$5K to $7K budget what to buy - CRV vs Rav 4 vs Element vs xB

[bighead2586]

Made a mistake by selling my dad's 2012 CRV when he stopped driving it (old age). Now I realize he has a hard time getting in and out of my Accord 2 door and I'm thinking about buying an older but reliable compact SUV that's easy to get in and out of. Open to Mazda as well but not sure they have a comparable model to the 4 listed in the title.

Any options I'm missing? Anyone with random opinions?

Thinking of CRV 2007-2011, RAV 4 2010-2012, xB 2011+, Element any year.

Thanks

 

[Hall]

Our youngest could be driving someday soon and every so often, I casually look at cars like CRVs, RAV4s, and similar. What I've seen in that price range will be higher mileage vehicles than I'd prefer, like 150k minimum miles. A nearby Toyota dealer even has RAV4s with 250k miles on their lot at times. I'm surprised they risk that, but I'm sure their solution is a) offer an extended warranty and b) if you don't buy it and there's an issue, tell you "you shoulda bought the warranty".

 

[rijndael]

The CX5 is a far better value proposition than the CRV and Rav4.

In my case, I found a few ~2016 CX-5s, with 50-60K miles on it, for $14K-15.5K. Every CRV or Rav4 I found in that price range was like 120K+ miles. I suspect that trend would continue for other price brackets.

 

[bighead2586]

The CX5 is a far better value proposition than the CRV and Rav4.

In my case, I found a few ~2016 CX-5s, with 50-60K miles on it, for $14K-15.5K. Every CRV or Rav4 I found in that price range was like 120K+ miles. I suspect that trend would continue for other price brackets.

I'm open to those I'll keep an eye out. None currently anywhere near my remote location.

 

[Nukeman7]

Everyone and their brother is looking for a CR-V, RAV4 or CX-5 with moderate mileage in the compact SUV market nowadays. I suggest that you look for an adjacent market vehicle that is not quite in the cross-hair of every used SUV shopper. Since the focus is ease of entry and comfortable transportation for your father, something a bit larger and slightly older like a Highlander, Pilot or CX-9 would fit the bill. Not sure of your locale, but here is a good example in your price range:

2002 Toyota Highlander

 

[Escape08]

I'll go for the RAV4 but bring your dad with you so that he can get in and out of the vehicle easily. If not, buy another CRV

 

[rijndael]

bring your dad with you so that he can get in and out of the vehicle easily.

Yea, definitely bring him on the tests.

 

[FZ1]

Made a mistake by selling my dad's 2012 CRV when he stopped driving it (old age). Now I realize he has a hard time getting in and out of my Accord 2 door and I'm thinking about buying an older but reliable compact SUV that's easy to get in and out of. Open to Mazda as well but not sure they have a comparable model to the 4 listed in the title.

Any options I'm missing? Anyone with random opinions?

Thinking of CRV 2007-2011, RAV 4 2010-2012, xB 2011+, Element any year.

Thanks

Different strokes. You know the history of the car you own: Find A Way to Make it Work...........Unless, you know the owner and the car $4 -5k get's you Junk. .02

 

[JeffKeryk]

Just get the best one you can find. Honda/Toyota will incur the Toyota tax. I don't know much about Mazdas except owners seem to love 'em. Good luck.

 

[Zee09]

I had a new Element in 2007
I never had an issue with it and it was great for bigger people...tall and just big because the seats were great.

The awd model was a box in the wind and thus a real gas hog on Interstate travel.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Matrix/Vibe, Transit Connect, Kia Soul, Suzuki SX4, Mazda 5, Kia Rondo, C-Max

 

[Leo99]

Our youngest could be driving someday soon and every so often, I casually look at cars like CRVs, RAV4s, and similar. What I've seen in that price range will be higher mileage vehicles than I'd prefer, like 150k minimum miles. A nearby Toyota dealer even has RAV4s with 250k miles on their lot at times. I'm surprised they risk that, but I'm sure their solution is a) offer an extended warranty and b) if you don't buy it and there's an issue, tell you "you shoulda bought the warranty".

My Camry has 160k miles. I'd drive it across the country tomorrow without any worry if the reason presented itself. Same with my RAV4 at 130k miles.

 

[KrisZ]

I would add the first gen Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute to the list.

 

[Al]

Your chances of a money pit are at the 75%+ level.

 

[wlk]

Element, will last and extremely versatile. And huge back seat room

 

[crashz]

Yes. Any of those would be a good choice. I disagree with making what you have work. If your Dad has a hard time getting in and out, its likely not going to get better.

In that price range, I wouldn't expect too much, but I'm guessing this will be a second car anyway? You'll likely be looking at a car with high mileage. But a Rav4 or CRV is pretty tough to kill. Just factor a lot of maintenance.

 

[GR_CoB]

A BITOG member @macarose has one for sale.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbtVqAgTh/

 

[Jerrysends]

I would consider a low miles X3 Bmw with the n52 depending on your usage & if you are willing to wrench on it. Might have to be patient to find a really low miles car, but they do exist, sometimes for a bargain.

 

[AZjeff]

You know the history of the car you own: Find A Way to Make it Work.

Great idea but what would that be with an elderly dad? He likely needs help getting in and getting out and it may be causing discomfort. The car is just too low. I recently helped daughter drive her new Jetta from Az to Tn and after 3 days had had more than enough of getting into and out of a sedan and I'm 68 and in great shape.

The OP might be able to put riser blocks under the passenger seat mounting feet and raise it up an inch or 2 to help temporarily and/or add a firm piece of foam on the seat bottom. Not ideal.

Agree with looking for non-mainstream CUVs to keep the cost down.

 

[wavinwayne]

I would consider a low miles X3 Bmw with the n52 depending on your usage & if you are willing to wrench on it. Might have to be patient to find a really low miles car, but they do exist, sometimes for a bargain.

I only know about our 2020 X3 which is a good vehicle, but the older ones must hold up pretty well, as I see a lot of 10+ year old X3s on the road around here. I can't recall the last time I saw one broken on the side of the road.