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

[FZ1]

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.

Never done this, but , perhaps a different seat track could be available, a driver seat, with higher adjustment, installed on passenger side ,etc.,etc. Don't wish the op to get rid of a good car and get a bad car. .02

 

[bighead2586]

Never done this, but , perhaps a different seat track could be available, a driver seat, with higher adjustment, installed on passenger side ,etc.,etc. Don't wish the op to get rid of a good car and get a bad car. .02

Gotcha and thx. It would be an additional car I’m keeping the Accord

 

[SC Maintenance]

In those years I actually like the CR-V better. K24 and the 5 speed is a hard combo to beat - and I am not really a Honda fan. I make an exception for the K24. Hard to find though, people tend to hold on to them for family members / kids.

In the end its all about maintenance. You might find a high mile older CR-V in that price point - but will take some looking.

 

[meep]

That price range is all in the “gonna need some love” bracket. I’ll plug for an older Volvo V60 or similar. The undesirable 5 cyl version was not overpowered but otherwise stout.

 

[slo town]

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

And with the back seats out it's like a small van. Floor is totally flat.

Scott

 

[The Critic]

I can't recall the last time I saw one broken on the side of the road.

I wouldn't consider that to be an accurate measure of reliability.

 

[addyguy]

Early Kia Soul.

 

[bighead2586]

Early Kia Soul.

Really? I'm scared of Kia/Hyundai. Will say my brother had a stupid looking Accent hatchback that ran for a long time . . .

 

[bighead2586]

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 am nowhere near brave enough to buy an old German car. If I was rich I might lease a new one all the B58 cars are fantastic to drive.

 

[Elkins45]

Scion xB, easiest vehicle to enter and exit I've ever seen.

 

[SC Maintenance]

And with the back seats out it's like a small van. Floor is totally flat.

Scott

They seem to hold there price better than the CR-V. I do agree there pretty cool.

 

[FZ1]

Gotcha and thx. It would be an additional car I’m keeping the Accord

You could rent a car for occasional DR. visits, or trips. Car insurance is expensive on an additional car.