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SUV suggestions for around $16k?

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mcvickj

mcvickj

Diamond Member
If you had $16k to spend on an SUV what are you top choices? I have no loyalty to any brand. Just looking for best bang for buck. Would be doing some future light towing with popup camper / small boat / small trailer. Something that isn't a complete gas hog would be nice too.
 
16K should give you a lot of options.

light towwing, bang for the buck ...

sounds like a small SUV or crossover would fit your bill maybe?

Toyota Rav4
Subaru Forester
Ford Escape
Honda CRV

Some options I like
 
BurnItDwn said:
16K should give you a lot of options.

light towwing, bang for the buck ...

sounds like a small SUV or crossover would fit your bill maybe?

Toyota Rav4
Subaru Forester
Ford Escape
Honda CRV

Some options I like
Click to expand...

Pretty sure the older Escapes, Rav4's and CRV's are in the 1500 lb towing area. IMO the wheel base is too short to do any weight and/or distance @ speed with for any of those .
 
I <3 my xterra.


pretty much everything thats actually a truck(ie real towing cap) is going to be a gas hog.....at your price point.
 
The Xterra is the first thing that came to mind too. Probably could find a nice Pathfinder or 4Runner too...but none are gas friendly.
 
Xterra can fit aftermarket larger tires with slight to zero modifications which makes it look like a friggin beast! Xterras are badass!
 
I'd get myself a late model Trailblazer. My 02 has been great, but it is old, high miles, and rusting. A newer one would be perfect. Then lift it for the fun of it 😀
 
I think the Trailblazer sucks gas even worse that the other suggestions. But, from what I know its a good truck and should be cheap!
 
NutBucket said:
I think the Trailblazer sucks gas even worse that the other suggestions. But, from what I know its a good truck and should be cheap!
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Mine is a 4x4 and is rated 21 highway. I've gotten 22 a few times. Doesn't seem any worse than any other real truck-based, full frame SUV with a decent towing capability. Some of the others mentioned would get better, yes, but they also don't tow near as well since they are FWD, unibody car-based crossovers more than a SUV.
 
NutBucket said:
The Xterra is the first thing that came to mind too. Probably could find a nice Pathfinder or 4Runner too...but none are gas friendly.
Click to expand...

when I looked a year ago(and bought my xterra) I shopped the Pathfinder too. It was about 5K more for a comparable pathfinder for what I finding in Xterras, and I decided I didn't need the 3rd row that much

Slufa111 said:
Xterra can fit aftermarket larger tires with slight to zero modifications which makes it look like a friggin beast! Xterras are badass!
Click to expand...

you go up to 35's w/o having to melt fender liner....that's what I have, and I went a little wider too

so much fun in the winter

I hear good things about 4Runners



the biggest let down I have had is

the rear springs are sucky

they need to be upgraded if you plan to haul or tow a decent load often

its about 500 for a leaf pack

I hope to do that next year with struts and end up 2" lift all around

then my next tire purchase will be 36 and wider, Ill have to add spacers or get new wheels
 
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