Another help me buy a car thread-compact SUV

[vintagelover229]

Hello my fellow PSers!
I've searched the forum and found some great threads on cars but am hoping to get a bit more info from the car savvy shoppers of the wonderful PS community.

My husband and I are in the market (like now) for an SUV. We need something that can pull a small camper and trailer-has a roof rack for our canoe-prefer all wheel drive (not a must-just prefer it due to the Canadian winters) and is good on gas.

We were looking at Ford and Subaru and test drove a 2013 SEL Ford Escape yesterday. We really liked it but to the tune (tax/title/etc included) of 40k+ we wanted to do more research before pulling the trigger. Turns out that was a wise choice considering there was a recall on the 1.8L (we were looking at the 2L thankfully but the engines were over heating and catching on fire-oh joy-on the 1.8L models) and the gas mileage (we were told mid-30's for highway) are far from the truth. Basically people weren't happy with the car for the money-were having issues with the SYNC systems- the list goes on and on.

We are smart with our money and research before buying to death. We were NOT looking to buy a new car-but the 2012's left much to be desired for us and we liked the look of the 2013's. But for the money involved in a new car (not to mention insurance) I would really prefer to get something gently used but we will buy new if we can find the perfect SUV that is going to last us 10-15 years without any/many issues.

So-do any of you have any recommendations?

I really appreciate all the help-this is a lot of money for us and we want to do it right the first time since this has to last us a long time

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think a Subaru Outback would be ideal for your needs! I had one that was a 2008 model, but the 2013's are much more roomy. They are reliable cars and have all wheel drive. They are reasonably priced for what you get.

 

[packrat]

I have a 2004 Ford Escape and I love it. Next year we're planning on trading it in for a 2012. I don't like the newer ones.

 

[Ally T]

I drive a 2010 Jeep Compass & for me its perfect. I live in a remote village in the UK so 4 wheel drive option is a must with 2 small children (we are currently under 10 inches of snow & it would be a nightmare if I couldn't get to the supermarket). I had a Jeep Cherokee prior, which I also loved to drive. The Compass is smaller but still packs the power to tow, is super comfy & relatively economical.

 

[TooPatient]

We had a 2007 Mazda CX7 and loved it. AWD and capable of towing. You can have a roof rack added for very little extra. The only downside for us was the gas -- the 2007 was turbo charged and ONLY took premium. The 2008's and later weren't turbo charged and could use whatever gas was cheap. We had the bottom of the line ("sport") with no extras added on. Carried everything we wanted and could have towed if we added the tow package (like $250 and towing capacity is reasonable).

We traded it in last year (at about 90,000 miles) for a 2013 Mazda CX5. It is pretty much the same car but a bit smaller outside and no turbo charger. I can still fit in anything I want to carry. I believe tow capacity is same as the CX7? It gets much better mileage (not great, but respectable at about 30mpg) and can take any grade. We've got the Touring version this time because we liked the power seats and some other features. You can have them add any package you want (roof rack, towing, etc) or even leave off stuff you're not interested in ("upgraded" Bose radio, etc).

The price is right and we actually pay less on insurance with all of the great safety features. (backup camera, blind spot monitoring, etc)

 

[iLander]

Toyota Rav 4. You'll be surprised how much room they have inside, and they're a good deal at under 25K. We bought ours with the Costco auto plan and it was 21K, new, including 2 years free maintenance. It was recently on the Consumer Reports list of cars expected to last 250,000 miles or more. They have a nice fit and finish, and they get decent mileage.

 

[megumic]

We have an Acura RDX, which is a compact SUV type. We purchased a 2010 in 2012 for about $27k and it only had 20k miles on it certified preowned. Has AWD and lots of space/cargo. Loving it so far and have not had one single issue with it. We selected one with the tech package and really love the additional features especially the GPS!

 

[asscher_girl]

I have an Acura RDX. It's a 2007, we bought it in 2010 for $25K. It was a certified pre-owned with 30K miles and it was in amazing condition. I don't drive too much so now, after 3 years, I only have 60K miles on it and it's still in great condition. It's my 3rd Acura and I have loved every one of them. They are super low maintenance and affordable maintenance compared to other Luxury lines like Lexus, Audi, etc. We added a hitch to it so we can hook on our fold down bike rack for our 2 mountain bikes.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Our next car is going to be a Subaru Outback. We test drove one a couple weeks ago and I was amazed at how smooth and powerful and comfortable it is. I loved the 'appearance pkg.' they have for the 2013. I came really close to buying it that day. Our transmission had gone out on our Honda minivan (ick). I didn't buy it because I am trying to wait until our youngest gets out of high school in two years and I won't be driving so much and putting on so many miles. I love that car, and I will be able to travel all winter with no problem!

When we lived in the mountains we would often be out shoveling snow before the plows had come through and see a Subaru just powering through two feet of snow, up a hill, with no problem. I was continually amazed by that. In those days, we had too many kids at home and they didn't make one big enough to hold all of us. We bought a Honda Pilot when they first came out, and it was good but I always wanted the Subaru after seeing how they performed.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hi,

Subarus last forever. There are forums dedicated to that manufacturer and you can read up on issues/opinions/experiences there and I would highly recommend doing so before buying. The great thing about Subarus is they go forever! Everyone I know who has one keeps them for over 10 years. They also drive wonderfully in the snow or on ice. I use to fear driving in the snow, but now ALWAYS go out during snow because with the AWD, I can make it anywhere...my only fear are the other drivers in their wimpy cars.

The older models had head gasket issues and mine had to be replaced...I do not know if newer models have this or if it is just with the Forester, so something to look into.

Also, you *have to* rotate your tires regularily or they won't wear evenly. (which is free if you take it to the place you buy your tires.)

Finally, the gas milage isn't that great.

The only reason I wouldn't get another Subaru when I buy a new vehicle is it is too small w/my growing boys and we cannot put more than one friend in back with them.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Hi MC! I heard about the head gasket issues too, and I have been 'told' that they have fixed that issue. I laughed when I went to the Honda dealership and they went on and on about how reliable their cars are and they never break down. We have had quite a few big issues with all of ours. Some the dealer replaced and some we paid for. Our Pilot is on its second transmission before we replaced the whole engine, and our Odyssey had a new transmission a couple weeks ago to the tune of 6K! I have heard and seen such good things about Subaru's, I can't wait to own one. But eventually all cars have issues. Our Pilot did well in the snow and they are even roomier now than when we bought ours. That would be my second choice if seating is an issue.

The gas milage on the Outback was about 4 miles a gallon more than my minivan. Those 4 miles make a huge difference for me with the amount of driving I do! I was kind of excited about that.

 

[webdiva]

Not much to add on models, just that I've had better luck with my Hondas and Toyotas and that I bought all three used. The Certified Preowned program is fab - you get a 7 year warranty instead if 3!

I can't bear to pay retail... you can find out what invoice is on the car and email all the dealers within a 100 km of you for quotes.. Find out if there are any rebates to the dealer for marketing costs - minus that from the invoice, add $500 and email that quote to the dealers. Ask them to match it. Do not go in person and tell them you're shopping around I've found awesome deals for friends that way, I have no patience for In person car salesman BS - especially because my family used to be in the biz! Good luck!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hi MC! I heard about the head gasket issues too, and I have been 'told' that they have fixed that issue. I laughed when I went to the Honda dealership and they went on and on about how reliable their cars are and they never break down. We have had quite a few big issues with all of ours. Some the dealer replaced and some we paid for. Our Pilot is on its second transmission before we replaced the whole engine, and our Odyssey had a new transmission a couple weeks ago to the tune of 6K! I have heard and seen such good things about Subaru's, I can't wait to own one. But eventually all cars have issues. Our Pilot did well in the snow and they are even roomier now than when we bought ours. That would be my second choice if seating is an issue.

The gas milage on the Outback was about 4 miles a gallon more than my minivan. Those 4 miles make a huge difference for me with the amount of driving I do! I was kind of excited about that.

Exactly: Eventually all cars have issues. I guess it's good to know ahead of time what the issues will be. When we purchased our second Subaru, we looked and could tell it had the head gasket overhaul already, so we wouldn't have to worry about that. It's an older car, though... We did have to replace the transmission in my Forester, but that was b/c DH did something (I don't remember the details) that caused the transmission to go out but it wasn't $6K! That is crazy! Yikes. It was around $3K...or maybe a bit less. We know a guy who knows a guy so the price was a bit less... lol

Hope you enjoy your Subaru Outback! Overall, I've been really happy with mine...but I've had it a long time and want something different (plus the deal with my kids getting bigger). I was looking at some of the Ford Explorers, but am a little leary b/c it appears the gas milage is lower plus it's just such a BIG vehicle!

 

[lyra]

We've had 2 Subarus that required expensive repairs out of the blue. We wouldn't buy another. Right now we have a Jeep Liberty and a Toyota Rav 4. The Jeep is always requiring repairs, some in the thousands of dollars. We've had to fight GM to get known issues covered. It costs a fortune in gas! My husband still loves it, I hate it. The Rav 4 has had zero problems and is so well made in comparison. When I replace it, I will get another one but with leather heated seats. Toyotas come with many options in standard packages. My daughter's Toyota is over 150k kms and still going great, fantastic on gas, no expensive repairs yet and it's 8 years old. The Rav4 is 4wd on demand and automatically. Both are great in the snow. You need to find out which models/packages allow for towing.