My daughter wants a small SUV and of course I suggested the CRV and RAV4. She doesn't like either. Is there another one you would recommend? Want to spend around 10K. Thanks again for all your insight.
Ivan
It depends how long she is going to have it. For just a few years you can take almost whatever comes with low mileage.
daughter wants a small SUV (...) She doesn't like either. Is there another one you would recommend?
Personally, I'd make sure to buy something absolutely horrid like a cheap high millage Buick Encore and make her promise she'll pay for the repairs on her own - After paying for a new engine, having to deal with rebuilding a transmission, getting stranded a few times, her next car would definitely be a 0 thrills Toyota!
Am speaking from personal experience: owning a terrible fancy car has taught me repair and common sense.
All of us wanted cool exciting first cars, but it's only after you own a stinking pile of crap that's considered "fancy" - then you get smarter and get common sense and buy cars that go from A to B reliably.
(And none of that TikTok nonsense like "what badge it has" or "how plush is the dashboard" or "how hard is the plastic on top of the door trims" or "what stitching is on the seats" or "How many cup holders there are")
Want to spend around 10K
I think something like a 2013-ish Subaru XV Crosstrek could be an option - but note that these have a weak transmission. In my opinion it is not compatible with new drivers as they have rough starts, or creeping for extended periods of time, and everything like that - they require driving that's appropriate for a CVT to last (with correct driving and service maybe 150k)
Also maybe an older (early 2010s) Volvo could be decent given that it has reasonable millage (not over 100k, it's European and when it begins to have issues it's just horrid).
They're plusher than a Toyota or a Honda, I guess.
Honda HRV or Toyota Corolla Cross.
Btw, what is she eyeing on her own? Does she like anything out there?
Her budget is $10K.
Ugh. I missed that part.
Under $10k is a challenge. Choose one with paint damage over one with sketchy oil change records.
Buying a moderately-maintained Japanese-made car in that price range is tough... A Japanese made Mazda CX5 with a Mazda-made 6-speed transmission might be your best bet on budget. Hail damage might bring that price down. JUST MAKE SURE SHE DOESN'T BUY A CAR WITH A JATCO TRANSMISSION unless it is a standard or 5/6-speed REAR WHEEL DRIVE. Look for a "J" at the beginning of the VIN. I don't see many Mitsubishis out there, but the Jatco CVT is in newer versions and that's a risk. Jatco trannies of all kinds need transmission fluid flushes at 50k and regular service to last past 120-150k and that's still a challenge.
Regular oil and transmission fluid changes are very important for longevity.
Mexican-made cars, no matter what brand, are turning out to be lower quality over time. (Any VIN starting with a "3" indicates Mexican manufacturing.)
I loved a GM engine (L26? 3800 series III) but the transmissions attached are asking for trouble.
