Help me choose an SUV

Comments

• Michaell Moderator Posts: 241,232

  April 2015

  drjay9051 said:

  Need an SUV for my kayaking, mountain biking etc. Little if any off road but 4x4 a plus.
  
  I may use this to commute from time to time (60 mile roundtrip) so comfort is an issue or I'd just get an old Wrangler.
  
  Anyway not looking for a family type vehicle rather something more sporty.
  
  I prefer the Wrangler look to the Cherokee but too small for me. I will be mounting roof rack for kayaks.
  
  Any thoughts? FJ Cruiser? X Terra? Love the Land Rover but way too expensive.
  
  Im looking for a CPO vehicle in the mid 20's price range.
  
  So many choices it is a bit daunting. I do not want to test drive 10 different models so i am askingfor a starting point from you more experienced people.
  
  Thanks

  The FJ and the X-Terra are more off-road oriented and may ride rougher than other SUV's.
  
  I think most any SUV or CUV has the ability to mount roof racks for sporting equipment. You might consider a Subaru - you could get a new Forester for the $25,000 price point you mention.
  

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• xwesx Member Posts: 16,793

  April 2015 edited April 2015

  Yeah, definitely. A number of Subaru vehicles would fit your needs there. If you want sporty + SUVish, look for an XT (such as Forester or MY2005 through MY2009 Outback) - there are a number of nice ones out there. A bit different, but even a WRX could fit your needs well (and it would be much, MUCH easier to load that roof rack than on a vehicle that sits tall like an FJ) and check that "sporty" box better than is reasonable (seriously, wipe that grin off your face; it's been two hours! :P).
  
  Other vehicles, perhaps a little less traditional: Have you considered a Flex? You could probably get a MY11 Limited Ecoboost unit for mid-20s. They have a pretty engaging drive, very comfortable, tons of space for stuff or people, and, again, an easy-to-access roof. They also have decent towing capacity at about 5K# if you needed it, and not horrible mileage for a large vehicle (likely on par if not better than those Jeeps/Toys/Nissans you mentioned).

  2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250

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• qbrozen Member Posts: 32,940

  April 2015

  What about the new Jeep Renegade?
  
  You didn't mention exactly how big this needs to be.

  '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

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• stever Guest Posts: 52,454

  April 2015

  A minivan is the ticket. :-)
  
  My other boating rig was an Outback, but the bikes just roll into my van.

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• roadburner Member Posts: 17,355

  April 2015

  I like the Xterra; the PRO-4X is pretty well equipped.
  That said, I have a 1999 Wrangler that I sometimes use as my DD. It's really not that bad as far as ride goes, although the convertible top is a bit noisy...

  Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

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• skyisthelimit Member Posts: 46

  April 2015

  FJ Cruiser is great! But if I had the money, I would definitely buy a Land Rover.

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