Finally starting to narrow it down

[Herr Kutz]

I've been test driving vehicles for the around the past 4 years trying to find the perfect one. I feel like I'm finally starting to narrow it down and could very well be in a new (or used) vehicle soon. With deals getting hot as we near the end of the year and the economy set to boom under Trump, this really is the time to buy. So rather than make a new thread to ask questions for every vehicle I test drive, I'm going to make this my new-vehicle-search thread. Without further ado, here are the contenders I've whittled it down to so far (in no particular order):

1. 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD (2 year old used vehicle)
2. 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium w/ Eyesight (New)
3. 2016/2017 Subaru Outback 3.6r Limited (Maybe new, maybe used)
4. 2016 Diesel Colorado or Canyon (prefer the Colorado's exterior but the Canyon's interior)
5. 2016 Ford Edge (either a used titanium or SEL or a new SEL)
6. 2016/2017 Civic (not sure if I would go with the EX, EX-L, or Touring)
7. 2016/2017 Accord (V6 or Hybrid)
8. 2015/2016/2017 Camry (new or lightly used LE or used V6) or 2018 Camry (trim TBD)
   
9. 2015/2016/2017 Fusion (New SE or used SE)
10. 2016 Malibu (new LTZ or Premier with the 2.0t)
11. 2015/2016 Rav4 (Used AWD XLE)
12. 2017 Sonata Hybrid
13. 2015+ Mustang V6 (Used or New)
14. 2016 Kia Sorento (probably a 3.3l V6, used)
15. 2016/2017 Hyundai Tucscon
    
16. 2016/2017 Santa Fe Sport
17. 2017 Nissan Rogue SV w/ Premium Package
18. 2017 CRV EX

Upcoming vehicles on my radar:

1. 2017 CX-5
2. 2017 Compass

I've test driven most the vehicles on my list but really need to get in additional tests to further narrow it down. I'm thinking the most practical for me now would be something along the lines of the Forester, but I'm not sure I want the Forester image or the practical image. If anyone has experience with any of the vehicles on my list above please leave your thoughts, both positive and negative.

Moved from P&N.
admin allisolm

 

[BoomerD]

Why is this thread in P&N instead of The Garage?

 

[Herr Kutz]

Yeah thought I was in Garage but was distracted by boobs on Spartacus. Admins plz move. Thx,

 

[agent00f]

Libtards love them foreign cars. #trumpmerica #maga

 

[MrSquished]

Libtards love them foreign cars. #trumpmerica #maga

YEAH NOT MANY AMERICAN CARS IN THAT LIST BRUH!!!!!! MOVE TO MEXICO WHERE YOU CAN HELP BUILD MORE AMERICAN CARS!

 

[brycejones]

With deals getting hot as we near the end of the year and the economy set to boom under Trump, this really is the time to buy..

Why is this thread in P&N instead of The Garage?

Maybe the bolded is why?

 

[jman19]

Yeah thought I was in Garage but was distracted by boobs on Spartacus. Admins plz move. Thx,

Acceptable reason

 

[imported_tajmahal]

Taking the time to test drive is a huge plus. Sometimes a car/suv just doesn't seem to fit. Some have huge blind spots, the seating in uncomfortable, they feel under powered when accelerating up to highway speed. Some are noisy, some lack headroom or they're a pain to get into and out of. All that being said i'll give a vote to a Honda CRV, Toyota 4Runner, and the Toyota RAV4. Just the fact that you're taking time and trouble to make a good choice is a positive indicator that you'll make the RIGHT choice for you. Good luck.

 

[HitAnyKey]

I don't see a slightly used Mazda CX-5 (2.5), Honda CR-V or Ford Escape on your list. They should be added if your looking at the Forester and RAV4.

The other 'cars' on the list don't really make sense and I can't really recommend them.

The cheapest used CUV/SUV will probably be the Ford Escape. It should be sufficiently reliable and provide the same features as the others.
The safe choice is the RAV4 or CR-V and they will retain their value much longer, especially the CR-V.

I am partial to the Mazda CX-5 myself but finding them used with the 2.5 engine isn't the easiest.
Not a big fan of the Forester because I wonder about their engine's reliability over time. But they do have good driving dynamics so there is that to consider.

In comes down to availability in the used market, really. If you can find a well treated vehicle that drives well and is affordable then I would say that is more important than brand in this category. They should all be pretty reliable.

Good luck.

 

[gorcorps]

I don't even know where to start because everything on your list is so different. Why is a 4runner and rav4 on your list, but not the highlander?

 

[PricklyPete]

I am in agreement that your list is too stratified. You need to get out of the basement and do some test driving to get an idea of what kind of vehicle (both driving and functionally). Once you have narrowed the type down, it is much easier to give advice.

I am a 4Runner owner (2013 Limited). Love the utility and simplicity of the car...do not like the driving experience or how underpowered it is (and from experience, the Limited is by far the best driving experience with the XREAS shocks...much flatter cornering/braking/stability than SR5). I would only recommend the 4Runner if you are taking it places where a car based CUV is not capable. It is the only reason I still have the 4Runner...and not a much better driving CUV. We've even been considering replacing the 4Runner with a Q7 or Tahoe...but second guessing based on how much use I get out of it in the mountains.

 

[Herr Kutz]

I don't see a slightly used Mazda CX-5 (2.5), Honda CR-V or Ford Escape on your list. They should be added if your looking at the Forester and RAV4.

The other 'cars' on the list don't really make sense and I can't really recommend them.

The cheapest used CUV/SUV will probably be the Ford Escape. It should be sufficiently reliable and provide the same features as the others.
The safe choice is the RAV4 or CR-V and they will retain their value much longer, especially the CR-V.

I am partial to the Mazda CX-5 myself but finding them used with the 2.5 engine isn't the easiest.
Not a big fan of the Forester because I wonder about their engine's reliability over time. But they do have good driving dynamics so there is that to consider.

In comes down to availability in the used market, really. If you can find a well treated vehicle that drives well and is affordable then I would say that is more important than brand in this category. They should all be pretty reliable.

Good luck.

The CX-5 in its current iteration is too loud. Per Mazda, the NVH is being improved for the 2017 model year which is why it is on the list. The jury is still out as to whether they went far enough. Same situation for the CR-V. As for the escape, I do not want a pre 2017 model year because I like the updated Sync system and improved (imho) looks in the refreshed model.

 

[Herr Kutz]

I don't even know where to start because everything on your list is so different. Why is a 4runner and rav4 on your list, but not the highlander?

I don't need a 7-8 seater.

Edit: But I wish I did. It would be game over because I'd get a Pacifica Hybrid.

 

[gorcorps]

I don't need a 7-8 seater.

Just because you have a 3rd row doesn't mean you need to use it for that. I keep my 3rd row seat folded flat and get about the same storage space as the 4runner with a more comfortable ride and better gas mileage.

 

[Herr Kutz]

Just because you have a 3rd row doesn't mean you need to use it for that. I keep my 3rd row seat folded flat and get about the same storage space as the 4runner with a more comfortable ride and better gas mileage.

Yeah, I understand. I had considered something like that too (the new CX-9 looks nice) but I don't want to go full-on mommy-mobile yet.

 

[Herr Kutz]

I have one dealer down to $29k before TT&L on a Colorado Diesel. I think I can get them down to ~$28k. It's very tempting but I would have to make a trip out west.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I have an 08 Forester (2.5, boring non-turbo), its been good to me. 121K miles on it.

I got the woman a 2010 Edge SEL several months ago, its very comfortable, and handles nice, its much "nicer" than the forester, but I prefer the driving of the forester (feels more grounded, corners tighter.) Might want to consider modern Forester XT? My only complaint is that the 2.5 in my forester XS is much slowwer than Ideal. Naturally I'd prefer a Porsche 918, or some other 1000ish HP hybrid hypercar, but, forester is good bang for the buck. Also, car has good resale. I bought this used with about 30K on the clock, and Its depreciated by less than 5K even though I've added almost 100K miles in the last several years.

 

[Herr Kutz]

I have an 08 Forester (2.5, boring non-turbo), its been good to me. 121K miles on it.

I got the woman a 2010 Edge SEL several months ago, its very comfortable, and handles nice, its much "nicer" than the forester, but I prefer the driving of the forester (feels more grounded, corners tighter.) Might want to consider modern Forester XT? My only complaint is that the 2.5 in my forester XS is much slowwer than Ideal. Naturally I'd prefer a Porsche 918, or some other 1000ish HP hybrid hypercar, but, forester is good bang for the buck. Also, car has good resale. I bought this used with about 30K on the clock, and Its depreciated by less than 5K even though I've added almost 100K miles in the last several years.

If the XT didn't take premium I would consider it. I'd be going with a 17' 2.5l if it makes the cut.

 

[NutBucket]

The price difference of premium vs. regular is so minor I wouldn't sweat it. I don't my the power of our 2.5i but sometimes I wish it had some real oomph.

 

[Herr Kutz]

The price difference of premium vs. regular is so minor I wouldn't sweat it. I don't my the power of our 2.5i but sometimes I wish it had some real oomph.

It's ~20% higher cost (not even factoring in lower MPGs), and I drive a LOT.

 

[NutBucket]

Can't you still buy an XT premium for under $30k?

 

[Herr Kutz]

Can't you still buy an XT premium for under $30k?

With no options such as eyesight you should be able to get under 30k.

 

[Herr Kutz]

Wait, we're talking about gas here and not trim levels, right?

 

[NutBucket]

N/m, didn't see you were considering a 2.5i premium. Definitely agree that would be a pretty decent price difference.

 

[Herr Kutz]

I'm thinking about throwing the Grand Cherokee into the mix. I really like the Durango too, but it's really bigger than I need so I think it'll stay off the list.