[SLCLK500]

Greetings - I'm SLCLK500, or Don, and I believe I am going to purchase a SRX. I think I prefer the 2004, 2005 or 2006 models as I like the interior (consol) better than the 2007, 2008 & 2009 (and I can find the older ones more often in my price range), but you guys are the experts and I welcome all comments. I seek advice as to which options are best. I have two 8 cylinder vehicles already, so I like eights, but is there a big advantage having an 8 instead of a 6? The SRX will be my daily driver (2 miles to the bus stop and will sit outside all day in the Texas sun) and my current daily driver is an Acura 3.5 RL, so I am also used to a 6 cylinder. The SRX will also be my go-on-the-road-to-see-the-kids-when-my- wife-is-with-me vehicle, otherwise if I'm alone, I'll drive my Mercedes SL500 (also known as a garage queen) unless, of course, it is NOT a fair weather day. As we have had more snowy days than I expected in North Texas in the 4 years I have lived here, I would also like your opinion on a rear wheel drive with the traction control as opposed to an all-wheel drive. And lastly, any thing to watch out for or stay away from. Thank you all!

 

[SLCLK500]

36 Views and no replies? The guys in the Mercedes forum would be all over this. I'll make it simple:
1. Northstar V-8 or V-6?
2. For ice and snow - All-wheel drive or traction control.
3. 2004 - 2006?

 

[allroadusa]

Hello,
V8 AWD 2006. This would be my vote.
1) The Northstar seems to be more reliable than the V6 which seems to be affected by timing belt issue and mysterious oil comsumption. And the V6 gas mileage is not much better
2) AWD Will make the SRX a killer on snow.
3) 2006 because of the electrical rear hatch and few other updates.
I would also add the MRC to the shopping list.

 

[PJ1520]

Most of what you ask for in options is a matter of preference, what you are used to having, and what you will be using the SRX for. That is probably why so few responses. Tough to advise.

Engine choice: Browse through the first few pages of the First Generation thread listings on this forum and/or do a forum search on V6 and V8 engine issues. V6 oil consumption, timing chains. There isn't much out there in V8 Northstar issues. There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum and guys willing to help because the folks with 2004-2006s have had the time and the mileage to let you know what has shaken out for them. There is a thread out there on "how many miles do you have on your SRX........." Your choices of pre-owned vehicles go way up with the V6 because far more were sold, and the higher prices on the V8s reflect that. In my opinion, the V8 is bulletproof if it has been maintained properly. This is the second V8 Northstar I have owned, not one issue. Fuel mileage does not seem to be critical for you, so you can go either way. The V6 will squeeze out an additional 2 mpg, and the V8 is rated around 21/15, achievable in real life.

Daily driver, parking lots, the Texas sun/heat, and the number of passengers when you get to your kids' place: I would suggest you look for one with the optional additional rear air conditioning unit and one with third row seating......both found together in the "Utility Package" but were available as stand alone options. The third row seating isn't great for larger people (2), but it beats not having the capacity when you need it for the shorter runs when visiting the kids and possibly grandkids. It is powered and folds flat into the floor when not in use. The Utility package also comes with heavy duty engine cooling system and a power steering fluid cooler. Personally, I love the UltraView roof and power sun shade, and use them daily. The UltraView is about as close to open air driving as you are going to get in a fixed top vehicle, it is massive.

With both wife and you driving: The optional power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals; tilt steering wheel. If you want to go a bit further, the Premium Seating Package which includes 8 way power front seats, two power lumbar points for each seat, the memory seating and mirrors, and the heated seats. My wife and I take road trips, and this stiff comes in handy daily or on the road. Wife says we will never be without heated seats again, third vehicle on which we have had them, used a lot, heat where it matters before the engine warms up.

Color: Texas heat? Sitting in the sun? Lighter colored interior and exterior will make quite the difference. Add passengers when you get to your destination, even more so.

More snow than expected 4 years in North Texas: The pre-owned 2007 my wife and I picked up a year ago is an SRX4 AWD. Never had AWD before, but it brings functionality beyond an element of safety and peace of mind if you are worried about the snow. We average annually 42 inches of snow in the Northeast, 90 so far this Winter including two blizzards. If my wife gets stuck in this SRX, she has to be really trying.

Optional rear DVD, NAV, and the Home Theater surround sound: We have grandchildren and take them on long road trips (some over 1,000 miles each way). Rear DVD = the best invention since beer. Not a peep out of them from start to finish as long as the batteries in the wireless headphones don't die. Beyond movies, we use the surround sound setting also for CD and XM satellite radio. There is actually a DVD over-ride code that enables the front seat passenger to watch movies as well (works in the 2004-2006 model years only). A forum search will get you info on that.

Other: If you can get an extended warranty from a reputable, long-standing, financially sound insurer, get it. Cheap at twice the price if you keep the SRX for any extended period. There are a lot of gadgets that can go South on the SRX, and every trip to the dealer on your dime won't come without a hefty price tag. I think it is worth it just for the engine and drivetrain peace of mind, especially on a pre-owned vehicle.

Carfax (title search), dealer maintence and repair records, and your private mechanic's second opinion on the vehicle condition.

Good luck on your search.

PJ

 

[st_pinetree]

oops

 

[st_pinetree]

I think the above posters give you really good information. I just purchased an 04. I bought it out of state, and haven't even driven it yet. (my dad checked it out for me). I am very excited about flying down to get it and getting some road time in it on the way home. For me, AWD was a necessity (we live in the country in MT). If you live where there isn't a real 100% need for it, the traction control might suffice. You may need to think that one over more than I had to. AWD, has more things to go wrong, but the system that Caddy uses seems pretty well thought out, and I couldn't find a ton of issues related to the AWD. I really wanted the V-8 and spent a lot more time looking for the right car as a result. You can never have too much horsepower, and the mpg between the 6 and 8 was a non-issue for me. I went with an 04 because that's what I found that had all the other things I wanted. I was more concerned with condition and low mileage and the right options that I wanted than the year. The electric rear hatch would be nice. I actually like the interior controls etc much better on the 07+'s but couldn't find one in my price range.

I would also concur on looking for one with the Magnetic Ride Control. I drove each, and IMO the MRC is the shizzle. Gives the car a much better ride, better handling. Lots of expensive stuff can go wrong with it is the downside. My experience was many dealers and pvt sellers didnt' know if they had it or not, so check the build sheet using this compnine.com/vid.php . (needs a www, I'm a newbie and can't post links yet)

 

[PJ1520]

Good observations, pinetree, especially about Winters. A friend of mine from Texas remarked this past month that the lighter AWD vehicles and RWD vehicles did not fare so well this Winter on the ice and snow down there. The SRX weighs 4,250-4,400 pounds depending on engine and drivetrain selection. That should mitigate traction issues as well.

PJ

 

[Bobanna]

Welcome to SRX-ville.

Lots of good advice here, and I thought I'd share my experience. I have a loaded 2006 awd V-6 purchased last May with 26,000 miles (37,000 now). I have had absolutely no problems with it, but I will point out that it was very heavy on oil consumption. So I watch that (the Mobil 1 Truck and SUV 5W-30 seems to disappear more slowly than straight Mobil 1). Comfort and performance are extremely good, as is the performance on snow/ice with winter tires (this vehicle seems to have no vices and performs spectacularly in marginal winter conditions).

In my humble opinion, I would suggest that you continue what you are doing; gather information and research. When you finally pull the trigger and buy, it will probably depend on what's in front of you at an arm's-length price. Try a few, see what's important to you and yours. Then wait for the exact opportunity on a vehicle that you like! Hope this helps. Best of luck.

 

[mhevezi]

SLC- personally, I looked for the AWD SRX as I like to go skiing from time to time and I vowed never to put chains on a car ever again. AWD may not be used often, but the few times I have needed it- wow, it was a life saver! The problem on older SRX's is that you can't just look at the car and know if it has AWD or not. Sure, you can tell from underneath, but up-top, there are no badges or signs. Run the VIN decoder as posted above and it will tell you what options are on the car you are looking at.

Personally, I would hold out for the 2006, as that model year was the into to the power, rear hatch- Seems like a gimmick, but I use my all the time and it's very handy. For the HOT Texas sun (and as a former Texas resident, I know the sun there well) I would recommend against the Ultra-View sunroof, but most of the SRX's sold had that, so don't fret if you find a good car with the big sun-roof. It has a nice, power- shade.

Extended warranty is a good idea on these cars as they have a lot of bells and whistles. I bought mine through Route66 and I have not yet used it, but I will soon and post up on the experience.

Good luck with your choice. Best car for the highway of any car I have ever driven.

 

[SLCLK500]

AWSOME Feedback everyone! Exactly what I was looking for and welcome anymore to come. I hope to buy one in the next couple of months, but it is subject to bonus time, so if bonus is fair, that would push it back a year - but, I'll try to be an active member. I have lots of general car insight as I have owned 2 GM, 4 Ford, 2 Honda, 1 Toyato, 4 Mercedes, 6 Porsche, 1 Mitsubishi, 1 Volvo, 2 Datsun/Nissan that have been rear, front and all wheel drive; front, mid and rear engine (along with transverse); automatic and standard and I have done most work on all of them - so some general knowledge will be applicable. - CHEERS!