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Hello,
I am in the market for a small SUV that is reliable, safe, semi-efficient, with enough rear space for a car seat and to haul a stroller and baby stuff and that is also stylish & not too masculine . For an idea of size & style I am looking for, the 2 SUVs I currently like are the Nissan Murano and the BMW X5. I am looking to buy a used one and don't want to spend more than $10-15k ( cash buy). Please let me know what you think about my 2 choices or if you have other suggestions ( i am open). ( I am in my late 20's if that factors in ).Thank you.
Nothing wrong with the Murano, my wife has one and it's been a great car. I think you get a lot more vehicle than either the CR-V or Rav-4.
Forget the Element, it's a hippie mobile. Very ugly inside and out. Hell, even the popup sunroof is in the very back of the car, WTF?
For around $15k:
- 2006/2007 Rav4 V6 4x4 - 50-70k miles
- 2006/2007 Base Murano AWD - 60-70k miles
- 2005/2006 CR-V EX AWD - 60-80K miles
The cars above keep their value well, so you are going to find 5-7 year old cars with over 60k miles in your price range. Their interiors are hard plastic and look very outdated compared to the new stuff that is out today.
The Rav4 V6 has almost 270HP, which is top of the class. It will do a 0-60 in about 6.3 seconds, faster than just about any SUV, small or midzie. Also averages around 27MPG. Hard to beat in your price range.
Forget the Element, it's a hippie mobile. Very ugly inside and out. Hell, even the popup sunroof is in the very back of the car, WTF?
For around $15k:
- 2006/2007 Rav4 V6 4x4 - 50-70k miles
- 2006/2007 Base Murano AWD - 60-70k miles
- 2005/2006 CR-V EX AWD - 60-80K miles
The cars above keep their value well, so you are going to find 5-7 year old cars with over 60k miles in your price range. Their interiors are hard plastic and look very outdated compared to the new stuff that is out today.
The Rav4 V6 has almost 270HP, which is top of the class. It will do a 0-60 in about 6.3 seconds, faster than just about any SUV, small or midzie. Also averages around 27MPG. Hard to beat in your price range.
My 2008 Accord EX-L was $18,599, and that was on May 4th, 2012, with 49,000 miles. Pristine condition with all the bells and whistles. Since the CR-V's base price is about the same as an Accord, for $15k I think more likely is a 2007 CR-V EX with 55-80K miles.
The Rav4 is less safe than the CR-V; the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag in the IIHS crash test: OUCH!
Plus, the quality of the interior of the Rav4 is lower; I've been in both. So between CR-V and Rav4, CR-V's the clear choice.
You might also consider a Subaru Forester. They're very good vehicles too.
Don't buy a European SUV with just a $15k budget; you'll regret it because they are higher maintenance and need more money to keep operating. I wouldn't even look at one until the budget climbed into the $20s K.
For efficiency, I'd get a smaller SUV model. Today's small SUVs are plenty big.
Don't limit your shopping to particular brands. Almost all brands have a small SUV to choose from. Mazda has the CX-5 (based upon the Mazda3), Toyota has the RAV-4, Honda has the CRV, Chevy has the Equinox, Ford has the Freestyle, Chrysler/Jeep has the Compass and Liberty, and even Kia/Hyundai offer a small SUV. Shop them all and see which best fit's your needs.
I haven't driven a compass, but I've read some bad reviews. I have driven a liberty, and its total crap. Drives like a truck, not comfortable and cramped for its size. Its expensive for what it is too. If you're going to get a jeep, get a grand cherokee. Not cheap, but the new ones are well worth it, not too big and plenty comfortable with lots of space. I paid about 34k OTD for my '12 with options, so it might be out of your range if paying cash. Older ones can be had for cheap, but not as nice. Stay away from any with the 3.7 V6 in it.
Stay away from Jeep, period. The Jeeps worth buying (the 2011-newer Grand Cherokees) haven't come down to $15k yet. And I'd wait on their reliability record to come out.
NVM, I see you are looking between 10-15k. Sorry I missed that.
Check out a Toyota Venza. It is a good crossover with ample space in the back and enough space to carry a large stroller (ours is pretty big) and other gear. Pretty fuel efficient and comes in many options. The nice thing is the 2013 is coming out soon so you should be able to get some good deals on a 2012. You can find one used but there are not as many used as new available right now.
Last edited by Momotaro; 06-18-2012 at 08:52 AM..
Reason: noticed price limit
Thank you guys. I think, at this point, I have narrowed it down to the volvo cx90, the scion xb, the crv and the murano....
One thing to consider is how much space you are going to need behind the rear seat. Strollers can be pretty big and take up most of your cargo area.
The XC90 is not as reliable as your other options but since you are paying cash you may be fine with higher maintenance and repair costs. Also, it will guzzle fuel compared with your other options.
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. For an idea of size & style I am looking for, the 2 SUVs I currently like are the Nissan Murano and the BMW X5. I am looking to buy a used one and don't want to spend more than $10-15k ( cash buy). Please let me know what you think about my 2 choices or if you have other suggestions ( i am open). ( I am in my late 20's if that factors in ).Thank you.
