MannyRCF

Hey everyone...my dads 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee is finally dead..thank god..anyways...he wants to spend 20-22k and is looking for a v6 auto 2008 plus suv...what do you guys like or would buy?

His requirements...2008+,relaible..no other requirments
Ex:CRV,RAV4 ETC


Manny

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

cant go wrong with the rav4 or crv. maybe a hybrid?

LexFather

CR-V is I-4 only.
Rav-4 V-6 is one of the best all around SUVs you can get. Amazing vehicle for the money. Can't get NAV in 08 though. Fast and great MPG and its pretty roomy

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I'd say skip the V6 SUV in that price range. I would maybe spend just a little more, and/or try and get a Toyota Venza.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

while the rav4 v6 is fast, the interior is weak and the giant spare tire on the rear side opening door is terrible. i believe they finally nixed that this year.

Manny, you could probably get an '09 Sorrento for that!

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

What about a used Nissan Murano? And neither of these are V6 but they are turbo 4 and fun to boot. Mazda CX-7 (love it!) and Acura RDX. Ford Escape V6?

mmarshall

Remember...the '99 GC your dad had was off-road-rated. That is not the case for vehicles like the RAV-4, CR-V, Venza, etc..... although they (and the Subaru Forester/Outback) have some off-road capability.

If off-roading is not (or is no longer) a factor in the decision, then, of course, the options you listed are viable ones. But I agree with bitkahuna that the interior of newer RAV4s is not very pleasent, and neither is the interior of newer Foresters as well.

The Acura RDX, mentoned above, is well-built and pleasant inside, and has a kick-a** turbo four and sharp handling, but its ride is quite stiff....your folks might not like it. The Mazda CX-7 and 9 have good road manners, but the CX-7 is below-average in reliability from Consumer Reports.....the CX-9 is average. The Ford Escape is worth a look, is popular, and has low depreciation, but the last one I test-drove was unimpressive both in handling and brakes (The Mazda Tribute is similiar, but styled slightly different). The Escape also, of course, has a hybrid version, but it may (?) be difficult-to-find as a used-vehicle.

MR_F1

Rav4. The Venza is not really an SUV.

MannyRCF

No off roading..my dads 64..and wants something that he can drive around town..pick up his grandchild from school etc...told him to get the Venza but he doesnt want to spend that much..hes not a car guy at all..he would rather have money in the bank then in a car...he just needs a mode of transportation..im asking here because i might as well get him something that looks nice and is fun to drive.

mmarshall

Neither, technically, are the Subaru Forester/Outback....but they (and the Venza) have some SUV capabilities. Same with the Ford Freestyle/Taurus-X wagon.

SoCalSC4

Yeah, I have to ask - why an SUV if he uses it mostly for the reasons you listed?

I'm playing Devil's advocate here, but I would suggest a car, perhaps a wagon if he needs a bit more space. They are more economical, handle better, and look better...

I still don't understand America's "need" for SUVs.

MannyRCF

Forgot to add...my mom is a bigger older women...she has a tough time getting in and out of cars..as they are too low for her...with a SUV its much easier to get in and out.

mmarshall

Yes, this is a VERY common complaint with older people, as their weaker, less-agile backs and legs make it more painful and difficult to get in and out of low-slung vehicles than when they were younger. It is one reason (among many) for the exploding popularity of higher-stance vehicles.

IS-SV

Technically they are SUV's and officially are classified as such in the United States.

Everybody can come up with their own subjective and loosey goosey definitions of what a SUV is or is not and that's wonderful.

But both the automaker and the EPA have officially classified the Forrester/Outback and Venza as SUV's.

IS-SV

I would recommend a used Highlander (CPO) for purposes and criteria mentioned. Reliable, roomy, easy to drive, reasonable V6 power and economy. Most Venzas will be outside of price range mentioned.