Looking for an SUV c£30-35k

[aymbri]

Opinions please - current short list is:

2022/23 iX3
2019 X3 M40i
2018 Macan GTS
2019 Macan S
2017/18 Cayenne

Selling my 991.2 4S as I need something with more room.

I like the iX3 as it's modern and has had massive depreciation, so good value now.

The others for a bit more driving fun, but realistically will spend a lot of it's life either in the city or motorway.

Thoughts and any better options?

[unseen]

Not sure how important it is to you but you do realise the IX3 is rear wheel drive not four wheel drive? Have you checked out a VW Touareg?

[Pickle_Rick]

Model Y performance?

[ABMA]

You are coming from a Porsche, so if you are happy with the brand then either a Macan or a Cayenne.
The Macan has a tight interior, so depends on how much space you need.
I have no experience with the iX3.

[stub101]

I have direct experience of X4 M40i, 2016 Macan S and 2022 Macan S.

Both Macans are nice but these were very high specced - air suspension and lots of other options. Made me realise how much I hate Porsche dealers and their exorbitant costs even more than other dealers.

First Macan had loads of recalls and always seems a delay in simple everyday parts which I would have thought would be stock items.

X4 M40i is the one I prefer for family car as it’s slightly bigger than Macan and seems more fun and engaging than either of the Macans.
BMW infotainment 100% better too.

Whilst I dislike all main dealers, BMW servicing costs arent too bad - especially for a 360bhp car and no ‘M Tax’ on parts and servicing like there is on my M3.

[aymbri]

unseen said:

Not sure how important it is to you but you do realise the IX3 is rear wheel drive not four wheel drive? Have you checked out a VW Touareg?

Yeah, considered it but prefer the others on my list

[aymbri]

Pickle_Rick said:

Model Y performance?

What's the quality like compared to the cars in the list? Might have to take for a test drive...but was keen on the ix3 as it's v similar to the normal x3

[aymbri]

stub101 said:

I have direct experience of X4 M40i, 2016 Macan S and 2022 Macan S.

Both Macans are nice but these were very high specced - air suspension and lots of other options. Made me realise how much I hate Porsche dealers and their exorbitant costs even more than other dealers.

First Macan had loads of recalls and always seems a delay in simple everyday parts which I would have thought would be stock items.

X4 M40i is the one I prefer for family car as it s slightly bigger than Macan and seems more fun and engaging than either of the Macans.
BMW infotainment 100% better too.

Whilst I dislike all main dealers, BMW servicing costs arent too bad - especially for a 360bhp car and no M Tax on parts and servicing like there is on my M3.

Thanks - I've really enjoyed my Porsche dealer experience in the 911 which actually tempted me to stay with Porsche. I'd plan to buy with a warranty so only costs will be servicing and they've generally treated me well.

Good to know about the m40i being bigger and a better drive though, will have to take one for a test drive

[uktrailmonster]

aymbri said:

Pickle_Rick said:

Model Y performance?

What's the quality like compared to the cars in the list? Might have to take for a test drive...but was keen on the ix3 as it's v similar to the normal x3

They are ultra-reliable IME and build quality is pretty good if you are ok with the minimalist interior design vibe. Infotainment is great and sound system is top notch. Ride quality is not the best though on earlier cars, but they handle very well for an SUV and the performance certainly isn’t lacking. Also Tardis like interior space. Well worth a test drive against an iX3.

[stub101]

aymbri said:

Good to know about the m40i being bigger and a better drive though, will have to take one for a test drive

I’m comparing X4 M40i with the Macan(s) and never been in an X3 so that may not be as good a drive as the Macan(s).

I do think Porsche (have in the past) treated 911 owners different to Macan owners. I also strongly believe they were/are used to dealing with low volume cars and owners.

On the first Macan we were in a Cayenne for 5 months because the aluminium clamshell bonnets were on back-order and it took 4 before they found one that had acceptable panel gaps…

[uktrailmonster]

The first thing you have to decide with the Macan is if the rear seat and boot space is adequate for you. For an SUV of this size they are pretty cramped in the rear. The Cayenne solves that issue, but is a huge barge in comparison.

[stub101]

Giulia Quadrifoglio keeps turning me eye and tempting me - weirdly sits nicely in between 911 and sporty SUV…

Or Stelvio Quadrifoglio…

[ZX10R NIN]

I know JLR has a bad rep but the 6 pot Velar is a good option:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509266...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602039...

Stelvio Quadrifoglio:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602039...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511308...

[aymbri]

uktrailmonster said:

The first thing you have to decide with the Macan is if the rear seat and boot space is adequate for you. For an SUV of this size they are pretty cramped in the rear. The Cayenne solves that issue, but is a huge barge in comparison.

That's true. I think it's prob fine for us for now - changing due to first baby being born this summer and we generally like to pack light.

[aymbri]

stub101 said:

Giulia Quadrifoglio keeps turning me eye and tempting me - weirdly sits nicely in between 911 and sporty SUV

Or Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Good shout. Will add the Stelvio to the list - from what I've heard performance will sell it to me, but want to check out interior quality. Also considered the Maserati, but doesn't seem to have great reviews

[aymbri]

ZX10R NIN said:

I know JLR has a bad rep but the 6 pot Velar is a good option:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509266...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602039...

Stelvio Quadrifoglio:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602039...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511308...

Thanks. Never owned a RR, been put off by all the horror stories and crazy insurance - neighbour is paying £9k pa for his RR sport!

[Matt_T]

OP - I appreciate that you are drawn towards a Porsche or BMW, however I suggest a quick look around a Mazda CX-60 OR CX-80.

Arguably a much nicer place to sit than your first options and likely to be more reliable with much more courteous dealers.

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/19792056

[fflump]

aymbri said:

stub101 said:

Giulia Quadrifoglio keeps turning me eye and tempting me - weirdly sits nicely in between 911 and sporty SUV

Or Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Good shout. Will add the Stelvio to the list - from what I've heard performance will sell it to me, but want to check out interior quality. Also considered the Maserati, but doesn't seem to have great reviews

Do try out the Levante V6S. It is not in QF level of performance but >400 bhp and considerably nicer interior as well as bigger than the Stevio, as well as being more geared to a comfy ride with air suspension with active damping, intelligent Q4 system etc.

[uktrailmonster]

aymbri said:

uktrailmonster said:

The first thing you have to decide with the Macan is if the rear seat and boot space is adequate for you. For an SUV of this size they are pretty cramped in the rear. The Cayenne solves that issue, but is a huge barge in comparison.

That's true. I think it's prob fine for us for now - changing due to first baby being born this summer and we generally like to pack light.

It should work for you then. We had a Qashqai at that point in life, which was similar or slightly smaller inside. When our 2 kids got a bit bigger we wanted something bigger and my wife black-balled the Macan for being too small in the back. Both boot and rear legroom. I just thought I’d mention it because it’s quite a big car on the outside and a sort of inverse tardis on the inside.

[vanman1936]

Stelvio is AMAZING!!! However, easier to steal than an old XR2 though!