Small used SUV search

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wrcsixeight

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My sister has determined she wants a small SUV and has about an 8k$ limit. I have been given the duties of being the guy to deal with whatever seller exists in any vehicle she finds.

I find myself a little overwhelmed with this task, as of course she wants something she will not have to dump a bunch of money into, and of course, if something does go wrong, it will be my fault.

So far we've been looking at Honda CRV's Hyundai Sante fe, and toyota Rav 4, and honestly I have not really been keeping up with the offerings in this category as the whole SUV thing is a bit off putting for me.

I'm not really sure what else will fit into this small SUV category, and be within her price range.

I've been trying to read up on the brand and model specific forums, but one's eyes begin to start crossing after so many conflicting opinions.

I'm only gonna be around for the next week or so to help her in this search, and she wants a vehicle yesterday.

In Orlando Florida Area.

Any Advice about what types of vehicles in this category to search for and which to avoid?
 
Those are called Crossovers,not SUVs.
I'm no Subaru fan,but a Forester might be good choice.
 
Rav4s and CRVs hold their value. That's how I ended up with my Vue - 5 years newer and half the miles for the same price.
I'm assuming she won't drive a stick, so you could look for a 3.5L V6 Vue (Honda engine/trans) - pretty good grocery-getter. Just make sure the Tbelt and trans are maintained. Pretty good mpg also.

4runners are always solid and reliable, but also hold value and suck gas.

If you find a Rav4 or CRV that fits what's she's looking for, they are great vehicles and hard to go wrong with...

edit: my thread that may help with your search: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...npu#Post2294082
 
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When shopped we drove all of those. We ended up with a 2013 Equinox. It was much more refined then the one you are currently looking at. We shopped for about 6 months.
 
With a budget of $8,000, it'll certainly be something older, and condition of the vehicle itself is as important as the brand name in terms of how reliable it might be. I've driven all of the small SUVs but the Santa Fe, and the CR-V is by far my favorite due to its excellent road manners and ease of maintenance. But with her budget, she'd likely be looking at the 2002-2006 generation, and they're not as car-like as the current ones and are a little taller/narrower. So they won't drive quite as well.
 
With a budget of $8k, and with any problems being "your fault" I'd tell her to go shopping herself.

Since that won't work...

I'd probably go RAV4/CRV, early 2000's; not many issues. Subaru I'm guessing is out, as they are probably "too small" or not SUV-like enough, or something. FWD since it's a southern clime, which might help drive down the price. RAV4/CRV I don't think have many issues, not that I came across when I was looking, outside of needing timing belts in this age bracket; Subaru's OTOH seem to need headgaskets, clutches, wheelbearings in the range that I think you are in.
 
Sorry missed the 8000 bucks. I had a previous Gen Equinox. You can find one of those, mine was ok, never gave me any problems, but was not my favorite car.
 
Thanks for all the input. There are a good number of vehicles in the price ranges within 75 miles. I've been trying to keep my personal desires out of it, as I like the Subaru for the Un SUV like attributes.

I am really dreading dealing with used car dealers, or even the local yokels but she is my sister and I want to get her into something she'll be happy with, and there is a little desperation to get her a vehicle, soon, for reasons not worthy of going into here.
 
Originally Posted By: supton
RAV4/CRV I don't think have many issues, not that I came across when I was looking, outside of needing timing belts in this age bracket...


For what it is worth...a 2001+ RAV4 has Toyota's AZ engine (with a chain) and a 2002+ CR-V has Honda's K engine (with a chain). Only a 2000 or prior RAV4 or a 2001 or prior CR-V will have a timing belt.
 
Being an environmentalist I always start my search at greenercars.org which lists these SUVs as cleanest
Buick Encore
Mazda CX5
Subaru crosstrek
Mitsubishi outlander
Jeep patriot/compass
Chevy equinox (my dad drives this; nice car)

And then check ebay's "completed sales" to get an idea how much these cars cost when used. If one consistently sells for $8000 or less that's what I'd buy.
 
I would go for CRV or RAV4. Either of those is going to require the least repairs. I would try and avoid a timing belt.

KBB I think has total cost of ownership figures which includes gas and maint.

Does she want/need 4WD? There is not much snow in FL.
 
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Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
For what it is worth...a 2001+ RAV4 has Toyota's AZ engine (with a chain) and a 2002+ CR-V has Honda's K engine (with a chain). Only a 2000 or prior RAV4 or a 2001 or prior CR-V will have a timing belt.


I would immediately narrow it down to these two options and search and see if you can find any good examples available nearby. Both should be great vehicles for her.


OP - (IIRC you surf?) sounds like you'll miss that swell Sunday/Monday
48.gif
 
You could probably find a pretty good Escape for a lot less money or fewer miles than the RAV4/CRV's are going for. They made enough that the issues are common. Otherwise I would really recommend a CRV/RAV with the 2.4 timing chain engine. The earlier versions of both weren't as good for a long list of reasons. If you can get an 06 or newer RAV or 07 or newer CRV that would be pretty close to current.

I'm wondering why you don't like this segment of cars. I mean the driving dynamics are seriously lacking, but I don't see why that matters to you. Compared to a sedan they offer a lot more space and don't get much worse fuel economy.
 
There is always the Escape. Plentiful in numbers as it has been a top seller since it came out in 2003. Reliable 3.0 V6 (as well as 4 but it can be a tad underpowered), parts can be cheap due to the numbers and platform sharing. Just make sure the OP changed the transmission fluid every 30k and you'll be good to go. Wife's got 140k on hers and it's running fine.
 
My brother was in the same boat just last month. As much as I touted the CR-V (I owned one for sveral years and loved it), he had his heart set on a RAV4. That is until he test drove a 2002 Subaru Forester with 120k miles. AWD is awesome and he loves driving standard. He has no regrets and I admit to having some envy. That is a very fine vehicle. He loves it, his wife loves it and my niece and nephew love it. So have your sis give Subaru a spin. You never know.
 
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Chevy HHR.

May as well add the PT Looser in there too...

Ugh on both. And yes, I've driven both as rentals. The same guy designed the same horrible POS for both companies and it shows. (Both were designed by Bryan Nesbitt.)
 
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Originally Posted By: NHGUY
Those are called Crossovers,not SUVs.
I'm no Subaru fan,but a Forester might be good choice.


I'd sort of agree, but with the US penchant for having automatics, I've found auto Forresters to be unlikely candidates for having enough tractive effort to pull a greased knitting needle out of a porcupine's bum...they are woeful compared to the manuals.
 
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