So I'll get to do a search over the next few months and only have to pay half of the vehicle cost...
My 15 year old will get his license in April and will inherit his brother's 2011 MDX, and their mom and I plan on buying a new car for the 17 year old (he'll turn 18 and graduate HS in May).
He definitely wants an SUV of some sort, and I'm thinking a budget of $20-25k (not entirely sure what my ex is thinking, so that could change).
Based on looking at local listings, my initial thoughts are:
2018-2020 CX-5
2017-2018 CR-V
2017-2018 RDX
2019-2020 Santa Fe (or Tuscon)
If he and his mom prefer a larger SUV closer to the size of his MDX (not sure why, but we'll see)...
2017-2018 Pilot
2017-2018 Highlander
2018-2019 CX-9
Those CR-Vs hold their value so well it's ridiculous. Seems like some of the larger SUVs are actually better buys. And based on my initial search, a previous gen RDX also seems like a stronger value than the CR-V.
My initial top choice would be a CX-5 - great SUV with all the safety tech but at a much better value than the Hondas and Toyotas.
I think many of us here would like to be adopted by you.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I don't know. I think @breld could start his own enthusiast car club and just let folks buy into a share of the fleet. Unlimited reservation access to any vehicle in it! I'd be interested in that if I lived in CO.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I don't know. I think @breld could start his own enthusiast car club and just let folks buy into a share of the fleet. Unlimited reservation access to any vehicle in it! I'd be interested in that if I lived in CO.
Don’t think we haven’t talked about a scheme just like that...
My Dad and I frequently lament the fact that I don't live closer because could do just that. He has tons of available parking and enjoys cars as much as I do.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
This car is vastly underpriced - they have it priced like a GTI S when in fact it is a GTI Autobahn. Too bad it isn't a manual and is the older 6-spd DSG...
So I'll get to do a search over the next few months and only have to pay half of the vehicle cost...
My 15 year old will get his license in April and will inherit his brother's 2011 MDX, and their mom and I plan on buying a new car for the 17 year old (he'll turn 18 and graduate HS in May).
He definitely wants an SUV of some sort, and I'm thinking a budget of $20-25k (not entirely sure what my ex is thinking, so that could change).
Based on looking at local listings, my initial thoughts are:
2018-2020 CX-5
2017-2018 CR-V
2017-2018 RDX
2019-2020 Santa Fe (or Tuscon)
If he and his mom prefer a larger SUV closer to the size of his MDX (not sure why, but we'll see)...
2017-2018 Pilot
2017-2018 Highlander
2018-2019 CX-9
Those CR-Vs hold their value so well it's ridiculous. Seems like some of the larger SUVs are actually better buys. And based on my initial search, a previous gen RDX also seems like a stronger value than the CR-V.
My initial top choice would be a CX-5 - great SUV with all the safety tech but at a much better value than the Hondas and Toyotas.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
So I'll get to do a search over the next few months and only have to pay half of the vehicle cost...
My 15 year old will get his license in April and will inherit his brother's 2011 MDX, and their mom and I plan on buying a new car for the 17 year old (he'll turn 18 and graduate HS in May).
He definitely wants an SUV of some sort, and I'm thinking a budget of $20-25k (not entirely sure what my ex is thinking, so that could change).
Based on looking at local listings, my initial thoughts are:
2018-2020 CX-5
2017-2018 CR-V
2017-2018 RDX
2019-2020 Santa Fe (or Tuscon)
If he and his mom prefer a larger SUV closer to the size of his MDX (not sure why, but we'll see)...
2017-2018 Pilot
2017-2018 Highlander
2018-2019 CX-9
Those CR-Vs hold their value so well it's ridiculous. Seems like some of the larger SUVs are actually better buys. And based on my initial search, a previous gen RDX also seems like a stronger value than the CR-V.
My initial top choice would be a CX-5 - great SUV with all the safety tech but at a much better value than the Hondas and Toyotas.
I think many of us here would like to be adopted by you.
To be fair, he received a scholarship to his college - while it covers "only" half the cost, it is the highest level the college offers. That car budget is about one year of the four year scholarship, so getting the car is much more palatable.
looks like the Son has gotten going on his looking for the next car (since his lease ends in December, and he learned from the best, that you need to plan ahead!) Sent me a link to a Caddy CT5-V (if I got the alphabet soup correct) that he liked. Not something that had been on his radar, but he kept getting ads sent to him for it. Certainly worth looking at as a competitor to a G70 or the new TLX S type. Both also on his list, along with the upcoming Genesis smaller CUV (GV70). And the usual M340i and some Audi (S4 maybe). And I am sure more to be added to the list.
I can relate to that. I haven’t bought a car in 6 months and those old feelings are starting to stir. The trouble is that my fleet is running fine at the moment which is usually my motivation to buy. The cargo van is the highest milage (121k) and the junkiest so I might replace it with a small truck. Too bad trucks are sky high right now.
My other alternative is to get another convertible to replace the Sebring. I don’t need a fast car (I have one of those) more a nice top down cruiser for sunny day touring.
My criterion would be $10k price limit and standard shift if possible. I was thinking another Mustang. A 2005-09 V6 would be ok as it would outpower the Sebring by 40hp. If I got one 2004 or older it would have to be a GT because I wouldn’t trust the old Ford 3.8 V6.
I might even consider an early 2000s Camaro.
My biggest concerns would be reliability as I wouldn’t want my Sunday drive spoiled.
So far my searches have been disappointing except to see how well Mustangs hold their value.
I thought the Mustang used the 4.0 V6 - same engine as in our 2002 Explorer.
If I’m remembering right the Mustang V6 prior to 2005 was the 3.8L. 2005-09 used the 4.0L which was ridiculed by most enthusiasts because it only put out 210hp and because...well...it wasn’t a V8. I wouldn’t be worried about 10hp difference but the 3.8L had a reputation for blowing heads whereas the 4.0L was a truck/SUV motor.
Sounds about right. Ford did sort out the 3.8’s issues by 2000 or so IIRC.... but, in all honesty either engine in a Stang is garbage. Wife had a Mustang with the 3.8 (2004) when we met and my 06 Avalon embarrassed it.
I don't know. I think @breld could start his own enthusiast car club and just let folks buy into a share of the fleet. Unlimited reservation access to any vehicle in it! I'd be interested in that if I lived in CO.
That reminds me of what Hagerty is doing with their Driveshare offering.
Took the Tundra for a quick errand and figured I'd have to shut off the lane departure warning due to it needing recalibration after the windshield was replaced. Was surprised it appeared to work fine. Still going to get the recalibration done, but perhaps these systems are more resilient than we realize!
Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or another about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Hemi? My SIL and BIL have a 2017 Summit with the V6 and it rides great, but is a little slow. What is the 2017/2018 like with a Hemi?
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I’d wager that they don’t lease worth a damn. Every time I’ve looked at Caddy’s the leases are terrible.
that is quite possible. I assume with what he is shopping he plans to lease again, but we shall see. He also mentioned getting a used sport car and some sort of truck for slop duty. So a cheap Taco lease and a used Boxster. Something like that.
looks like the Son has gotten going on his looking for the next car (since his lease ends in December, and he learned from the best, that you need to plan ahead!) Sent me a link to a Caddy CT5-V (if I got the alphabet soup correct) that he liked. Not something that had been on his radar, but he kept getting ads sent to him for it. Certainly worth looking at as a competitor to a G70 or the new TLX S type. Both also on his list, along with the upcoming Genesis smaller CUV (GV70). And the usual M340i and some Audi (S4 maybe). And I am sure more to be added to the list.
I can relate to that. I haven’t bought a car in 6 months and those old feelings are starting to stir. The trouble is that my fleet is running fine at the moment which is usually my motivation to buy. The cargo van is the highest milage (121k) and the junkiest so I might replace it with a small truck. Too bad trucks are sky high right now.
My other alternative is to get another convertible to replace the Sebring. I don’t need a fast car (I have one of those) more a nice top down cruiser for sunny day touring.
My criterion would be $10k price limit and standard shift if possible. I was thinking another Mustang. A 2005-09 V6 would be ok as it would outpower the Sebring by 40hp. If I got one 2004 or older it would have to be a GT because I wouldn’t trust the old Ford 3.8 V6.
I might even consider an early 2000s Camaro.
My biggest concerns would be reliability as I wouldn’t want my Sunday drive spoiled.
So far my searches have been disappointing except to see how well Mustangs hold their value.
I decided that this was a perfect time to add a used PU as a spare car. Then I looked up listings, saw the crazy prices being asked, and shelved that idea. Would probably be smarted to hunt a discount lease on one instead.
Took the Tundra for a quick errand and figured I'd have to shut off the lane departure warning due to it needing recalibration after the windshield was replaced. Was surprised it appeared to work fine. Still going to get the recalibration done, but perhaps these systems are more resilient than we realize!
might be more of needing to check it to confirm, and adjust as needed. Kind of like doing an alignment after messing around in the suspension. May not be out, but you still need to check!
Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or another about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Hemi? My SIL and BIL have a 2017 Summit with the V6 and it rides great, but is a little slow. What is the 2017/2018 like with a Hemi?
Faster. Probably a bit thirstier too, but not enough to really make a difference. Oh, more expensive also.
Breld, my take on your list? Stick with the compact to mid-sized options. Drop the barge class.
and look closer at the Tucson. A good size, great for a student. Plus there is a new design coming out, so could be serious deals to be had. Getting a functionally comparable car to a CX-5 for possible $10K less, for a kid to take to college, seems like the play to me.
Oh, drop the RDX from that list. Seems like overkill.
Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or another about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Hemi? My SIL and BIL have a 2017 Summit with the V6 and it rides great, but is a little slow. What is the 2017/2018 like with a Hemi?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Breld, my take on your list? Stick with the compact to mid-sized options. Drop the barge class.
and look closer at the Tucson. A good size, great for a student. Plus there is a new design coming out, so could be serious deals to be had. Getting a functionally comparable car to a CX-5 for possible $10K less, for a kid to take to college, seems like the play to me.
Oh, drop the RDX from that list. Seems like overkill.
Thanks - I do have the Tucson on the list. I think they're quite handsome.
And I don't disagree the RDX would be overkill, but when I look at used car prices for those vs a CR-V, it's hard to ignore.
Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or another about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Hemi? My SIL and BIL have a 2017 Summit with the V6 and it rides great, but is a little slow. What is the 2017/2018 like with a Hemi?
As you may recall, I went from a Durango V6 to an R/T. While I appreciated the functionality and value of the first Durango, I thought the Hemi transformed it into something really desirable. I'd say worth a look for sure - it was on my short list on my recent search, but they are fairly scarce.
This car is vastly underpriced - they have it priced like a GTI S when in fact it is a GTI Autobahn. Too bad it isn't a manual and is the older 6-spd DSG...
Last I checked the last of the old style RDXs were still listed high. Possible that changed. But that was when the 20's were already out. But the real moral of the story is, don't think about buying a used CRV.
This car is vastly underpriced - they have it priced like a GTI S when in fact it is a GTI Autobahn. Too bad it isn't a manual and is the older 6-spd DSG...
I'd love that - but you can't get adaptive dampers or fender audio with plaid seats.
I really didn't want/need an autobahn, but can't go to the used car factory and find an SE with Fender and DCC.
I can't speak to the audio system. I would have to test them both out to see if it makes a big enough difference to matter to me. And if anything, I would prefer not to have the adaptive dampers, so as to not worry about them down the line if I keep the car a long time.
All of the cars I'm looking at are covered through 2025 on warranty, if not 2026 because they have the 6yr/72k warranty on it. So, not my dime to fix the DCC if it breaks.
If I was willing to sacrifice both of those I could pick up a 2019 GTI manual for less than $25k used or potentially get a leftover 2020 for about $28k.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
All of the cars I'm looking at are covered through 2025 on warranty, if not 2026 because they have the 6yr/72k warranty on it. So, not my dime to fix the DCC if it breaks.
If I was willing to sacrifice both of those I could pick up a 2019 GTI manual for less than $25k used or potentially get a leftover 2020 for about $28k.
good point. I was thinking about keeping something more like 10 years, but A) that seems crazy, and if I was, should not be shopping VWs.
I am curious what they do with the upcoming Civic, and if you can get a stick in it. Not just the full Si, but maybe a cheaper sport version of it. Probably not though.
Seems a bit high on price, and of course, it's in California. But a nice example of a 6-speed manual current gen A5.
That’s really nice and got to be rare in the 6 psd. A5 coupe and convertible have always been very, very classic and attractive design. I looked hard at an A5 2.0 but drove it back to with a 335i and you can guess which one won out.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
I may be in the minority but your earlier idea on the cheap Tacoma lease sounds good as long as you can work the insurance issues to your favor on the ZHP. The SR is a little bare bones but SR5 or TRD Sport should be good for you with the ZHP more than satisfying the sporting itch. Like @nyccarguy you may come to love the functionality of the pick up.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Seems a bit high on price, and of course, it's in California. But a nice example of a 6-speed manual current gen A5.
That’s really nice and got to be rare in the 6 psd. A5 coupe and convertible have always been very, very classic and attractive design. I looked hard at an A5 2.0 but drove it back to with a 335i and you can guess which one won out.
I like that A5, a lot. A little rich for my blood, but still...
This car is vastly underpriced - they have it priced like a GTI S when in fact it is a GTI Autobahn. Too bad it isn't a manual and is the older 6-spd DSG...
looks like the Son has gotten going on his looking for the next car (since his lease ends in December, and he learned from the best, that you need to plan ahead!) Sent me a link to a Caddy CT5-V (if I got the alphabet soup correct) that he liked. Not something that had been on his radar, but he kept getting ads sent to him for it. Certainly worth looking at as a competitor to a G70 or the new TLX S type. Both also on his list, along with the upcoming Genesis smaller CUV (GV70). And the usual M340i and some Audi (S4 maybe). And I am sure more to be added to the list.
I can relate to that. I haven’t bought a car in 6 months and those old feelings are starting to stir. The trouble is that my fleet is running fine at the moment which is usually my motivation to buy. The cargo van is the highest milage (121k) and the junkiest so I might replace it with a small truck. Too bad trucks are sky high right now.
My other alternative is to get another convertible to replace the Sebring. I don’t need a fast car (I have one of those) more a nice top down cruiser for sunny day touring.
My criterion would be $10k price limit and standard shift if possible. I was thinking another Mustang. A 2005-09 V6 would be ok as it would outpower the Sebring by 40hp. If I got one 2004 or older it would have to be a GT because I wouldn’t trust the old Ford 3.8 V6.
I might even consider an early 2000s Camaro.
My biggest concerns would be reliability as I wouldn’t want my Sunday drive spoiled.
So far my searches have been disappointing except to see how well Mustangs hold their value.
I thought the Mustang used the 4.0 V6 - same engine as in our 2002 Explorer.
If I’m remembering right the Mustang V6 prior to 2005 was the 3.8L. 2005-09 used the 4.0L which was ridiculed by most enthusiasts because it only put out 210hp and because...well...it wasn’t a V8. I wouldn’t be worried about 10hp difference but the 3.8L had a reputation for blowing heads whereas the 4.0L was a truck/SUV motor.
Sounds about right. Ford did sort out the 3.8’s issues by 2000 or so IIRC.... but, in all honesty either engine in a Stang is garbage. Wife had a Mustang with the 3.8 (2004) when we met and my 06 Avalon embarrassed it.
I drove a 2005 4.0L and it was adequate for a point A to B car. Not screaming fast and it seemed to make a lot more noise than power. As I said performance isn’t my first priority in a convertible. The car it would replace only has 168hp.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I test drove a couple of Mustang convertibles (AT) that I believe were both the 4.0l engine. Moved along just fine for a cruiser, though I seem to recall the engine note was not very exciting.
As long as I have a daily driver other than the ZHP, I have no insurance issues. A Tacoma would fit that.
I'm mostly worried about what happens if I end up hating it...
Yeah, I get it. I forget, are the smokin’ deals 2 or 3 year leases? A 2 year lease is really nothing, especially if you have something else to drive. Tolerating a 3 year lease gets a little dicey.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Comments
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
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2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
https://driveshare.com/
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
and look closer at the Tucson. A good size, great for a student. Plus there is a new design coming out, so could be serious deals to be had. Getting a functionally comparable car to a CX-5 for possible $10K less, for a kid to take to college, seems like the play to me.
Oh, drop the RDX from that list. Seems like overkill.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
And I don't disagree the RDX would be overkill, but when I look at used car prices for those vs a CR-V, it's hard to ignore.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
https://www.carmax.com/car/19487303
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I really didn't want/need an autobahn, but can't go to the used car factory and find an SE with Fender and DCC.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
(2) I'm assuming it is overpriced given that it is at CarMax. Which gives me pause since these do depreciate a lot...
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https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/832332503/overview/
Seems a bit high on price, and of course, it's in California. But a nice example of a 6-speed manual current gen A5.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If I was willing to sacrifice both of those I could pick up a 2019 GTI manual for less than $25k used or potentially get a leftover 2020 for about $28k.
here is the Caddy my son saw. Love the color combo. Interior is nice. Car is bigger than I like though, and the rear end seems somewhat bulky.
https://www.dellacadillac.com/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Cadillac-CT5-4dr_Sdn_V_Series-Queensbury-NY/4629178723
I much prefer the 4, but not at close to that price.
https://www.dellacadillac.com/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Cadillac-CT4-4dr_Sdn_Sport-Queensbury-NY/4613699493#close
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I am curious what they do with the upcoming Civic, and if you can get a stick in it. Not just the full Si, but maybe a cheaper sport version of it. Probably not though.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
That’s really nice and got to be rare in the 6 psd. A5 coupe and convertible have always been very, very classic and attractive design. I looked hard at an A5 2.0 but drove it back to with a 335i and you can guess which one won out.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
I may be in the minority but your earlier idea on the cheap Tacoma lease sounds good as long as you can work the insurance issues to your favor on the ZHP. The SR is a little bare bones but SR5 or TRD Sport should be good for you with the ZHP more than satisfying the sporting itch. Like @nyccarguy you may come to love the functionality of the pick up.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I'm mostly worried about what happens if I end up hating it...
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha