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What is the Best SUV For me?

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

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

Messages Page 20 of 20

#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.

#192 of 193 best suv or pickup for under 10k by zeeyo987

Mar 03, 2013 (11:51 am)

i have 1000 down and will finance the rest looking to get a good dependable suv that will last me a while and can take messed up roads. I have narrowed it down to a 2005 4runner or 06-08 armada, any tips or suggestions? im open to pickups as well and was looking at the titan because carcomplaints.com ranked the silverado pretty low, thanks!

#193 of 193 new owner? by steve_ HOST

Mar 05, 2013 (5:28 pm)

A reporter would like to speak to a recent car buyer who purchased an American brand car, like Ford or GM, after owning a Japanese brand car. If you would like to share your story, please send your daytime contact info to predmunds.com no later than Tuesday, 3/5/13 at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.

Messages Page 20 of 20

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