pre-owned SUV recommendations?

[Anonymous]

I'm considering buying a certified pre-owned SUV. I'm specifically looking at nicer models, preferably 3rd row, but it's not a requirement. My budget is 35k. What vehicles would you recommend at this price point? And before anyone recommends a Toyota or Honda, I've had a Toyota Highlander for the last 10 years. It has 135k miles on it and has seen my kids from babyhood to elementary school, but i desperately want a nicer car! LOL. Thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm considering buying a certified pre-owned SUV. I'm specifically looking at nicer models, preferably 3rd row, but it's not a requirement. My budget is 35k. What vehicles would you recommend at this price point? And before anyone recommends a Toyota or Honda, I've had a Toyota Highlander for the last 10 years. It has 135k miles on it and has seen my kids from babyhood to elementary school, but i desperately want a nicer car! LOL. Thank you in advance.

That's fair but keep in mind with a "nicer" car, bigger the maintenance cost/headaches. Go in with eyes wide open.

[Anonymous]

A $35k used car? Forget about it. I'd rather buy a brand new car that fit the functional needs for that money than deal with the issues that a used car would present. You should drive a brand new Highlander. You'll probably find that it is much nicer than your 10 year old one and will be just as much of an upgrade as if you bought a used luxury SUV.

[Anonymous]

Test drive and see what you like. I agree if you are keeping it for 10 years or more, consider new as then you get the 2 year warranty with no miles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A $35k used car? Forget about it. I'd rather buy a brand new car that fit the functional needs for that money than deal with the issues that a used car would present. You should drive a brand new Highlander. You'll probably find that it is much nicer than your 10 year old one and will be just as much of an upgrade as if you bought a used luxury SUV.

Thank you, and I appreciate your honest feedback. You’re probably right about the newer Highlanders, although they are likely more than 35k these days. And, besides, I really want a different car. You haven no idea! However, that being said, I do not want to step into a disaster or a money pit. Is that essentially what all used SUV’s are? A disaster? People always give advice to buy used, but does that only apply to Toyota/Honda?

[Anonymous]

I just went through this and got a 19 model when the 20s hit the floor.
I would look at used Acura MDX or infinity q60.
You could get something cooler like an explorer (2019) for a little over your budget.
New 3row suvs are close to 50k with awd no matter what you buy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just went through this and got a 19 model when the 20s hit the floor.
I would look at used Acura MDX or infinity q60.
You could get something cooler like an explorer (2019) for a little over your budget.
New 3row suvs are close to 50k with awd no matter what you buy.

I think OP is looking for a Benz, Audi, or BMW. Not Japanese cars. But I maybe wrong.

[Anonymous]

I would look for the Acura MDX,you can get a 2018 used for not much more than $35k. The new 2019s are going for low 40s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just went through this and got a 19 model when the 20s hit the floor.
I would look at used Acura MDX or infinity q60.
You could get something cooler like an explorer (2019) for a little over your budget.
New 3row suvs are close to 50k with awd no matter what you buy.

I think OP is looking for a Benz, Audi, or BMW. Not Japanese cars. But I maybe wrong.

If that's the case, don't do it! You will be looking at probably a 4 year old car, which is out of warranty. You will be shocked at maintenance on german cards vs. Japanese. New tires every 2 years for $1000+. Oil change and annual service $750+.

[Anonymous]

Love my MDX and bought it through their certified pre-owned program. If you're in MD, the service at Chevy Chase Acura is terrific.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all, I’m really open minded at this point. Most concerned about price, low mileage, reliability. I do think I’ll have to let go of the third row. I plan on test driving the Acura. Anyone have experience with Lexus RX?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all, I’m really open minded at this point. Most concerned about price, low mileage, reliability. I do think I’ll have to let go of the third row. I plan on test driving the Acura. Anyone have experience with Lexus RX?

I thought you said no Honda/Toyota.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all, I’m really open minded at this point. Most concerned about price, low mileage, reliability. I do think I’ll have to let go of the third row. I plan on test driving the Acura. Anyone have experience with Lexus RX?

I thought you said no Honda/Toyota.

Yes, but when I said Toyota, I meant Toyota not Lexus. Sorry to confuse.

[Anonymous]

Rx is small. So if your carpooling days are over it is fine. Really depends on your needs.
I downsized from a large suv to a q7, which seems small to me but at least it fits in parking garages around town.
We have an rdx that feels like a gocart. Small and nimble.
The rx is a solid 4 person vehicle with a weird grill imo. Handling is fine, but rdx is really fun compared to it.

[Anonymous]

I just put new tires on my MDX with 200,000 miles. Service guy said “these things are tanks” and I might get another 100,000 out if it. We had a few expensive years of service around 150,000 miles, but once we got through that phase, it’s been problem free again.