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What is the Best SUV For me?

193 messages,  Last post on Mar 05, 2013 at 5:28 PM

You are in the SUVs Forum.

What is this discussion about? Nissan Xterra, Toyota RAV4, Honda Pilot, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, SUV

Messages Page 19 of 20

#181 of 193 Re: Lost [carteach] by nsbio1

Nov 18, 2012 (9:39 am)

Replying to: carteach (Nov 17, 2012 7:59 pm)
2012 Outback goes very nicely in a straight line, especially with 6-cyl, but make a turn and it handles like an old Buick. I would consider Honda Element (if you can get past the looks) or Mazda CX-9 (you can get close to $7000 of MSRP right now but gas mileage is not exactly the best).

#187 of 193 Good compact to medium-sized SUV for college student on a budget? by l33_0h

Mar 01, 2013 (6:31 pm)

Hello everyone,
 
I am 20 years old and in college. I'm majoring in wildlife biology, which requires me to do internships in a variety of wild places. The thing is, some of these internships require me to be able to drive through some pretty rocky roads. Another thing is, most of them don't come with housing so there would be times when I would be sleeping in my car. Ahhh, the wonderful life of a wildlife biologist.
To make a long story short, I'm looking to buy a used car, possibly by the summer, that is rugged enough to go through somewhat rocky terrain and be able to handle the wilderness, and have enough room to possibly kick back and sleep for a night. I have $2500 dollars currently, and I could save $1500 or so more by the time I'm ready to buy.
So in summation, what would be a good car for someone in my position (a broke college student), who needs to be able to drive in some rough conditions?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
 
Thanks,
 
-Leo

#188 of 193 Re: Good compact to medium-sized SUV for college student on a budget? [l33_0h] by utahdriver

Mar 02, 2013 (9:48 pm)

Replying to: l33_0h (Mar 01, 2013 6:31 pm)
You should really look at the Mazda CX 5, I live in Salt lake and replaced a Volvo cross country, with 205,000 miles, with the CX 5. This is a great car. lots of extras for the dollars and great gas mileage. look at the consumer comments and there are very few issues with the CX 5 and mileage matches the advertised MPG. I get 28 mpg in mixed driving with 2,000 miles and no issues. I do a lot of research on cars before buying and I work on my own cars. The Mazda CX 5 is solid and great technology. You can get a base AWD for about 23,500. The only other car I would suggest is the New Subaru Impreza or Crosstrek for good fuel economy and reliable. My suggestion for used is look at a Subaru Outback, Impreza or Forester. Stay away from Ford, GM, Jeep, Dodge, (just don't have the reliability for high mileage), and Nissan Rouge, transmission issues. Hope this helps.

#189 of 193 Re: Good compact to medium-sized SUV for college student on a budget? [utahdriver] by kyfdx HOST

Mar 03, 2013 (4:57 am)

Replying to: utahdriver (Mar 02, 2013 9:48 pm)
He only has $4000...
 
Late '90s Jeep Cherokee?

#190 of 193 Re: Good compact to medium-sized SUV for college student on a budget? [l33_0h] by steve_ HOST

Mar 03, 2013 (6:39 am)

Replying to: l33_0h (Mar 01, 2013 6:31 pm)
How about a pickup and a tent?
 
Good ground clearance and you'd be the go-to guy for hauling drugged bears and photography blinds around.
 
You can find late '90s RAV4s and Explorers and similar SUVs in your price range. I wouldn't be too brand picky - more important is finding a ride that's been maintained. Ask to see service records and find a mechanic now who can do a pre-purchase inspection. That's cheap insurance.

Messages Page 19 of 20

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