Which SUV is more balanced?

vinlaud

I'm looking for a used up to 5 years SUV/CUV.
Key features:
- gasoline
- automatic transmission
- safety
- fuel economy
- reliability
- interior & build quality
Budget: up to $22.000

My favorites for now are: 2016 Audi Q3 and 2016 Mazda CX-5.
Could anyone please point to major advantages/disadvantages of both cars?
Do I miss a better option for my budget/requirements?

stickguy

So you want smaller. The q3 is really tight.

The Mazda is a really nice car. The Audi is more likely to cost to keep going as it ages. Mazda also has more cargo room, but might not be quite as fast. But it drives nice. And runs on regular gas.

Other options are the Hyundai Santa Fe. Can get nicely equipped for that price, likely even a 2018. Lots of safety features too.

tjc78

Yes, Q3 is small. Mazda is a nice ride, should be reliable.

I agree with @stickguy the Santa Fe is too nice to not give it a look. Good thing with SUVs in this size class is there are plenty of options to choose from.

The Honda CRV is also a top choice in the segment. The Acura RDX as well, although for a 2016 may be over 22K.

kyfdx

Between the two choices you gave us.. I'd take the Mazda, every time.

With both cars out of warranty, you'll save $100-$150 per month in maintenance/repair.

vinlaud

@stickguy, @tjc78
Thank you for the feedback.
I had a look on these options and they all are above $26k in my country.
I also found a 2017 Honda HRV available for my price range but I'm not sure about it.

@kyfdx
I'm thinking the same way however I'm still hesitant. Audi is a premium brand, isn't it? Shouldn't I feel better riding a premium car? I know it sounds dumb but I would appreciate if someone can share thoughts about it.

kyfdx

@vinlaud

What do you hope to gain from a premium brand?

If it’s reliability, you’ll likely be disappointed. You may feel better, because of perceived value, but if the drive is similar to the Mazda, the rest is all in your head.

That said, you should buy what you want, if you can afford it.

vinlaud

@kyfdx
Sound reasonable. Exactly what I was hoping to hear.
Thank you!

P.S. I'm 80% sure I will go for Mazda

texases

A number of Audi buyers have been disappointed to find that the premium price did not include premium reliability. They're nice cars, but reliability has never been tops on the list of their qualities. Better lately that several years ago, at least.

xwesx

You might also consider a Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox. Both should fit within the budget and size requirements, and likely will even put you in below budget. You could consider Subaru Forester, or the Honda, but either of those are going to cost you more up front due to higher resale, which may or may not pay you back in terms of the overall value proposition.

I would not recommend a gasoline Audi SUV just due to the horrendous fuel economy. If you're going to consider something in the five-year-old range, I would recommend a 2015 Q5 or Touareg (VW) TDI. They will give you better fuel economy, more power, more room, more refinement. And, after the diesel fiasco a few years ago, their resale took a big hit, so that means you can get a premium vehicle for not a premium price. These also may be the only options available that could also be under a current factory warranty.

vinlaud

@texases
Interesting information, thank you.

@xwesx
Thanks for the response, I checked all the options you provided. Some of them were too expensive and others I just didn't like in terms of design. Anyway I appreciate your input.

As I said I'll try to go with Mazda CX-5. It was nice to hear from all of you. Thanks for helping me to make a final decision. You're the best

Sialicthegr

I also prefer the mazda CX-5, you should check it out.