02-26-2007, 04:19 PM
What about a Mitsu Outlander (used?) or Lancer AWD?
FWIW, my gf has an '03 Suzuki XL-7 and it has been very, very reliable. 50k miles now and no mechanical problems. The interior is featured up amazingly well; some of the plastics are a little on the cheap side. The paint job looks nice, but unfortunately it seems to scratch very easily. She has a lot of scratches that look to be from people getting into their own cars and rubbing their satchel/purse up against her car. Maybe she just got one with not enough paint coats, I dunno.
The other caveat with buying what I call "Tier 2" vehicles -- Suzuki, Kia, Hyundai -- is the resale. It drops like a stone, much more so than "established" brands like Toyota, Honda, etc. The upside is that *sometimes* you have more room to bargain on a Tier 2 which can somewhat alleviate resale value. My gf's XL-7 listed out at 28k msrp with all the options she got -- power sunroof, heated leather, 6-cd, etc. -- but she paid 22k for it.
OTOH, Subarus (a higher quality brand imho) can also be had at invoice or below thanks to factory incentives. Google for some Subie forums and find out what people are paying. My gf's next ride will likely be a Subie. My understanding is that Subie's AWD system is also superior to most others. Exceptions include Acura's SH-AWD but then you're getting into big bucks.
OF NOTE: If you drive in anything approaching a spirited manner, the Subie's mpg will likely hold out better than the 'Zuki's. (I can't speak for the Chrysler.) I have talked to many Subie owners who flog their vehicles and still get the stated EPA mpg or better. And my gf's previous ride, a '99 Subie Forester, was also a mpg champion...and she drives like a bat out of hell. Not so with the Zuki: she still drives the same, but the mpg is well below the mfr's stated numbers. Hence for her lead foot, only a Subie will suffice!
If you want a total bargain, buy a used Tier 2 and let someone else take the depreciation hit. [Certain domestic models might also qualify as a Tier 2 imho.]
You might consider adding a Chevy Equinox to your mix. I don't know if the mpg plays out, but it might. Also: Saturn Vue, Honda CR-V and Element (might go used to hit your price point). Ditto the Matrix/Vibe.
Another consideration (looks like you're on it to your credit) would be to go smaller rather than larger given the choice. Mfrs are now going smaller (better mpg) and imho this will play out in consumer wants when it's time for resale.
FWIW, my gf has an '03 Suzuki XL-7 and it has been very, very reliable. 50k miles now and no mechanical problems. The interior is featured up amazingly well; some of the plastics are a little on the cheap side. The paint job looks nice, but unfortunately it seems to scratch very easily. She has a lot of scratches that look to be from people getting into their own cars and rubbing their satchel/purse up against her car. Maybe she just got one with not enough paint coats, I dunno.
The other caveat with buying what I call "Tier 2" vehicles -- Suzuki, Kia, Hyundai -- is the resale. It drops like a stone, much more so than "established" brands like Toyota, Honda, etc. The upside is that *sometimes* you have more room to bargain on a Tier 2 which can somewhat alleviate resale value. My gf's XL-7 listed out at 28k msrp with all the options she got -- power sunroof, heated leather, 6-cd, etc. -- but she paid 22k for it.
OTOH, Subarus (a higher quality brand imho) can also be had at invoice or below thanks to factory incentives. Google for some Subie forums and find out what people are paying. My gf's next ride will likely be a Subie. My understanding is that Subie's AWD system is also superior to most others. Exceptions include Acura's SH-AWD but then you're getting into big bucks.
OF NOTE: If you drive in anything approaching a spirited manner, the Subie's mpg will likely hold out better than the 'Zuki's. (I can't speak for the Chrysler.) I have talked to many Subie owners who flog their vehicles and still get the stated EPA mpg or better. And my gf's previous ride, a '99 Subie Forester, was also a mpg champion...and she drives like a bat out of hell. Not so with the Zuki: she still drives the same, but the mpg is well below the mfr's stated numbers. Hence for her lead foot, only a Subie will suffice!
If you want a total bargain, buy a used Tier 2 and let someone else take the depreciation hit. [Certain domestic models might also qualify as a Tier 2 imho.]
You might consider adding a Chevy Equinox to your mix. I don't know if the mpg plays out, but it might. Also: Saturn Vue, Honda CR-V and Element (might go used to hit your price point). Ditto the Matrix/Vibe.
Another consideration (looks like you're on it to your credit) would be to go smaller rather than larger given the choice. Mfrs are now going smaller (better mpg) and imho this will play out in consumer wants when it's time for resale.