Suggestions on small "SUV" for under $28k (kid friendly)
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 212
Likes: 21
From: Ocala Florida
The Ford Flex is an absolutely stellar vehicle on the inside and with the SHO is pretty beastly. The exterior eye candy is up for debate. You either love it or hate it but my girlfriends dad does medical sales and needs a LOT of room and he wanted one of those before he settled on an EL Expedition. Suckers are gorgeous inside. Me personally, if I was getting an SUV today, it'd be between the CX-5 (you ruled out) or the Sport of the Ford Edge or Explorer. Explorer I know for a FACT has gas cap on passenger side =)
05/5AT/Navi/ABP/Quartz
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,348
Likes: 53
From: Central CA
I politely disagree with all of this (except the Escape directed comment). First time I sat in a CR-V, I was astounded at the rear leg room. There is more leg room than a full size sedan. Sliding rear seats FTW.
We have easily fit a stroller, pack-and-play, full size suitcase, multiple diaper bags, toys, and presents in our CR-V. All of kid's stuff these days folds up quite amazingly. If you are any good a Tetris, there is plenty of room in most CUVs. The only reason I see parents move from a CUV to an SUV is to get three rows so that 3 kids don't have to squeeze together into one row.
The reason we went with a CUV was for gas mileage. 24 city and 26 hwy can't (couldn't at the time for our budget) be touched by an SUV even if it says "Hybrid" on the back.
We have easily fit a stroller, pack-and-play, full size suitcase, multiple diaper bags, toys, and presents in our CR-V. All of kid's stuff these days folds up quite amazingly. If you are any good a Tetris, there is plenty of room in most CUVs. The only reason I see parents move from a CUV to an SUV is to get three rows so that 3 kids don't have to squeeze together into one row.
The reason we went with a CUV was for gas mileage. 24 city and 26 hwy can't (couldn't at the time for our budget) be touched by an SUV even if it says "Hybrid" on the back.
I had a GC for a few years, hated it. Held no more than a small mid-size sedan and rode like crap. Great car but not for my application.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 18,017
Likes: 1,737
Used 2G Murano could be a good option.
We have a 12 MDX but honestly, we only use it for weekend/road trip purposes. Our 12 Accord does most of the daily family hauling duty....and it does so quite well (though the wifey may beg to differ). If we needed to use it for a trip, we'd just have to leave the city select at home in favor of the mclaren in order to accommodate luggage.
We have a 12 MDX but honestly, we only use it for weekend/road trip purposes. Our 12 Accord does most of the daily family hauling duty....and it does so quite well (though the wifey may beg to differ). If we needed to use it for a trip, we'd just have to leave the city select at home in favor of the mclaren in order to accommodate luggage.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 81,385
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From: Appleton WI
Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Austin, TX
Different wants and needs. I have hauled 4x8 panels and 6' cabinets on occasion. We travel as two adult couples with excess luggage and various infirm body parts. Three rows are also nice. When our child was young, we stuffed everything and everybody into a Honda Civic coupe.
I had a GC for a few years, hated it. Held no more than a small mid-size sedan and rode like crap. Great car but not for my application.
I had a GC for a few years, hated it. Held no more than a small mid-size sedan and rode like crap. Great car but not for my application.
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,183
Likes: 1,519
From: Chicago, IL
TSX had it on the driver's side, and now I like how the ST has it on the passenger's side.
Registered but harmless
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,887
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 81,385
Likes: 3,068
From: Appleton WI
Dont park so close to the pump. Then you dont have to worry about hitting anything.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22,909
Likes: 388
From: OR
This is what I got. Didn't even consider anything else.
I paid $31,184 for mine but it's a 3.6R. You could get a 2.5i Limited with stuff for 28k. If you have already ruled out the OB excuse me. I just skimmed the thread.
I paid $31,184 for mine but it's a 3.6R. You could get a 2.5i Limited with stuff for 28k. If you have already ruled out the OB excuse me. I just skimmed the thread.
Thread Starter
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 34,937
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From: Chicago Burbs
Funny how 10 years ago all of us would have huge threads about sport cars. Now we talk about family haulers that get to page 3 very easily. 
I think the shopping has been halted as that im starting to realize that only way to get much larger trunk space than the Mazda3 is to go full size SUV which im not ready for.
Will check out some of the wagons that were mentioned here though.
I think the shopping has been halted as that im starting to realize that only way to get much larger trunk space than the Mazda3 is to go full size SUV which im not ready for.
Will check out some of the wagons that were mentioned here though.
Thread Starter
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 34,937
Likes: 638
From: Chicago Burbs
Fahrvergnügen'd
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,494
Likes: 1,569
From: Maryland
Funny how 10 years ago all of us would have huge threads about sport cars. Now we talk about family haulers that get to page 3 very easily.
I think the shopping has been halted as that im starting to realize that only way to get much larger trunk space than the Mazda3 is to go full size SUV which im not ready for.
Will check out some of the wagons that were mentioned here though.
I think the shopping has been halted as that im starting to realize that only way to get much larger trunk space than the Mazda3 is to go full size SUV which im not ready for.
Will check out some of the wagons that were mentioned here though.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 169,040
Likes: 23,816
Late to the convo...So, the "small" SUV/CUV was the same requirement when we had Little T recently.
Ultimately, the shopping list was the BMW X1 and the MINI Cooper Countryman...I know the wife loves the latter and has zero issues/compaints. It fits the stroller just fine and she is still able to fit groceries and etc. if she's out for errands.
I believe the base Countryman (w/o) AWD can be had for $28K?
Ultimately, the shopping list was the BMW X1 and the MINI Cooper Countryman...I know the wife loves the latter and has zero issues/compaints. It fits the stroller just fine and she is still able to fit groceries and etc. if she's out for errands.
I believe the base Countryman (w/o) AWD can be had for $28K?
Banned
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,905
Likes: 124
From: MTL, Canada
You won't gain significant space with most of the current CUV (small SUV).
A 20-22K$ Dodge Caravan would be the smartest thing to do. Maybe too much space.
Nonetheless it is relatively pleasant to drive, having a great driving position and now with the 3.6.
If I wanted more "passion" for my 28K$, I'd check for the new JGC. However it is rather small in the inside.
A 20-22K$ Dodge Caravan would be the smartest thing to do. Maybe too much space.
Nonetheless it is relatively pleasant to drive, having a great driving position and now with the 3.6.If I wanted more "passion" for my 28K$, I'd check for the new JGC. However it is rather small in the inside.
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 27,921
Likes: 1,080
From: where the weather suits my clothes
You won't gain significant space with most of the current CUV (small SUV).
A 20-22K$ Dodge Caravan would be the smartest thing to do. Maybe too much space. Nonetheless it is relatively pleasant to drive, having a great driving position and now with the 3.6.
If I wanted more "passion" for my 28K$, I'd check for the new JGC. However it is rather small in the inside.
A 20-22K$ Dodge Caravan would be the smartest thing to do. Maybe too much space.
Nonetheless it is relatively pleasant to drive, having a great driving position and now with the 3.6.If I wanted more "passion" for my 28K$, I'd check for the new JGC. However it is rather small in the inside.
However with 1 kid it is probably overkill.
Thread Starter
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 34,937
Likes: 638
From: Chicago Burbs
Wife and I have nothing against Minivans, they drive really well actually.
Just not needing it right now and would most likely get one before getting a full size SUV
As long as I still get my toys.
Just not needing it right now and would most likely get one before getting a full size SUV
As long as I still get my toys.
958 & 991
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,922
Likes: 1,291
From: South Florida
I know you have halted the search and while I didnt read the whole thread, I saw you didn't like the CX-5. GF wanted a SUV like you are looking for and loved the CX-5 styling but hated the small engine. Honda CR-V looks great on paper and huge inside but ugly as hell and you better be a mom driving it.
She ended up with an edge limited. Really nice inside and decent on the outside plus ok mileage with some power.
She ended up with an edge limited. Really nice inside and decent on the outside plus ok mileage with some power.
brahs be jelly
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,836
Likes: 247
Hey look it's the Car Talk middle-aged dream ride, a turbo manual AWD Audi station wagon.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/221271968671
What could possibly go wrong??
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/221271968671
What could possibly go wrong??
Racer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 100
From: South FL
Hey look it's the Car Talk middle-aged dream ride, a turbo manual AWD Audi station wagon.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/221271968671
What could possibly go wrong??
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/221271968671
What could possibly go wrong??
wow that thing looks mint cond for a 91
A little late to the game, but wife and I were in the same dilemma back in May and went with a 2013 CRV. No regrets, she had a 2010 CRV, and the new gen is night and day difference from her 2010 she had.
Pinky all stinky
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 192
There are trade-offs. I love the cargo shelf in the rear of the 2010 she has. Disappointed Honda got rid of that in the latest generation.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 212
Likes: 21
From: Ocala Florida
I'll say it again, ford edge is a phenomenal little SUV with the right trim. Somehow fell into a rental of a premium package, that is if memory serves me correctly, all black with every option. Sucker was gorgeous inside and out and drove like a dream. Wouldn't be racing anybody but it was 3 of us on a trip, all adults with suitcases with plenty of room to spare. And again, gas tank on passenger side. My favorite is still the sport but the limited was a sweet ride. Haven't looked at prices but id say you could stay under 28 for a good one and right at 28 would get you something awesome.