OP here! I was just thinking about this thread. No decision yet. Right now I’m thinking Rav4 or Santa Fe, but I can’t make up my mind.

Also, I realized that we average 4,000 miles per year in our current car (an older Prius). On one hand, I want something bigger (there are some whacko drivers around here, as evidenced by that aggressive driving post) and better in the snow/rough terrain. On the other hand, I’m not sure it’s worth such an investment for something that’s not used very much.

I just can’t do Subaru after my last bad experience. DH scoffs at Highlanders and declares them too huge. Mazdas look nice, but a coworker complained that maintenance on hers is expensive. (I’m not opposed to Mazdas, though. Funny how one negative review can taint opinions.) So many decisions.

All of your input has been great - many thanks.

OP did you decide on something?

The 2019 Toyota Prius offers AWD and the Prius has always had great safety ratings. All new Toyotas also come standard with their safety sense system which includes a lot of great safety features.

The late model Subaru Outback’s have outstanding safety and performance reviews. The Outback has been in production for over 30 years, it’s a great vehicle with AWD with great ground clearance for performance on and offroad.

Having driven the Forester, Highlander, 4Runner, Pilot, Mazda CX, Hyundai, the Subaru had many of the qualities of the aforementioned vehicles, but the safety ratings and drivability are what caught my attention.

Every auto manufacturer has issues with various makes and models, finding a company you believe in is key.

Another factor to consider, Subaru is SUBARU unlike Toyota & Lexus, Honda & Acura, Ford & Lincoln, Chevy & Cadillac, Nissan & Infiniti. One company, making only a handful of automobiles, where quality and customer satisfaction is first and foremost

I was looking at Kia/Hyundai but it seems that they've had a string of recalls lately.

We wound up going with a Ford Escape. Got a used 2017, under 20K miles for under 17K.

If you are looking for clearance, CRV is higher off the ground than a RAV4. Be sure to research.

Anonymous wrote:Buy a Toyota - most reliable cars around.

I've had the opposite problem as OP - nothing but trouble from multiple Toyotas, while my 2015 Forester has been easy to care for. Not sure why all my Toyotas are lemons but I won't buy another.

We were looking at similar options this fall. Wound up with a preowned Pilot. Very very very very happy. If you ever want to use the third row, it's much more functional than the Highlander.

Also do a little googling for a calculator to price out the value of a hybrid. I really wanted a hybrid, but when I did a bit of research, it was clear that it wasn't going to save us much until well into the life of the car. We just don't rack up enough mileage to make it worth it right now.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all the input! It’s good to hear feedback. I think I’ll cross Nissan off the list.

I’m not opposed to CRVs, but would prefer something a little higher off the ground. I was also surprised by Kia’s good IIHS performance but worry about long term dependability. I’m leaning toward Toyota now, but we’re not in a rush.

Yeah, a Highlander or MDX would break the budget. I’d trade my house cleaning costs ($120/month) for the extra car price if I had to. This will be our only vehicle, as I would trade in or separately sell our current Toyota.

I'm a Honda owner. That said, I'm leaning toward Kia/Hyundai for my next purchase. Both Honda and Toyota have been hurt a little by their cheaper neighbors. As a result, both of the giants are starting to cut corners. Cheaper tires, batteries, windshield wipers, etc. They don't impact the overall performance but when you are replacing these things 20k to 50k miles sooner, it means your costs are higher. Honda insulated some of their gas tanks with a soy based substance. This has attracted squirrels, rats, mice and other rodents to the car and causes gas tanks to be replaced. Honda should be subject to a recall but so far they are trying to pawn it off to the insurance industry. That means you are paying a deductible rather than having it covered by their warranty and that you may be getting an inferior replacement (insurance companies only pay for rebuilt replacement parts, not a new tank).

Honda and Toyota weren't always the top of the line. They did what Kia and Hyundai are doing now to get there. I'd look hard at that Sorrento.

Buy a Toyota - most reliable cars around.

I love my Mazda C-X-9. High off the ground, third row seat, rounded do it feels easy to park. I’ve had mine 6.5 yeads so far and not one issue. Will be more than $30k thiugh. I’d look at the CX-5, not sure the price.

Anonymous wrote:I hate my Nissan and can't wait to trade it in for something else, likely a Subaru.

Well, you're already used to spending money on repairing stuff that shouldn't be breaking, so you'll feel right at home in a Subaru

Anonymous wrote:Won’t a 2-3 year old MDX and Highlander be more than $30k?

I just bought a 2018 Highlander LE Plus and they are switching out the fabric seats for heated leather. All in less than $33K.

I just got a 2019 Honda Pilot. It is a bit larger than the Highlander which is one reason I chose it. We traded in our 2014 Subaru Forester because we worried about the transmission issues mentioned and the “leather” seats started cracking with just 30k miles on it. Cheap.

I agree with the other poster about the smaller SUV being great when the kids are little, but with them bigger and having more stuff, Including a dog, the larger size is great.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all the input! It’s good to hear feedback. I think I’ll cross Nissan off the list.

I’m not opposed to CRVs, but would prefer something a little higher off the ground. I was also surprised by Kia’s good IIHS performance but worry about long term dependability. I’m leaning toward Toyota now, but we’re not in a rush.

Yeah, a Highlander or MDX would break the budget. I’d trade my house cleaning costs ($120/month) for the extra car price if I had to. This will be our only vehicle, as I would trade in or separately sell our current Toyota.

Blasphemy! Do not get rid of your cleaner to drive an Acura. Please. The novelty of the car will wear off and you will still be cleaning your own house.

I hate my Nissan and can't wait to trade it in for something else, likely a Subaru.