Suitable Family SUV

suitup01 on 07/01/2015 - 15:15
Last edited 09/01/2015 - 13:04

Hey guys, my family and I have been shopping around for a SUV that is fuel efficient and aesthetically pleasing. For price we are hoping to spend less than $35k. Other than that we are not too sure what else we want in a SUV.
We do not know a lot about cars so we have been relying on what our friends believe is the "best" SUV. So far my parents are looking to purchase a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Mazda CX-5. What are your opinions of these cars? Do you guys happen to know any other models or car manufacturers that are good? You can clearly see I am a noob at this, haha. I really appreciate your help. Thanks.

Prefers: "Tall" cars that don't require bending our knees (mum has arthritis). Good resale value, has plenty of leg room, has advanced technology, sunroof and roof rack, rear camera, fuel efficient, has inexpensive or low servicing costs and has a spacious boot as well. We are not fussed about the brand or whether it is a 2wd or 4wd.

Automotive

Comments

  • chumlee on 07/01/2015 - 15:32
    +1

    Jeep Grand Cherokee is not fuel efficient. Nice vehicle though but for $35k you will have to pick up a used one. Best advise I can give you is to look at drive website, RACV etc as they have just released their best cars in each ccategory

    • suitup01 on 07/01/2015 - 16:01

      What do you think about the Jeep Cherokee Sport?

      • chumlee on 07/01/2015 - 16:17

        For $35k drive away I would put it up top of my list

      • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 12:05

        I own one now, not fuel efficient, at all

    • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2015 - 20:17
      -6

      Not true, in his price range, because he will need a second hand one, it will probably be inefficient, but the 2014+ Grand Cherokees with the 8 speed ZF autos are fuel efficient. Im driving a 3.6 V6 petrol at the moment, and averaging 9.9L/100kmh. 6-7l/100km on the freeway.

  • MUMMY85 on 07/01/2015 - 16:12
    +1

    Honda CRV?

    • suitup01 on 07/01/2015 - 16:40

      My family has had enough of Honda. We had 5 Honda models in the past and want to buy something different for a change. Any other recommendations?

      • MUMMY85 on 07/01/2015 - 16:57
        +5

        I work at Honda and also bought a Honda Crv… I love it… go for a Japanese car that's the advice I will give u..Massive boot space too for (pram ect)

        • Gusper on 09/03/2015 - 08:19

          CRV boots are so small now compared to the 2nd gen model approx 980 litres vs 670. I had to buy another brand as the dog and some luggage just won't fit in the new car.

      • nikey2k27 on 11/01/2015 - 11:52

        Toyota RAV 4 2014 plate is nice only 29,000

        • elf888 on 11/02/2015 - 16:21

          For that small windows… i prefer driving a tank.

  • monfsts on 07/01/2015 - 16:24
    +3

    What about Nissan Xtrail t32…

    • suitup01 on 07/01/2015 - 16:42

      What does it offer?

    • Ramrunner on 09/01/2015 - 11:00
      +1

      Had X-Trail Ti since 2004. Only major thing was Crank Angle Sensor went about 5 years ago and it's basically up for a set of rear shocks next service. At the time I didn't want an SUV being a bit of a rev head but with kids on the way it was a necessary option also with the business use I needed it for. The wife basically picked a few cars for me to test drive and I was hooked on this one.

      Runs at about 9.6/100 from it's 2.5L engine but it actually has some power. It's an auto but will spin wheels no problem. Very zippy. It's also sprung very tightly so not as "luxurious" a ride as some others but I actually prefer the "stiffer" cars. I hate the swaying and like the sportier feel of cars, especially going around round-a-bouts :)

      And after all these years, as with typical Japanese quality cars, the doors are still tight and silent when you shut them. None of that loose clanking you tend to get with cars after a few years.

      Love it. The only car I've ever owned that I've kept more than 4-5 years. I'm still happy to keep it as it owes me nothing, and just keeps going and going.

      I have no idea how it's changed over 11 years and whether the new ones are as good and reliable, but based on my X-Trial - trust me it's worth a serious look.

      • Pirimiri on 10/01/2015 - 10:04

        Another X-Trail owner here. This is my second x-trail. A stupid P-plater smashed her trashy car in my first one. When we started looking for an alternative, nothing appealed to us more then x-trail. Absolutely brilliant bang for the buck!

        • swilso on 11/01/2015 - 14:17

          I'd go a diesel xtrail.

  • 2jzzzz on 07/01/2015 - 16:45
    +10

    Toyota Rav4 (Cruiser model although only 4 star ANCAP)
    Hyundai IX35 (my choice so far)
    Hyundai Sante Fe
    Kia Sportage
    Kia Sorento
    Mazda CX-5 (Told they drink petrol)
    Subaru Forrester
    Honda CR-V

    • yokumoku on 08/01/2015 - 07:27
      +5

      Mazda CX-5 is frugal in petrol with its istop technology. It is chosen as Drive's 2013 best SUV under $40000.

      • Peace Maker on 12/01/2015 - 21:27
        +1

        CX-7 is the thirsty one, the CX-5 replaced it, hence the confusion.

    • EnALup on 08/01/2015 - 21:56

      Dont know why you got neggs. Luv my RAV4. Gud family car and reliable Japanese brand. Did not have any issues in last 3 years. You get capped service for 3 years which can be extended by the dealer for 6 years.

      • ATangk on 11/01/2015 - 17:14

        Toyota is a very reliable brand, and maintenance + parts are cheap. As a result of this, resale price is excellent.
        That being said, they aren't luxury, but for $35k I don't think OP is looking for such.

        • EnALup on 12/01/2015 - 15:43

          True.

    • smpantsonfire on 08/01/2015 - 23:05
      +1

      Twice I have driven the iX35 on rental cars, and they drive really really well. I drove them for 3 weeks, and I would buy one if I didn't have an X5.

    • AMLagonda on 09/01/2015 - 01:09

      Why is this post getting negs?

      • 2jzzzz on 09/01/2015 - 13:35

        I dare say it might be those butthurt Honda fanbois.

        Friends who have the Rav and cart small ones about, then take it bush for weekends. They love it and typical Toyota build quality.

        Hyundai has had great reviews and my mechanic owns one himself (not the Santa Fe, the IX35,I wouldn't go the Santa Fe myself).

        Kia's have come leaps and bounds and that warranty is awesome.

        Mazda's are everywhere, I just don't like the way they drive or feel on the road.

        Subaru's are brilliant. Parents have had 3 variations of the Forester over the last 10 years. Each one has been great, taken 4wd camping and can't fault it. Getting long in the tooth now though.

        Not a fan of the Honda CR-V, mainly because I don't like the brand haha. Alright car though.

    • jason101 on 09/01/2015 - 14:14
      +1

      The CX-9 is the petrol guzzler (I have one - 15.8L per 100km on a good day suburban driving)

      • ATangk on 11/01/2015 - 17:16

        3.7L engine, so not really a big surprise it's in such a high calibre, but still relatively high.

    • bobz79 on 12/01/2015 - 18:48

      New Nissan Pathfinder is a spacious 7 seater. Early (2013) models had CVT issues, should be fine now. I was planning to buy this after considering almost all in the list above. But dropped at last minute due to the reliability issues.

      Went for a Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel. Very nice! I get 6L/100 on long trips and around 9.5 in short city trips! 5 year warranty, capped service, good looking, A/C vents in all three rows etc are notable bonuses :-) Also not as bulky compared to pathfinder or CX9 (easy to park)

      Honda CRV - Didn't like the styling, back is ugly :-)
      RAV4 - Good, but diesel not good enough to drive. Also pricey.
      Kia - wasn't too keen.
      Mazda CX5 - great to drive. Was costly, comparing 5 vs 7 seats
      Mazda CX9 - bulky and dated model. Bad fuel economy
      Subaru Forester - uncomfortable drive, suspension is too hard

      Everyone who has driven my SantaFe loves it, especially how nice the steering feels on comfort setting. Cons: a bit noisy diesel, initial acceleration less compared to petrol. I hear the diesel in Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover runs like a petrol (though a totally different class)! Hyundai supposedly has the best Diesel engine in this class.

      I think only 7 seater you can get for $35k budget would be just Fiat Freemont and Mitsubishi Outlander

      • powerhead on 12/01/2015 - 20:12

        Went for a Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel

        I have a feeling it would be well above OP's budget

  • isthisreally_me on 07/01/2015 - 16:46
    +1

    Mazda CX-5, the rear headroom is poor due to curved rear.
    Id advise you to have a look at the Ford Territory, great value for the price.

    • victorwilson on 08/01/2015 - 17:17
      +3

      The Territory isn't exactly fuel efficient unless you drive like a grandma. If fuel isn't a HUGE concern for OP, then the Territory is probably the best choice for space and performance.

      • bowdo on 09/01/2015 - 22:09

        I have an 08' AWD petrol Territory. Fantastic to drive and it has bucketloads of space, however it is a bit of a pig on fuel. Averages around 13-14L/100 around town.

        Still, I picked mine up recently for just under $14k at 92kms

  • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2015 - 18:06
    +5

    2014 Fiat Freemont
    Can be had for $24,000 drive away
    You should be able to get the 7 seat option for less than $1,500 extra.
    It's basically the Dodge Journey with a different engine, I prefer the Freemont anyway.

    Freemont is absolutely massive in the trunk area, fit like two dozen dead bodies in there.

    They used to have issues with excess wear on the front brakes but that has long been resolved.

    Fiat is probably not the best known brand in Australia, but they own;
    Alfa Romeo
    Chrysler
    Dodge
    Ferrari
    Maserati
    Jeep
    Ram

    • theguru1 on 08/01/2015 - 08:22

      The 2.4L model which from reports is underpowered. V6 better

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2015 - 17:44
      +16

      I wouldn't touch Fiat or any of their brands listed for reliability

    • suitup01 on 08/01/2015 - 20:25
      +1

      Do you know the servicing fee for the Fiat? We are trying to steer clear from European cars.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2015 - 20:55

        12 months/15,000 km

        It won't be more than a Territory or other similar car.
        There is nothing really special about it that warrants a premium like BMW/Audi/Mercedes attract.

        For the money they are well equipped cars. Lots of storage, and the front passenger seat lifts up for additional storage underneath the seat.
        There are also underfloor storage compartments in the back under the passengers feet which is nifty.

        I would recommend at least taking it for a drive.

        • zeomega on 08/01/2015 - 23:49
          +1

          Regular servicing is all fine and dandy, but what are the costs when stuff breaks and are no longer in warranty? Fiat parts are relatively cheap in europe but due to the lack of importers here etc, the spares will command more of a premium and will be harder to come by.

    • bmett on 10/01/2015 - 15:44
      +1

      We own a Fiat Freemont and love it. Heaps of space, awesome extras and fantastic stereo (Lounge model)

      Only downside: Very thirsty!

  • jaykay on 07/01/2015 - 20:08
    +14

    Get a Subaru forester
    Jeep Grand Cherokee is rubbish
    Just google it

      • zeomega on 08/01/2015 - 23:52
        +11

        Do you never learn?

        No one cares about your crappy Jeep.

        NO. ONE.

        Nice story, getting a ride in my colleague's Grand Crappy the other day, one car cuts from slow lane past into middle lane then to fast lane about 4 car lengths in front, the Grand Cherokee anti-collision jams brakes and starts beeping…. gives both of us a scare. We were going about 80kms. Imagine that happening on wet roads in a bend.

        Bloody Jeep.

        Stay clear.

        • zeomega on 09/01/2015 - 14:53
          +5

          @thorton82:

          No, the bad thing is the possibility of the Jeep being forced into a spin due to fancy electronics. When you're caught in a spin, not even the fanciest of current electronics will save you.

          When the car is able to counter steer and and perform throttle control to save the spin, then yeah…wonderful… if not most people would be caught out with such a system.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2015 - 23:38
          -8

          @zeomega:

          That's just not going to happen. The cars system would never put the car into a spin.

        • zeomega on 10/01/2015 - 23:01
          +1

          @thorton82:

          I don't know what you do for a living, but take it from a systems engineer whom have worked with transport embedded systems, ( kinda like the stuff you have in your cars ), do not put too much faith into it.

          Once you see and understand these systems, you'll be shocked at how badly coded it is.

          This is just an example:-

          http://www.embedded.com/electronics-blogs/break-points/44296…

        • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 23:29
          -4

          @zeomega: yeah, not the same thing. These systems work, the real world has proved this. Collision avoidance does not mitigated stability control or abs. A car will not put itself into a spin to avoid an accident. One of the only modern examples of something like what you are talking about happening, was the new Porsche Macan, when in a moose test, the stability control purposefully overode the ABS. But this was a rarity, and did not result in serious issues. What does it matter though, from all the negatives and nieve suggestions in this thread, it's pretty clear that this community, while adept in bargaining, knows almost nothing about cars. I would suggest the OP look elsewhere for car advice.

        • zeomega on 11/01/2015 - 00:39

          @thorton82:

          Carry on in your fairy tale land thinking that the integration of multiple systems is a flawless one.

          Your contumelious attitude is the main reason why you're getting down voted, together with your thinking of the Grand Crappy being a great car above everyone elses + "I know it all about cars".

          Again, I'm done and not replying after this. You're hopeless.

        • ESEMCE on 12/01/2015 - 09:22
          +4

          Awesome word there zeomega!

          @zeomega:

          contumelious

          adjective archaic

          (of behaviour) scornful and insulting; insolent.
  • grabngo on 07/01/2015 - 21:19
    -4

    Holden Captiva $30k drive away
    Not too bad a deal really
    Jeep is funky and trendy
    But beware of service intervals and costs
    Don't expect 6l per 100km
    No way !

    • bowdo on 09/01/2015 - 22:12

      I've had a go at a captiva at work; they aren't bad to drive but they are actually surprisingly small inside. They just feel like a slightly roomier corolla, I wouldn't recommend for a family car.

    • SLAMMA1102 on 11/01/2015 - 09:58
      +2

      Take it from someone who drove a SX diesel 7seater Captiva for 4 years one word CRAPTIVA

      • zeomega on 11/01/2015 - 18:34

        I noticed the company's craptiva (as we affectionately call it too) had all their engine mounts fail at about 40k-50k kms. It is afterall a company car and does take abuse.

        How's your engine mount going?

        • SLAMMA1102 on 12/01/2015 - 22:09

          Exactly right whole engine cracked it at 50000 ks left the job last year and was happy to hand it back and by a brand new Kluger grande, no comparison beautiful car however a bit thirsty

  • Conka on 07/01/2015 - 23:50

    I know its not on your list, but seeing as though you've asked …

    We have a 2WD Toyota Kluger. Heaps of space, 7 seats (with 3rd row, there isn't much of a boot)

    Fuel economy … it drinks like a fish.
    10 L /100km on the highway. 12.5L / 100km around town

    I'd avoid.

    • burningrage on 08/01/2015 - 17:15
      +1

      Ditto but on Mazda CX-9

      Currently running at 16.6/100 but most trips are short.

      But 10.5/100 over highway.

      Next year CX9 will release a completely new model but would be above your budget unfortunately.

    • EnALup on 12/01/2015 - 15:41

      My 2012 RAV4 gives me 7.5 km/litre in city and 10 km/litre on highway. Klugger has 3.5 litre v6 engine ( new ones), so the economy you are getting is decent. I drove it and seems very smooth and good on road.

  • Geewhizz on 08/01/2015 - 07:21
    +1

    Forget the jeeps if you need decent towing capacity, and they tend to be fuel guzzlers.

    We got 2014 7 seater Mitsubishi Outlander with tow bar, tinting, weather shields for around $34k drive away. We've found the handling and fuel economy to be very good.

    Noticed on an ad the other night that there is currently a $2000 fuel card being offered with it.

      • Geewhizz on 08/01/2015 - 13:52
        +8

        Oops sorry, was mistakenly thinking OP was asking about 4wd in his price range.

        • zeomega on 08/01/2015 - 23:56
          +5

          @thorton82:

          So you think by speaking BS it will help his decision?

          Look in the mirror mate.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2015 - 00:02
          -8

          @zeomega:

          Show me one instance where I have spoken BS. The car I have mentioned is superior to every single other car mentioned in this thread.

    • Noblejoker on 08/01/2015 - 12:17
      +4

      I am not sure you are right about the towing (torque etc much lower than Jeep) but the Outlander is excellent
      Powerful enough and very efficient in this class
      Great price with run out extras atm
      The selling point for me was internal size
      I am 6'6" and the drivers seat and rear passengers have the most room of anything in this class
      Trust me I tried nearly all of them
      I bought a used one on this basis alone but wish I had bought new/demo now as I am happy with it

      • Geewhizz on 08/01/2015 - 14:04

        Same here. We're all quite tall, and the first thing we did was check interior room. Didn't even bother test driving the majority for lack of leg room in rear.

        And yeah, it tows perfectly fine.

    • Ramrunner on 09/01/2015 - 11:18

      My wife has a slightly older one and although the economy is OK, I've found the handling to be terrible? It feels like a very heavy car and the cornering is very slow and sways a lot? It's take off is not very fast either and just a slight acceleration around a round about causes the damn skidding light to come on.

      Maybe I'm too spoiled with my X-Trail, but I expect a small SUV to drive a lot lighter than the heavier units but my wife's car jut feels like I'm driving a Subaru Tribeca or Nissan Pathfinder, which for it's size I think it shouldn't.

      Other than that I think the Outlander is great with it's 7 seats, but my opinion is the handling is not actually that good.

      • tunzafun001 on 10/01/2015 - 02:16

        I have a 2009 V6 Outlander bought 2 years ago and am very happy with it. Its features for price were unbeaten. Heated leather seats, V6, 6 speed paddle gearbox, proximity key, Rockford fosgate audio, voice controlled satnav, Bluetooth phone, DVD , parking sensors, reverse camera, xenon headlights with headlight washers, excellent ground clearance and leg room plus a 4wd sytem that actually drives all 4 wheels, 9.1 liters /100 country, 9.8 city,Handles very well for its size. Under $15k If the new ones are better, then your laughing!

  • Bill48 on 08/01/2015 - 07:34

    I see Captivas everywhere. People must like them. They certainly look good but have no personal experience.

    • Hellfire on 08/01/2015 - 14:20

      I've got a Captiva and am happy with it. Very well priced for what you get.

  • rigby75 on 08/01/2015 - 07:37

    Hyundai ix35 or mazda cx5 the hyundai will giveyou better bang for buck and are a great car. Mazda are good steer clear of the diesel. Kia has a 7 year warranty uses a hyundai power train with a different body.

    • isthisreally_me on 08/01/2015 - 19:53

      As a former owner I feel the build and quality of the Hyundai ix35 is horrible and it is a car you should stay away from. The long term reliability is questionable at best.

    • suitup01 on 08/01/2015 - 20:22

      Do you happen to know the servicing fees for the Hyundai?

      • smpantsonfire on 08/01/2015 - 23:08

        Most brand new cars will have capped price servicing, and they would all be reasonably similar. Don't forget though, some capped prices may be $200, and some may be $350, but if one has 6 monthly services and the other yearly, you can work it out.

  • Euphemistic on 08/01/2015 - 07:40
    +6

    What do you want an SUV for? Space, off road ability, 7seals, round town to see over everyone who hasn't got one, prestige? Tell us more.

    The jeep and Mazda you suggested are massively different. Can't offer you more suggestions without more info.

    • suitup01 on 08/01/2015 - 20:29

      Well one person in the family gets painful headaches when sitting in a low car or a sedan. But whenever shes in a SUV shes fine, lol. Also my family prefers "tall" cars that don't require us bending our knees (my mum has arthritis). Basically we are searching for a car with good resale value, has plenty of leg room, has advanced technology, sunroof, fuel efficient, has inexpensive or low servicing costs and has a spacious boot as well. We are not fussed about the brand or whether it is a 2wd or 4wd.

      • intrasonic on 08/01/2015 - 20:38

        Hope your mum goes to all the test drives and sits in each car. Is she a taller or shorter person? For ease of entry, Foresters are a good compromise because they sit higher than regular sedans or wagons, but a bit lower than the big SUVs.

      • Jackson on 09/01/2015 - 23:28

        For advanced technology, low service costs, and cheap to run you might look at the outlander PHEV. Cost u a bit more but u will make your money back

    • casey2 on 09/01/2015 - 14:31
      +1

      I have only started looking for a new car because I want 7 seats. But I really don't like SUVs. I see that sports wagons are falling out of favour with manufacturers though, because people seem to think that SUVs are good (I can't see why!).
      Anyway, I look like being forced down the E350 merc estate as the ONLY option of a decent looking 7 seater. Are there any others that aren't SUVs?

      • geebee on 09/03/2015 - 12:33

        Honda odessey and Prius V seven seater.

  • woodwa on 08/01/2015 - 07:42
    +4

    Subaru have just slashed some of their prices…

    Drive a Suby around some wet corners and then decide!

  • bradsmrbetty on 08/01/2015 - 08:04
    +2

    My uncle and cousin work for big multichain dealerships, this is how the mechanics rate them.

    Mazda
    Hyandai
    Kia
    Mitsubishi
    Holden

    Ford is ok often bad resale value though.

    When I would also recommend going to a site like productreview.com.au type in the car you want, it paints a very good picture of what a car is like in long term ownership. Form you own opinions based on research to ensure no bias.

    • Jackson on 09/01/2015 - 23:29

      Take advantage of the bad resale value and buy a second hand Ford, pay stuff all for an otherwise decent car. If petrol is a problem they may have gas powered ones

  • theguru1 on 08/01/2015 - 08:16
    +11

    The Jeeps are not very high on the reliability surveys.

    • xuqi on 09/01/2015 - 16:32
      +6

      Because they're junk…
      Useless fuel guzzling American crap.

      • Jackson on 09/01/2015 - 23:31
        +1

        Parts cost a fortune too, and you could be waiting for months on some models (like the compass)

    • snajper on 09/01/2015 - 17:21

      Couldn't agree more. 2013 model is Great looking but unreliable cars. Latest model has google eyes and is ugly. I would stay away from Craptiva as well. My brother has CX5 petrol 2L and it uses about 8L/100km in heavy traffic and descent equipment level. Diesel version is apparently unbelievable.

  • boccos on 08/01/2015 - 08:28
    -1

    Favorites are Rav4 & IX35. Both great for city driving. Not so good if you have a head-on on the highway…not as forgiving crumple zones compared to sedans.

  • little555 on 08/01/2015 - 09:15
    +1

    I don't recommend Mazda CX-5 diesel. Mazda have had a lot of problems with the engine, replacing quite a lot of them and repairs to many more. I sold mine after it took about 2 months in and out of their service centre, as well as 5 weeks off the road. I have lost confidence in Mazda and will not buy another.
    If it has to be AWD or 4WD and diesel I would go for the Hyundai Santa Fe. I ended up going back to 2WD, got a petrol VW Golf 7 Wagon. It has more room and drives much better than the Mazda. Good luck.

    • WT on 08/01/2015 - 12:20

      Neighbour works for mazda, said the same thing don't buy a mazda diesel or a CX7

      • dunc on 09/01/2015 - 10:06

        Out of curiosity, what's wrong with a CX7? They don't make them anymore, but I used to own one and never had a problem.

        • WT on 09/01/2015 - 10:19

          I think it was a gearbox issue possibly an engine problem even though they share the same engine as the 6 and MPS

          the diesels were a sludge problem but not sure if an egr block off and oil air separator would be the fix

  • Speckled Jim on 08/01/2015 - 12:06
    +2

    I'd also suggest the Territory, but only the diesel version. The petrols are thirstier than Falcons.
    Santa Fe or the Kia as the modern alternatives.

  • Arch9896 on 08/01/2015 - 16:33

    I know you don't like to get a Honda again but CRV is the best choice with your budget. If you can get a little bit more on the budget, I will pick kluger GX 2wd.

  • intrasonic on 08/01/2015 - 20:20

    Are you looking for new cars only? Do you need 4wd or is 2wd enough? If you're looking at new SUVs under 35k, youre probably only looking at petrol engines, rather than diesel. Father in law just got a Forester "luxury" with the 2.5l petrol engine and CVT. Price was around mid thirties. Comfortable and fuel efficient thanks to the transmission that knows how to get the most out of the engine. Stop-start engine also helps. A bit boring to look at, but at least it has 4wd as standard.

    While shopping for our 4WD Kia Sportage Platinum 2.0l Diesel in 2013, we also test drove the base model 2.0 petrol version as well, which was well under $35k. Comfortable car with lots of kit for the money (and capped priced servicing and 7 year warranty), but the base model 2.0 petrol engine is pretty weak. I'd recommend the sportage with diesel engine, but its closer to $40k.

    • suitup01 on 08/01/2015 - 20:24

      Yeah we are looking for a new car that also has good re-sale value. Also my mum is kinda fussy about the height of the car. She likes "tall" cars with a mid-high roof and plenty of leg room. We don't mind 2wd though.

      • intrasonic on 08/01/2015 - 20:27

        Of those two SUVs that I've been in recently, both are as physically spacious as eachother, but the forester felt slightly roomier because the windows/windscreens were more vertical and the cabin had more light. The cargo space of the Forester felt more usable, though because the floor height was a bit lower than the taller SUVs, making it easier to load/unload.

        Subaru's generally have good resale value and have an old reputation of being "safe". The Korean cars used to have a stigma against them for being "cheap and nasty" but perceptions are slowly changing, with the long 5 or 7 year warranties helping that.

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