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

  • soaringphoenix on 18/11/2015 - 22:06
    +1

    I know I'm not addressing your question directly here, but I'd recommend considering whether you really need an SUV, and evaluating the relative strengths of an alternative like a Holden SS Sportswagon.

    You could pick up this example for 30K (http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Holden-Commodore-2…)

    Full leather, manual gearbox, and an incredibly reliable LS 6L V8 that is cheap to run and maintain. This particular example appears to have the Walkinshaw pack as well which further ups the power and torque. The petrol costs might be a little higher, but overall it would still be cheaper to run and maintain than the Euro SUVs.

    Just food for thought.

    • kma on 18/11/2015 - 22:29

      Looks good!

  • Mouthful on 18/11/2015 - 22:22
    +2

    Honda CRV. We bought a brand new, 2015 CRV for 35k. Extremely happy with it, has alot of space and ALOT of kit and luxuries. We have an 2014 E-Class too , and in all honesty, the Honda is smoother and easier to drive.

    • kma on 18/11/2015 - 22:29

      That was my last car! 2015 VTI-L
      I just wanted to save some money this time and go second hand

    • zeomega on 19/11/2015 - 00:35

      Honda is smoother than a 2014 E-class? I'm a little skeptical. Low profile tires combined with run flats would give you that poor ride quality and that may be the main issue. If you feel the CRV is a better car, why bother keeping the Merc?

      • Mouthful on 19/11/2015 - 07:09
        +1

        Don't get me wrong - the Merc is a wonderful car. In comparison, the 7 speed transmission is a little bit hesitant at low speed, the ride is firmer, and steering is tighter. The Honda is more glidey with the CVT, steering is extremely light and ride is very comfortable (huge tyres).

    • zealmax on 19/11/2015 - 00:41

      Did it have leather seats? Which options did you get?

      • Mouthful on 19/11/2015 - 07:14

        No- no leather seats or options. It came with enough tech in the base model to keep us happy. We took the 2wd for better fuel consumption.

        • kma on 19/11/2015 - 22:02

          There is considerable difference in price of base and VTI-L but I think it's worth it , comes with even more awesome features

        • Mouthful on 20/11/2015 - 23:30

          Apologies we have the VTI-S, not the base. Has the keyless, and a few other bits and pieces which makes the car civil. Curiously, why did you get rid of the CRV?

  • moza on 19/11/2015 - 14:56

    We did a lot of research and test drives and decided on a new Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD. It's fantastic!

    • kma on 19/11/2015 - 22:00
      +1

      New one looks good.. will I be able to get a new one for around 30K?

      • moza on 19/11/2015 - 22:47
        +1

        Yep. We got an MY14.5 at the start of the year for around $28000. Brand new, only 6kms on the dial :)

        • kma on 20/11/2015 - 00:46

          That's awesome price. Which varient ?

        • moza on 24/11/2015 - 07:48

          @amk:

          It's the lowest-priced 4WD version. Only with the 5 seats. I think it's called the LS variant?

          A major draw card of this car was the massive boot space. It's got an amazing design… It fits our pram and esky and everything when we go camping.

          I added roof racks and a rooftop awning and some other stuff which is nice too. We've taken it 4WD and it is only a basic SUV, but it outperforms the Honda crv and other similar cars. You wouldn't want to push it tho… The engine and 4WD system are great, but it's definitely not designed for heavy bumps.

  • bennos on 19/11/2015 - 15:24
    +3

    Lexus RX350

    Most reliable brand in the world.

    Beautiful to drive. Not to big. Understated class.

    • bennos on 19/11/2015 - 19:20

      Lexus comes with everything. There is no real options to choose. Leather everything, auto open/close boot, premium sound system, heater seats, electric everything.

      • kma on 19/11/2015 - 21:59

        Even the RX270?

  • congo on 19/11/2015 - 18:44

    You can get a 2015 Dodge new for $30K.
    It has 7 seaters.

    • kma on 19/11/2015 - 21:59

      Is it reliable though?

      • congo on 20/11/2015 - 07:37

        I am not sure. I don't have one.

    • malouphix on 20/11/2015 - 10:28
      +1

      They are Dodgy.

  • Bargaina on 19/11/2015 - 20:03

    Hyundai Santa-Fe

  • malouphix on 20/11/2015 - 10:25
    -1

    What about a Jeep?

  • malouphix on 20/11/2015 - 10:27

    Get a Toyota RAV4 or even a 3.0 Diesel Prado. More reliable, lower maintenance costs than the BMW.

    If you go the used X3, it will cost you a lot of money when it needs repairs, not if, but when as something will go wrong.

  • spersephone on 20/11/2015 - 18:51

    You could get a nearly new top of the range Qashqai?

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