OK - going to ask here, too: which cheap-ish, small-ish AWD SUV would you buy?

charley95 · July 2016

I personally think Lexus tops all the brands mentioned here! Bro. in law has driven them since they started and has only done typical maintenance and nothing else.

ken brydson · July 2016

charley95 wrote: »

I personally think Lexus tops all the brands mentioned here! Bro. in law has driven them since they started and has only done typical maintenance and nothing else.

Lexus hardly falls into the "cheapish" price category though...

HzTweaker · July 2016

@mhardy6647 Have you considered the Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion? I haven't experienced the latest version of VW's 4motion for myself, but it works great in my 01 Passat 4motion(glx). I'm talking about having total confidence with its traction in poor weather. Not to mention that the interior is close to top notch imo, and cheaper than the Audi count-part. Not comparing it to the Lexus..

Willow · July 2016

I believe as others have said you couldn't go wrong with either of your choices. I recently read an article about a guy who rolled 1 million kms on his 2008 Rav . We have a Rav and so does my dad. Besides the recalls and regular mmaintenances it is doing well. It's an 07. With that said in the next year or two we'd
Be looking for a new vehicle too. I'd add the rogue to that list and the Kia. Never took any of them for a drive but we'll check them out. But Subaru and the Honda are looking good. From what I'm reading.

Mike Reeter · July 2016

Mikey081057 wrote: »

This was my last mid sized suv... V8 AWD/4WD/Locker... A pretty BEAST that made it through anything mother nature threw at it with no sweat snow, floods... I owned many 4wd pickups and SUV's but this was by far the best and most comfortable.... Find one of these used....Gas is cheap now....

We have a 2007 GX 470 that we bought new, it only has 125K miles and still looks and handles like the day we brought it home. The V-8 can be a little tough on gas but like Mike says, gas is cheap and the beast will go through anything in style and comfort.

We will keep this rig around for many years to come, it's been a good investment.

GospelTruth · July 2016

We have a 2010 RAV4 limited. This vehicle has been great for our family - dependable, good gas mileage and low maintenance costs. We do our scheduled oil changes and have changed the tires once and I just finished replacing the brakes. That's all and it has almost 70k miles on it. I used to buy American brand vehicles but always had a lot of issues with them over both the short the long term. I've changed to Toyota and haven't looked back since. (Although I do own a 1997 Mustang Cobra convertible for a "fun" car).

When we went looking for a new vehicle, we also looked at the Honda CRV. However, we went with the RAV4 as it had a V6 and living near the Sierras, we found it had better power for mountain driving. I like the Subaru's as well, but in my limited rides in them the seats were a little harder - still loved them though. Butmy wife doesn't like a "station wagon" look, so that pushed us away from them.

All that said, they are all great vehicles with different preferences by different folks. Can't really go wrong with any of those.

shawn474 · July 2016

My wife and I just bought her a 2016 Rav4 Hybrid. The only "complaint" was that Toyota doesn't make the Hybrids in many colors.....she ended up with silver but wanted Hot lava. Its a nice ride; AWD, quiet, comfortable and over 30 mpg. Sunroof and a couple extras as well. We got a great deal - best friend is a GM at local toyota dealership and gave us a ton trade in on a bucket of crap and 0% financing for 5 years. She couldn't be happier.

mhardy6647 · July 2016

If I read/understood correctly, there is no longer a V6 available for the RAV4.
As fate would have it (and I probably mentioned this already) we actually have a 2006 (4 cyl) RAV4, which we purchased used (with low mileage) last spring from a good (elderly) friend who had chosen to give up driving due to deteriorating eyesight.

The '06 RAV4 is a perfectly decent but thoroughly boring vehicle (and that's not really a criticism; Toyota builds just what their market wants and expects); the current model does seem a notch classier (for lack of a better word) than the '06.

Truth be told, I like the 'second generation' RAV4 (so called "XA20") platform best of all :-) Beastly cute, but a tad more civilized than the first generation:

The first generation RAV4 (and the original CR-V, which was a near-clone IMO) was just a little too "idiosyncratic" for a straightlaced schlub like me ;-)

Both images from good ol' Wiki-p.

scubalab · July 2016

Mark,

As others have stated, you can't go wrong with any of your choices. And I'll again agree with adding the Mazda CX-5 to the mix.

We were in a similar boat a couple years ago (looking for a wagon or small SUV for my wife). We test drove the CX-5 and loved it. Additionally, the Mazda seemed to have more 'luxury' features than the other three, including push button start, Xenon HID headlights (that turn with steering!), and a few other smallish perks.

We looked at the Rav4 as well as some Subarus. We didn't really look at the CR-V since we owned a 2005 (bought new) for a couple years and didn't like it. It was noisy, uncomfortable, and got nowhere NEAR the rated MPG. I'm sure they've improved since, so I won't knock them.

Wife wanted a hybrid, so we looked at the Prius V. I hated it, she loved it (but admittedly was fixated on the 40-50 MPG). We decided against it since the one we wanted was near the top of the line and was quite expensive for what you got.

We finally settled on and purchased a certified pre-owned Lexus RX-450h. What sold us over the Prius was the significant step up in comfort (luxury features), the AWD, and the extended warranty. It was 2.5 years old, but looked and drove like new and ended up being about the same price as the Prius and the others we considered.

I'll go against the "fanboy" norm here and say I probably wouldn't make the same decision again. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful, somewhat reliable luxury vehicle, and I feel the family is much safer in it than would have been in the Prius. But, even being a hybrid, we only average around 24-25 MPG. Additionally, we have to use premium gas, so it kind of defeats the savings you gain with the hybrid. Tires are CRAZY expensive (around $1000 for four) since the hybrid uses 20 inchers.

I'll also say that I think the Volvo XC and Lexus GX suggestions are good, but I wouldn't consider them 'cheap-ish' by any means. Used, maybe, but new (as was our RX) aren't even close in price.

So, if I had to do it over, what would I buy (if it matters...)? Probably the CX-5 or a Subaru Outback. But, as with audio gear, choose what works best for you! As far as quality and reliability, I think they're all comparable, so might as well get what is most comfortable and nicest looking to you and your wife.

Oh, and if you've never had a vehicle with 'steering headlights', once you drive one, you'll never want one without. Thankfully our Lexus has them and they are great. SO nice on the winding country roads here in PA and have given us more advance notice of the deer who like to attack cars... I don't know why the new RX's don't still have the steering headlights...

Best of luck in your car shopping!

mhardy6647 · July 2016

I really do appreciate folks' considered and informed responses; thank you all, very much, for your input! I shared it all with Mrs. H.

oldmodman · July 2016

At my age I think I only have one more vehicle purchase in me. Other than an RV, that is.
So I am looking at the Jeep Grand Cheroekee with the soon to be available Hellcat engine. After all, every old **** really need an AWD 707hp truck. And after I get it I will soon mod it up to over 1000 hp. The perfect last old man vehicle. I sure hope that make it some colors that are not boring.

txcoastal1 · July 2016

@oldmodman

Nothing wrong with that

halo · July 2016

My parents purchased a new Subaru Outback in '09 when the new 2010 models were rolling out & they got a great deal.

Unfortunately, quality hasn't been top notch. Repairs for imports are expensive in certain circumstances. My nephew is a mechanic and he does what he can for grandma & grandpa but some items have to be maintained by Subaru, as the parts can't even be purchased by anyone else.

It has never had an issue in a Chicago winter on all season tires.

Air conditioning isn't that great. Harman Kardon stereo is nice. Vehicle is versatile and it can carry a good deal of cargo but back seat and front seat legroom leave a lot to be desired.

Certain parts of the interior have broken or have come loose (armrest / center console & glove box doesn't line up properly anymore when closed).

The engine and transmission are still smooth but the ahe alternator blew and the battery had to replaced recently. All four wheel bearings had to be replaced about 6-7 months ago. Only one set of tires replaced since new. Brake pads & rotors replaced. Headlights go out on it constantly (it has daytime running lights - not sure if that adds to the issue). It's had some other major work done as well but I cannot recall what it was at the moment.

This was supposed to be a reliable and dependable vehicle for them and it has needed a little more care than they thought it would.

They'll be looking for a new vehicle in a year or so and they aren't soured on the Subaru brand but they are cautiously weighing other options now, some of which are on your list. Nothing is perfect but something a little less costly to maintain would be preferred. They aren't interested in going back to a domestic brand.

Please keep us updated and let us know what you decide to go with.

Nightfall · July 2016

halo wrote: »

The engine and transmission are still smooth but the ahe alternator blew and the battery had to replaced recently. All four wheel bearings had to be replaced about 6-7 months ago. Only one set of tires replaced since new. Brake pads & rotors replaced. Headlights go out on it constantly (it has daytime running lights - not sure if that adds to the issue). It's had some other major work done as well but I cannot recall what it was at the moment.

That's all stuff that is expected to be replaced at certain intervals. You can't fault a car for a failed alternator, tires, brake pads, or headlights.

mhardy6647 · July 2016

oldmodman wrote: »

... The perfect last old man vehicle...[emphasis added]

pretty much by definition ;-)

deucekazoo · July 2016

All this talk about Subarus and no one has mentioned the Crosstrek. Its priced right and nice little car. I bought one last year and have loved is so far. Its the wife's car but I get to drive it every once in a while. It gets great gas mileage for an AWD vehicle. It has the CVT transmission which takes a little while to get used to. Mainly switching from reverse to forward. With those transmission it just take a little longer before you can go. But Subaru makes the best SVT out of all the car manufacturers. So far its been a great car.

halo · July 2016

Nightfall wrote: »

halo wrote: »

The engine and transmission are still smooth but the ahe alternator blew and the battery had to replaced recently. All four wheel bearings had to be replaced about 6-7 months ago. Only one set of tires replaced since new. Brake pads & rotors replaced. Headlights go out on it constantly (it has daytime running lights - not sure if that adds to the issue). It's had some other major work done as well but I cannot recall what it was at the moment.

That's all stuff that is expected to be replaced at certain intervals. You can't fault a car for a failed alternator, tires, brake pads, or headlights.

Like I said, there were a fee other repairs that have been costly and unexpected. I don't know off of the top of my head what they were. I'll try to find out.

mhardy6647 · July 2016

Yesterday in Grantham, NH.

025a by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

040a by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

Tomorrow, after over a quarter-million miles of good service, the ol' Escape Hybrid goes to the farm :-/

Mikey081057 · July 2016

Mike Reeter wrote: »

Mikey081057 wrote: »

This was my last mid sized suv... V8 AWD/4WD/Locker... A pretty BEAST that made it through anything mother nature threw at it with no sweat snow, floods... I owned many 4wd pickups and SUV's but this was by far the best and most comfortable.... Find one of these used....Gas is cheap now....

We have a 2007 GX 470 that we bought new, it only has 125K miles and still looks and handles like the day we brought it home. The V-8 can be a little tough on gas but like Mike says, gas is cheap and the beast will go through anything in style and comfort.

We will keep this rig around for many years to come, it's been a good investment

Honestly wish I never got rid of mine.... I have a Lexus GS350AWD Sedan now... nice car and all but i miss my GX...

mrbiron · July 2016

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Tomorrow, after over a quarter-million miles of good service, the ol' Escape Hybrid goes to the farm :-/

Did you replace it with a John Deere so you can ride in the parade?

warren · July 2016

Nissan Rogue, has been trouble free..had it since 08

mhardy6647 · July 2016

heh -- make that almost a quarter-million miles, he added, sheepishly.

:-P

WLDock · July 2016

My cars are old also and we have been renting vehicles to drive out of town. We've rented a 2015 Hyundai Tucson and twice a 2016 model. The '16 is a very nice machine. The size is just right for a family of four with ample room for luggage. The wife wants a small CUV and really likes this one.

This is definitely one to at least check out. Read the reviews and comparisons. The CRV and RAV4 used to win all the test...and more recent the CX-5 seems to take the crown. However, this new 2016 Tucson is standing out in reviews and tests. Its a looker too!

2016-hyundai-tucson-naples-fl-1541261140365329895-6.jpg

2016-hyundai-tucson-naples-fl-1541261140365329895-6.jpg

2016-hyundai-tucson-naples-fl-1541261140365329895-3.jpg

Here's a nice review of the Tucson's cousin the 2017 Kia Sportage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhRmArrN08w

mhardy6647 · July 2016

I don't know of a nearby Hyundai nor Kia dealer, now that you mention it.
Google might, I s'pose ;-)

EDIT:

There's a Hyundai dealer in WRJ, VT (just across the river); no Kia dealer nearby, tho'.

mhardy6647 · July 2016

FYI/FWIW, Mrs. H made her move.

005a by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

ken brydson · July 2016

Can't go wrong with a Honda. We've only recently jumped to the Mazda camp. I'm sure she'll enjoy it.

halo · July 2016

mhardy6647 wrote: »

FYI/FWIW, Mrs. H made her move.

005a by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

Nice ride Mrs. H!

Enjoy!

jeremymarcinko · July 2016

Looks great...enjoy

nguyendot · July 2016

I had a 2015 CX-5 and it was awesome. Amazing handling, peppy engine, and decent room in passenger and trunk area. I had FWD and it still tore through snow like nobody's business.

Upstatemax · July 2016

Congrats on the new Honda!

To talk about an earlier suggestion. I would skip Volvo at this point.

They have not been the same since Ford sold them to Geely. On top of that, from what I've seen the dealership network has been shrinking.

There is ONE dealership within 10 miles of me (and they are awful). I would have to drive about 40 miles to find another dealer.

Not too long ago, we had 3 dealers in that 10 mile radius. I see Volvo going the same direction as Saab...

OK - going to ask here, too: which cheap-ish, small-ish AWD SUV would you buy?

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