38-40K SUV... what are my options?

[sleepyguy]

Well, we need to get a car with at least MRSP value of this. Our current Forrester falls short around $5k so we'll need to upgrade. Long story short, reason being my GF has an excellent car incentive program at her company and we want to take advantage of it. Forrester only has 10km on it so trade in should yeild a good value.

Options? We transport alot of stuff and are "ourtdoorsy" types that is why the SUV. Currently looking at a higher end 2008/2009 Forrester, Toyota Rav4 or lower model Highlander. Entry Honda pilot or higher end Honda CRV.

I got no issues with the Forester 2008, awesome car imho, too bad it's gotta go. -sg

Anyone have recommendations?

[The Trees]

Honestly I would just get another Forester. I can't think of anything besides a Land Rover that would even be worth it. Subaru makes awesome cars (Legacy, STi, Forester).

There is also the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Jeep Wrangler.

Mazda Cx-9.

[Shaner]

Nissan Murano

[T-Man]

I vote for Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 Diesel w/ Sunroof, Leather etc.

http://www.jeep.com/en/2009/grand_cherokee/#



Click on "Shopping Tools" > "Jeep Vs Competition". then select your make/model of your other choices.

The MSRP is about 50K but I know I can put you on the road within your budget.

[Jon Lai]

How about max-ing out a RAV4? It's not really a full SUV but it's great for everyday driving.

[crunked]

I say you should just get a 2009 Forester 2.5XT Limited. Can't go wrong with Subaru :)

[baboo]

if you are upgrading from the forester...why not look at the tribeca?

[Ebtek]

hyundai veracruz

http://www.hyundaicanada.com/Pages/showroom/showroom.aspx?model=Veracruz

i just bought one. its amazing!

[Spud72]

You could probably get a 4Runner for under 40K now. The 4.0 V6 has pretty good fuel economy too... for an SUV. :cheesygri

[Ebtek]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvo6AMQFhK8

lol

[jtcb]

The new 2010 Mercedes GLK is around $41,800.

[zivan56]

I would say +1 for Hyundai Veracruz as well, as long as you don't mind clueless people who think Hyundai is a "junk" brand.

[gherikill]

I thought this thread was about SUVs??? All I see are CUVs. Get a minivan if you don't need to tow.

[golden]

Did you say $40k all in price? or just MSRP? if $40k base price, you have a lot more choices than all in.

[Bazooka Joe]

I don't get it... you have a forrester. You like forresters. They make forresters in the 40k+ range (fully loaded XT ltd).

And you're buying something else?

Also, why limit yourself to an SUV? The outback has more room, better approach/departure angles and similar clearance (it had more clearance until very recently - now it's 5mm-15mm less depending on which two models you're comparing). It is a superior offroad vehicle in most respects to the forrester. If fashion is your reason instead of utility this won't work though.

[bahasad]

I agree with the Jeep or the 4Runner. All other's aren't true SUVs...they are not offroaders really.
A GLK would be nice though :lol:

[sleepyguy]

Actually we are looking at the Outback as well. Price is definately in the range of we are looking for.

Thanks for the comments. Got a few models to go look into. I'm guessing with the American cars I can deal quite a bit since they are in a tight spot right now though. -sg

I don't get it... you have a forrester. You like forresters. They make forresters in the 40k+ range (fully loaded XT ltd).

And you're buying something else?

Also, why limit yourself to an SUV? The outback has more room, better approach/departure angles and similar clearance (it had more clearance until very recently - now it's 5mm-15mm less depending on which two models you're comparing). It is a superior offroad vehicle in most respects to the forrester. If fashion is your reason instead of utility this won't work though.

[kingrukus]

You *might* be able to get a base model 2008 Toyota Highlander in that range.

[aquariaguy]

Actually we are looking at the Outback as well. Price is definately in the range of we are looking for.

Thanks for the comments. Got a few models to go look into. I'm guessing with the American cars I can deal quite a bit since they are in a tight spot right now though. -sg

We have an 06 Outback v4. It's alright the gas mileage isn't good, I guess because its AWD. But the new Foresters look very tempting! Even the price is good. Plus if that buffalo dealer still sells to canadians, u're good to go!

[belowzeros]

do yourself a favour and get one of the hybrids unless your company pays for gas too. i'm sick of paying for gas after 12 years of driving SUVs...400km on a tank isn't fun anymore. well it wasn't fun after year1 really lol :)

[James604]

Get a pre-owned 4runner.
I would go import and stay away from the Jeeps, Durangos etc...

4Runners don't seem to ever break and come in a V6 for fuel economy.

Probably will be my next truck.

[booblehead]

Acura MDX (2007 ?)

[golden]

Why care about offroad ability when you drive on road for 99% of the time? And if you have nothing to tow, just get something fuel efficient. Gas price will not stay at current level forever.

[bionicbadger]

do yourself a favour and get one of the hybrids unless your company pays for gas too. i'm sick of paying for gas after 12 years of driving SUVs...400km on a tank isn't fun anymore. well it wasn't fun after year1 really lol :)

Many Hybrids are just marketing so people can show off the hybrid badge that they seem to think needs to be plastered on the car 2 or 3 times per side. Look closely at the MPG they get. There are hybrids out there rated at 22MPG. Thats worse than many cars/SUVs with big gas motors

[sleepyguy]

The vehicle as to be $40K be at least around 40K MSRP, all in. So no, base price could be around $37K and with taxes+s/h it could hit the mark.

And yes she would be getting partial gas milelage as well. At the end of the day it's pretty much paying for itself for the next 5yrs until the next contract.


Thx for all the suggestions btw. -sg

Did you say $40k all in price? or just MSRP? if $40k base price, you have a lot more choices than all in.

[Matrixvibe]

Just throwing another one out there...mitsubishi outlander

[RSX-S]

How about VW Tiguan? I see it as a GTI with 4wd and more ground clearance. The fully loaded Highline model is 38K.

[zzz3]

Get a pre-owned 4runner.
I would go import and stay away from the Jeeps, Durangos etc...

4Runners don't seem to ever break and come in a V6 for fuel economy.

Probably will be my next truck.

Jeep Grand Cherokee yeah i have heard they have their share of problems with electronics, but Durango, dont know about that, even after smashing in to the concrete barrier on the 401 my dads durango still hasnt had a major problem except the parking break handle coming off once. Would i recommend a used one, probably not because the features are pretty dated but is it reliable yes, at least the 2001-2003 where (i guess because they were the last years before the redesign), and if your going to be towing than sure. But otherwise the 4Runner is pretty solid as well and a good choice if you insist on a real used suv.