Hello everyone,
I am Laura a graduate student in the USA. I have been searching for my very first car, I am a graduate student so I can't afford an expensive car. My budget is below $10,000 and I preferably want to get a small SUV newer than 2010. I was going to buy a 2012 Rogue but my search showed me was not a good idea to buy a Nissan with a CVT transmission. I am open to any suggestions.
Which one do you recommend?
Thanks!!!
Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV. I have experience with the last generation and they are great.
Honorable mention to Mazda CX5.
Also, not quite an suv, somewhat a crossover. I’d also recommend looking into the Honda HRV and Toyota CHR, if the RAV4 and CRV are out of your price range. They should be a little more affordable. They are a smaller though.
I just picked a listing completely at random (I'm sure you could get the price down)
https://santafe.craigslist.org/cto/d/santa-fe-2011-honda-crv-awd/7246790900.html
I think getting a newish reliable SUV for $10k is very achievable.
Man that is overpriced the 2007-2011 is worth no more than 7 8 grand and it is AWD which is unnessesary
Don’t dismiss Mazda CX-3, … a very small SUV. Not much room in the back seat. But, if you don’t care about the back seat - once folded, turns it into quite a roomy hauler! Fun to drive, … Miata like! Quite cute and proving to be reliable, …
Best,
F.S.
CX-3 under 10 grand is not happening
I would consider Highlander too.
Just remember one thing: For any car you choose, if you do not need AWD system, do not get one. They will be expensive over time and get worse gas mileage.
2007-2011 Honda CR-V
2011-2019 Honda FIt
Toyota Highlander
2009-2012 Toyota rav4 (i personally dont like it but if YOU do then go ahead but only these model years, 2006-2008 had oil burning)
Nissan Xterra (this is rwd and Scotty has a video on it not a horrendous cvt it is a 5 speed/4 speed auto)
Nissan pathfinder (2012 and before, the 2013 and newer have CVT's)
2006-2010 Kia Sportage 4 cylinder
Subaru Forester 2009-2013
I listed them from best to least best but still considerable. You should consider a cheap to maintain sedan as well
for $5000-6000: 2005-2006 Camry XLE V6
Since it's your first buying experience, I also suggest watching the car buying tips on the YouTube Channel: Kevin Hunter. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ6Su-8bINvXVXWf0peAIJg
