability wasn't a factor. With the newer engines, it seems like the Q5's reliability has been on the upswing in the last couple of years (same with the X3).

bob m

Thanks Bob. So what made you eliminate the RDX? Too soft in the handling department?

B

Q5 Bob

Yes, after two new Lexus back to back I wanted something with a little more responsive handling, among other things.

rarewolf

We wanted so much to consider the Lexus RX350, but no dealership here in Newfoundland. Your point regarding handling seems to be the consensus, but from what we had read, Lexus has always been considered the more comfortable ride(?) How would you compare the Q5's comfort with respect to long distance traveling?

oltmannd

How about a VW Tiguan?

bob m

I have not driven one, though I here that the driving is tight and fun. BUT at this stage of the game, I'd like a little more luxury and finesse than the VW has - and I am not sure of VW reliability.

Actually, I am going to an AUDI dealer this morning for a test drive of the Q5 2.O.


Bob

bob m

Well, I had the Lexus 350 and the ride was soft - way too soft and the steering unresponsive. No fun to drive at all, and that's when I got my new 2009 Q5; night and day handling. The Q5's seats were good, not great, but I am not tthe norm as I have somewhat of a bad back.

B

Q5 Bob

We haven't taken the Audi on a long distance trip yet, but after several short trips I think the Audi is every bit as comfortable just in different ways. I like the firm but compliant ride. The more responsive steering and handling makes it easier to drive for longer periods. The ride gets a little bouncy on certain pavement but not unpleasant IMO. And surprising, to me, the Q5 is as quiet as the Lexus. So far so good.

bob m

Agree 100%. Well said.

Again and I'm generalizing, but AUDI/BMW bettering handling more fun to drive. RDX - solid but not as responsive but better reliability.
My concern iS reliability at this point.

B