Having some downtime I've got to thinking (again) what would I replace the Outlander with?
It's a theoretical exercise on my end as this is the wife's car and she has no interest in replacing it as long as it works (and it still does just fine) and she doesn't have to care about it.
But I know that if it suddenly crapps out she'll come running to me, so I have to be ready ;D
A rational choice for her use case (car is a commodity) would be a new(ish) Mazda CX-5 GS AWD (without C/D) or ideally a new Honda CR-V Hybrid but I don't think she'd be willing to pony up what's needed for any of them. In fact I quite like the 2026 CR-V Sport Hybrid myself, but at 55K on the road it's pricy IMO.
Therefore I'm looking at some "disposable" options in the realm of 10+ years old and around 15K, but... something I would (secretly) somewhat like too ;D
One car I developed a soft spot for lately is the 2015 MB GLK 35O. I didn't really like it when it was new and I thought it was too small at the time but now the circumstances have changed. Small-ish cargo space or rear seats is no longer a problem. I've seen some units with under 150K for 15-16K...
Does anyone have any fist or even second hand experience with these? I don't recall any on the old forum but I thought I would put it out there. Any thoughts?
There are some 2017 - 2018 higher mileage CX-5's out there for that price...
Here's one:
https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/mazda-cx-5-gasoline-black-b7feb401-3811-4b49-a93c-d7ec235c3424?sort=standard&desc=0&position=1&source_otp=t10&source=listpage_search-results&order_bucket=unknown&boost_level=b4&applied_boost_level=b4&relevance_adjustment=boost&boosting_product=total_boost
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Dec 18, 2025, 05:58 PMThere are some 2017 - 2018 higher mileage CX-5's out there for that price...
Here's one:
https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/mazda-cx-5-gasoline-black-b7feb401-3811-4b49-a93c-d7ec235c3424?sort=standard&desc=0&position=1&source_otp=t10&source=listpage_search-results&order_bucket=unknown&boost_level=b4&applied_boost_level=b4&relevance_adjustment=boost&boosting_product=total_boost
Well maintained unit but with cylinder deactivation feature which I would not want.
The first gen GLKs are not generally well like, but I kinda dig them too.....I like the more boxy styling vs the newer models, b/c they're lower rung in the Mercedes lineup they don't have all the fancy suspension stuff that goes bad and totals the car, and while the interiors are nothing special certain trim levels can look pretty nice inside. Mrs.Firm's uncle bought his 3 daughters white GLKs of that era, one of them must have been better optioned than the others and had gorgeous cream seats with thick black piping, it was quite nice.
The pre-facelift had cheap interiors but the facelift (2013-2015) are nicer.
There is a 2104 for sale now just like the one you described.
From what I read the aspirated 3.5 V6 on the facelift (M276) has been generally reliable and a nice engine this is why I'm looking at a late model year. No fancy suspension bits either. Pretty "analog" car by today's standards. From what I can see parts support is pretty good.
Handing a 10 y.o. fgc to your wife for daily driving? Man you live dangerously ;D
From that era... Gen1 Toyota Venza with the V6, had a Hot Wheels vibe with the huge wheels and that funky windswept wagon bod. The Mentor had one - instant cred.
Gen2 Acura RDX, basically a V6 CR-V. Have the tranny inspected.
Infiniti QX70 (ex-FX) - still cool, probably lower resale value hence interesting
Infiniti QX50 - a G37 wagon, slightly lifted
If I needed an SUV that wasn't a full-sized GM, I'd probably seek out a nice 10-15 year old Cayenne, whatever trim level came with an NA V8.
You could really roll the dice and get a 2nd Gen Touareg. I think the 2nd Gen was a lot more reliable than the first. But, that's only a relative scale.
I really like them. They seem a lot more upscale than the modern VWs.
Quote from: Blueprint on Dec 19, 2025, 08:07 AMHanding a 10 y.o. fgc to your wife for daily driving? Man you live dangerously ;D
And yet the cylinder de-activation in a CX-5 (that isn't really known to be too problematic) is a problem to stay away from...
I think, like other of Dante's car selection threads, he already has something in mind, and this is just an exercise to slowly whittle away all the other choices until the only recommendation that is left is the one that's in his head already.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Dec 19, 2025, 11:07 AMQuote from: Blueprint on Dec 19, 2025, 08:07 AMHanding a 10 y.o. fgc to your wife for daily driving? Man you live dangerously ;D
And yet the cylinder de-activation in a CX-5 (that isn't really known to be too problematic) is a problem to stay away from...
I think, like other of Dante's car selection threads, he already has something in mind, and this is just an exercise to slowly whittle away all the other choices until the only recommendation that is left is the one that's in his head already.
Correct, and a german one.
I like the Infiniti suggestions from Blueprint. Something more interesting than an RDX or Venza, and should still be fairly reliable.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Dec 19, 2025, 11:07 AMQuote from: Blueprint on Dec 19, 2025, 08:07 AMHanding a 10 y.o. fgc to your wife for daily driving? Man you live dangerously ;D
I think, like other of Dante's car selection threads, he already has something in mind, and this is just an exercise to slowly whittle away all the other choices until the only recommendation that is left is the one that's in his head already.
lol
And for the record, GLKs are junk to own. Air injection pumps, oil leaks, driveshafts, transmissions, transfer cases (which are one piece with the trans, BTW), etc.
Good luck with it!
Quote from: TheHire on Dec 19, 2025, 01:16 PMAnd for the record, GLKs are junk to own. Air injection pumps, oil leaks, driveshafts, transmissions, transfer cases (which are one piece with the trans, BTW), etc.
Good luck with it!
This is actually helpful.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Dec 19, 2025, 11:07 AMAnd yet the cylinder de-activation in a CX-5 (that isn't really known to be too problematic) is a problem to stay away from...
For the record, I really like Mazda CX-5 and it would be my first choice and recommendation to anyone looking for this type of vehicle, but to say C/D isn't known to be problematic is a bit awkward.
There are plenty of discussions online about it (especially early years), Mazda had a recall on it and for 2024 they dropped it all together.... Must not be a known issue...
CX-5 is not out of the picture just saying it's hard to find a good one AND without C/D (as a personal choice I do not want this feature).
Just like CVT is not my preference but not an absolute deal breaker in this use case (on my own car it would be).
Quote from: Blueprint on Dec 19, 2025, 08:07 AMHanding a 10 y.o. fgc to your wife for daily driving? Man you live dangerously ;D
This got me thinking and I think you are right. Like the saying goes..."nobody ever got fired for buying IBM" perhaps for this case I should stick with the common wisdom and look for a CR-V, RAV4 or CX-5.
For the low budget option I see a 2014 CRV (pre CVT) or a 2015 RAV4 with decent mileage can be had for $15K or a bit above which is good.
Boring but safe I guess.
I hear ya, but CX-5's aren't exactly falling off the road due to Cylinder Deactivation. They are generally regarded as reliable. There was a recall that changed some programming, and that seems to have fixed any driveability issues if they were experienced. For MY part, my 2019 has cylinder deactivation, and I haven't noticed any issues with it. Driveability is not affected. Now granted, I'm a sample of 1, and my car only has about 90k kms on it, so I'm probably not the best sample here.
If you're looking for the 'big 3' Japanese cars, well, the CX-5 will be the most engaging and nicest inside, the Toyota will be the most boring to drive, with Honda right in the middle. Overall reliability is the reverse of that order.
Don't know if they are priced that low yet, but the first generation Lexus NX compact CUV would t be the worst option.
Right size, reliable, stylish, and some decent performance over a CR-V.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Dec 19, 2025, 03:01 PMI hear ya, but CX-5's aren't exactly falling off the road due to Cylinder Deactivation.
Not at all but if it can be avoided, I would. Another thing I would avoid if possible at all is the stop/start feature, especially if it cannot be permanently deactivated (for CX-5 I read about a trick to disable it).
MY17 doesn't have C/D at all and the iStop is only available on higher trims/packages. Some MY20-MY21 don't C/D either but need to specifically check the VIN to determine that. I did find few MY20 without it. However MY20 is too new to fit the low budget option.
As far as reliability goes, yes, I know generally CX-5 is a reliable vehicle but in my experience all cars have their issues so trying to learn what they are, repair cost, complexity, etc.
For example I noticed in few Carfax reports brakes replaced at 30K-40K km.... is this a pattern? I recall I had to replace quite frequently the brakes on my MK1 Mazda3 and weirdly enough the rears were going faster (around the same mileage).
I saw some strut replacement at relatively low mileage. I read about potential timing cover leaks, drained batteries and other relatively apparently small issues. Luckily nothing major, powertrain related noted so far.
@GBA - How was yours so far?
Quote from: Johnnymac on Dec 19, 2025, 05:28 PMDon't know if they are priced that low yet, but the first generation Lexus NX compact CUV would t be the worst option.
Right size, reliable, stylish, and some decent performance over a CR-V.
A hybrid might be interesting but not sure if the looks will fly but who knows. Will put this one on the research list. Trying to stay away from turbo engines.
I thought about an old Lexus RX350 - the one before the Darth Vader face (2010-2011)
The RX be nicer but might feel a bit too big for her. I wouldn't be as concerned about a Toyota lower stressed turbo over something like a vehicle with cylinder deactivation. But that's just me.
Apart from the power hatch motor, mine has been solid. It also doesn't have Start/stop. Not sure if that was an option on higher trims, but I doubt any of them have it.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Dec 19, 2025, 09:09 PMApart from the power hatch motor, mine has been solid. It also doesn't have Start/stop. Not sure if that was an option on higher trims, but I doubt any of them have it.
That reminded me of an Autos chat - wasn't that hatch motor uber expensive? Or was there a cheaper DIY route?
CX-5 oddly I've never driven with the atmo engine, except the first year model with the 2.0. Both CX-30's at home have the atmo 2.5 and that mill is peppy, but thirsty in town. The 6-speed auto is right at its torque limit with the 2.5 Turbo, and that engine never delivers what its numbers suggests, on top of its drinking problem, so I would stay away from Turbo CX-5's.
Blueprint, my experience mirrors yours. Peppy around town, but thirsty. I average about 9-10L/100km around time during the warmer months.
This thing must be as simple as possible - no turbo, no complex features (e.g. power tailgate, sunroof, C/D, stop/start, etc...), no big wheels (alloy though as I can't stand steelies), no CVT.
For Mazda CX-5 I debate between 2016 and 2017. Of course the 2017+ are nicer but not sure if there is anything material that would disqualify a good 2016 unit with the 2.5L not 2.0L (those ones I know are slow and even my wife might complain about it).
So far what I have in sight is:
2014 CR-V (last MY without CVT)
2015 RAV4
2016/2017 CX-5
Man, it is going to get harder and harder for you to find vehicles for your family...
Quote from: Dante on Dec 20, 2025, 12:03 PMThis thing must be as simple as possible - no turbo, no complex features (e.g. power tailgate, sunroof, C/D, stop/start, etc...), no big wheels (alloy though as I can't stand steelies), no CVT.
You want a Highlander.
Is the Lexus UX too small? I love those little things.
A 2012 RAV4 with the V6 would be high on my personal list too
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Dec 20, 2025, 01:50 PMMan, it is going to get harder and harder for you to find vehicles for your family...
True, and I don't think I'm alone. Personally I don't think I'll buy a new car again. Luckily there are still new(ish) cars I would buy in a couple of years so I'm covered for the next decade or so.
With the wife's car is different as she has no interest in cars so I have to chose for her or at least give her options for used cars.
All she needs is a basic, reliable compact SUV that she doesn't have to care for if it gets scratched or dented in a parking lot and pay as little as possible for it. For her it's just a tool. Brand, model and color is all she knows about the car.
She would drive the Outlander indefinitely if she could.
I wish she would have the slightest interest in cars and I could sell her a Macan or a Stelvio or anything cooler and irrational... ;D
Quote from: RRocket on Dec 20, 2025, 08:30 PMYou want a Highlander.
Is the Lexus UX too small? I love those little things.
A 2012 RAV4 with the V6 would be high on my personal list too
Highlander - is too big (need compact)
UX - perhaps. Will look at it.
2012 RAV V6 - I don't think you can have V6 with the tailgate. The swing door was a deal breaker in 2007 when we got the Outlander and it will still be now.
UX is nice, but has a high resale value and is pretty cramped inside.
Women love Subarus - Crosstrek or Forester would fit the bill. Very mechanically noisy though with the CVT, and dealer service is expensive - not a worry with a 10 y.o. that is out of warranty. May be hard to find a decent one for $15k.
She still likes the Mitsu? How about another one? Plenty of those on the market. There's even the RVR, basically a shortened Outlander. Wheezy 2.0+CVT, but this dinosaur is pretty reliable.
All the Subarus and Mitsu's have CVT's, so according to Dante, they're out.
Although I think eliminating a brand just because of one aspect is kinda silly. Modern CVT's like those found in Subarus and Honda's are not any less reliable than any other transmission these days. And since his wife doesn't care how the vehicle drives, well it doesn't get much more 'appliance' than a decent CVT.
I think a Subaru would be an excellent choice. Either Crosstrek or preferably Forester.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Dec 21, 2025, 01:35 PMAll the Subarus and Mitsu's have CVT's, so according to Dante, they're out.
Although I think eliminating a brand just because of one aspect is kinda silly. Modern CVT's like those found in Subarus and Honda's are not any less reliable than any other transmission these days. And since his wife doesn't care how the vehicle drives, well it doesn't get much more 'appliance' than a decent CVT.
I think a Subaru would be an excellent choice. Either Crosstrek or preferably Forester.
Outlander V6 has a regular automatic, the 4 cyl. is CVT and the PHEV has a direct drive electric motor.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Dec 21, 2025, 01:35 PMAll the Subarus and Mitsu's have CVT's, so according to Dante, they're out.
Although I think eliminating a brand just because of one aspect is kinda silly. Modern CVT's like those found in Subarus and Honda's are not any less reliable than any other transmission these days. And since his wife doesn't care how the vehicle drives, well it doesn't get much more 'appliance' than a decent CVT.
I think a Subaru would be an excellent choice. Either Crosstrek or preferably Forester.
I'm not eliminating a brand - I have nothing against Subaru or Mitsubishi as a brand.
I'm eliminating a model with a technology I happen to dislike and potentially prone to issues.
CVTs from 10-15 years ago are not as good as they are today. I know first hand as I drove Mitsu, Subaru and Toyota CVTs of that era and I wouldn't want one in my household especially in an old, used car with some mileage on the clock and potentially undocumented maintenance history.
An no,from what I've been told by someone servicing them, those are more sensitive to maintenance than an automatic hence on a second hand car I would stay away from them. It's not like there are no other options.
Quote from: Blueprint on Dec 21, 2025, 10:19 AMShe still likes the Mitsu? How about another one? Plenty of those on the market. There's even the RVR, basically a shortened Outlander. Wheezy 2.0+CVT, but this dinosaur is pretty reliable.
She drove pretty much all Mitsu SUVs over the years as loaners while ours was in the shop. She did occasionally mention she liked some of them but her reference was ours which is a pretty low standard compared to newer cars.
The more I think of it the more I'm starting to have second thoughts about going used for her...
Might be easier swinging her towards new rather then me finding her a used car... :-*
Quote from: Blueprint on Dec 21, 2025, 10:19 AMUX is nice, but has a high resale value and is pretty cramped inside.
I thought the driver/passenger room was just fine for what's essentially a hatchback.
I wouldn't suggest one if you regularly have adults in the back...But that doesn't seem to be the case.
Quote from: Dante on Dec 21, 2025, 03:58 PMCVTs from 10-15 years ago are not as good as they are today. I know first hand as I drove Mitsu, Subaru and Toyota CVTs of that era and I wouldn't want one in my household especially in an old, used car with some mileage on the clock and potentially undocumented maintenance history.
If you drove a Toyota with a hybrid from that era, it's not a CVT.
It's a giant planetary gearset and is more robust than a normal tranny.
Quote from: RRocket on Dec 21, 2025, 05:20 PMIf you drove a Toyota with a hybrid from that era, it's not a CVT.
It's a giant planetary gearset and is more robust than a normal tranny.
It was a new gas Corolla cca 2018. Was it not CVT? It behaved just like one and I'm pretty sure this is what it was on the spec sheet.
I think the only application I wouldn't mind a CVT would be a hybrid powertrain (no other option anyway).
I want to drive a new CR-V or Civic Hybrid to see how the Honda e-CVT with simulated gear shifts feels like.
Quote from: Dante on Dec 21, 2025, 04:34 PMThe more I think of it the more I'm starting to have second thoughts about going used for her...
Might be easier swinging her towards new rather then me finding her a used car... :-*
If New Then Mazda CX-30 or Subaru Crosstrek ;D
Seriously, the CX-30 GX has a lot of bang for the buck if the smaller cabin fits the bill. If not, a 2025 CX-5 (outgoing generation) offers terrific value too.
If a car works, the Civic Hybrid I reviewed recenty (see other thread here) is Canadian built, very good on gas and promises many trouble-free years.
Quote from: Dante on Dec 21, 2025, 06:24 PMQuote from: RRocket on Dec 21, 2025, 05:20 PMIf you drove a Toyota with a hybrid from that era, it's not a CVT.
It's a giant planetary gearset and is more robust than a normal tranny.
It was a new gas Corolla cca 2018. Was it not CVT? It behaved just like one and I'm pretty sure this is what it was on the spec sheet.
I think the only application I wouldn't mind a CVT would be a hybrid powertrain (no other option anyway).
I want to drive a new CR-V or Civic Hybrid to see how the Honda e-CVT with simulated gear shifts feels like.
If it's in a hybrid, it's a planetary gearset that is referred to as a "e-CVT".
But it is nothing like a traditional CVT
https://youtu.be/ppyK3ZlUbtM?si=jLdnPBfKm11B10T5
Anyone knows how much does it cost to bring a car from Richmond, BC to Toronto these days?
Quote from: Dante on Jan 03, 2026, 11:55 PMAnyone knows how much does it cost to bring a car from Richmond, BC to Toronto these days?
I've shipped from there.
I used these guys.
https://www.fasttracks.ca/