Buying a used SUV should I consider anything other than CR-V, RAV4, Forester?

[pete6032]

I'm looking at buying a 5-6 year old small SUV. This segment seems to be dominated by the CR-V, RAV4, and Forester, with either of the three consistently coming out on top depending on the model year you look at. These would all fit my needs of a decent daily city driving vehicle with AWD that could also be comfortable on the occasional road trip. Is there any reason to consider alternatives like the Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Chevy Equinox?

 

[repoman0]

Mazda CX-5 is the best in this segment IMO. Wife and I compared some of the above (not trash Nissan, Joop, Chevy, etc) as well as higher end options from BMW and Audi. The higher turbo trims are nice and hers is holding up really well.

 

[manly]

Porsche Macan for driving dynamics and sticker shock.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

The advice I'm giving myself -- maybe not your cup of tea -- avoid investing in another ICE vehicle.

I'm currently looking at RAV4, Highlander and Ford Explorer options -- a focus on RAV4. Ideally, I might want the PHEV or "Prime" version of the RAV4. I have to pay for it outright, so this could involve a major hit or extraction from my retirement nest-egg. I may take another year or two before I act on my plan. The worst part of that: I'm almost 77 years old, worried that a couple more years might be too late.

 

[desy]

Mazda CX-5 is the best in this segment IMO. Wife and I compared some of the above (not trash Nissan, Joop, Chevy, etc) as well as higher end options from BMW and Audi. The higher turbo trims are nice and hers is holding up really well.

Second this, looking for my daughter and CX-5 checks a lot of boxes

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I know what I'm likely to buy -- replacing my Trooper as a main ride. I just wouldn't call CR-V, RAV4 or Forester a "real" SUV.

What would I REALLY Like?! What REAL SUV would I like to have, if I could afford the price tag and insurance?

A REAL SUV with Hybrid Power-train

 

[BoomerD]

I know what I'm likely to buy -- replacing my Trooper as a main ride. I just wouldn't call CR-V, RAV4 or Forester a "real" SUV.

What would I REALLY Like?! What REAL SUV would I like to have, if I could afford the price tag and insurance?

A REAL SUV with Hybrid Power-train

The vehicles mentioned by the OP aren’t really SUVs, they’re more crossovers. OK for hauling groceries and/or kids, but not for much else.

I’m not really a fan of the Japanese cars, but the 4Runner has a pretty decent reputation.
Of course, if you want a “REAL” SUV…You’ll be wanting a Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, or GMC Yukon or Suburban…

 

[highland145]

We have a 2020 hybrid and 2010 RAV4 . The 2010 has 190K miles on it. Repairs...1 alternator, O2 sensor, 1 bolt on the left strut.

The 2010 Tacoma 125K miles...1 alternator and just replaced the hvac blower fan resister.

 

[evident]

What's your budget? if you want comfy small to medium sized SUV you can't go wrong with a Lexus RX350. owned my 07 since 09, it's become my main car till I can afford an Integra Type S. We've done nothing but oil changes and scheduled maintenance on the car until this year where we finally had some wear and tear items go bad. It's a great cruiser and plush. It's definitely not a "fun" vehicle to drive but it's very relaxing to drive.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I'm looking at buying a 5-6 year old small SUV. This segment seems to be dominated by the CR-V, RAV4, and Forester, with either of the three consistently coming out on top depending on the model year you look at. These would all fit my needs of a decent daily city driving vehicle with AWD that could also be comfortable on the occasional road trip. Is there any reason to consider alternatives like the Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Chevy Equinox?

You are probably better off with the Honda or the Toyota or maybe a used Lexus. I rented a Forester a few years ago and quite frankly I have no idea why anyone would own one of these unless you live in Maine and your driveway is 2 miles of unpaved dirt that rarely gets plowed in the winter. It’s a miserable vehicle with acres of cheap plastic, rock hard seats, no sound deadening and a CVT from hell.

Your alternatives are all crap. I would avoid those at all cost… especially used.

Do you need something with real off road capability? Toyota 4Runner might be a good choice. They seem to hold their value well though so finding one used at a reasonable price might be difficult. Maybe look for a Lexus GX?

 

[pete6032]

You are probably better off with the Honda or the Toyota or maybe a used Lexus. I rented a Forester a few years ago and quite frankly I have no idea why anyone would own one of these unless you live in Maine and your driveway is 2 miles of unpaved dirt that rarely gets plowed in the winter. It’s a miserable vehicle with acres of cheap plastic, rock hard seats, no sound deadening and a CVT from hell.

Your alternatives are all crap. I would avoid those at all cost… especially used.

Do you need something with real off road capability? Toyota 4Runner might be a good choice. They seem to hold their value well though so finding one used at a reasonable price might be difficult. Maybe look for a Lexus GX?

I live in a major city and I need a safe vehicle that I can easily navigate around parking garages, parallel park, carry kids and groceries.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Lexus RX is a fantastic vehicle for that. Toyota RAV4 or CRV would also be solid choices. It would be hit or miss with the other alternatives you mentioned. They might be okay or you might have problems with them.

 

[IronWing]

I live in a major city and I need a safe vehicle that I can easily navigate around parking garages, parallel park, carry kids and groceries.

This is what station wagons are for.

 

[highland145]

This is what station wagons are for.

You can still buy a Woody?

Who knew?

 

[JulesMaximus]

This is what station wagons are for.

RAV4 hybrid will get better mileage than any wagon you can buy in this country.

 

[pete6032]

This is what station wagons are for.

'99 Escort then?

Don't be jealous of my big city life. 😋

 

[bbhaag]

If you are looking to purchase a 5 to 6-year-old vehicle in this segment the RAV4 or the CRV is your only option. I wouldn't even consider the subi or any of the others on your list.

The Mazda CX-5 may have been a contender but not one from 5 to 6 years ago. Mazda really didn't start upping their game until the newer generation 2 or 3 years ago.

Skip anything high-end like a Lexus. You're just going to pay a premium for the brand name.

 

[manly]

If you are looking to purchase a 5 to 6-year-old vehicle in this segment the RAV4 or the CRV is your only option. I wouldn't even consider the subi or any of the others on your list.

The Mazda CX-5 may have been a contender but not one from 5 to 6 years ago. Mazda really didn't start upping their game until the newer generation 2 or 3 years ago.

Skip anything high-end like a Lexus. You're just going to pay a premium for the brand name.

I haven't kept up with cars, but the CX-5 was already dominating its class five years ago:

https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5-2019

2019 Mazda CX-5 Review & Ratings | Edmunds

Edmunds' expert review of the Used 2019 Mazda CX-5 provides the latest look at trim-level features and specs, performance, safety, and comfort. At Edmunds we drive every car we review, performing road tests and competitor comparisons to help you find your perfect car. Read the full in-depth...

www.edmunds.com

It varies by car type and model, but luxury cars can depreciate very rapidly. Yes it'll still be more expensive than a non-luxury brand, but a HUGE chunk of the initial car value will have already disappeared after 5 years. Lexus does tend to have strong residual/resale value compared to German cars.

 

[bbhaag]

I haven't kept up with cars, but the CX-5 was already dominating its class five years ago:

https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5-2019

2019 Mazda CX-5 Review & Ratings | Edmunds

Edmunds' expert review of the Used 2019 Mazda CX-5 provides the latest look at trim-level features and specs, performance, safety, and comfort. At Edmunds we drive every car we review, performing road tests and competitor comparisons to help you find your perfect car. Read the full in-depth...

www.edmunds.com

It varies by car type and model, but luxury cars can depreciate very rapidly. Yes it'll still be more expensive than a non-luxury brand, but a HUGE chunk of the initial car value will have already disappeared after 5 years. Lexus does tend to have strong residual/resale value compared to German cars.

No it was not ....the CX-5 had less storage space than its competitors and the infotainment system was lagging behind as well. While the driving dynamics were great this is not what a CUV should be focused on and the sales numbers five years ago prove it and the fact that Mazda is still trying to make in roads five years later proves it even more.

 

[manly]

No it was not ....the CX-5 had less storage space than its competitors and the infotainment system was lagging behind as well. While the driving dynamics were great this is not what a CUV should be focused on and the sales numbers five years ago prove it and the fact that Mazda is still trying to make in roads five years later proves it even more.

yeah we should take your word on this instead of that of numerous professional auto reviewers.

Nobody asked what the sales charts looked like 5 years ago; if that was the criteria, then everybody should just go out and buy an F-150, Corolla or Model Y?

It's fine that you have your own opinions on what a CUV should be like; that's how cars are. But in this particular case, the CX-5 has been considered a very good car in its class for well over 3 years. That is irrefutable, and that was my connotation in using the word "dominating."

 

[bbhaag]

Sigh..... @manly from the review you posted.

Lows
Limited storage space, dated infotainment, top engine reserved for priciest models.

Verdict
By the numbers, the CX-5 isn't the best at anything—but its upscale aura and fun-to-drive nature make it a winner.

The 2018 model doesn't fair much better. Would you like me to provide link to Car and Driver or Edmunds for the 2018 model?

 

[manly]

Sigh..... @manly from the review you posted.





The 2018 model doesn't fair much better. Would you like me to provide link to a Car and Driver?

Did @pete6032 ever say he needs class-leading cargo capacity above all else? Why are you insisting one or two features or weaknesses are the sole criteria to judge the CX-5?

I have no horse in this race, and I don't care what he buys. Several people have mentioned the CX-5 as a viable contender, and all the evidence suggests that is the case. DEPENDING on one's actual needs. That is always the case, so not sure why you're making a big argument about two important features. Only OP knows how much cargo capacity he needs for hauling kids and groceries.

Like I said, I'm not even up to date on cars. If your argument is the current CX-5 is way better than the previous model, then I'll take your word for it.

How would the older 2018 model be better than the 2019 model? BOTH were on Car & Driver's 10 Best list for those years. This isn't accidental, no matter how much you insist otherwise.

 

[bbhaag]

Did @pete6032 ever say he needs class-leading cargo capacity above all else? Why are you insisting one or two features or weaknesses are the sole criteria to judge the CX-5?

I have no horse in this race, and I don't care what he buys. Several people have mentioned the CX-5 as a viable contender, and all the evidence suggests that is the case. DEPENDING on one's actual needs. That is always the case, so not sure why you're making a big argument about two important features. Only OP knows how much cargo capacity he needs for hauling kids and groceries.

Like I said, I'm not even up to date on cars. If your argument is the current CX-5 is way better than the previous model, then I'll take your word for it.

How would the older 2018 model be better than the 2019 model? BOTH were on Car & Driver's 10 Best list for those years. This isn't accidental, no matter how much you insist otherwise.

Yeah I'm the one making the big argument...wait a minute I was the one who said go for the RAV4 or CRV which is the the go to. You're the one making the big argument for the Mazda.

BTW we are not talking current Mazda vehicles. The OP is looking for 5-6 year old vehicles.

 

[manly]

I'm not making a big push for the CX-5. You're entitled to your opinion, even when a lot of professionals don't see things the same way. We'll just agree to disagree, since you're so hung up on cargo capacity.

Perhaps you can take your own advice that you gave to @MrSquished to leave personal bias out of the equation. I never said or suggested the CR-V or RAV4 weren't also strong contenders.

News flash, a MY2019 car is about 5 years old.

 

[bbhaag]

I'm not making a big push for the CX-5. You're entitled to your opinion, even when a lot of professionals don't see things the same way. We'll just agree to disagree, since you're so hung up on cargo capacity.

Perhaps you can take your own advice that you gave to @MrSquished to leave personal bias out of the equation. I never said or suggested the CR-V or RAV4 weren't also strong contenders.

News flash, a MY2019 car is about 5 years old.

Cargo capacity and infotainment. I can tell you are a car guy to just like @MrSquished is.