Best 2nd Hand SUV under 30K

kma on 15/11/2015 - 22:25
Last edited 17/11/2015 - 20:50

Hi wonderful people
As the topic suggest I am looking for decent (used, because the new ones in this price range are not the ones that I like) SUV at or around $30K mark. Should not be older that 2012 model. I am a bit flexible but would like to stay close to this year and $ value.
The things I'm looking for

  • Trouble free next couple of years
  • good resale value after that
  • a bit of luxury (love to have Prestige Brands but I'm jot sure about costs and reliability.

What about used X3 or Q5? What's the reliability like? I'd asume high maintenance costs but how much high in comparison are we talking ?

All options and general discussion welcome!

****edit****

I'm seriously considering a 2011 X3 … is it really that bad ? Should I stay away from it ? Carsales have them listed for close to 35k with about 100k on the clock..

Automotive

Comments

  • chartparker on 15/11/2015 - 22:48
    +12

    Forester 2.5i-L or 2.5i-S.

    Something like this maybe? http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Subaru-Forester-20…

    Although you didn't mention whether you were after compact, mid or full size SUV. I guess I kind of just assumed compact.

    • kma on 15/11/2015 - 23:01
      +1

      Isn't 63k km too many for a car of this age?
      Forester sms like a decent choice.
      Mid sized Is definitely what I'm after :)

      • chartparker on 15/11/2015 - 23:05
        +5

        It's a bit high, but really depends on who owned it and what type of kms. When I was living with parents I was doing over 30,000km/year. Since this car is about 21 months old, that's roughly 36,000km year, which isn't that far off what I was doing, and 95% of my driving was freeway driving - so relatively low wear and tear, especially if it was well maintained.

        • kma on 16/11/2015 - 20:40
          +2

          But yu can't sure on this when buying second hand ?

        • chartparker on 16/11/2015 - 20:48
          +2

          @amk: Not really, but you can at least check the vehicle logbook. The best thing to do is actually call up Subaru and tell them you're potentially looking to buy the vehicle and they can check the service history of it and tell you if it's had any major issues in the past and also whether it's been regularly serviced by them.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 13:34
          +3

          @nytrojen: Tried to do that before with an chain workshop before buying a used car. The person speaking to me over the phone was very cagey about the report and said he couldn't talk much about other people's cars.

        • chartparker on 19/11/2015 - 19:25

          @lolbbq: well I've called up Subaru 3 times to check the service of a car before buying it and they helped me out every time. I didn't ask for specifics, I just asked them to check if the vehicle had been regularly serviced to the logbook and whether and major faults had been noted.

    • esty on 17/11/2015 - 08:27
      +3

      1+ for forester. very roomy size SUV and looks very sleek!

      • gimli on 19/11/2015 - 19:30

        get a beamerc

    • WalterPPK on 19/11/2015 - 07:46
      +3

      +1 for Forester. They're tough, comfortable, safe, smooth, quiet, easy to park and incredibly cheap to buy and to service. Plus, being smaller they're unlikely to have been used to tow a huge caravan around Australia - and they're also unlikely to have been taken bush. Get it on a hoist and if the underside looks clean and not scratched up, then you can be 95% sure you've found a nice car.

  • dylanando on 15/11/2015 - 22:51

    kia sorento

    • kma on 15/11/2015 - 23:03

      It might be a good choice but personally I'm not a fan of Kia Hyundai or Holdens..

      • dylanando on 15/11/2015 - 23:06
        +4

        Yeah, I dont like them either :p Mazda cx3/5/9

        • chartparker on 15/11/2015 - 23:09
          +2

          CX-5 would be my next suggestion after a forester. There's a reason they're popular. I'm not personally a fan because I absolutely loath their in car entertainment solutions, but if that's not important to you then it's a good choice.

      • dreamscene on 17/11/2015 - 21:17
        -1

        Are you Asian by chance?

        • kma on 17/11/2015 - 21:42
          +1

          Haha sterotype much? :P

        • Knightelf on 18/11/2015 - 21:58

          @amk:

          Now we know you're definitely Asian since you made the ":P" emote.

          Not that it matters :P

        • kma on 18/11/2015 - 22:27

          @Knightelf: lol sorry but I'm not haha

  • kma on 15/11/2015 - 23:20
    +1

    What about used X3 or Q5? What's the reliability like? I'd asume high maintenance costs but how much high in comparison are we talking ?

    • Randxyz123 on 16/11/2015 - 09:46
      +2

      It'll be higher than a new car but not too bad.

      Use a specialist to service it.

    • donga100 on 16/11/2015 - 11:12
      +1

      Audi servicing costs were surprisingly not bad. Around $300 from the Audi service centre which included $100 of oil (wtf?!) so you should be able to keep it under $200 if serviced at an independent mechanic. I've owned a CRV before and really enjoyed it but drove a Q5 loan car last week and it is definitely a class above the Japanese SUVs. You would have to compromise though as 2012 models start at $40k or 2011 models can be found under $30k. Highly recommended if you are concerned about a luxury ride with very smooth handling and premium features.

      • zeomega on 17/11/2015 - 11:56
        +3

        It's not the servicing cost that will get you.

        It's the unexpected failure of parts, eg: transmission fails (which is relatively common on the Q5), that's $10+k. Unless you can get a car still in warranty and add extended warranty for it ( about $2K ).

        • ChickenTalon on 17/11/2015 - 21:11
          +1

          Exactly. Even if it's not a transmission, the odds are it will be something or a few things. $400 here for electricals $500 there for a temperature sensor.

          This is where you'll be paying.

      • ITveteran on 18/11/2015 - 12:50
        +3

        "it is definitely a class above the Japanese SUVs" - Serious? In what way do you compare? Quality? Reliability? Comfort? AFAK, you might need to top up engine oil every couple of KMs when riding an VW/Audi engine. European cars are almost the last things I would consider.

    • malouphix on 20/11/2015 - 10:29

      Used BMWs are not reliable in Australia. Seriously, don't even think about buying one that's out of Manufacturer warranty, you'll be crying.

  • altomic on 15/11/2015 - 23:23
    +3

    Hyundai ix35/Tucson. I had a 2007 Tucson. Handy car the gave me no trouble for 5 years. Only got rid of it to get a 7 seated Mitsubishi outlander.

    The outlander is a decent SUV. I bought an aspire - leather seats, blah blah. Though my dislike of it is - not enough storage places - had a kia Rio rental car and it had 7 storage trays within reach of the driver. Bought diesel - great economy.

    • KBZ on 18/11/2015 - 12:50
      +1

      I agree with you on that.

      I bought the ix35 SE (new) has leather* heated seats got it close to low 33K with a few options I think OP really needs to think about if he really wants to buy a euro brand car with a lot of KM for the price he could get for a brand new or even dealer used car even if it is not a prestige brand.

      OP you really are rolling the dice hoping something won't break within the next few years if you're buying a 4+ year lux car with close to 100K KM.
      Also get a full size SUV like SantaFe/Outlander/Kluger etc if you plan on using a lot of boot space, golf clubs, camping etc mid size just doesn't cut it.

    • ev3nfl0w on 18/11/2015 - 18:23
      +1

      Likewise - drove a 2011 IX35 for 3 years and it was minimal fuss.

      Never was a big Hyundai fan before this and I must admit, having an SUV made transporting a young child soooo much easier.

      • altomic on 18/11/2015 - 19:42

        +Kid factor. We got the Tucson when #2 came along. Easier. Pram boot space

  • onetwothreefour on 16/11/2015 - 05:59
    +4

    Brand new RAV4

    • kma on 16/11/2015 - 07:55
      +1

      A friend has it.. the ride quality is very bad..

      • derk on 16/11/2015 - 09:01
        +2

        Really? I have the diesel GXL which is a great drive, only problem i find is that it is a little noisier than I hoped, however that may be to do with the roof rack whistling, I am yet to know.

        We tried the Mazda CX5 which we found to be a terrible ride.

        You can pick up a diesel GXL 2.2 litre for around 30k second hand if you look around

        • onetwothreefour on 16/11/2015 - 10:09
          +1

          I've heard nothing but good things about the rav as well.

        • Rizzy on 16/11/2015 - 18:54
          +1

          I can not fault the 2014 Diesel GXL model. The acceleration is quite good in sports mode and handling is fine (I own one).

          For personal knowledge I would like to know what people are saying is bad about it.

        • kma on 16/11/2015 - 19:24

          Hi a friend of mine I was talking about has a 2013 model GXL. I have driven that on a few occasions close to home. I have had 2015 CRV , top of the range and I can confirm that the ride of Rav4 is difinetly much stiffer. Subarban roads around Kedron Aspley area in QLD feels like way to uncomfortable as compared to my CRV. I have not driven any other RAV4 so it could just be his car..

        • neonlight on 17/11/2015 - 08:17

          The ride could be stiffer on RAV4,but new one has service capping at $185 for 3 years and its cheap to service there after. It is also very spacious compare to CX5. The Honda CRV I wouldn't consider, sure it's a smoother ride but Honda quality has declined over the years. There's no service capping and it'd only be suitable for city driving. Made in Thailand crosses my mind it's not the same quality as Mazda.

        • aim54x on 17/11/2015 - 14:31
          +1

          I recently drove a GoGet RAV4, current model, petrol (I didnt pay too much more attention past that)…I have to say it was nothing to write home about. Sluggish, disconnected feeling and rather crude feeling overall. My car is a little Suzuki Swift, so I am not exactly comparing it with anything high end.

        • Rizzy on 17/11/2015 - 18:17

          @aim54x:

          I too have driven the petrol rav4 go get. Don't compare it to the Diesel GXL. The goget I drove was a hunk of junk. Goget stock GX models. The GX model is definitely crude. Probably not serviced much and users probably smash it.

          The Diesel engine has far more torque and the turbo (not sure if it's in petrol) helps you to zip in and out of traffic if you need that little burst for merging etc.

        • aim54x on 17/11/2015 - 20:04

          @Rizzy: as I said it was a petrol, I would hope the diesel is better driving. The thing I was driving only had 40k on the clock but if after that they are not babied but I'd assume they would be serviced to the book.

        • Rizzy on 18/11/2015 - 18:02
          +1

          @aim54x:
          Good point. Thanks for the discussion. :)

  • subydooby on 16/11/2015 - 07:24
    +2

    Nissan Xtrail Ti

    • kma on 16/11/2015 - 08:07
      +1

      New shape? Or the older one? Ti is their top of the range model right?

      • chartparker on 16/11/2015 - 09:12
        +2

        Yeah Ti is top spec. Basically I guess just stick to the Japanese if you want trouble free motoring. Subaru, Mazda, Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi all have very decent offerings with varying pros and cons. Personally I find Subies offer the best compromises for me, but it's down to personal preference after that really - especially if you don't actually plan on much off roading.

        Both Subaru and Nissan use CVT and both units are pretty mature these days without many issues, but some people seem to hate them even though they've never actually driven one.

        • zeomega on 17/11/2015 - 12:40

          I hate the feeling of CVTs, it always feels sluggish and slow and unresponsive. I've been through a few CVTs Honda Jazz, Audi A4 and A6, Nissan Tiida, Mitsubishi Outlander are the few i can think of. Having owned a few of of the aforementioned vehicles, i've finally sworn off CVTs. Took me a while to learn my lesson.

          There is a reason why Audi has canned all CVTs for future lineups. Personally i don't like it, but i guess different strokes for different folks.

        • chartparker on 17/11/2015 - 12:41
          +1

          @zeomega: I got mine tuned and it's so good now that I much prefer it to a regular automatic.

        • zeomega on 17/11/2015 - 19:35

          @nytrojen:

          What do you mean by tuned?

        • martyn on 18/11/2015 - 20:01
          +2

          Do some reading on reliability of Nissan CVT's (especially Pathfinder but X-Trail too), heaps of problems!

    • shadowarrior on 16/11/2015 - 20:53
      +1

      Xtrail was one of our rental cars when I rode down to Gold Coast for the first time before moving here, was back in 2010 and was a 2010 model, loved it. The boot space and mileage was impressive.

  • shadowarrior on 16/11/2015 - 09:43

    Not a SUV, but 30k should get you decent second hand Pajero/Challenger/Landcruiser Prado 2012 onwards models.
    I test drove Outlander and ASX plus had it as a loan car while my Challenger went for servicing, didn't like those cars at all.

    • kma on 16/11/2015 - 20:16

      But that would probably have more than 100k on the clock!?

      • shadowarrior on 16/11/2015 - 20:50

        The Land cruisers and Pajero would be close to 100k within $30,000. However there were few around the 70-90K if you bump to $35,000; so not a bad idea to put an offer of 30,000 to those ads.

        Challenger you can pick up MY15 2015 new/dealer user (~100kms) within $35,000 drive away…again, you should have room for negotiation.

        The Challenger doesn't really have much luxury apart from touch screen, bluetooth, etc basics. But the drive is comfortable, goes anywhere you want to take it to (the MY15 has a rear diff lock as well plus the usual low and high range). It tows things fine. To do some regular heavy towing you might need to spend some money to swap the stock suspension of a Challenger. I have had mine since Jan 14, no problems at all, loving every bit of it. Had a Pajero before that.

        MY15 4x2 Ford Ranger manuals should be within your price range as well.

  • nubzy on 16/11/2015 - 11:57
    +2

    New Suzuki Vitara looks quite nice, but has a plasticky interior and is not great value IMO. You could get a brand new Mitsubishi asx with leather and moon roof for less than 30k, those cars are quite nice too. Also look at the foresters on the used market, can't beat Subsru for driving fun and their awd system.

    • SupeNintendoChalmers on 16/11/2015 - 16:11
      +6

      ASX is even more plastic fantastic than a Vitara.

      If you want Luxury amk. A 3 year old Lexus RX will do the job nicely and you won't have to sacrifice your firstborn to service it.

      • kma on 16/11/2015 - 20:18
        +1

        Lexus have good interior in the current generation however I'm a bit spectacle about the previous generation.. what are your thoughts ?

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 17/11/2015 - 15:09
          +1

          Last model it getting slightly old I must admit. Still nothing an Android Sat nav entertainment system can't fix

        • kma on 17/11/2015 - 20:43

          @rodripa: 2012 and older models have andriod in them?

      • ITveteran on 18/11/2015 - 13:00

        Indeed, if price in range, this is much better pick than European 2nd hands. At least statistically you have a most reliable car, and usually Lexus comfy is top notch.

  • Bigsta on 16/11/2015 - 12:38
    +4

    Ford Territory.

    Current shape easily under that price, last model even cheaper.

    Parts & servicing are very cheap, drives like a X5 (they ahve the same gearbox, steering set up and fuzzy logic traction control system)

    proper 60:40 AWD power split unlike most FWD biased SUVs which makes it very safe in the rain and can fit 3 baby seats across the back, all the safety gear 6 airbags reverse camera on the TS and ghia, interior is not as nice as the euros but is quite good IMO. only downside really is the petrol use, diesel is much better of course but does not have as much power as the petrol.

    take it for a test drive and decide for yourself.

    Unless you dont mind $15k repair bills every few years stay away from XC90, tourag and Q5. volvo goes through gearboxes like tyres, the audi/VW have allot of problems and dont seem to like our bumpy roads, would only recommend euros new and sell before 5 years

    Most of the Japanese brands are just as expensive parts wise, toyota is a bit better but the kluger (which is a bloated Camry) is unsafe and dog of a car IMO.

    The korean kia and hyundai are not bad but not to my taste and all bar the current hyundai are FWD biased.

    Captiva is also a POS to steer clear of.

    • kma on 16/11/2015 - 20:37

      Thank you for a detailed reply Bigsta. Is it all based on your own experience? Have you owned / driven all of these ? Or have a workshop background?
      Also, what about a 2012 X3 BMW?

      • dlakers3peat on 17/11/2015 - 14:10

        Like Bigsta said stay clear of euro/prestige vehicles becuase the repair bills for things like transmission, engine failure etc are astronomical. I have had an x5 and 2 audi a4s. Eg transmission on a 2005 a4 was nearly $5k. 5 year old a5 transmission was 15k. Thats through a tranmission specialist and not audi. X5 same problems same cost. Unless you buy with warranty you will be in a world of pain. The only prestige vehicle i would go near is a lexus. Had a rx350 which did over 100k kms without a single issue.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2015 - 19:16
          +3

          What the hell are you doing to your cars to require 3 transmissions?

        • PVA on 17/11/2015 - 20:10
          +1

          any car should be able to do over 100k KM without problems, 100,000 is not many km's for a car.

        • kma on 17/11/2015 - 20:46

          I am considering an X3. Are you seriously saying that it's a trouble territory?

        • dlakers3peat on 17/11/2015 - 21:40
          +2

          Yes don't do it unless its under warranty. I will give an example what some parts cost. Audi - high pressure hose for power steering $800. Glove box $1200. Front head light $700 etc etc. Also the labour is also bad because, say to fix somethint small to get to it you have to pull the front bumper then this then that . Its a never ending black hole.

        • ChickenTalon on 18/11/2015 - 10:18
          +1

          @amk: yep, be careful here. 3.5yr old MINI (BMW), 23,000km. Not second hand, not thrashed etc. Faulty engine temp sensor and bracket cost me $400. And this was through a very trusted mechanic.

          But it could be anything with these 4+ yr old german cars. Also, people very rarely do their own maintenance and trouble shooting on them, so there is fk all info on the net and parts are very hard to source.

    • playon on 17/11/2015 - 08:32
      +2

      I too would recommend the Ford Territory in Diesel(save on fuel). I currently own an AWD 2012 Terry & they are a bloody good cars, like Bigsta states above

      interior & finishes not quite as flashy as Euro/Jap vehicles. Car drives well(land rover) engine & a great 6 speed box.

      Don't believe Fords BS claims about Fuel consumption of less than 10L/100kms(manual says 7L/100kms).

      I get 6-700 kms from a full tank(diesel) which is quite decent for Large AWD 7 Seater. Before buying test out the ICC(Inferior/Interior:-) Command Centre) as

      there were/are many complaints about them having issues.

      • kma on 17/11/2015 - 20:45

        Thanks Playon..Interior quality and looks are import for me.. does it tick those boxes?

        • martyn on 18/11/2015 - 20:03

          Interior is not great :( But they drive beautifully and mostly very reliable. I have a 2004 with 150k and still going strong.

        • kma on 18/11/2015 - 21:26

          @martyn:my boss tells me he had a territory before the the 2 CRVs.. and Ford was breaking down all the time.

  • Euphemistic on 16/11/2015 - 14:01
    +1

    Need more info. Since SUV now covers everything from the little Honda HRV to the Territory 7 seater wi all sorts of shapes and sizes in between need more info to narrow it down to what to recommend.

    Do you need space for 7people, want off road ability, cart loads of gear or tow? Do you want a tough SUV or a city SUV? Cheap to run, cheap to buy? Big or small? Looks important or other features?

    I ocould say pathfinder, but you might only want a hi riding hatchback. I could say Forster, you might want to tow a big caravan. We've got a 7seat or genration pathfinder and a 2003 forester in the family and both would be recommended, but significantly different in purpose and execution.

  • intrasonic on 17/11/2015 - 16:17

    Earlier this year, I sold my 2014 Kia Sportage Platinum Diesel for under $30k. 2.0l diesel has heaps of torque. Platinum grade had all the mod cons like heated leather seats, reversing cam, sunroof. Was very comfortable and iirc, capped prices servicing at 12month intervals.

  • asswipe on 17/11/2015 - 18:26
    +1

    Friend of mine is selling this:
    http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-Forester-2…
    Been in it few times, drives Fantastic! and to top it all off, it has a few luxury inclusions like leather seats, standard touch head unit with nav, bluetooth, massive sunroof ect.

  • PGee on 17/11/2015 - 19:10
    +1

    http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Lexus-RX350-2010/…

    something like this? only way to get luxury and reliability really
    but I would test drive and compare to a recent model used CX5 GT and see the difference for yourself.

    • kma on 17/11/2015 - 20:42

      I love the reliability of lexus. For some reason I just keep thinking about buying a X3 BMW, as interior quality and prestige badge are important to me.
      Lexus is a fantastic vehicle, luxury brand and everything but the models in my range like the one above are either years plus old and have aged interior styling ..

      • PGee on 17/11/2015 - 20:52
        +1

        to be honest, I bought an 8 year old performance BMW a few months ago and I wouldn't suggest it unless you are very mechanically minded like myself otherwise you are in for a world of pain for repairs. So many things in the engines are built cheaply or with bad engineering. Get a good European mechanic such as Hills Autohaus in sydney that will look after all that (dealer will be double the cost at least).

        End of the day, you only live once so buy what you feel will make you happy! But remember to test drive and compare, a new CX5 GT is a lot more luxurious than my BMW and has way better fit and finish. New cars have come a long way in past 3 years.

        • kma on 17/11/2015 - 21:04

          "End of the day, you only live once so buy what you feel will make you happy!"

          Happiness is not just the drive :) the reason why I'm asking that many questions is I don't want to be disappointed after buying it..and that will not make me happy.
          Truth is I'm am engineer by qualifications but I am so much out of touch from it I can hardly call my self mechanical minded.

        • donga100 on 17/11/2015 - 22:15
          +1

          @amk: It sounds like your heart is set on the X3. I think you should just go for it because you will only be disappointed driving a lesser car. Sure, you might end up with some expensive repairs down the track but it will be worth it for the satisfaction you get. Expensive repairs can happen to any vehicle too.

        • zeomega on 17/11/2015 - 23:14
          +1

          @pggp n54 engine? hpfp, water pump, coil packs, vanos solenoid, turbos, oil filter seal, cam cover seal, mechatornic sleeve (unless you have mt)… amongst the few top things that should have been already changed or will require changing soon for an 8 yr old car.

          Good luck with your ownership… it's a brilliant engine, but a damn expensive one to upkeep.

      • dreamscene on 17/11/2015 - 21:27
        -2

        "…..prestige badge are important to me…"

        Are you Asian?

        • Banana on 17/11/2015 - 21:33
          +1

          I have seen a Proton with a Tesla badge on it!

  • zealmax on 17/11/2015 - 21:38
    +1

    Friend tells me he managed to get the new Kluger GX 2WD, including the side step for $40K drive away brand new. If you have an extra 10K, might be worth looking at buying new.

    • kma on 17/11/2015 - 22:04

      I believe Klugars are great cara But I'm after luxury options like at least leather seats . Base model won't have that..

      • zealmax on 17/11/2015 - 22:25

        Yeah I am with ya. I am in the market for a 7 seater SUV. I compared Kluger GX with GXL, and only thing that really stands out is the leather seat, and climate control vs manual aircon. Is it worth 10K extra?

        I really like the Kia Sorento, looks fantastic, get so much for the money. You get everything and more compared to the Grande, for 15K less on the Kia Sorento. If you want leather seats and fully optioned, you might want to look at the 2014 Kia Sorento Platinum. I have seen some for around $35K on carsales.com.au.

        • tunzafun001 on 18/11/2015 - 00:31

          I got an Outlander VrX a few years back, cant fault it. However, at that time Kia Sorrentos were SUV of the year, but were outside my price range. I think Kia are the only model with both heated & airconditioned seats.. adaptive cruise control was also a bonus + sat nav + keyless entry+ DVD etc etc

  • CLoSeR on 17/11/2015 - 21:42
    +1

    Forester is the best SUV; for many years now.

  • onlyletters on 18/11/2015 - 00:13
    +1

    Bmw x5

  • Mysterious Laptop on 18/11/2015 - 00:27
    +3

    I would avoid the X3 definitely, I've been inside them and honestly its an el-cheapo X5. If you can't get the X5, go for the Q5. The quality difference from Q7 to the Q5 is extremely small, but man… the X3 from the X5 is atrocious.. Thumbs up for the Q5

    DONT GET THE X3, you've been warned. Update us OP on what you buy.

    • snajper on 18/11/2015 - 06:47

      yeah stay away from x3. friend of mine has one 2010 model….. plain interior, requires 2-3k repairs every few months…sensor for this, sensor for that…engine light galore..not sure about q5 though….

    • kma on 18/11/2015 - 08:09

      Thank you mysterious!
      I get that and I will steer clear of X3.
      I was looking at 2011 / 2012 Lexus RX now of I can score a bargain…

    • zeomega on 18/11/2015 - 09:11
      +1

      I wouldn't touch the X3, or Q3. both budget models with crappy interiors that feel cheap. You're really paying the premium for the badge and not the prestige. A CX5's interior at the same price point is significantly more premium than these 2 models.

  • ShortyX on 18/11/2015 - 09:48
    +3

    Wheels published a review of 7 seater SUVs just last month: http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/reviews/car-comparisons/1510/lar…

    Final scores:

    Sorento: 8/10
    Territory: 7/10
    Santa Fe: 6.5/10
    Kluger: 5.5/10
    Pathfinder: 5/10

    Sorento and Territory appear to be the best choice (for either new or 2nd hand)

    • CLoSeR on 18/11/2015 - 13:00

      If you need 7 seats..

      • ShortyX on 18/11/2015 - 13:52

        True. :) I guess OP never really specified.

  • doctordv8 on 18/11/2015 - 10:06
    -2

    How long is a piece of string?

  • tomleonhart on 18/11/2015 - 10:53
    +1

    "I'm seriously considering a 2011 X3 … is it really that bad ? Should I stay away from it ? Carsales have them listed for close to 35k with about 100k on the clock.."

    Are you really into the brand that much?

    with 100k in the clock, you're essentially throwing 35k away to put another 100k on it.

    I wouldn't do it but it's just me. But each to their own :)

  • ITveteran on 18/11/2015 - 21:10
    +4

    My ex-colleague told me a true story. His brother once bought a second hand porche. His brother said he was only happy 2 days during the whole period of ownership - the day after he bought the car and the day after he sold it.

    • kma on 18/11/2015 - 21:25

      Love the story!

    • Knightelf on 18/11/2015 - 22:02
      +3

      Except technically that's only 1 day, because the day after he sold it is not during the period of ownership…..

    • zeomega on 19/11/2015 - 00:19

      Cool story bro.

      It sounds like he may have gone cheap and bought a crappy condition, cheapest he can find old porsche for that model. All performance cars require maintenance and upkeep, regardless of jap or euro. And with power and age, things break over time. I personally factor in $5k a year upkeep for my old performance euro. If you can't keep with that mentality, don't try to buy one to be flashy and expect it to treat you well.

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