SUV Recommendation for $30-40K

[npham]

Anyone have suggestions for an SUV in the 30-40K range. Can be new or used and not too large(so mid-sized). So far we have been looking at an 2008 Limited Toyota Highlander but we are open to other suggestions. Not into the smaller SUV's like the Rav4 or Rouge. Does anyone own a 2008+ Highlander and want to share their experiences?

Any dealerships that stand out, which we should check out. Or should we just ebay/craigslist/forum classifieds from the US for something?

Thanks.

*Edit: What are some good US based forums to check out for used cars/SUVs?

[ExtraSlow]

Are you planning on using it off-road at all. Will you be towing anything?
if the answer to both of those is no, then a Subaru Outback or Forester, or the Highlander you mentioned would be excellent.

If you answered yes, then I'd look for one of the few body on frame style SUV's, like the 4Runner etc.
Check out the Domestics as well. Some good value there, and better quality than many people realize.

[SRT]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi0SbrrGaiw&feature=related

[FraserB]

Zero chance the 2011 GC comes in at less than $50k

[npham]

I don't plan on towing anything in the near future, but maybe a kayak/canoe, snowboards, etc that a roof rack should be able to handle.

We'd love to get into a SRT-8 GC but they are way too expensive and not very good on gas.

As for the Subbie, we are not into the looks of them right now. Something about the styling isn't sitting with us.

Anyone drive the new Caddy SRX? I saw one in Vegas in all black and it was pimp. But after pricing one out, it was too much. Or anyone have some real experience with an Acura RDX?

[[Yu]]

Originally posted by npham
I don't plan on towing anything in the near future, but maybe a kayak/canoe, snowboards, etc that a roof rack should be able to handle.

We'd love to get into a SRT-8 GC but they are way too expensive and not very good on gas.

As for the Subbie, we are not into the looks of them right now. Something about the styling isn't sitting with us.

Anyone drive the new Caddy SRX? I saw one in Vegas in all black and it was pimp. But after pricing one out, it was too much. Or anyone have some real experience with an Acura RDX?

My friend owns an RDX, and when I sit in it, I don't find it super roomy at all. Also the turbo likes to eat gas, so she says. Also confused why you would look into an RDX as you mentioned in first post you do not want something thats small.

[npham]

Haven't been in one yet, so I'm not sure how small/large it is. But it sounds like it's more or less in the Rav4 class.

[TYMSMNY]

For 40k, you aren''t going to get into a "big" suv.

It'll be Q5 (maybe), Rav4, CRV, Tiguan, Sorento, etc. class.

maybe try some hatched cars... CTS? A3? WRX?

[muse017]

KIA Borrego? Decent size SUV, Optional 4.6l V8, off road capability etc. 4.6l V8 is around 45k new

[npham]

Originally posted by TYMSMNY
For 40k, you aren''t going to get into a "big" suv.

It'll be Q5 (maybe), Rav4, CRV, Tiguan, Sorento, etc. class.

maybe try some hatched cars... CTS? A3? WRX?

Where did I say I wanted to get into something big. A Highlander is not "big." An Escalade or Tahoe is big.

Q5 is highly unlikely, as they start out at 43+ for the base, and as I said I didn't want a small SUV like the Rav4, CRV, etc.

Just drove a Sorrento and it was meh, the Tiguan a friend owns and he doesn't recommend it.

[Deetz]

My mom drives a 2005 Pilot, which she bought new. Never had a problem with it, ever. It's powerful and roomy...they are worth looking at if you want something larger

[ICEBERG]

How about ford Edge. People over look them, but they are pretty nice inside. Also, they have a huge sunroof that opens up.

[TYMSMNY]

Originally posted by npham


Where did I say I wanted to get into something big. A Highlander is not "big." An Escalade or Tahoe is big.

Q5 is highly unlikely, as they start out at 43+ for the base, and as I said I didn't want a small SUV like the Rav4, CRV, etc.

Just drove a Sorrento and it was meh, the Tiguan a friend owns and he doesn't recommend it.

A used vehicle,... a used Q5 may be in your budget.

used Pilot, Veracruz, MDX, Highlander. Watch out for MDX's transmission. Highlanders are nice and reliable.

used X3, GLK but not the size you want.

[npham]

I'd love to rock a Q5 but even the used ones are pushing 40K US from the sites I've looked at.

[911fever]

07+ BMW X5 imported from the US. Either that or 2010 Lexus RX350 (if you like that look of them), imported from the US. Both are made in the USA so NO DUTY!

[Unknown303]

4 door Jeep Rubicon FTW.

[SRT]

Originally posted by FraserB
Zero chance the 2011 GC comes in at less than $50k

They start at $37,995

www.jeep.ca

[78si]

I'll bring you an SUV back from the US. Check out cars.com / autotrader.com / craigslist la / craiglist SF


Lots of people say the lexus RX 350 is a good (US) buy.

[LEGiiT]

NEVER get a SRT8 GC. Garbage. Had one a little over a year ago, the brakes would not stop squealing. Very embarrassing. Replaced the pads with after market pads, same squeal. Replaced rotors and calipers (still oem) and they still screamed. I hear other SRT8s around town with similar squealing.

[Phenix]

Have a look at a brand new hyundai santa fe limited. Fully loaded with a good nav system. Also having a new vehicle is always nice.

[npham]

Anyone recommend any good brokers?

[ercchry]

Originally posted by LEGiiT
NEVER get a SRT8 GC. Garbage. Had one a little over a year ago, the brakes would not stop squealing. Very embarrassing. Replaced the pads with after market pads, same squeal. Replaced rotors and calipers (still oem) and they still screamed. I hear other SRT8s around town with similar squealing.

welcome to the world of brembo's :dunno:

[TYMSMNY]

What's the oldest year you'll consider?

[npham]

Year isn't the most concerning aspect of the car, but at least 2007 or newer. 2008 with 70,000KM+ is most likely out of the question unless there is an amazing deal to be had.

[TYMSMNY]

Well.. it kind of does. 40k can get you a top of the line 2005 X5/ML....

just trying to help. :)

[npham]

Oh yea, no worries. Tons of great info for me and others, I'm sure.

[heavyD]

Originally posted by [Yu]


My friend owns an RDX, and when I sit in it, I don't find it super roomy at all. Also the turbo likes to eat gas, so she says. Also confused why you would look into an RDX as you mentioned in first post you do not want something thats small.

RDX is nothing more than an expensive, AWD Civic. May as well get a mid size sedan which will provide much better value for the dollar.

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by heavyD

RDX is nothing more than an expensive, AWD Civic. May as well get a mid size sedan which will provide much better value for the dollar.
I take it you dislike every car-based SUV?

[Clever]

Any feedback on the Armanda's, we are looking for something to trade the 03 Durango as well, we will not be towing anything big anytime soon, but my boys do play hockey and would like to have third row, any recommendations?

[heavyD]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow

I take it you dislike every car-based SUV?

I'm a car guy so I don't care for SUV's in general as they are just moneymakers for automobile manufacturers due to low value per dollar compared to cars. I especially dislike the ones based on economy compact car platforms that cost over $40k like the RDX.