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Most reliable used compact SUV for the long haul

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Zorba said:
Yeah, used Subaru's do tend to stupid expensive. I haven't looked into used Toyotas or Hondas in a decaded so I don't know how they compare.

If you can find a '12 or '13 Forester it may be a bit cheaper since it was the previous model and gets worse mileage than a '14+. There weren't many '13s though because the '14s started shipping in like March of 13.
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I'd have to double check but I don't think any Foresters in that '12 or '13 range without really high mileage, like over 60-80K+ miles, in my budget and only 3 within 100 miles.

They are way more expensive compared to Toyota and Honda used. They can keep'em.
 
soulcougher73 said:
Id take Rav4 over a CRV if it were me. I test drove a CRV. Piece of crap IMO. Super loud engine and road noise.
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I vote RAV4. I wouldn't call CRV a piece of crap. I just don't think they are as good as RAV4, especially the motor. RAV4 has the better, smoother engine.

I still own a 2011 RAV4. I remember not buying the CRV because it was even nosier than the RAV4 (which isn't exactly quiet), and it was thousands more. And even after a recent car accident on the highway (other car literally bounced off rear bumper) I love my vehicle.

They gave me a 2016 RAV4 rental while mine was being fixed and I loved it more than mine except visibility was not as good. I love these vehicles because road trips and carrying crap around is a breeze. I could car less about looks or speed after having owned a few sporty cars in the past.

I wouldn't touch Hyundai because I just don't trust them long-term.
I think if you can get a 2013-2015 RAV4 you will be happy. CRV is a decent second choice if you prefer that. Both are well built and reliable.
 
Sounds like the RAV4 is my top contender by popular decision. I imagined that might be the case.

In the next coming months I'll make the move to purchase one. Now choosing where to do that and haggling the price will become another task.

Thanks to everyone for your helpful input.
 
I'd just buy what you like, after researching to be sure there are no major problems with the design for that model year, and having a mechanic familiar with that model, look it over extensively.

4 year old SUV lasting another 10, isn't that long a haul. Some will need a repair or two in that period, but if you're not paying a premium for something specific only based on "odds" of a failure, that's just inherent in vehicle ownership, that most vehicles will last 20+ years if properly maintained and not totaled in an accident. That is unless you despise rust and live in the snow belt where roads are salted in winter.
 
Zorba said:
Yeah, used Subaru's do tend to stupid expensive. I haven't looked into used Toyotas or Hondas in a decaded so I don't know how they compare.

If you can find a '12 or '13 Forester it may be a bit cheaper since it was the previous model and gets worse mileage than a '14+. There weren't many '13s though because the '14s started shipping in like March of 13.
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They are garbage. I had a '16 Forester rental recently and hated it. Just a miserable car to spend any amount of time in.

I had a Jeep Compass recently and that is also a piece of utter crap. The only redeeming feature was the seats which were fairly comfortable but otherwise you hear a lot of wind and road noise and it is a Jeep, which means it will start falling apart once it hits 30k miles (or sooner).
 
JulesMaximus said:
They are garbage. I had a '16 Forester rental recently and hated it. Just a miserable car to spend any amount of time in.

I had a Jeep Compass recently and that is also a piece of utter crap. The only redeeming feature was the seats which were fairly comfortable but otherwise you hear a lot of wind and road noise and it is a Jeep, which means it will start falling apart once it hits 30k miles (or sooner).
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LOL. You don't mince words. I agree that Jeeps lack severely in reliability. Can't comment on the Forester.
jlee said:
I'd look at used Lexus GX470/GX460's, too.
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Within my budget they are 10+ years old and 100K+ miles so that's a no-go.
 
EL Pistoffo said:
LOL. You don't mince words. I agree that Jeeps lack severely in reliability. Can't comment on the Forester.


Within my budget they are 10+ years old and 100K+ miles so that's a no-go.
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I'd put my 05 with 181k up against any new Jeep. 😉

You can't get a 460 for $15k, but a 470 would be easy (albeit 10 years old with 100k+). Mine was $8150 last October.
 
JulesMaximus said:
They are garbage. I had a '16 Forester rental recently and hated it. Just a miserable car to spend any amount of time in.
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I think Subaru is a love it or hate it car company. I don't really get it. I've been in most of the Forester's competitors and it is better than all of them for equal money or equally equipped, IMHO.
 
Zorba said:
I think Subaru is a love it or hate it car company. I don't really get it. I've been in most of the Forester's competitors and it is better than all of them for equal money or equally equipped, IMHO.
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If you like rock hard seats and a bouncy ride The Forester is awesome. I hated it. I wanted to push it off a cliff after spending two hours in one stuck in traffic.
 
Zorba said:
I think Subaru is a love it or hate it car company. I don't really get it. I've been in most of the Forester's competitors and it is better than all of them for equal money or equally equipped, IMHO.
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That's true. When we bought our Fozzy (Subaru #4), we didn't even test drive the competition. You all probably think we're nuts LOL
 
NutBucket said:
That's true. When we bought our Fozzy (Subaru #4), we didn't even test drive the competition. You all probably think we're nuts LOL
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Yeah, I'm about to buy a new Legacy. I think I will test drive an accord to say that I looked around a little, but I knew the second my car got smashed I wanted another Legacy. It'll be Subi #4 for me too.
 
The new Legacy is REALLY nice. I'd get the flat 6 if you can afford it. My only "regret" with the Fozzy is not getting the turbo. But at least my wallet is thanking me. I test drove a '16 Outback 3.6 and that drivetrain is smoooooooth with plenty of oomph.
 
NutBucket said:
The new Legacy is REALLY nice. I'd get the flat 6 if you can afford it. My only "regret" with the Fozzy is not getting the turbo. But at least my wallet is thanking me. I test drove a '16 Outback 3.6 and that drivetrain is smoooooooth with plenty of oomph.
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Even H4 Legacy is fun to drive (compared to competition). Natural balance, low center of gravity, near 50/50 AWD ... acceleration is just one factor
 
The cvt just makes it zero fun. Great for commuting but no fun.

I don't think it's 50/50 AWD. I can spin the front tires in the Fozzy. Never happened in my MT cars with much more power.
 
On the subject of reliability, how's AWD fair in that respect? I see many of the RAV's on the used market are AWD. I don't necessarily need it. It might come in handy on a boat ramp but how's the prognosis on AWD in the long run over many years as far as repair/maintenance?
 
No one's mentioned the Toyo Venza...no longer made (too similar to the Highlander) but one I always liked (being built on the Camry platform) for looks and reliability....
 
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