Looking at used SUVs and would prefer not to go beyond 4-5 years old. Also have researched cars that have 60000 miles or less. Looking for something that I would enjoy as a daily driver to work (40 miles round trip with roads that are alright). I would not say that I have a lead foot, but I am usually driving above the speed limit. The car will also be used to go to our shore home during the summer so want to be able to have some cargo space for our luggage (varies between 2 to 4 people going to the shore). Also, I live in an area where it does snow often so would like a good AWD system. Would like to keep the car for at least around 150k-200k+ miles. Instead of test driving every single one that I have researched, I would rather narrow it down and then test drive them so that I am not wasting my time for the long haul. So far I have researched the following:
- Acura RDX
- Honda CR-V
- Honda Pilot
- Lexus NX 300
- Lexus RX 350
- Mazda CX-5
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Highlander
- Subaru Forester
I know some of these cars are different (luxury vs non-luxury, larger SUV vs compact, etc.) but any help in the direction I should be gearing towards would be appreciated. If possible, top 3. Thanks!
How much do you intend to spend?
No more than $30k if possible.
All of them are good choices, namely the 2016-2018 RAV4, 2014-2017 CX-5, Lexus RX, and Toyota Highlander would be my preference of cars to choose from.
When you say 2014-17 you including that for the Lexus RX and Highlander too?
I meant that for the CX-5, most years of the RX and Highlander are good choices. You want a mechanic to check it out anyways.
Also see here: http://www.carcomplaints.com/toyota/highlander
Researching is good thing to do, but can end up overanalyzing things. If you're in no rush, take them all out for a test drive so you'll have a better comparison and you'll know which ones you lie and don't like, and It'll be easier to come up with a top 3 from that big list.
Best advice ever. Nothing beats a long, real life test drive and experiencing everything out, in person.
For compact I would go with the cx5. The Toyota is a little better with quality but the Mazda is much more enjoyable to drive. Both will last your mileage range. Luxury I would go with the lexus, and if you want big I would go highlander.
