Please recommend a good SUV for someone with a budget
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Anonymous
| Get a used highlander. |
Anonymous
Overkill. I had a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid that I loved. It was perfect for our family of four. I finally replaced it in 2019 at 13.5 years and 160K miles because some things were wearing out and repairs would have been more costly than the value of the car. But it was a great car. Good car for family trips (although when the kids were little and we were hauling stroller and car seats and pack-n-plays, I did get a rooftop carrier to add storage space). I hauled furniture and could haul large building supplies from the home improvement stores, etc. It was perfect for Sam's Club runs (or Costco for OP). I upgraded to a Toyota Highlander hybrid. The Escape was good for four people and storage. I upgraded because we frequently have extended family members come to visit and even 5 people with two carseats is difficult in the Escape. Also, our kids are now old enough that we may have carpooling to some events. So we have the Highlander so we can have 5-7 people in the same car when we need. For OP's situation she does not need to pay the upcharge for more seating when she only has three family members. She can easily add two more people to a small SUV and doesn't have to go up to a mid-sized SUV. OP--a small SUV like a Toyota RAV4 or a Ford Escape would be a good car for you. And Ford now builds some very good and reliable cars, one of which is the Escape which is one of the best rated small SUVs. The problem is that these small SUVs typically run in the mid-20's. So to keep to your budget, you would need to get a used one. I personally have had good results getting vehicles from Carmax and I have found that they are pretty good a vetting the cars and have had no problems with vehicles purchased there. My family has purchased three vehicles from Carmax over the years. |
Anonymous
| Mazda or Honda. Both are fine used. |
Anonymous
|
You can get a base model Subaru Forester brand new for $24,795K. It's a mid-size SUV. Subaru's awesome safety tech and AWD are included in every model - those are not a pricey add-on like every other car manufacturer. Subaru has been running 0% APR for the last two months if you want to finance.
I challenge you to find a similarly sized SUV with the same tech and features for $25K. You won't find it. |
Anonymous
Also, if you can wait until September, you can get a good deal on a 2021 Forester as they start getting the 2022 models on the lot. They will try to clear out the 2020 inventory as fast as possible. If you are not picky about the color, you can get a better trim line (the Forester Premium or Forester Sport) for close to the base model price of $25K. That said, I don't think the 0% APR will be available by the end of summer. Rates are going up soon and they don't offer that deal when all the new models come onto the lot. |
Anonymous
| OP here - thank you all for the very helpful comments. I guess Subaru Forester and Ford Escape are on top of the list then. Ford Escape would be nice since it is a hybrid. I hear good things about Subaru though. |
Anonymous
| Kia Sorento or a Hyundai Santa Fe |
Anonymous
I don’t think that’s true about Honda and Toyota. These are the only brands I’d buy used, personally. |
Anonymous
| We got our first SUV last year, a 2018 CR-V with about 36K miles for $18K. We're very happy with it. |
Anonymous
But just be advised that by the time you walk out the door it will be close to $30k. It’s still a good deal, but OP’s budget may be lower. Go to car max and check out pre owned cars. |
Anonymous
| As a "luxury" SUV driver (Acura MDX), I have been extremely impressed with the Hyundai Santa Fe the couple times I have rented one. |
Anonymous
I got an offer to buy mine for more than I bought it for 2 years ago! Used car prices are sky high. |
Anonymous
+1 If you want a medium sized one. This is what I'd buy. |