Small SUV for $10k

[accord]

I am looking to buy private a small V6/Auto SUV for around $10k before tax. I narrowed my search to Ford Escape, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Huindai SantaFe. I am unlikely to consider used Rav4 and CR-V since they are overpriced and I do not care about a resale value.
I lean towards Escape right now mainly for its look but I never drove it. I drove SantaFe and I liked the ride.
Anyway here are the criteria:
- low mileage and better year;
- reliability;
- more options better.
I think they all use regular gas. Which one would you pick guys?
Thanks.

[marbss]

when buying used.... buy japanese

[Justin C]

You can get a MUCH nicer Hyundai for $10k than anything Japanese for the same price. I like the Santa Fe as well, much nicer than the Equinox, but I haven't driven the Escape.

[IoannI]

Have you considered a GMC/Chevy Jimmy/Blazer?

[gordholio]

when buying used.... buy japanese

I usually go for the best deal, rather than setting myself on one brand or country of origin. Most times the Japanese used cars are priced pretty high.

[GoiNGPoSTaL]

Have you considered a GMC/Chevy Jimmy/Blazer?

Umm no, the Jimmy is one of the worst SUV's out there.

I would go for a low mileage Hyundai or a maybe Subaru Forester although it's more of a tall wagon rather than a small SUV.

[Samir]

Don't bother with anything from G.M. - consider the GMC Envoy/Chevy Trailblazer ONLY if you need to tow something. It is an old school body-on-frame vehicle that rides and handles like a truck - that is to say horribly.

The Escape/Tribute have had average reliability for the last 3-4 years. Hyundai's only really worth of mention in the same sentence as Ford or Toyota in the last 2 years. Those ranges are probably your best option, but keep in mind that maintenance history and useage are at least as important as brand.

A 2-year-old work SUV that goes up and down forest trails all day and rarely gets maintained because it's a company lease is a worse bet 5-year-old CR-V driven by Mrs. Robinson to go to Price Chopper on Sundays.

[Spud72]

Have you considered a GMC/Chevy Jimmy/Blazer?
The only good thing about the Jimmy/Blazer is that used parts are cheap because there are millions of them in junkyards.