I'm looking to buy an SUV.
Haven't really done much research yet. Smaller SUV's like the rav4, crv would probably be big enough for my needs. I'm okay with a mid sized suv though (highlander). Dont really need one larger one (aka bigger-than a 4runner)

Looking to spend under 25k. New or used (under 4 years). Suggestions?

A friend recently got a CRV EX AWD for 21k. I took a drive in it and it seemed like a pretty good car.

I'll probably test drive the japanese suvs (rav4,highlander,crv,pilot,murano). Are there any other new ones I should look into? Dont need a v6/lots-of-power (i have a tl if i feel like speeding).

Lastly the big debate -- should I buy now or wait for new models. I would likely keep this for atleast 5 years so I'm thinking I should jump on a clearance deal if they appear

 

i was about to mention the mdx and the q7 but for the price range, hmm how about the element sc? i really like that one.

 

I've got an 04 Highlander Ltd ( wifeys)- I would recommend highly- its pretty vanilla, but it does everything we need it to without any problems . The size is right for us( 1 kid). Decent gas mileage as long as we don't beat on it, its quick enough- you won't win any races with it, but it works well enough.

Biggest plus is that since we've owned it ( it had 12,000 miles on it when we bought it, now has around 45) we have had not one thing go wrong- Every time we take it in for an oil change I go over it head to toe to see if there is some slight issue that needs fixing and nothing- if you plan on keeping it for 5 years, that is something to consider.

 

I think the new CRV's are very nice especially if you are happy with their 4cyl motor. I think in the Murano family, mid $20k will only get you a low end stripped version. I just bought an '07 RAV4 and we love it (my wife and two kids and I). We also looked at larger ones, like Highlander, Pilot, and 4Runner, but wifey found them too big for her driving tastes. We also drove and seriously considered an RDX, but it had less space, less power for substantially more money than the RAV4 though it is "sportier" looking. I think for about $25k you should be able to get a "low end" RAV4, not bare by any means but without the V6, leather, JBL stereo, etc. We got the works, leather, V6, AWD, JBL, tow pkg, Ltd version, and out the door with taxes and tags it was $30k. The 4-bangers are adequate but since I do a lot of highway driving at 80mph+ and want to pull a small trailer with a couple of jet skiis or small boat, I wanted the V6 w/269hp.

 

If I had to choose an SUV I would be all over a top-o-the-line CRV like Michael Jackson on little boys.

 

While you may not need the V6 in your prospective SUV for speed, you may want the torque if plan on carrying any extra weight (i.e.: luggage, rear seat adult passengers, etc,...).

I own an 05 Murano and find it to be the best all around car I have ever owned. (Just avoid the 2003 models as first year glitches were commonplace.)

 

The SC is FWD only. It is much better looking than the regular element.

 

I would get a loaded Suzuki Grand Vitara. I had one as a rental for a few weeks and loved it. The build quality was perfect, ride and handling were spot on. Plus, for the money, you can get one loaded with leather and all the trimmings for well under 25K.

 

mitsubishi outlander. i checked out the cr-v (4 banger in an suv? no thanks) and rav-r (hate the spare tire on back and side opening door) and i liked the mitsu better.

10yr/100k warranty
220 hp v6 standard
split rear hatch (like x5)
optional 650 watt stereo with 10" sub
optional HIDs
if you buy the AWD model you can switch between FWD (for best mpg) and AWD
etc

 

Murano

 

Wow your friend was able to get the CR-V EX AWD for only 21K?!! I fought tooth and nail to get the same one for 23K.

The CR-V is great, I shopped it against the RAV4 and (gasp!) the Escape. The Escape is pretty good looking on the outside...inside, the CR-V walks all over it. The RAV4's interior is horrible, quality is there, but the style ain't.

Liked the CR-V the best because from most angles it looks pretty sharp, except the front, which I'm getting used to. The RAV4 with the V-6 I didn't even look at, price was beyond my budget. But the 4-banger was good too. I didn't even mind the spare tire on the back. But the interior, as I said before,

CR-V's interior was the best. Not a fan of the painted plastic "metal" trim, but the dash had this textured plastic, the door handles had rubber backing for grip, lots of little storage rooms (although no center console, you need an EX-L to get that).

My only dislikes are that the door handles aren't body colored, not even on an EX. You need an EX-L for that. The visor mirrors don't have lights...there's a spot for them, but they're not there. No puddle lamps on the doors. The cloth on the doors on non-leather interiors is extremely absorbant...when it rains hard, try to avoid opening the door as much as possible.

So pretty minor stuff, as you can see.

 

i'd look at the santa fe.

 

+1 on the Hyundai. I know a very good friend of mine that owns a Tucson. It's a good-looking,fairly sporty and capable little suv although it does feel like a truck behind the wheel.You should be able to find a well equipped used V6 in your price range.