Help with SUV recommendations

[mac9128]

I figured where better to ask this question than BITOG. My mother is in the market for a new car and often looks to me for assistance of what/where to look. Basically she'll want something newer than an 07 but not brand new and between a 20-30k budget. She wants an SUV, because shes a short lady, but does not like huge suv's. She had a forester a while ago and liked that but since she has upgraded and is now looking at things like the Lexus Rx suv's. Just looking for some ideas you guys might have for some nice semi-luxery (around the lexus level) suv's around 07,08,09 in her budget that maybe you know the common problems with so I know what to look for. Any help is appreciated. Personally I was thinking one of the hybrid RX lexus'. She likes range rovers but I think it might be slightly outside the budget and I hear they have a lot of common problems. Thank you

 

[bepperb]

The Lexus is a lot like our Highlanders and is pretty bulletproof after the first gen. She might also like a Limited Highlander, which will easily be in the price range for an 06 or 07. The newer model maybe not, and it is a bit larger.

Acura RDX? Caddy SRX?

 

[dishdude]

If she is spending $20k-$30k, why not buy new and drive it into the ground?

 

[GenSan]

Have her test drive a fully loaded 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited 4WD.

If she likes it she'll be getting a lot for a compact SUV around $25,000.

 

[UNC017]

A previous-generation Grand Cherokee would be a good pick. I think the huge appeal of the 2011 model has probably shoved values down on the 2010 and priors, especially v6 powered. They're still very good vehicles, though.

For something on the smaller/lighter duty side, its hard to beat the Ford Escape. I personally like the Jeep Liberty because of the solid rear axle = better offroad capability without advanced electronics, but I doubt that's a draw for most mothers...

 

[dparm]

The Lexus RX is a good choice. Fantastically reliable and well appointed.

 

[Thermo1223]

Tell here to test drive a newer Forester '09 they are much bigger and well optioned than before. Hard to beat a Ford Escape as well, the Sync system is really outstanding. She could even try finding used Hybrid model to save in gas.

 

[CivicFan]

Get her something safe and comfortable like a Lexus, BMW or Mercedes.

 

[mac9128]

Still leaning towards the Lexus. My father has a mental block about german stuff, mainly bmw and mercedes because he thinks they cost a ton more to maintain/fix and also says he'll never buy another chrysler after some bad experiences. He also refuses to buy new cars because of the high sticker compared to models one year older. She won't drive it into the ground, she'll keep it till 80-100k tops then sell it I just dont want to have to deal with a lot of problems in the 10-100k timeframe. She wouldn't drive a suzuki simply because, mental block I guess. Are the RX hybrids still as reliable as the regular rx's? She did love her old forester, so one of the new ones is a possibility but I use to work at a subaru dealership and personally am not a huge fan of them, especially coming from her G35

 

[CivicFan]

New cars don't make sense so your father is right about that. Newer 1-2 year used cars are a much better expenditure for transportation.

He is right about the cost of German car repairs per repair as the parts are expensive. but that is compensated by the higher build quality and infrequency of those repairs. So the overall repair costs might even be less than other makes.

 

[Errtt]

I have thoughts that my next SUV for daily work driving (2+ hours per day) might be the Lexus RX. I'm driving the RAV-4 for now/still because its been good (reliable/decent mileage) and easy to whip around. Have not had an issue yet so I keep driving it.
My wife drives the Escape. I talked last year about getting something new & different but she said NO. I guess she is used to it and likes it.

Everyone has their personal preferences. Took me a bit to get used to the RAV, and now it would be hard to get rid of it. Sure is better on gas compared the the full size 4WD I was driving to work.

 

[mac9128]

She didn't like the Rav, no offense, The escape is an option. She really liked the BMW X6 but I doubt my father will pay that much and he would still have the mental block about it being german. I also just remembered the Subaru outback. The new ones are so much nicer than the old, and have been updated much more than the forester and a loaded one can be had for just under 30k. Plus through family connections, long story small state, my father is close friends with the owners of the Subaru dealership I worked at which I believe is the largest in New England so he pays cash and gets good deals. They find our cars for us 99% of the time at auction or what-have-you

 

[The Critic]

RX350, MDX and FX35 come to mind.

If she prefers something sportier and is OK with spending 30k, a 2009 FX35 is a good choice.