What old(ish) compact SUV?

[Johnnymac]

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.

[Dante]

I 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?

[Dante]

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.

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)

[Johnnymac]

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.

[GreatBigAbyss]

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.

[Blueprint]

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.

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.

[GreatBigAbyss]

Blueprint, my experience mirrors yours.  Peppy around town, but thirsty.  I average about 9-10L/100km around time during the warmer months.

[Dante]

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

[GreatBigAbyss]

Man, it is going to get harder and harder for you to find vehicles for your family...

[RRocket]

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.

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

[Dante]

Man, 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...

[Dante]

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

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.

[Blueprint]

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.

[GreatBigAbyss]

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.

[Blueprint]

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.

Outlander V6 has a regular automatic, the 4 cyl. is CVT and the PHEV has a direct drive electric motor.