Preowned SUV reliable models.

CX-5. made in Japan. built like a vault. handle like a hatch. not expensive to maintain. easy to find parts. good resale value. well made cabin. not the best for fuel economy and not the most roomy. if well maintained, will last longer than plutonium. 2.5t turbo engine available for model year 2019.
 
I would get some details on what she wants to do with it? Determine AWD or 2WD, by where she plans on driving it, forest roads in the wet in the mountains would be more fun with AWD.
Next what weight of kayak? A wagon is easier to load boats on the roof or if she's 4'11" then she'll probably want a side loader roof rack for any vehicle, and then a normal CUV is fine.
Kids? dogs? dog crates?
We liked the Outback over the Forester/RAV4/CRV configuration as I think it drives a little smoother on the highway, and its got more passenger space, slightly better mileage, and it can tow a bit more. My wife can load the canoe or kayak on the roof herself too, without fancy racks or stools as well. Slightly bigger foot print and overhangs which can drag for very rough roads though. Get an 2018 or 19 for no GDI. Also statistically quite safe, for their average driver.
If no need for AWD then get a 2WD something, CRV/RAV4/CX5 would be where I'd start looking.
 
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CRV got the CVT in 2015. For anything newer do like my daughter did, CX-5. Avoid CVT's, they are the weak point of any vehicle that has one, if they were as great as some say then Kenworth trucks would be sporting them.
 
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CX-5, 1st choice.
RAV4 Hybrid another good one. Under 60,000 miles. 2020 or newer if possible, longer battery warranty in 2020.
RAV4 gas, not so much. Engine is coarse, unrefined.
 
How about a nice little EV.
There's great deals these days on used and new models!
:sneaky:
 
My daughter is in Nashville and in need of a reliable preowned SUV something within the last five years. Budget around $25,000. Since she is on her own and not a car person reliability is the number one factor. Thanks in advance for suggestions
How about a lightly used Lexus GX470. Full-time 4wd cheap to run, spacious, reliable and I'm sure if you look around you could find an older couple unloading one after they can't drive any longer.
 
I noticed the RAV4 hybrid has a CVT transmission. Thoughts?
Toyota's eCVT used in their hybrids is an entirely different animal then the other CVTs. It is a planetary gear CVT and is a more robust design compared to conventional cone and belt CVTs used in everything else. Toyota's eCVT transmissions are not prone to failure and I have not personally heard of any.
 
How about a lightly used Lexus GX470. Full-time 4wd cheap to run, spacious, reliable and I'm sure if you look around you could find an older couple unloading one after they can't drive any longer.
GX470 is hot goods bcs. off roading crowds. It is not the most reliable vehicle and some things are really expensive to fix. Add to that horrid brakes and dynamics. I had GX470 briefly, and it is good off road vehicle, nice interior, but not for someone that wants something to just drive and forget.
 
You think? Did she ask for something specific or otherwise provide guidelines?
Yeah this sounds like Dad imposing an imagined lifestyle on his kid.

Chevy Trax starts under $25k brand new. It's worse than a Toyota, but is it worse than a 5 year old Toyota?
 
Chevy Trax starts under $25k brand new. It's worse than a Toyota, but is it worse than a 5 year old Toyota?

If this generation of Chevy Trax takes after the prior generation Trax/Encore (both GM Korea/old Daewoo products), then yes, it's worse than a random 10 year old Toyota.

But the jury is still out.....no news good or bad.
 
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