My wife and I are moving back to the US soon and we sold her car (2004 Mazda 3) when we left so need to buy one. Looking to purchase around md-Feb or so but we can be flexible if waiting a month means new models come out an prices drop.

$20k range - Small SUV - so far thinking CRV or Rav4. Doesn't need to be 4-wheel drive - would like a 6cyl but 4 isn't a deal breaker. Will be a kid carrier at some point. Prefer less than 30k miles and leather. Basic autotrader search shows we are likely looking for a 2009-2010 if we go with our preferences as of now.

Which cars should we be looking at?

1/2/2013 2:08:24 AM

station wagons.

1/2/2013 3:11:26 AM

Quote :

"$20k range - Small SUV - so far thinking CRV or Rav4. Doesn't need to be 4-wheel drive - would like a 6cyl but 4 isn't a deal breaker."

CRV has always been 4 cylinder exclusive.

Subaru Legacy wagon

1/2/2013 8:54:09 AM

Yeah, second the subaru wagon. I'm actually considering trying to find one in the $12-15k range and then buying a second much more fun car.

1/2/2013 9:05:21 AM

Escape Hybrid?

1/2/2013 9:11:02 AM

I've never known anyone to regret getting a CR-V. They're basically the modern equivalent of a Civic tall wagon anyway.

1/2/2013 9:30:26 AM

I regret getting a CR-V.

And I think the RAV-4 looks better.

But I will third the Subaru to be a better fit for your situation.

1/2/2013 9:37:24 AM

I also think you should get a Subaru

Legacy wagon or Forester

1/2/2013 9:53:23 AM

Never driven the CRV or Rav4, but between the two I'd go Rav4 based on all the tests I've read in the past...It seems to be a few notches above the competition.
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2010-toyota-rav4-limited-4x4-page-9

+1 for a Subaru wagon. Forester XT (the turbo model) would be an excellent choice.

1/2/2013 12:09:50 PM

thanks for the input - for the SUV side definitely leaning towards the Rav4

i've presented the subaru option and my wife likes how the car looks but despises that she has to say she drives a wagon - we'll see

1/3/2013 6:46:48 PM

I despise saying my car handles better, gets better gas mileage, and has more storage space than a slightly bigger, slightly less capable suzuki sidekick

1/3/2013 7:21:01 PM

RAWR RAWR RAWR MY CAR OPINIONS ARE BETTER THAN YOUR WIFE'S. YOU NEED TO TEACH THAT BITCH SOME LOGIC!!!

1/3/2013 11:46:09 PM

nothing I stated was opinion. teaching bitches logic is always apropos

1/4/2013 2:15:55 AM

OmarBadu did, in fact, ask for recomendations.

1/4/2013 7:13:26 AM

want boring?

get rav 4 or crv

want fun get turbo subie or kia.

else... no one cares.

1/4/2013 8:18:04 AM

Quote :

"i've presented the subaru option and my wife likes how the car looks but despises that she has to say she drives a wagon - we'll see"

And somehow it's lost on your wife that all crossovers are just wagons jacked up about 6 inches???

1/4/2013 8:23:02 AM

the new FXT is a suv.. (atleast per govt regs... it's really just a imprezza with a lift kit)

[Edited on January 4, 2013 at 8:32 AM. Reason : .]

1/4/2013 8:32:08 AM

I've enjoyed my passat wagon.

1/4/2013 9:55:00 AM

Nothing wrong with the Honda or Toyota but I'll second looking into the Subaru Forester.

Also, I don't know how the price compares to your range but have you looked at the new Mazda CX-5 or a used CX-7?

1/4/2013 4:46:54 PM

We rented a CRV in Colorado last year and used it for a ski shuttle. Great car.

1/4/2013 10:14:54 PM

Quote :

"Quote : "i've presented the subaru option and my wife likes how the car looks but despises that she has to say she drives a wagon - we'll see" And somehow it's lost on your wife that all crossovers are just wagons jacked up about 6 inches??? 1/4/2013 8:23:02 AM "

Somehow it's lost on you that the reason a lot of women like SUVs, even small ones, is because they want to be up 6" higher for the road view

1/4/2013 10:39:36 PM

^I don't think it's that argument - as a bf to a gf who hates 'wagons' I can see where everyone is coming from....

It's the proportions, not the ride height - my gf doesnt like the jeep cherokee, however she likes the newest Liberty.



[PS: you are an intelligent poster... if not an alias, you should build more garage cred.]

[Edited on January 5, 2013 at 9:19 AM. Reason : -]

1/5/2013 9:18:52 AM

do not buy a car. use bicycles instead. you can have a basket on it and do all of the same things you use a car for. if you need stuff that's too big for your basket, order it on the internet and have it mailed to yourself. for long trips, you can easily rent a car or a truck. you will be healthier, richer, and more fashionable.

1/5/2013 2:32:16 PM

jcgolden strikes again

1/7/2013 11:09:27 AM

ended up test driving the forester and rav4 - the rav4 was the clear winner although we drove the forester first and before driving the rav4 it was a contender - the rav4 was just more polished and had a ton less road noise

bought a 2010 4wd limited v6 rav4 with 12,100k miles - link below - works for now but not sure how much longer it will

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=338391370&listingIndex=3&Log=0

[Edited on February 5, 2013 at 12:20 AM. Reason : .]

2/5/2013 12:19:32 AM

this thread has been a prime example of opinion diversity we have here in TEH garage.

2/5/2013 12:49:47 AM

Quote :

"this thread has been a prime example of opinion diversity we have here in TEH garage. "

I celebrate the diversity.

Long live TWW GARAGE

2/5/2013 7:57:27 AM

^^^Congrats on the purchase.

2/5/2013 10:23:12 AM

I celebrate the diversity, as well

and will also like to add that NMSJ

Congrats on the Rav4

2/5/2013 12:46:44 PM

As much as I think this wrong the wrong choice over a sedan or wagon, and as against SUVs and crossovers as I am in general for daily driving, I'm actually thinking about getting a BMW X1.

With my Locost Seven on the way and a 65-mile round trip work commute, I want to sell my Z06 and get a really fuel efficient DD. I have been planning on getting a hybrid (Insight or Prius), or maybe a TDI...but then I'd need a tow rig to tow the Seven (I'm guessing about 13xx lbs, plus another 1300-1500 for the trailer).

I'm thinking that whatever I lose in fuel economy by driving something like an X1 (24/34 mpg), I would largely make back by only having to pay insurance and maintenance costs on 1 vehicle instead of 2 (plus I wouldn't have to drive a Prius or Insight, and I'd like to downsize a little, anyway).

Honestly, I'll bet a regular 328i would tow 3000 lbs of braked trailer, but the X1 should do it a little better. Plus, the hatch is a bonus. Maybe someone Turner or Dinan or someone will develop a good suspension kit that drops it a couple of inches back into true wagon-territory (although as it, it's only ~4" taller than the current 3-Series.)

2/5/2013 7:21:03 PM

Did I read that right? Up to 48mpg in the X1 with the diesel TT?

That's pretty impressive for what it is. I like.

That's confusing. One spec sheet says 4.9L/100km, another page says up to 34mpg on the highway...




[Edited on February 5, 2013 at 7:32 PM. Reason : .]

2/5/2013 7:30:21 PM

Quote :

"I'm actually thinking about getting a BMW X1"

Hell just started freezing. Did I read that right?

2/5/2013 9:33:06 PM

Obligatory:

I <3 My Honda!

2/5/2013 10:22:42 PM

^^ needs to be German, tow 3k comfortably at highway speed, get very good fuel economy, and not cost an arm and a leg.

Despite my general hatred of crossovers (and DDing of SUVs in general), it kinda makes sense for my needs, and, well, there aren't many choices! A Tiguan would do it, but it's not much cheaper than an X1.

A 328i would do it, albeit probably marginal on the towing, but it's a lot more expensive.

I rationalize to myself that it's only 4" taller than the 3 sedan, and has a wider track. Apparently it drives decently. If I buy one, I'm doing euro delivery and taking that motherfucker to the 'Ring, run flats and all.

2/5/2013 11:28:03 PM

Quote :

"Hell just started freezing. Did I read that right?"

In my eyes the X1 is a wagon anyway. BMW has really been muddling up the car classes these days, lol. And it's totally lost on me as to how the X1 is cheaper than a 328i

2/6/2013 8:27:33 AM

Yeah, it occupies the space nobody knew existed between wagon and crossover.

Kinda like those Volvo tall wagons a few years back.

[Edited on February 6, 2013 at 9:05 AM. Reason : Think it's cheaper because it's E90 based]

2/6/2013 9:04:21 AM

I hear you, just didn’t think you (or TKE for that matter) would ever say those words.

How long will you keep it? It’s a $40k car with few options and taxes. You could get used X35d for $25ish, have tone more space, same economy(better?) and $15k in the pocket. God damn, that’s a sweet low mileage E90 M3 too. I didn’t just say that! Not a fan of any bmw SUVs, but I guess X1 is a good vehicle for certain segment.

Unless you plan on driving it to the ground - buying new, fuel efficient car is not a good financial move (kind of like new prius vs ’02 civic argument …$20k difference is too much, UNLESS you own a prius for 10yrs+ …and we know none of us hold cars that long anymore).

2/6/2013 2:02:00 PM

^oh i'm not saying I would buy one, haha. But honestly a lot of these SUVs are thinly disguised wagons in my opinion. Hell I didn't mind driving a new Dodge Durango. I thought it handled pretty damn well for it's size. Only complaint I had was that I kept sliding off the seat

2/6/2013 2:10:44 PM

I know you didn't!
There should still be some unity in SUV hatred!!

2/6/2013 2:12:54 PM

hate hate hate

2/6/2013 2:24:55 PM

Does the X1 actually tow 3k? Seems like the X3 was only rated for 3.5k.

2/6/2013 2:33:14 PM

I quick internet search shows a tow rating of 1400 kg

2/6/2013 3:05:22 PM

BMW has a history of offering towing options in Europe that are not available here in the US. Looks like the X1 may be a similar case. The only aftermarket hitch I see is a Class III by Curt that is only rated to tow 2500 lbs. Class III is normally good for 5k lbs, so it makes me think the limitation may be on the vehicle rather than the hitch: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2013_BMW_X1.htm

2/6/2013 5:20:46 PM

i have been considering a small suv recently, and was looking at the vw tiguan. audi q5 is the same, just a little nicer, and more expensive.

09+ 2.0T tsi, which is a great engine with a lot of potential (performance software alone is +~60hp/~90tq). available with 4-motion awd, which is a haldex system.

not sure if it relevant or what you are looking for, and it is common knowledge that i have an inclination toward the VW/Audi marque, so take it how you will.

2/6/2013 6:46:03 PM

Yeah, I thought about those. Honestly, if I'm spending upper 20s for a Tiguan, I'd rather spend mid-30s for an X1 that will be faster, handle much better, get significantly better fuel economy, and look better. The VW would serve the purpose, but I think you can spend a little more with BMW and get a lot more vehicle.

[Edited on February 10, 2013 at 3:29 PM. Reason : if I got a VW, it would be a Golf TDI or Sportwagen TDI...they are rated to tow enough in Europe...]

2/10/2013 3:26:23 PM

honestly, if you're looking at something so new, i bet there's a chance that the value you lose in depreciation might be greater than the equity you lose with a lease

2/10/2013 6:20:33 PM

you know, the more I think about it, the only time I'll need to trailer something of any significant size is taking the Seven to track days...and if I do that, say, 3-5 times per year, it would probably be easiest and most cost effective to not keep anything to tow it with, drive something economical as a DD, and just rent a pickup to haul stuff to track days.

2/10/2013 9:29:08 PM

you can even rent sweet RVs for like $150/weekend for such a task

2/10/2013 9:59:39 PM

************

Imma hijack this thread. Recommendations for a small SUV <$10,000. Daily driver; no towing, etc., just need more room, something to haul the dogs in, and the lady just wants a SUV.

8/19/2013 1:37:19 PM

ford windstar with a lift kit and mud boggers

8/19/2013 1:39:08 PM