Looking for new a new ride...

[z1ggy]

Hey all,

Right now I have a subaru impreza, and I would like to get something that handles similarly to it, if that's possible. The one thing I want it to be, is a sporty SUV. obviously not something huge. AWD is def. a plus for up here in the north east. I think I would prefer a turbo charged I4, but if not than a V6 would be okay. Not looking to spend over 30k. I have done some research, but most of the things I am finding aren't exactly what I had in mind. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Subaru Forester XT

Acura RDX

Nissan Rogue

VW Tiguan

Mazda CX7

Used Infiniti EX35

Used BMW X3 3.0

Used MBZ GLK 350

Used Saab 9-7X Aero or Chevy Trailblazer SS

Used Jeep GC SRT-8

EDIT: Adding -
Used Saturn Vue Redline (3.6L V6)
Used Cadillac SRX Northstar V8

 

[SithSolo1]

Nissan Juke WHAT WHAT!!

$27.5k fully loaded top of the line model.

 

[JCH13]

+1 to the Forester XT
+1 to Mazda CX-7

 

[IronWing]

SUVs are overrated. You want a do anything, go everywhere Crown Vic.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

SUVs are overrated. You want a do anything, go everywhere Crown Vic.

The fuck...

 

[JCH13]

SUVs are overrated. You want a do anything, go everywhere Crown Vic.

Just goes to show that you don't need all the fancy toys to have fun. :awe:

 

[Zargon]

Used Jeep GC SRT-8

WIN. do want. mid 30's used though

 

[Monster_Munch]

I don't think you will ever find an SUV that handles like an Imprezza.

 

[z1ggy]

I don't think you will ever find an SUV that handles like an Imprezza.

Oh, I know, but I want something with a sportier suspension that;s not clunky and top heavy, plus those other couple features I listed.

 

[Throckmorton]

If you want something that handles well, why would you not get a car? Crossover SUVs make no sense-- they're tall like real trucks but without any offroad capability, and they also get the gas mileage of real trucks.

 

[jlee]

Forester XT. If you're anywhere near NH, come by and see mine sometime.

Oh, and: http://www.modified.com/tech/modp-0911-building-your-own-subaru-forester-sti/index.html

 

[ShawnD1]

SUVs are overrated. You want a do anything, go everywhere Crown Vic.

Shens. Even Clarkson thinks RWD is for gaywads.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MitkDkPTgo&feature=player_detailpage#t=128s

 

[Jumpem]

If you want something that handles well, why would you not get a car? Crossover SUVs make no sense-- they're tall like real trucks but without any offroad capability, and they also get the gas mileage of real trucks.

Crossovers are great. They drive and ride close to a car. They have more storage space than a trunk. They have plenty of ground clearance for snow. AWD is better than 4WD for mixed pavement conditions. They have better fuel economy than a truck based SUV.

 

[Malak]

I will also say Jeep GC, SRT if you can. Nice looking SUV, I can't imagine choosing anything else. I don't know anything about the Juke but if you can get it fully loaded for under 30k might be something worth looking into.

 

[disappoint]

Chevy Cruze. Don't get an SUV, waste of gas unless you need the cargo room. Cruze gets 36 mpg hwy has a 1.4L turbo, 0-60 in about 9.6 secs and has good handlind due to its z link rear suspension (LT, 2LT or LTZ models only.) Ok it's 0-60 times are not that fast, but do you really think you need to accelerate faster than that? I gues it depends on where you live. Around here everyone drives like your grandma and traffic is heavy so there is no room to accelerate that fast anyway.

Also the Cruze has great sound deadening so you can listen to music or chat with passengers without all that road noise, which around here on the expressway is loud as fack especially when you pass by an 18 wheeler. Heck you can whisper to your passengers its so quiet in there.

Plus it has great styling, but thats in the eye of the beholder. Handles great in the snow too since it's front wheel drive. It's fun to watch the stability control correct your skid when zipping around a turn fast in the snow.

Do you really need an SUV? what is it you like about SUVs so much? With gas prices going up I wouldn't take an SUV if they gave it away. Also don't kid yourself, they won't handle like a car with decent suspension.

 

[Throckmorton]

I will also say Jeep GC, SRT if you can. Nice looking SUV, I can't imagine choosing anything else. I don't know anything about the Juke but if you can get it fully loaded for under 30k might be something worth looking into.

Horrible gas mileage

 

[bryanW1995]

I'd vote for the used cadillac srx or grand cherokee srt8 (good luck finding one of those for 30k though).

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Chevy Cruze. Don't get an SUV, waste of gas unless you need the cargo room. Cruze gets 36 mpg hwy has a 1.4L turbo, 0-60 in about 9.6 secs and has good handlind due to its z link rear suspension (LT, 2LT or LTZ models only.) Ok it's 0-60 times are not that fast, but do you really think you need to accelerate faster than that? I gues it depends on where you live. Around here everyone drives like your grandma and traffic is heavy so there is no room to accelerate that fast anyway.

Also the Cruze has great sound deadening so you can listen to music or chat with passengers without all that road noise, which around here on the expressway is loud as fack especially when you pass by an 18 wheeler. Heck you can whisper to your passengers its so quiet in there.

Plus it has great styling, but thats in the eye of the beholder. Handles great in the snow too since it's front wheel drive. It's fun to watch the stability control correct your skid when zipping around a turn fast in the snow.

Do you really need an SUV? what is it you like about SUVs so much? With gas prices going up I wouldn't take an SUV if they gave it away. Also don't kid yourself, they won't handle like a car with decent suspension.

Is this a salesman?:hmm:

 

[Malak]

Horrible gas mileage

Gas mileage isn't the reason you get an SUV.

 

[HeXen]

lol, Juke. ugliest thing on wheels i ever saw

 

[z1ggy]

lol, Juke. ugliest thing on wheels i ever saw

To those who ask why I want an SUV.

To answer in short, because my small impreza can't carry much more than myself and another person. I have an amp and a sub in the trunk. I just bought a house and I find it very difficult to make trips to home depot and fit much more than small objects in the back seat area. I like how my smaller car handles and feels, it just isn't going to cut it, esp when I have kids in a few years. I still want something stylish and that can handle well, along with a 4 cyl. turbo to keep the mpg up, but getting a lot more hp than I get now.

 

[bryanW1995]

Is this a salesman?:hmm:

I don't sell them, but I have friends at chevy dealers who really like that car. Probably just a cruze owner who loves his car. unfortunately, that car is no bigger than the impreza so probably won't work for the OP.

 

[disappoint]

Is this a salesman?:hmm:

Nope.

lol, Juke. ugliest thing on wheels i ever saw

Yup.

 

[Zap]

I'd recommend the Subaru Forester XT. It will feel like the Impreza, just with more space. I have test driven an XT, and I've borrowed a base model (non-turbo) for several hundred miles and a few days.

The Mazda CX7 is okay. I've test driven one and while it had the zoom zoom, it didn't really feel that small/nimble.

Shens. Even Clarkson thinks RWD is for gaywads.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MitkDkPTgo&feature=player_detailpage#t=128s

LOL, "10 minutes later, we stormed into the first corner." I think they made this more difficult than it needed to be. That "first corner" showed the cars plowing forward... but the tires weren't even turned so they were INTENTIONALLY doing that. Also, the 300ZX at one point was sliding sideways a bit, which tells me they were probably on Summer or worn out tires.