Best used small SUV for 15k

[Fezticle98]

Been researching a used SUV purchase for a while. Did some test-drives last Saturday and I think I am further from a decision that I was before.

My budget is about 15k.

Would like something no older than '08, with less than 50k miles. Don't need a ton of options, but a mid-level model would be nice, with a V6 or powerful 4 cyl. CRV and RAV4 get good reviews, but look to be a bit out of my price range.

Thoughts?

[Tenbatsuzen]

Been researching a used SUV purchase for a while. Did some test-drives last Saturday and I think I am further from a decision that I was before.

My budget is about 15k.

Would like something no older than '08, with less than 50k miles. Don't need a ton of options, but a mid-level model would be nice, with a V6 or powerful 4 cyl. CRV and RAV4 get good reviews, but look to be a bit out of my price range.

Thoughts?

What about a Ford? I did a random search on Cars.com for a Ford Escape and found a few options under 50k and $15k near me.

And no offense, the year doesn't make a huge difference if the mileage is a lot lower. Sometimes you can get a good deal on a older car with lower mileage.

[Fezticle98]

What about a Ford? I did a random search on Cars.com for a Ford Escape and found a few options under 50k and $15k near me.

And no offense, the year doesn't make a huge difference if the mileage is a lot lower. Sometimes you can get a good deal on a older car with lower mileage.

No offense taken. I agree with you that the mileage is more important than the year.

'08 Ford Escape has some interior and exterior upgrades from the '07, but gets bad reviews for having only a 4 spd transmission & poor braking. If I can find an '09 Escape that isn't stripped down in my price range, I will probably go for it.

[Snoogans]

Hyundai Santa Fe. You are welcome. There isnt a car out there right now that will give you as much for the money or that good a warranty. Its very reliable and they have become very good cars.

[NewYorkDragons80]

Been researching a used SUV purchase for a while. Did some test-drives last Saturday and I think I am further from a decision that I was before.

My budget is about 15k.

Would like something no older than '08, with less than 50k miles. Don't need a ton of options, but a mid-level model would be nice, with a V6 or powerful 4 cyl. CRV and RAV4 get good reviews, but look to be a bit out of my price range.

Thoughts?

Despite your preferences, I just bought an 05 Aztek because I liked the "sporty" features like the tent, cooler, etc. It set me back $9k and it had 48k miles. Aside from the gas mileage (which you'll have to deal with no matter what SUV you buy), I can't say enough good things about it. It's a good size, but it's got a V6 so if I buy a jet ski or something I'll be set.

[angrymissy]

Been researching a used SUV purchase for a while. Did some test-drives last Saturday and I think I am further from a decision that I was before.

My budget is about 15k.

Would like something no older than '08, with less than 50k miles. Don't need a ton of options, but a mid-level model would be nice, with a V6 or powerful 4 cyl. CRV and RAV4 get good reviews, but look to be a bit out of my price range.

Thoughts?

I just sold my CRV because we don't really need 2 cars in my household, but I highly recommend one. They will run forever, are roomy, comfortable, have a lot of storage space in the back, etc. I'd even consider a higher mileage one. I miss the space in that car, we have a Q5 that I thought was the same size, but I definitely can't pack it up like I could w/ the CRV.

Mine was an '07 and still in great shape when I sold it last month.

[biggestmexi]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-Chev-Trailblazer-SS-Police-vehicle-/120708593566?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1c1acaf79e

[landarch]

The Honda Element, although sort of ugly, would be a great choice given your criteria. Same 2.4 liter as the crv and the accord. great gas mileage and useful as all hell. Rubber floormats allow you to use it without worrying about the carpet. Seats fold down into beds or up into the side of the car for massive cargo space.

[NewYorkDragons80]

I must know what you purchased or my life will be incomplete

[ONYONN]

The Honda Element, although sort of ugly, would be a great choice given your criteria. Same 2.4 liter as the crv and the accord. great gas mileage and useful as all hell. Rubber floormats allow you to use it without worrying about the carpet. Seats fold down into beds or up into the side of the car for massive cargo space.

What you mean sort of ugly? All you got to do is dress it up with a decal .http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/Koch3/IM000589.jpg

[landarch]

awesome!