Recommend SUV for mother in law for $8k

[Kurtatron]

Mom in law got into an accident (not her fault) and totaled her Nissan rogue. Now she needs a replacement commuter. She has next to no mechanical knowledge, so a fixer upper is not an option.

She wants an SUV for $8k. Obvious options are a RAV4 and CRV. Those are quite expensive. Any model years I should avoid?

If she were your own mom, what would you recommend? She is in Texas, so rust is not a big concern, but AC is.

 

[Dave Hess]

Kia Soul.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I looked for both of those here when I was car shopping for the kid and what I found was any Toyota SUV for $8K was beat like an old mule and many of the earlier years were oil burners to boot.

CR-V was better but a lot of them were transplants from up North and plenty rusty underneath, so pay close attention when buying. I think the CVT came along in 2014 so I think you want to avoid the early years on that.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Would she get another Rogue? There's also the Outlander.

For a Toyota under 8k, there's the Matrix/Vibe. Can you get an HRV under 8k yet?

Maybe the C-Max, as they are cheap, and even the Energi plugin hybrids are within the 8k budget.

 

[cheech279]

Mazda CX-5

 

[Nukeman7]

Maybe something like this CR-V in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?

2010 Honda CR-V

or a bit older, but low milage:

2006 Honda CR-V

Both have the bombproof K24 engine with timing chains.

 

[Elkins45]

$6K buys a 2nd generation Scion xB with a whole lot of life left, and entry/exit are absolutely fantastic for older folks with mobility issues. I absolutely love mine and it was a godsend when I had my knee surgery. The only downside is the lack of AWD if she wants it. It’s not technically an SUV but it’s bigger than a crossover.

Imagine if a Camry mated with a toaster.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Something with loose lugnuts.

 

[Kurtatron]

Mazda CX-5

Mazdas are cheaper aren’t they? How reliable?

 

[Rand]

Mazdas are cheaper aren’t they? How reliable?

The purchase being a 10+ year old vehicle an inspection is more important than anything.

 

[TomYoung]

Kia Soul.

These have historical engine and CVT problems, as do many Hyundais and Kias. Not a great recommendation in my view.

 

[dubber09]

Mazda CX-9 are also nice, unless it's gonna be too big for her.
Stay away from CX-7 thou.

 

[super20dan]

chevy equinox. she is your mother in law after all

 

[JeffKeryk]

I've bought 2 2008 CR-V LX recently for friends. $5000 and $9500. The cheaper one had 125K and needed brakes, tires and maintenance. The other one had like 80K and needed nothing. I expect both of these cars to serve their owners for a long time, with a minimum cost. Both ladies love them and put the miles down!

 

[GaryMX5]

Subaru Outbacks and Crosstreks can be found in that price range but mileage may be on the higher side.

 

[Lubener]

$8k doesn't get you much these days. I would try to find an SUV based on its condition instead of looking for a particular brand and model.

 

[Propflux01]

Mazdas are cheaper aren’t they? How reliable?

The CX-5 has a good reputation overall.

 

[BISCUT]

I looked for both of those here when I was car shopping for the kid and what I found was any Toyota SUV for $8K was beat like an old mule and many of the earlier years were oil burners to boot.

CR-V was better but a lot of them were transplants from up North and plenty rusty underneath, so pay close attention when buying. I think the CVT came along in 2014 so I think you want to avoid the early years on that.

Similar situation for me in January 2025 with 10k to spend in NY. Cars/SUV's for 10k were often 150k and beat.

 

[IndyIan]

In that price range, the inspection and maintenance records can be more important the general reliability of that car model. Is mileage important?
I probably would just rule out any subaru at that price range, IMO the older more troublesome ones are overpriced due to the newer Subaru reliability.
Probably just stick with the fwd SUV's, what was the last year of the Escape with the mazda 2.5L? Something like that, or figure out which years and models of hyundai's had reliable engines? But even then, the car needs to be inspected carefully.
For someone with no access to car knowledge, and doesn't want to do the footwork, like taking perspective cars to a trusted mechanic to inspect, something new with an $8k downpayment might get pretty cheap compared to an $8k car with tons of parts to replace soon.
I see lots of new little SUV things, down to $20k now, and they should go for years with just basic maintenance.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Contact @macarose and see what he can do for you.