Used car - small SUV help?

[cuterlt]

You all are so budget friendly - I am trying to replace my car which died.
I have never owned an SUV, usually just small sedans, 4 door cars. DH has an 89 jeep cherokee.
I am getting ready to retire in 4-1/2 years, so I want something that will be reliable for at least that period of time, hopefully longer, that is a reasonable price. We'd like something that is comfortable, 4 door, and good for travel. It is just DH and I, and he wants something that can tow a small pop-up trailer. I want something easy to get in and out of. We do camp some, so it has to have some storage, but again, we're used to using the little Nissan, so I'm sure a small SUV would have storage.
I've been interested in the Honda CRV, and Toyota RAV 4, although the Toyota has lost some interest for me because of all the problems. Anyone have a suzuki or Kia that they like? Or even the Suburu?
Tell me about your small SUV.
Thank you!

 

[redlawyer]

I've had a small CRV for about ten years and I love it! Nothing other than regular maintenance. I bought it when it was a year old with 10k miles from Carmax. When my minivan dies we'll be replacing it with another CRV. I think the newer ones have a more luxurious interior than ours has. As far as I'm concerned, you'll never go wrong with a Honda.

 

[morgan98]

We own a 2005 Honda CR-V Limited Edition. It is nicely appointed and has a good amount of storage especially with the seats folded down in the back. As a matter of fact, it seems like it even has more stoarge capacity than my father's 2010 model.

However, the pick-up on that car is horrible. Even if you "floor" it it barely gets going. Another issue is the air conditioning. We live in Atlanta and even on warm days, it does not really do a great job cooling the car. Both of these issues are due to the car being underpowered in my opinion (and my husband's too).

We have never towed anything so we cannot speak to that, although it has made many, many trips to Home Depot and plant nurseries for home improvement projects. I just don't know how it would handle the extra weight since it seems underpowered in the first place.

It has been a reliable, good car for us. However, the pick-up and air conditioning issues have been annoying.

 

[amylevan]

I have a 2004 Ford Escape, have 135,000 miles on it and all we've done is regular maintenance. Love, love, love it!

I don't tow anything with it (we have a truck too) some I can't say much about the towing power. But it does do very well in the snow.

 

[Swimalie]

I have a 2000 CRV that we bought used at 13 months. Other than regular maintenance it hasn't had any problems. Right now it has about 120,000 miles. I love the car. We haven't hauled anything behind it but we've put a lot of weight on top and it's done well. We're about to get a new car next winter and we are considering another (new) CRV as well as the new Forester. You can't go wrong with a Honda or Subaru. One you could consider is the Outback. Great for towing, storage and getting in and out of.

 

[ceecee]

I have a 2009 Honda CRV and love it, I replaced my Ford Windstar with it. I like the fact that Honda was rated high on reliability and low on needed repairs. It accelerates fine for me and no A/C issue in Ohio!

 

[mrsklamc]

'03 Escape, love it, only regular maintenance, almost 100k miles.

 

[Nette]

I have a 2004 Ford Escape, have 135,000 miles on it and all we've done is regular maintenance. Love, love, love it!

I don't tow anything with it (we have a truck too) some I can't say much about the towing power. But it does do very well in the snow.

2005 Escape... 60K + miles... Never had anything but maintenance (and I'm not very good at keeping up with that). Get's about 20-22 mpg in the city. V6... gotta get the V6... the 4 cyl, has no pick up.

I love my Escape.

 

[natenapril]

Not real small but we are looking at a 2010 Toyota 4runner with 3rd row. The 3rd row is not huge but I really like the car. I'm really not worried about Toyota's rep. I the toyota I have now!!!

 

[totallydisney]

We have a 2006 Kia Sportage, I love it, it is pretty good on gas. It has a lot of pick up and go to it. I like it because the back seats fold down and makes for a lot of hauling capabilites. We have never had an machanical issues with it. I highly recomend it.

 

[aggielawyer]

I have an '04 Hyundai Santa Fe which I really like. It does have a towing package, though I've never towed anything. I'm not certain how much weight it could tow, but I would think it could pull a pop-up camper.

When I bought my car I was also looking at a CRV because back then the Santa Fe and the CRV were the two highest rated small SUVs according to Consumer Reports. A friend of mine had a CRV, and I remember riding with her thinking that the seat were hard as a rock. I think my Santa Fe is pretty comfortable. I get about 20 mpg, and I've never had any issues with it. My family members all drive Suburbans and Tahoes, but those are just too big for me. I like that I get the benefit of an SUV without feeling like I'm driving a tank.

Keep in mind that I was buy mine several years ago, so some of this info may have changed. I seem to remember that the Tuscon had better head room, but not as much cargo space in the back. The Santa Fe had more cargo space, but less head and leg room in the front. I'm short (5'5"), so its not an issue. However, I don't think any of my family would want to drive my car long distances as they are all much taller than me.

I really like my Santa Fe and would highly encourage you to consider it as one of your options.

 

[jldunbar]

Saturn Vue. Great deals now because they are dropping the brand but GMC stands behind the warranty. This is my 3rd Saturn, don't know what I am going to get now

 

[elliemae1192]

Back in October we bought a 2005 Jeep Liberty. I LOVE it. I haven't towed anything with it yet but we have a boat and a small camper and it should be able to handle them fine. Mine didn't come with a hitch so until we get one, we've just been using hubby's truck. Most small SUVs are front wheel drive which is not so great for towing but the Liberty is rear wheel drive. I think the Ford Explorer and Escape are rear wheel drive also.

 

[Swimalie]

Back in October we bought a 2005 Jeep Liberty. I LOVE it. I haven't towed anything with it yet but we have a boat and a small camper and it should be able to handle them fine. Mine didn't come with a hitch so until we get one, we've just been using hubby's truck. Most small SUVs are front wheel drive which is not so great for towing but the Liberty is rear wheel drive. I think the Ford Explorer and Escape are rear wheel drive also.

The CRV is All Wheel Drive (same as the Forester) which means the drive kicks in only when needed, not all the time.

 

[cuterlt]

DH mentioned Hyundai yesterday, so I'm glad to see that car mentioned. Unfortunately we only have one day a week off together and usually like to spend time together, not going to car lots!
So, keep the answers coming!

Any opinions about buying from Carmax or Drivetime? While I bought my last car on my own, I knew what I wanted when I went in and bought the first car I tried. Other than that, I don't have much experience, even though I am close to middle-aged.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Had a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe ..loved it! PP mentioned head/leg room may be a problem but my DH is 5'11" and drove it from NY to FL, not uncomfortable at all...and believe me he would have told me if he was ! It was great on gas/mileage never had a problem with it.

 

[nosanity03]

I drive a 05 Hyundai Tucson and love it! It has 72,000 miles on it, and never had a problem with it. It gets good gas mileage, and is comfortable on trips to Disney!

 

[loveadobie]

We got a great deal last year on a 2005 equinox.. Love the car.. It was a previous lease vehicle so it had been very well maintained. Only had 48,000 miles on it.

I'll get a previous lease again, it had great maintenance records.

Check kelley blue book to serve for cars in your area.

 

[southernbohemian]

Another vote for the Hyundai Santa Fe. My parents bought one about five years ago and we all loved it. They just bought a second one last year. Never had any issues on either of the cars. They get great gas mileage. My dad commutes almost 2 hours to work each way and has never had any issues. I really like driving it because you get the SUV height, but it controls more like a car - not a truck like larger SUVs. We're going to be buying one soon.

Another place I can suggest looking for used vehicles is Enterprise - the car rental place. They sale their used cars - usually have been very well maintained and don't have very high mileage. My sister bought her car from them and was able to pick from all over the country. I'm not sure about financing since she already had it through her credit union - but it was a very good car buying experience. My parents also used them for 2 other cars.

 

[DeniseinNS]

I have a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe and I LOVE IT!!! We went from a van to this and it is really roomy and it is really good on gas.