Is a 2001 QX4 a good buy vs. a 2000 RX300?

[CaptainT]

I wish to buy a used SUV within the next 4-6 weeks, to complement a new sedan I'll purchase in the Fall. I plan to use the SUV for minimal off road work and in areas where 6-12 inches of snow is quite possible, I'll be loading it with boat equipment regularly and leaving it in rural areas by the water for extended periods, and I'll take week end trips between DC & NY several times a year. I'm leaning toward the 2001 QX4, with my second choice being a 2000 Lexus RX300 (Since both may be around the same price range). Any reason(s) from 2001 QX4 owners -- who are at least somewhat familiar with the 2000 RX300 or who know someone who is -- why the QX4 would be a better value, considering comprable equipment? Some may say, "Infiniti is not in the same league with Lexus," but that may just be a brand recognition thing, which is why I'm looking for input from QX4 owners, who may have direct or indirect knowledge of the RX300.

Moreover, would 25K be a reasonable price for a pretty much fully loaded QX4 with less that 40K miles? I would appreciate your time with any help in this decision.

Thanks,

[Infiniti_Driver]

I currently drive an infinit QX4 and my family used to have an RX300 and we gave it back due to end of lease and will be getting the all new RX330 soon. I think that the QX4 has a better handling than the RX300 in terms of more manly feeling and more balance steering. Also, the QX4 has more horsepower and better towing capacity rating than the RX300 and will pull ur boat better. The QX4 is very reliable as you know just like the RX300, but for your needs I would definintely get the Infiniti QX4. You will love how the QX4 handles the curve and the bumps and finally pulling your boat and going a little bit off road. If you have any other questions, ask me.

Dave

[CaptainT]

Dave - many thanks. I've been reading other posts for the last few hours, looking for a reasonable comparison, until my eyes are about to drop out. So, I really appreciate your comments. That leaning toward the QX4 is just that much more. I just now need to start finding the right place to buy and the right price. It's posts like yours that make these forums worth while.

BTW - The boat is a little large to be pulled by any SUV, I suspect. It's a pretty large sailboat - smile,

Thanks again,

[Infiniti_Driver]

CaptainT,
Just want to let you know that when you get the 2001 QX4, the 25 thousand dollars is a very very reasonable price. Also, you may even find many good deals like that from many people other than the dealerships if you are looking to buy one from another place. If I were you, try to negotiate and see if you can get below 25, and I'm sure you can, but otherwise I guarentee that you will be satisfy with the price you pay. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Dave

[CaptainT]

Dave,

I've given myself 4-6 weeks to find and buy, which makes it easy to follow your advice . . . thanks loads.

Tony