New SUV / Crossover

[Bjjams]

I am in the market for a new SUV / crossover and I’m wondering what you guys have for suggestions or more importantly some models to stay away from. So far I’ve considered an Escape, Equinox, Rav4, Sorento, and Santa Fe. Previously my wife had a 2010 altima that we were in an accident in and we found out it is totaled. It was good car and we thought about the Murano but it’s too spendy and didn’t like the Rogue. Looking to stay about the 25,000$ range.

[TR21HP]

You are on the low end for the Escape or Equinox just looking at prices around some dealerships but the RAV 4 is in the ballpark for 25K. 25K is going to get you the base vehicle but then you're looking at adding tax, license and dealer prep. Hopefully you'll find what you're looking for. Good Luck!

[ted4887]

I just brought home a 2013 Ford Escape from Rochester Ford about 3 hours ago. I felt it was a good deal. Mine had an MSRP of about $34,500, but there is a $2000 rebate and I received a substantial discount on it as well.

You are probably going to have to look at SE Escapes, or possibly lesser equipped SEL's if you want to stay in your ballpark. However, it is a slick little vehicle for the price and is close to your price range.

The other vehicle that I would suggest looking at would be the new 2014 Subaru Foresters. I leaned towards the Escape when it was all said and done, but could have been happy with the Forester as well. A very nice ride for a mid to upper $20k vehicle. The Foresters are also a little less $$ than the Escapes.

Good luck on the search.

[Jeremy airjer W]

we thought about the Murano but it’s too spendy and didn’t like the Rogue.

Wise decision making so far!

Although it does not have the best fuel economy check out a jeep liberty. Honda CRV and pilot are good options although I think that you get more bang for the buck by going with the Toyota equivalent. I like the looks of the new escape. there pretty comfy even for a 6' plus guy. Mostly I just like the trick windshield wipers on them! Subaru has one of the best all wheel drive systems in both performance and reliability.

[Bjjams]

Yeah 25k is definitly on the low end for those vehicles. Probably end up closer to 30k OTD. I don't want one too stripped down but I also don't need top of the line either. Not exactly sure I need AWD. I have a silverado for when it gets bad. We've gotten by fine without it but I know not having it kills resale.

ted4887-Did you get the 1.6 or 2.0? Those escapes are nice. I know they're good motors from what I've been hearing but not sure I want a turbo motor.

Not a fan of Subarus or Chrysler. I'm also not a fan of buying the first model year of a new or redesigned vehicle but there seems to have been a lot of them in 2013.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I know they're good motors from what I've been hearing but not sure I want a turbo motor.

With almost a 100 extra horsepower, you want the turbo!

[Scott K]

I agree with Jer, get the EcoBoost engine. It is fun to drive, with good mpg.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

2.NOT SLOW, GTDI. FTW! (ecoboost)

[Bjjams]

Tough decisions. I liked the escape a lot but I test drove the equinox and liked that too. About the same price and MPG but it's bigger. Going to test drive the Rav 4 today and see how that compares.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

My mom had a 2012 Equinox for about 4 months and traded it in. I drove it once and hated the vehicle. They are cramped, there is almost no trunk space, and the controls are quirky as heck. I also thought the V6 was underpowered. She had a Buick LeSabre before it, and I was shocked at how much smaller the Equinox was compared to the car. I give it a 1 out of 10.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The Equinox is not high on my list as well.

[Dave S]

I know it's smaller than what you're looking for but I'll throw out a plug for the VW Tiguan. Fun little vehicle with a 2.0L turbo and I think $25K will get you into one in 2WD.

I've got a 2011 with 65K miles in 2 years and it's been the most bullet proof vehicle I've owned.

[Bjjams]

Well I test drove them all and came to conclusion everyone makes a nice car. I wouldn’t mind having any of them. I think it’s come down to the escape, rav4 or sante fe. I like the size of the sante fe but I’m leaning towards the rav. My wife is leaning escape and ultimately she’s the one who has to drive it every day. Luckily we have a car we can borrow long term till we find the right deal.

Also I’ve heard the end of August is the best time of year to buy new, any truth to that? I assume it has to do with new model years coming out.

[Scott K]

It will be the closeout of the previous model year, if you wait until then, you may not find the options you want, but you will get the best deals, usually. I would start shopping around now, and if you find the one you want, make them give you a good deal.

[JONOV]

Manufacturers begin to increase incentives in May and June, but they adjust them monthly according to inventory/production forecasts/market conditions. When the 2014 model year begins to come out, the 2013's become much more heavily incentivised. However, your pool of available cars shrinks quickly, so IF you have something very specific in mind (I want it in dark red, with a sunroof, upgraded radio package and Front wheel drive,) Act sooner, June, July or later this month even, when there is a bigger pool. You have to remember that the best deals are on remaining inventory. Some sat around that long for a reason (color, option package) and some sat around because the dealer ordered too many of them and some sat around for no reason at all.

[Bjjams]

Still haven't bought anything but we're close. It's down to Honda CRV and Mazda CX-5. I know the honda's a good car but my wife likes the look of the mazda better. Does anyone have an opinion on mazda? Everything I've read had nothing but good things to say.

[Bjjams]

Well after way too many test drives and some really annoying salesman we ended up with an awd Honda CRV EX-L. My wife’s happy and I got the deal I wanted. Now I just pray my truck holds up so I don’t have to go through that again for a while.

[corncob]

Excellent choice, the CRV is a great vehicle that should be reliable , good mileage, and holds it's value very well...Think your wife will love driving it too.

[amateurfishing]

sorry im late, would have told you to check out new dodge Durango. wife just got one, its bare bones (cloth, basic radio, etc) but the vehicle has more leg room than the stuff mentioned above, rides great, very good MPG, and could be argued that has better inside setup than most previously mentioned. we chose the Durango after being less than happy with a Nissan dealership trying to get an armada

[LwnmwnMan2]

sorry im late, would have told you to check out new dodge Durango. wife just got one, its bare bones (cloth, basic radio, etc) but the vehicle has more leg room than the stuff mentioned above, rides great, very good MPG, and could be argued that has better inside setup than most previously mentioned. we chose the Durango after being less than happy with a Nissan dealership trying to get an armada

I know the OP was about a different model, but with this post, and so others can read, we too bought a new 2013 Durango.

Ours is on the other end of the spectrum though, a Citadel that's loaded.

We bought this to replace a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country.

The wife and I absolutely LOVE it!!! We only have the V-6 but get 20 around town and 25 on the road at 75.

For others looking for a little bigger crossover, absolutely go check out a new Durango.