Recommendation for SUV around 15k?

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CrashAndBurn

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#277037 23-Sep-2020 01:20

I have been in NZ for over 10 years now and have always walked to work hence not needed to own a car. We recently bought a property which resulted in us needing a car. I have set a budget between 12-15k. Can push to 17k but should have a very good reason for it. Wife says anything is OK as long as it is an SUV as she prefers the height of it vs sedans. Looking at TradeMe, I have filtered it with my budget and under 100kms and shortlisted the Toyota Vanguard and Subaru Forester. As I have no experience with both cars, I was hoping someone could share theirs or give any other recommendations. Looking at low cost of ownership and reliability. I don't mind up to 2.5l engine as it will not be a daily driver due to WFH most of the time.

Below are a couple that I saw. I have seen a number of BMW X1 in the same price range but I have heard horror stories about BMW's in general.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/subaru/forester/listing/2735864401

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/toyota/vanguard/listing/2789669908

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#2572498 23-Sep-2020 08:18

I have been looking for SUV's myself around and just above your budget. I've been looking at the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai ix35 (Tucson after 2015), and Kia Sportage; I'm pretty settled on a 2016+ RAV4 myself.

I would also take a look at the above models in the 2010+ model year. The Korean twins have come quite far from the horror stories of the 80s-90s and compete with their continental cousins in terms of reliability and features. The Vanguard is really just an imported RAV4 with a few more JDM options.

I'm a bit so-so about Subaru, they do the job well enough, but the fit-and-finish isn't quite there compared to the likes of Toyota and Mazda IMO. Plenty of people on here have them and love them though, so YMMV. Same story with Mitsubishi, but again, not meant to steer you away, just something to consider.

I would carefully consider any European marques though; while there is nothing inherently wrong with them, the cost of parts, servicing, and repair can be considerably higher, depending on the model.

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#2572502 23-Sep-2020 08:26

Partly depends on what years and models.

The Vanguard is basically a RAV4, and generally very reliable (I mean, it's a Toyota...) unless it's been mistreated. They are not all AWD, though, and there is quite a variation in their towing capacity between models even within the same generation, so if either of these are relevant factors for you, make sure you know which you're looking at.

Foresters are all AWD, I would say the better drivers car (even if it's not the Fun version), but will have generally higher maintenance requirements and costs.

So if low cost and reliability are your primary requirements, I'd go the Toyota over the Forester. Absolutely avoid the BMW X1 if these are your objectives.

Handsomedan

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#2572514 23-Sep-2020 08:52

Just to throw one more in the mix in that price range...Honda CRV. Not a true SUV by any stretch, but size, shape and style, it's the same class as a RAV4.

Some nice newer model ones online in your price range with lowish KM's and they're not expensive to maintain and they are fairly cheap to run.

EDIT: Here's one on Trademe - Honda CRV on Trademe

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wratterus

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#2572515 23-Sep-2020 08:57

Don't buy European. IMO that is an awkward price point. You're right in between getting something older with low kms, or newer with high kms. I would probably look for a RAV in that price range. You might just be able to find a newer shape (2014+) in your price range with higher kms, or a slightly older one with lower kms.

Tucson are great IMO but you won't get a good example in that price range.

CrashAndBurn

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#2572533 23-Sep-2020 09:40

Thanks for the comments so far. I think it is safe to rule out Europeans now. Will check RAV, CRV and the Mazda's.

blackjack17

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#2572536 23-Sep-2020 09:50

What about the Subaru outback? Not an SUV but a high sided station wagon.

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#2572537 23-Sep-2020 09:51

I love my RAV4. My last was written off (a 2008 Limited hit from behind by a 2 week old Ford Ranger at speed - funny how pedestrian crossing means stop) so replaced with a 2016 (wanted the Hybrid but went for the Limited instead). All years are good solid reliable family vehicles that fit the dog and family with tons of space. I just searched Trade Me 10k to 15k and it came back with heaps. Just need to pick if don't care mileage vs year. I was over 200k in mine when the idiot hit me. My payout on the 2008 was excellent last year so zero complaints on residual value too. I prefer the Limited but you pay more.

backfiah

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#2572559 23-Sep-2020 10:02

Consider if you actually need an SUV first... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/01/suv-conquered-america-climate-change-emissions

ShinyChrome

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#2572616 23-Sep-2020 10:23

backfiah:

Consider if you actually need an SUV first... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/01/suv-conquered-america-climate-change-emissions

Not really appropriate here, since a lot of these "SUVs" mentioned are actually more crossover SUVs aka CUV. The difference being they are built on the same platform as a lot of sedans/hatchbacks and share the same powertrains as well, so emissions are arguably a wash with any other similar sized vehicle.

That article is very pointedly talking about traditional SUVs that 'Murica loves ie. a truck chassis with a truck sized motor.

While I agree in spirit, it's also right there in the first post:

Wife says anything is OK as long as it is an SUV as she prefers the height of it vs sedans

Scott3

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#2572630 23-Sep-2020 10:48

First thing to decide is how big of a vehicle you want, and if you want any particular features (Awd / Auto / good sound system)

These days SUV's range from Stuff like the Suzuki Ignis (basically a very small hatchback with black trim around the wheels / under doors, slightly more ground clearance), right up to the likes of the v8 nissan patrol (Struggle to fit in carparks).

The former starts from $20k brand new.

I have a 2006 lexus RX400h (basically the same as a high spec Toyota Harrier Hybrid). Basically brought it because the seats (frount and back) are very comfortable, which was important when my wife was recovering from an operation. Fuel costs are less than a 2.4L SUV from the same era (a lot less around the city), but it is a very comfortable way to travel. Packed full of sound deadening, and 200kW hybrid drivetrain is quiet, smooth and powerfull. Of course having 6 cylinders and a cam belt etc means that maintenance costs are a little more than a Rav4 / CRV.

The Rav4 (Vangard) would be a very common pick, but they tend to carry a price premium because they are so well known. Also I am not a fan of side hinged tailgates for my use. The Honda CRV should be equally or more reliable.

A new shape kia sportage Post 2011/2012 shape would also be worth a look. These are very well regarded.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/kia/sportage/listing/2791963408

While the forrester is a nice car, and best in class for off road stuff, personally I wouldn't get is unless you want what it offers. Boxer engine means maintenance costs are higher, and the constant AWD will mean fuel costs are a lot higher than the sportage above too. Personally I think at a 2.0L engine in an older AWD Subaru would be fairly weak, but would be fine in the 2wd sportage.

[edit] in terms of the little SUV's many havn't been around long enough to depreciate into your price bracked, but some are close.

For example: Mazda CX-3

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mazda/listing/2766070363

Honda HR-V:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/honda/hr-v/listing/2769013406

You could also consider a tall hatchback. Something like a toyota spade has massive interior space, high seating, in a small exterior (it doesn't have the big wheels & tires or engine bay of most SUV's so packaging is more efficient).

Suzuki also has some nice products that could be considered:

Grand Vitara

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/suzuki/listing/2713628007

SX4 (kind blends the line between hatchback and SUV - great value, your budget can get a 2016 model year)

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/suzuki/listing/2696586878

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#2572637 23-Sep-2020 11:08

I love my Xtrail T31. 2.5L. Power horse for my skiing, hiking, camping, beach trips. Powerful and economical enough (my average is currently 11.5km per litre) to carry all our gear, smooth to ride on gravel.

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CrashAndBurn

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#2573075 23-Sep-2020 20:59

Scott3:

First thing to decide is how big of a vehicle you want, and if you want any particular features (Awd / Auto / good sound system)

These days SUV's range from Stuff like the Suzuki Ignis (basically a very small hatchback with black trim around the wheels / under doors, slightly more ground clearance), right up to the likes of the v8 nissan patrol (Struggle to fit in carparks).

The former starts from $20k brand new.

I have a 2006 lexus RX400h (basically the same as a high spec Toyota Harrier Hybrid). Basically brought it because the seats (frount and back) are very comfortable, which was important when my wife was recovering from an operation. Fuel costs are less than a 2.4L SUV from the same era (a lot less around the city), but it is a very comfortable way to travel. Packed full of sound deadening, and 200kW hybrid drivetrain is quiet, smooth and powerfull. Of course having 6 cylinders and a cam belt etc means that maintenance costs are a little more than a Rav4 / CRV.

The Rav4 (Vangard) would be a very common pick, but they tend to carry a price premium because they are so well known. Also I am not a fan of side hinged tailgates for my use. The Honda CRV should be equally or more reliable.

A new shape kia sportage Post 2011/2012 shape would also be worth a look. These are very well regarded.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/kia/sportage/listing/2791963408

While the forrester is a nice car, and best in class for off road stuff, personally I wouldn't get is unless you want what it offers. Boxer engine means maintenance costs are higher, and the constant AWD will mean fuel costs are a lot higher than the sportage above too. Personally I think at a 2.0L engine in an older AWD Subaru would be fairly weak, but would be fine in the 2wd sportage.

[edit] in terms of the little SUV's many havn't been around long enough to depreciate into your price bracked, but some are close.

For example: Mazda CX-3

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mazda/listing/2766070363

Honda HR-V:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/honda/hr-v/listing/2769013406

You could also consider a tall hatchback. Something like a toyota spade has massive interior space, high seating, in a small exterior (it doesn't have the big wheels & tires or engine bay of most SUV's so packaging is more efficient).

Suzuki also has some nice products that could be considered:

Grand Vitara

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/suzuki/listing/2713628007

SX4 (kind blends the line between hatchback and SUV - great value, your budget can get a 2016 model year)

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/suzuki/listing/2696586878

I was wondering about the Suzuki's. Do they have an acceptable reputation now like the Kia's and Hyundai's had issues before?

Scott3

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#2573094 23-Sep-2020 21:33

CrashAndBurn:

I was wondering about the Suzuki's. Do they have an acceptable reputation now like the Kia's and Hyundai's had issues before?

Frankly I don't have too much personal experience, but they are regarded as pritty good. Perhaps not as good as Toyota (excl known diesel engine issues), Lexus, Honda, but still pritty good.

They seem to be less aggressive than some of the other brands with their engine and gearbox tech. This means they often use more fuel, but do OK for reliability.

J.D. powers UK vehicle dependability survey seem to frequently have them their the top of the list.

https://europe.jdpower.com/press-releases/2019-uk-vehicle-dependability-study

Of course some of this is model dependent. The very popular suzuki swift has a great reputation for reliability. I don't know much about the other models. Vitara is near the bottom of this list:

https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-what-car-reliability-survey-small-suvs/n20062

That said I don't know how much to trust it with a mini at the top of the list.

And the SX4 is near the top of this list:

https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-what-car-reliability-survey-family-suvs/n20064

Using UK sources as NZ info limited, and Suzuki is not sold in the USA.

Do you need to go out of town?

If not, you could consider the Nissan leaf. Won the Consumer NZ reliability thing, and very cheap to run. Quite a tall seating position for a hatchback as the battery pack is under the seats. At 1550mm tall, it is roughly the same height (within 0-30mm) as the smaller SUV's like SX4, Kona, CX-3 etc.

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#2573111 23-Sep-2020 22:21

ShinyChrome:

I have been looking for SUV's myself around and just above your budget. I've been looking at the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai ix35 (Tucson after 2015), and Kia Sportage; I'm pretty settled on a 2016+ RAV4 myself.

I would also take a look at the above models in the 2010+ model year. The Korean twins have come quite far from the horror stories of the 80s-90s and compete with their continental cousins in terms of reliability and features. The Vanguard is really just an imported RAV4 with a few more JDM options.

I'm a bit so-so about Subaru, they do the job well enough, but the fit-and-finish isn't quite there compared to the likes of Toyota and Mazda IMO. Plenty of people on here have them and love them though, so YMMV. Same story with Mitsubishi, but again, not meant to steer you away, just something to consider.

I would carefully consider any European marques though; while there is nothing inherently wrong with them, the cost of parts, servicing, and repair can be considerably higher, depending on the model.

I think you are a bit offbase with fit and finish of modern Subarus. They can be quite polarising but we had a heap of them at work and they were all at least as well assembled as Toyotas. Reliability was good as well and most of our team chose the Outback over the Mazda 6 and RAV 4 (no one chose the RAV4 and we ultimately removed it from the list).

RAV4 are a bit polarising, I hate the interiors, I think they are absolutely awful. Good vehicle but just a bit sh!t inside. YMMV and if you like it enjoy!

Mitsubishi is definitely a more "budget" option. I had an Outlander and currently drive a Pajero and they are older technology but decent at what they do and excellent value for money. The CVT in the Outlander can be quite polarising, some hate it.

In that price range I wouldn't go near a European car, I'd be looking for something as simple as possible.

CrashAndBurn

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#2573120 23-Sep-2020 23:01

Scott3:

Do you need to go out of town?

If not, you could consider the Nissan leaf. Won the Consumer NZ reliability thing, and very cheap to run. Quite a tall seating position for a hatchback as the battery pack is under the seats. At 1550mm tall, it is roughly the same height (within 0-30mm) as the smaller SUV's like SX4, Kona, CX-3 etc.

I go out of town probably once every 3 months. As much as I would like to go electric, the most I'd go will probably be a hybrid. I have been wanting that Rav Hybrid but budget says NO :(

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