Need newish vehicle, SUV preferably

[Anonymous]

I need a new vehicle and would like advice as to what to purchase.

I have been driving a minivan for about 10 years. My family has grown out of the minivan stage, and it is way more space than we need. but it is paid off so I have been dealing with it. I was hoping to stretch a few more months of no car payment, but it is finally at the end of its natural life, RIP.

I am looking for a slightly used SUV for under $30k. The less expensive the better, but I dont want to get whatever 2025s version of the Yugo is in order to save a few dollars. But when I say the cheaper the better, I really mean it, I am in the process of getting a divorce and don’t want to get myself into an unrealistically large car payment.

I dont really need a third row, we rarely use it in the minivan, which is just way too big for my needs.

I am toying w the idea of a hybrid, but am not sure I want to spend the money to install a charger in the garage, unsure whether the cost savings will be worth the investment. And like I said above, $$ is a big factor in my decision.

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Maybe do a little research on how hybrids work -- most hybrid SUVs don't plug in so no need for a charger. There are some plug-in hybrids but even those don't *have* to be plugged in.

For hybrid SUVs, I'd look for a used CR-V or RAV-4 to get under $30k. If you want something a little bigger, you might have to go with a non-hybrid unless you want something 4-5 years old. For non-hybrids you shouldn't have any trouble finding something under your cap.

I just went through this and ended up buying a new hybrid SUV, in part because loan rates on new cars (esp if there are manufacturer specials) are much lower than on used cars.

[Anonymous]

Agree you don’t need a charger for a hybrid. Even for an electric you can probably use a regular household outlet with no problems, depending on your driving patterns.

I know there were some crazy lease deals on the ID4 (like $1000 and $149/month for 2 years) but maybe that’s not what you are looking for.

[Anonymous]

Just go online at Carmax and Carvana and see what you like that fits your parameters. I have driven a Honda CRV for the past 7.5 yrs and love it. I am going to pass it on to my college DD, so, I went on Carmax, found a 2020 CRV with 25k miles, had it moved to my nearest Carmax in Sterling... went to look at it. Thought about it. Came back with checkbook and bought it for just under $30k.

That is the type of vehicle you can get for $30k or just under. It was an easy process. And if you don't like it, you can return it within 10 days for ALL of your money back.

[Anonymous]

We just bought a brand new 2025 Hyundai Tucson for $30k and we love it. Very roomy.