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Need some SUV reviews. Some opinions would be appreciated.

SEPATOPTEN

Well-Known Member
Aug 21, 2010
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I am looking to buy a new SUV. I am not looking to spend a fortune so I am looking at models that carry a max msrp of about 24,000 hoping to get the vehicle for as close to 20,000 as I can. any opinion's would be appreciated. I like the Hyundai Tuscon, Nissan Rouge and Toyota RAV. Thanks guys.
 
I owned two different CRVs and loved them over the years so check them out. I also suggest Subaru's Outback, Crosstrek and Forrester. I test drove all that you listed and many more and ended up with my Forrester in 2016. Absolutely love it. Also check out Consumer Reports and other ratings. They will give you tidbits on things that you personally care about. Mine was safety, reliability, gas, space, handling.
 
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Have a 2016 Forester, driven primarily by my son. Great vehicle - lots of room, all wheel drive, decently appointed (top of the line models are very well equipped but several grand above your 24K figure) and legendary reliability. Superb visibility for a young driver due to SUV height and lots of glass. Another big reason I got the Forester was the availability of a manual transmission. Gets about 25mpg in mixed city/hwy driving - not bad as gas goes past $3/gallon.
 
Wife has a Toyota Rav4 and loves it. I enjoy driving it as well when we travel in her vehicle.
 
some really great choices in that class of vehicles right now. Ford as well.

I'd A) follow my gut and just see which one you would be the most excited to own and B) See what kind of deal you can negotiate.

My sister was down to the Rav, Honda, and Subaru. They were all within a few hundred dollars. When she asked my advice, I asked "which one do you LIKE?" She said the Honda. I told her to go buy the Honda and she's never been happier with a car purchase. Sometimes you just have to scratch that itch...and when there is a razor blade difference between the choices, get the one you want to drive for several years.
 
My wife got a CR-v in 2009. Drove it for 7 years and put close to 100k miles on it. Traded it in on another in 2016 due to the airbag issue and got over 59% of what she paid on a trade after we negotiated price without a trade. If you want a car that’s reliable and maintains its value go with the Honda.
 
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My wife got a CR-v in 2009. Drivevit fir 7 years and put close to 100k miles on it. Traded it in on another in 2016 due to the airbag issue and got over 59% of what she paid on a trade after we negotiated price without a trade. If you want a car that’s reliable and maintains its value go with the Honda.

Yep, Honda's and Toyota's hold their value, which pretty much makes up for the extra that they cost to purchase.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the OP seemed to imply an SUV for mainly around town. My brother has a previous generation Escape that does very well at our hunting camp. Decent ground clearance, and the 4 cyl. does very well mileage wise and also on the dirt/mud roads we have miles of..... But if off road is not a consideration, any of the choices listed seem appropriate. But to stay under $24K the CRV or RAV4 may have to be purchased as low mileage vehicles.
 
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My last two vehicles have been a 2003 RAV4 and a 2011 CRV.

No problems with either. Comfortable, roomy, nice ride, respectable mileage, loads of room for golf clubs and basset hounds. My next purchase in another year or two will probably come down to one of these two models.
 
I am looking to buy a new SUV. I am not looking to spend a fortune so I am looking at models that carry a max msrp of about 24,000 hoping to get the vehicle for as close to 20,000 as I can. any opinion's would be appreciated. I like the Hyundai Tuscon, Nissan Rouge and Toyota RAV. Thanks guys.


Rented a Hyundai Tuscon in Florida last month. Drove well. No problems.
 
One problem with all these....
I own a silver Subaru Forester.
It looks just like the Toyota RAV and Honda CRV.
About once a week or so, at WMT or anywhere there are numerous cars, I try to get into the wrong vehicle.
 
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I have had my RAV4 for three years and love it. They are coming out with a new body style in 2019. You may be able to get a great deal on 2018 in a few months if you can wait.
 
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FWIW, I really like my 2007 Toyota RAV4. Having the full size spare and "refrigerator door" in the rear - I do not want anything else! It was an "internet price" deal back then and I believe I paid about what you want to pay for it. At the time, for a bit more, I could've gotten a deal on a 4Runner...but it just seemed "big" for the sake of being "big." Can't go wrong with a Toyota or a Honda.
 
I know you said new vehicle, but you drive any new car off the lot and it has lost $1000s in value. The certified used often come with better warranties, terrific interest rates and are a much better deal. I have had a RAV4 (purchased new) and now a 4Runner (purchased used) with over 240k Miles. I love Toyota’s but Hondas are great as well- personal preference.
 
I have a 2011 Rogue with 130k miles. Very happy - nice ride, not much maintenance needed.
 
I have had my RAV4 for three years and love it. They are coming out with a new body style in 2019. You may be able to get a great deal on 2018 in a few months if you can wait.


Great advice.....you will be able to get a very very good deal once the new model comes out.

And there is absolutely NOTHING wrong about the current model.
 
I’d add the Honda CRV to your list and suggest you look for a demo or low mileage car coming off a lease.


Good luck finding a low-mileage/recent RAV or CR-V for $20, even a private seller will try to clean your clock...

Better off buying a new base-model at $26k
 
Good luck finding a low-mileage/recent RAV or CR-V for $20, even a private seller will try to clean your clock...

Better off buying a new base-model at $26k


MMII - Going out on a limb there, but I’ll go with you: no way anyone will find a low mileage / recent RAV or CR-V for twenty bucks!
 
My wife drives a 2009 Subaru Forester and likes it very much. We had one failure in all of those years but it was a big one. On the way back to Ct. from Florida the transmission blew in NC on the I95. I got it to a service station in Rocky Mount and called Subaru up and got a VP for service to see what they would do. The vehicle was completely out of any warranty. My argument was that Subaru's never have transmission problems so if you want the transmission back for failure analysis then make me a deal. Bottom line, they said to have it towed to a Subaru dealer in Raleigh and they would send a free transmission to the dealer in return for the dead one. I paid for the labor bill which the dealer cut back by 10% because of our inconvenience.
 
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