Recommended SUV to buy under $15k

[apollo18]

Hey all I have a budget around 15k and want to get an suv with less then 120k miles

I usually prefer Japanese Vehicles for reliability but I guess when looking into a lot of these vehicles on on one they each have there own issues

Sorry forgot to add this earlier. I just want any size suv from mid size to full size. I’m flexible. I never off-road or anything. I just want suv or whatever you call this size of vehicle for the space. I just don’t want a compact or tiny suv

Hoping to get something with at least 200hp ish so it has decent power. The more the better ahaha

The list I had so far as

Mazda CX 5 or 9
Rav 4
Highlander
Pilot
CRV
MDX
RDX

did I miss any other recommended reliable models?

Also idk much about timing chain or belt changing etc but seems like if some of these vehicles have one of those and need changing then I’ll prob have to expect that maintenance cost

 

[GR_CoB]

Highlander Hybrid. Ours (2012) has over 200k trouble free miles, and lots more to give. Previously had two 2006 Highlander Hybrids, also very nice and trouble free vehicles.

 

[supton]

To me those are CUV’s.

Anyhow. Not seeing an issue with your list, but there are year to year and option to option issues to worry about. CVT on some, DI on others. Hybrid or not?

I drove my MIL’s 2021? CRV and didn’t think it had enough power to back up my driveway.

 

[methusaleh]

What are your needs for off road, gravel road, or winter driving?

Needs, not wants. For me the needs are extreme as I live in a rural area with mostly dirt roads, that also gets intense winters and I absolutely have to get to work (full time cop/call firefighter).

Because some of the above were on my radar but I chose a 4Runner— zero regrets.

Wife has her second MDX and they are a strong contender as well.

 

[RooflessVW]

Touareg

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Prius V, Transit Connect, Journey, Forester, Outlander, C-Max, Mazda 5

 

[SC Maintenance]

Your list ranges from very small to very large? Also econo car to luxury (MDX)

They all look decent - year and model dependant. But your not comparing apples to apples.

My guess is CX5 or CR-V would give you the newest, but also the smallest - in your price range?

 

[apollo18]

Your list ranges from very small to very large? Also econo car to luxury (MDX)

They all look decent - year and model dependant. But your not comparing apples to apples.

My guess is CX5 or CR-V would give you the newest, but also the smallest - in your price range?

Sorry just edited it. Im flexible on size and In my area I can find all of these around my price range which is why I also added the mdx to the range etc

 

[apollo18]

What are your needs for off road, gravel road, or winter driving?

Needs, not wants. For me the needs are extreme as I live in a rural area with mostly dirt roads, that also gets intense winters and I absolutely have to get to work (full time cop/call firefighter).

Because some of the above were on my radar but I chose a 4Runner— zero regrets.

Wife has her second MDX and they are a strong contender as well.

I added it ty tho but no offroading

Just want a suv with decent power and good space. I am fine with a mid size and all the way up to a normal size suv

 

[GR_CoB]

Hey all I have a budget around 15k and want to get an suv with less then 120k miles

I usually prefer Japanese Vehicles for reliability but I guess when looking into a lot of these vehicles on on one they each have there own issues

Sorry forgot to add this earlier. I just want any size suv from mid size to full size. I’m flexible. I never off-road or anything. I just want suv or whatever you call this size of vehicle for the space. I just don’t want a compact or tiny suv



The list I had so far as

Mazda CX 5 or 9
Rav 4
Highlander
Pilot
CRV
MDX
RDX

did I miss any other recommended reliable models?

Also idk much about timing chain or belt changing etc but seems like if some of these vehicles have one of those and need changing then I’ll prob have to expect that maintenance cost

This one has your name written all over it. Under 150k on hybrid is comparable to under 80k on a non-hybrid.
https://www.allcityauto.net/inventory/toyota/highlander/16318a/
Or this one:

https://www.metrowestautosales.com/details/used-2010-toyota-highlander-hybrid/107705379

 

[RooflessVW]

Just want a suv with decent power and good space.

Touareg TDI

 

[PF52]

To me those are CUV’s.

Some on that list are mighty big. I'm not sure where the boundary exists between CUV and SUV.

 

[edyvw]

Hey all I have a budget around 15k and want to get an suv with less then 120k miles

I usually prefer Japanese Vehicles for reliability but I guess when looking into a lot of these vehicles on on one they each have there own issues

Sorry forgot to add this earlier. I just want any size suv from mid size to full size. I’m flexible. I never off-road or anything. I just want suv or whatever you call this size of vehicle for the space. I just don’t want a compact or tiny suv

Hoping to get something with at least 200hp ish so it has decent power. The more the better ahaha

The list I had so far as

Mazda CX 5 or 9
Rav 4
Highlander
Pilot
CRV
MDX
RDX

did I miss any other recommended reliable models?

Also idk much about timing chain or belt changing etc but seems like if some of these vehicles have one of those and need changing then I’ll prob have to expect that maintenance cost

Family? Older kids? Younger kids? No kids? School drop offs? Long trips?
Your list includes variety of vehicles. Just bcs. they are Asian, don’t think they will be that reliable at that mileage, especially with the fact that you don’t know maintenance history.

 

[supton]

Some on that list are mighty big. I'm not sure where the boundary exists between CUV and SUV.

Was reading too quickly, saw CRV & RAV4 and honed in too fast on that. IMO the split is between BOF and unibody, traverse engine or longitude, towing ability or not, actual off road ability. Or what day of the week it is, something like that.

 

[RooflessVW]

@slacktide_bitog don't be jealous that I'm at 12 years and 175k miles with only one out of warranty repair.

 

[250SD_54V8]

If you want room and decent performance and dont need off road or 4x4 capabilities you cant beat a Honda Odyssey.

 

[RooflessVW]

If you want room and decent performance and dont need off road or 4x4 capabilities you cant beat a Honda Odyssey.

LMAO a 15k Odyssey has been ran through by the Brady bunch and the Shady bunch

 

[Brons2]

I like the Highlander Hybrid, but the older ones are the V6 hybrid and only get mid 20s mpg wise. If that's acceptable then there you go.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I like the Highlander Hybrid, but the older ones are the V6 hybrid and only get mid 20s mpg wise. If that's acceptable then there you go.

I thought some of these had issues with the rear diff with integrated motor? Maybe that was the newer gen?

 

[Brons2]

I thought some of these had issues with the rear diff with integrated motor? Maybe that was the newer gen?

Not familiar with this issue, I was under the impression that these had a good reputation for reliability. Maybe not?