I am looking to buy an SUV for the wife for a milestone anniversary. I have narrowed it down to 2. I just took a test drive on an Audi Q5. I found it to be good to drive, but found the controls to be too bare-bones, like my BMW 328. I drove a Merc GLC a few months ago.

I am likely to go with a Certified 2024 or 2025 car less than 10k miles.

I am looking for opinions from posters who have these cars, and their choices on the two.

The "wow factor" is important as I am gifting it to a woman (my wife). And no, I cannot afford a Lambo or my wife won't be happy if I overspend on a Porsche (I don't like the look of a Macan).

I was following a Mercedes GLC on the A6 towards Frankfurt this morning. That guy was doing better than 200 kph and I couldn't keep up in my rented Audi A6.

Also, the GLC looked sharp. This one was white which I'm not normally a fan of. Edit - after thinking about a little more, the one I saw was an AMG.

Also, that damn Audi lane departure control was a pain in the butt and I couldn't figure out how to turn it off.

CPO RX500h

Wife owns a GLC300 that we've put 100k plus on. Don't do it. It's a snoozer and the upkeep is unreal. If you're willing, take 1Ags' advice and go Lexus. Just bought my first one this year and should have done it years ago.

Pick the one with the nicest dealership that's convenient to get to.

On the same path as OP. We test drove a Kia Telluride yesterday. The tech in cars these days is kind of mind blowing. To be fair, the nearest Mercedes/Audi dealership to us is 2-3 hours away so it makes no sense for us to even consider it since they would be in the shop shortly after purchase.

She's a former Land Rover and Mercedes owner so....she knows.

So as not to derail...my FIL had the GLC briefly and I drove it a few times. It was ok. I could not handle the shift being on a steering wheel stalk though. That is dumb.

aTm2004 said:

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If you want to give your wife a future headache for an anniversary, just give her a kid.

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bro, we got 2 and we done.
Younger one will be outta da crib in a year.

'20-'22 GLC AMG 63 S

Neither of those has a "wow factor". They're pretty cookie cutter SUVs. A white version will blend in with every other car on the road.

Get her a 10yr old G-Wagon if you want SUV "wow factor"

I saw a 40 y/o custom G-Wagen at the Mercedes Museum on Friday.
The original Popemobile.

Wait a year and get a CPO '25 x3

txyaloo said:

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Neither of those has a "wow factor". They're pretty cookie cutter SUVs. A white version will blend in with every other car on the road.

Get her a 10yr old G-Wagon if you want SUV "wow factor"

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This

You can buy upgrade kits online to update the interior of the truck and just have a shop install it.

Car:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/745657604?city=Dallas&listingType=USED&makeCode=MB&searchRadius=300&seriesCode=G_CLASS&sortBy=yearASC&state=TX&zip=75201&clickType=listing

Interior Kit:
https://www.gwagenparts.com/product/complete-2019-on-g63-amg-interior-for-my-02-18-g-class-w463/

Exterior Kit:
https://www.gwagenparts.com/product/2019-mercedes-g63-body-kit-for-my-90-18-w463/

plus paint & install.

There's a 2016 with under $60k miles for $50k in Texas. That's right up OP's alley for baller on a budget.

If a woman cares about car "wow factor", the options the OP listed don't really fly.

Guy asks about two possible vehicles for his wife, gets advice to take on a 10 year old G wagon project.

We have 2 SUVs, although I am not familiar with those brands, other than Scotty Kilmer is not a fan (YouTube).

I have a 4Runner Limited, which has proven to be extremely durable and reliable. My wife has a Nissan (Kicks). I'm quite nervous about those CVT transmissions, and we purchased before I watched Kilmer detail how bad they are.

GAC06 said:

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Guy asks about two possible vehicles for his wife, gets advice to take on a 10 year old G wagon project.

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Check out his post history. He posts on F16 like he's a CEO baller.

Based on his history, a G-Wagon seems like the best option for his lady friend.

txyaloo said:

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GAC06 said:

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Guy asks about two possible vehicles for his wife, gets advice to take on a 10 year old G wagon project.

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Check out his post history. He posts on F16 like he's a CEO baller.

Based on his history, a G-Wagon seems like the best option for his lady friend.

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aTm2004 said:

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To be fair, this is the 2nd time he's asked this question, so I'd say it was due.

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And Redstone showed up on both now to let him know about his 4Runner and Kicks

txyaloo said:

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GAC06 said:

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Guy asks about two possible vehicles for his wife, gets advice to take on a 10 year old G wagon project.

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Check out his post history. He posts on F16 like he's a CEO baller.

Based on his history, a G-Wagon seems like the best option for his lady friend.

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CEO baller. Shops for entry level crossover for wife. Or side piece?

Who the hell refers to buying their spouse a new car as "gifting it to a woman (my wife)"