Looking to buy small-midsize SUV

9

93AccordLXwhite

New member
Well my mom's 1997 Dodge Caravan Sport is finally about to go and she's looking to buy a new/used SUV. Small to midsize, closer to mid.





Here are the requirements:



First of all she mainly wants to sit high and be able to see easily



Small to midsize, closer to mid.



Easy to drive, and easy to park



Must be reliable!



Less than $25,000



Less than 60,000 miles if used



Newer than year 2000 if used



Drivers seat needs to adjust up and down



It does not need to be able to go offroading(Southern California=all paved roads)



2 wheel drive is ideal; insurance=cheaper



It's going to be a daily driver, not pampered



Mainly just to and from work(less than 10 miles a day)



Good gas mileage 20 and above city



Not necessarily luxurious luxurious, but she likes the 'simple luxuries' i.e. power seats, navigation, telescoping steering wheel.



Canopy/side airbags/side curtain airbags are obviously a plus as is an ABS



5-8 seater



Roof rack is a plus, but not necessary



No towing will be done with it







So far we've test drivven the new 2007 Honda CRV, she said it was ok, not bad. Priced around $24,000



A used 2003 Acura MDX at a Acura dealership, 44,000 miles, @$24,000. She liked the car much better than the CRV as did I. For the same price she said she'd prefer the used Acura. Plus the MDX had MUCH more rear cargo room than the CRV did. As well as 7 seats vs 5



Here's a list of the models I've suggested that I can remember:



I do not know much about companies other than Honda and Acura so if I've listed some extremely bad cars-PLEASE TELL ME. That's the point, I'm trying to learn more. This list is just to give some idea about size and what I've thought of until this point. I'm trying to think of other makes because I'm usually Honda-biased(trying hard not to be:D) Also many of the cars I list are cars that I see a lot of on the road, I figure that if so many are still on the road they have a higher chance of being made well.



GMC Jimmy/Chevy Blazer 1994

Toyota 4Runner 1990-2002

Honda CRV 2002-present

Honda Ridgeline

Acura MDX 2001-present

Acura RDX

Scion XB(not likely) 2007

Ford Escape, Ford Escape Hybrid 2001-2007

BMW X3 2003-present

Lexus RX 1998-present

edit for more:

Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-present

Ford Freestyle

Ford Edge

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Ford Expedition 2 door

Saturn VUE 2002-present

No Hyundais, Izuzus, or Kias because my mom said so.(Sorry I'm not bashing owners at all)





I'll include others if I remember them



If anyone has any helpful experience, knowledge, or suggestions please share! I don't know that much about the reliability of many of the models. I have heard extremely positive things about the Toyota 4Runner's reliability, and know that Honda/Acura rock. So please enlighten me on the others! I know I threw a pickup in, we have yet to test drive one and she was worried mostly about ride quality, I thought since they sit high why not consider them.



Keep this in mind please, I do not know everything, and don't claim I do. Any help is greatly appreciated and will be taken into consideration:)



Thanks in advance guys, Autopia rocks!
 
x3, drives like a sedan, girly- moms like it, cheap (esp lease prices) but im sure you can find one used for around 20
 
When I said BMW my mom was concerned that maintenance would be $$$ in the future. I know that BMW has a promotion, something like 3 years of service free, but AFAIK that's for new cars only, which would put the X3 out of the $25,000 price range if I'm correct.
 
There are literally tons of MDX's (lease return low mileage) at the local Acura dealers.



I don't understand though how a Pilot is too big but an MDX is OK as they're the same stinkin truck.
 
Saturn Vue... '04 through '07 are available with the Honda 3.5L DOHC V6 & 5 speed auto transmission... 250 hp/250 tq. Very quick, light on its feet, nice, tidy size, height adjustable driver's seat, roof rack available, dent-resistant polymer panels, ~ 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway. Can be optioned with most of the popular luxuries. '06 & '07 models have a more refined interior/exterior styling. The V6 has tons of power, great mileage, and smooth as silk. Here's my '04...



overallafter.jpg
 
The MDX "seems" smaller to her, less wide, for parking in Los Angeles. Thanks for the input. I will have her take another look at the Pilot.
 
Yeah we went to our local Honda dealership and she test drove a CRV. As I said in the original post she thought it was ok, not exceptional. She said that she'd prefer the used Acura MDX(2003, 44,000 miles) that we test drove at the Acura dealership for the same ammount of money- around $24,000.



I didn't drive the CRV so I can't say anything about it's handling, but after looking at the MDX, the CRV really seems like 'just a car.' Not that that's bad or anything:) I talked with my mechanic the other day(works at the Honda dealership) about reliability issues of the MDX, CRV, and Pilot; said they didn't have any issues, built like any other Honda:D My dad's been taking his cars to him for the past 10+ years so I trust his judgement.



Thanks for all the quick replies guys! Keep 'em coming!!



Today I'm going to try and get her to test drive the Honda Ridgeline and Honda Pilot. Maybe some new Fords as well.





If anyone owns any of the models listed you're encouraged to discuss them:):) Thanks for the info so far about the Saturn and BMW. My cousin used to own a Saturn so I can ask them how they liked it.



Boy those late model MDXs sure are easy to find!
 
after getting sideswiped while parked along Santa Monica Blvd, I am a BIG fan of the polymer panels on the Vue... was able to detail out all of the damage. No door dings to worry about either. I have the same engine/transmission as the Pilot & MDX, but in a smaller, lighter package. It doesn't have the cachet of the MDX, but its smaller size is more maneuverable... a big plus in L.A. I had looked at the CRV & Element before I bought the Vue... but wanted more power for getting through the passes effortlessly. The Pilot & MDX were just too big for my tastes. Almost every time someone gets in my Vue for the first time, the most frequent reaction is "wow, this is roomy!" The Honda engine & transmission are what really sold me on the Vue tho... definitely gives it an upscale feel (and does not require premium fuel).



An explorer's too big, but you're looking at a Ridgeline? Ditto for the Pilot/MDX... they're all pretty good size. Size was one reason I got rid of my Lincoln Mark VIII... too big to navigate the tight confines of L.A.



But whatever... buy what makes you happy...
 
IMO, your list is all screwed up. You say it "Must be reliable" yet some of the cars on the list are far from that. The title of your thread is for a small-midsize SUVs, yet some of the cars you listed aren't even in the same size class. Your mom says she doesn't want to be a guinea pig for Hyundai or Kia, yet she's coming from a Dodge Caravan that you even mentioned wasn't great, maintenance-wise. And to make it even worse, she only has a $24,000 price limit and you're excluding a lot of the cars because it's not "your cup of tea.". Sounds to me like this is more about what Jr wants than what Mom wants. Good luck with your search.
 
Hey Now:

Wife recently bought an 07 Honda SC Element. Never had liked the E until I rode and drove the car. Lots of room inside, Honda built, enough said.:bow Give it a try with a open mind and I think mom might just be in an Element. If you can find left over 07 on the lot, you can expect to pay about $1500 below INVOICE. Honda has an $1000 marketing support now until 9-4-2007 and low apr from Honda.;) The only thing I see that the E does not have in your requirements, is it is a 4 seater, but has huge cargo space.:woot2: Got ours for $21,149 before taxes and title. Hope this helps
 
Thanks for the replies guys, I'll try and address some of your issues:



Slick61 said:
after getting sideswiped while parked along Santa Monica Blvd, I am a BIG fan of the polymer panels on the Vue... was able to detail out all of the damage. No door dings to worry about either. I have the same engine/transmission as the Pilot & MDX, but in a smaller, lighter package. It doesn't have the cachet of the MDX, but its smaller size is more maneuverable... a big plus in L.A. I had looked at the CRV & Element before I bought the Vue... but wanted more power for getting through the passes effortlessly. The Pilot & MDX were just too big for my tastes. Almost every time someone gets in my Vue for the first time, the most frequent reaction is "wow, this is roomy!" The Honda engine & transmission are what really sold me on the Vue tho... definitely gives it an upscale feel (and does not require premium fuel).



An explorer's too big, but you're looking at a Ridgeline? Ditto for the Pilot/MDX... they're all pretty good size. Size was one reason I got rid of my Lincoln Mark VIII... too big to navigate the tight confines of L.A.



But whatever... but what makes you happy...
Click to expand...





I didn't know that the Vue had the same engine/transmission as the Pilot/MDX, thanks for the info. I've heard that the Saturn panels are prone to 'cracking,' do you know anything about that myth? It's kind of tough to describe size, it's something that the buyer(mom) will have to give the final judgement on. The MDX looks smaller IMO from the outside, curved panels, more angles in the front end. The Pilot is more 'bulky' to me, straighter sides, etc. Again, everybody's got their own opinion. When I said Explorer I meant the older models, not the new line. I don't know too much about makes other than Honda/Acura, so I don't know the exact years of the cars I listed. That's why I was hoping for constructive criticism and help to narrow down the choices. I'm guessing that a used Explorer with very low mileage and well taken care of would still be well under $25,000.



The Explorer I had in mind was the 1st generation, 1991-1994 which I realize is too old.

Here's a link to a picture of it. 1st Gen Explorer As you can see, it doesn't look very big. Sorry for the confusion, it's hard for me to describe what someone else wants. The list I put out was very basic, but I'll go back and spend some time cutting it down and adding more information on each car.



Another major factor is handling, which is a personal issue. She is looking for a vehicle that is easy to park.
 
BlackElantraGT said:
IMO, your list is all screwed up. You say it "Must be reliable" yet some of the cars on the list are far from that. The title of your thread is for a small-midsize SUVs, yet some of the cars you listed aren't even in the same size class. Your mom says she doesn't want to be a guinea pig for Hyundai or Kia, yet she's coming from a Dodge Caravan that you even mentioned wasn't great, maintenance-wise. And to make it even worse, she only has a $24,000 price limit and you're excluding a lot of the cars because it's not "your cup of tea.". Sounds to me like this is more about what Jr wants than what Mom wants. Good luck with your search.
Click to expand...





I understand now that I didn't include enough information on the vehicles on the list to be clear. I'll work on updating it tonight. Sorry for the confusion, I realize you can only help as much as I allow.



I listed what I knew to be SUVs that my mom would possibly be interested in. I do not know a lot about the reliability issues of the cars I chose, or specific problems to each model. I never stated I did, in fact I asked everyone to help me out by telling me of problems with any of the ones I listed or experiences they've personally had.



As for Kias/Hyundais/Izuzus, I'm sorry, she's just not interested in them. That doesn't mean they're bad cars, I've heard many good things about Hyundais, it just means that she's not going to get one. Again, buying a car is a personal choice. Are the cars I'm excluding the Kias and Hyundais and Izuzus? I don't mean to be misleading, she is the one excluding them, not me. I'm trying to be as open and unbiased as possible. Normally I am totally biased towards Hondas/Acuras:D But I'm trying to cover as many models and makes as I can think of. I currently know little about other models(besides Honda/Acura) which is why I'd love your input:)



My mom is also looking at this and giving her personal input as I write and respond so much of what is written are her ideas.
 
barryscott said:
Hey Now:

Wife recently bought an 07 Honda SC Element. Never had liked the E until I rode and drove the car. Lots of room inside, Honda built, enough said.:bow Give it a try with a open mind and I think mom might just be in an Element. If you can find left over 07 on the lot, you can expect to pay about $1500 below INVOICE. Honda has an $1000 marketing support now until 9-4-2007 and low apr from Honda.;) The only thing I see that the E does not have in your requirements, is it is a 4 seater, but has huge cargo space.:woot2: Got ours for $21,149 before taxes and title. Hope this helps
Click to expand...



I remember being really excited when the Element first came out. It's extremely versatile and can withstand a lot of interior messes i.e. spills, pet hair etc. Unfortunately my mom doesn't like it:nixweiss:



Thanks for the suggestion though.
 
Have you considered a Toyota Highlander? I don't know what it MSRP for, but if she was driving a CRV, the Highlander is probably its biggest competition. Plus, it's hard to beat Toyota or Honda when it comes to reliability.



I understand her feelings about Hyundai and Kia. I used to be one of those people. When I thought of Korean cars, it reminded me of a beat up Excel I used to see when walking home from grade school. As kids, we'd use to make fun of it. The only car that got more teased about at that time was a Pinto.



To truly appreciate it, you have to get in one and drive it. And then compare it to the competition and realize its bang-for-the buck factor. And considering her budget is limited, I think she could benefit by being just a little more open-minded and giving it a try. Doesn't hurt right?



Hyundai/Kia still isn't in at the level that Toyota or Honda is at, but they're getting there. If you have the money, I would go for the Japanese maker. In the end, you'll pay less in insurance, have better reliability, and it'll maintain its resale value better. But if you don't have the money now, then a Hyundai might be a good choice because you'll get more car for the same money. But any money you save now you will pay for it in the long run. In the end, a Japanese car will more likely be cheaper to own. So basically it comes down to whether you want to pay now, or pay more later down the road.
 
BlackElantraGT said:
Have you considered a Toyota Highlander? I don't know what it MSRP for, but if she was driving a CRV, the Highlander is probably its biggest competition.
Click to expand...



Toyota's competitor to the CRV would be the Rav4. The Highlander compares to the Pilot.
 
SpoiledMan said:
Toyota's competitor to the CRV would be the Rav4. The Highlander compares to the Pilot.
Click to expand...



Thanks for the correction, SpoiledMan! That's what I was thinking of, the Rav4 not the Highlander. I remembered he had 4Runner on the list, but that didn't seem to fit in the category of what he was looking for.
 
I've ovehauled the list and added years to the models, hope it helps. I've heard negative things about the Rav4 but that was quite a while ago..
 
93AccordLXwhite said:
I've heard that the Saturn panels are prone to 'cracking,' do you know anything about that myth? Another major factor is handling, which is a personal issue. She is looking for a vehicle that is easy to park.
Click to expand...



Have not heard of any "cracking-related" issues with the polymer panels... tho if hit hard enough, they would crack instead of causing a dent. They have just enough give to fend off most domestic parking perils. If hit HARD (to the point where they'd crack), you'd probably be looking a panel replacement... which is not that big of a deal. The Vue construction is pretty modular.



as for parking... the Vue is pretty easy. The electric-assisted steering is very light, and visibility is good. You can see all four corners of the vehicle clearly.



another plus... low insurance rates. The Vue has excellent crash test scores... and yes, side curtain airbags are available.



The Vue's not perfect, though its downsides are tolerable. Because of the modular construction, there lots of places that retain water after washing, so if you're anal retentive about proper washing/detailing, a typical wash will take about 90 mnutes. Also, there's a lot of plastic in this crossover, so a few squeaks (plastic on plastic) are to be expected on occasion. It's not a LandCruiser, nor is it as expensive as one. The steering is a tad on the light side for my tastes, and is extremely direct (no dead spot on-center), so you have to watch when looking over your shoulder (on the freeway) that you don't change lanes. The interior on the pre-'06 models tends to look a little plasticky... but it's durable.



avoid the 4 cylinder models with the CVT. The 4 cylinder engine is fine, but the CVT is a well-known trouble-spot. The AWD system is also another potential maintenance issue, so avoid that as well. Other than a scheduled recall servicing, my Vue has been flawless for the past 3 years.
 
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