New Vehicle Recommendation

So one of the family members I work for has a BMW325i, I want to say 2002 year, has 80K miles. Annually they hump themselves from NYC to Maine, where they summer, then back again after summer is over. The vehicle is used in Maine, not so much in NYC. The current vehicle has performed fine, but is a bit concerning as its gotten older, plus they have to carry more stuff now compared to previously. Husband gets around in a wheelchair (he is not paralyzed, can walk, get into out of cars), so they have to tote his wheelchair, which obviously takes up cargo space, plus he has a caregiver who goes with, so three adults, plus two cats in bags (which currently ride on two laps) and whatever other necessary items they can cram in the remaining space. The rest of their stuff they have someone drive up separately (not a ridiculous amount, just doesn't fit in current vehicle).

When we were discussing it, I said "Well, I wouldn't be get caught dead in a mini-van, I don't care how useful they are." She laughed and wholeheartedly agreed. To give you a flavor of styling, other than the Beemer, they have a Volvo and a Saab, both older vintages as well. Also, not particularly interested in used vehicles, as risk adverse to bad juju, trustworthiness of prior owner(s), etc. Finally, although they are quite wealthy, they are quite frugal in some respects, so I don't think they are going to splash out on a ultra luxury exotic SUV unless a compelling value added argument can be made.

Whatcha got?

Thanks!

 

I do believe the only Beeb approved answers are the following:

-1 ton dually diesel
-Something black with a ton of buttons
-Audi A3

Did I miss anything?

 

They already know the answer. Volvo XC60...however those are currently being built with the finest chinesium parts so perhaps that's not the answer.

 

Mini-van

 

Damn, AMG E63 Wagon is out.

How frugal? Volvo makes a nice wagon.

 

mini van

 

Subaru Forester. Or any of the Euro versions of the same lifted wagon / lowered SUV type thing.

 

Forrester Gump would be good. Even has a CVT so the old folks don't have to bother with shifting.

 

Bigbird will be along shortly to address this

 

Agreed. X5 fits the bill and since they're familiar with BMW it should be an easy discussion.

 

Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.

 

Audi Q5 or VW Atlas would work well unless they really want to pay the extra for the X5.

 

Q5 is smaller than it looks.

 

How can you guys hate these people this much? You don't even know them

 

Vhy does the BMW come wit 4 vay flashers?
Zo you can varn people vhen you are broke down on the side of das road!!!
Ha ha ha, try das schnitzel and do not tip your waitress, ve are german and do not understand tipping!

The 4 way flasher part is an actual joke I was told in germany.

 

Nope. List looks good.

 

X5 = maintenance nightmare.

 

Even ze 4 way flashers do not vork! It is like a frenchman on Fridays. Does not vork! Ha ha ha!

 

Volvo wagon was my thought, as well. They also have a V60 that is a little smaller and about $10K less. Get a trailer hitch wheelchair carrier.