Automotive

Recommend me a reliable, used, SUV!

  • Last Updated:
  • Jun 5th, 2018 1:04 pm
Deal Addict
Jun 6, 2015
2028 posts
2009 upvotes
Vancouver, BC

Recommend me a reliable, used, SUV!

Hi all, I would like to replace my 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander V6 as its having too many problems. I’m looking for a used SUV with these characteristics:

Price around $15k, but lower the better

Must have:
  • Most Reliable
  • Fuel efficient (better than 12l/100km)
  • Use normal gas (no premium)

Nice to have:
  • Responsive acceleration (I know what a powerful car feels like and my Outlander isn’t powerful but it is responsive when I hit the gas!)
  • Android Auto (or at least Bluetooth, my current SUV doesn’t have Bluetooth haha)
  • Fabric Seats (I hate leather!)
  • Some pimpin AC would be nice

Don’t Care:
  • Asian, domestic, Euro
  • AWD, 4WD, whatever don’t care. Scratch this, RWD would be nice.
  • Internal cargo space
  • # of seats
  • Towing capacity
  • Comfort. I had a 2006 outlander, so anything is better than that!

Other Notes:
  • I put about 50k on this per year from my commute
  • I take care of my car, change oil, brakes, fluids myself

Side question, if I bought a sedan instead of an SUV, would I save a ton of money and/or reliability shoot way up?
Last edited by chevyz07 on May 28th, 2018 8:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
21 replies
Deal Fanatic
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Sep 22, 2012
7736 posts
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Richmond Hill
Quick question, what is it that you desire from an SUV since it's not AWD, cargo space, # of seats, or towing capacity?
Deal Addict
Jun 6, 2015
2028 posts
2009 upvotes
Vancouver, BC
rugerty100 wrote: Quick question, what is it that you desire from an SUV since it's not AWD, cargo space, # of seats, or towing capacity?
Height. I get super annoyed when I sit in a low car and can't see past the guy in front of me.
Sr. Member
User avatar
Oct 29, 2006
917 posts
632 upvotes
chevyz07 wrote: Hi all, I would like to replace my 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander V6 as its having too many problems. I’m looking for a used SUV with these characteristics:

Price around $15k, but lower the better

Must have:
  • Most Reliable
  • Fuel efficient (better than 12l/100km)
  • Use normal gas (no premium)

Nice to have:
  • Responsive acceleration (I know what a powerful car feels like and my Outlander isn’t powerful but it is responsive when I hit the gas!)
  • Android Auto (or at least Bluetooth, my current SUV doesn’t have Bluetooth haha)
  • Fabric Seats (I hate leather!)
  • Some pimpin AC would be nice

Don’t Care:
  • Asian, domestic, Euro
  • AWD, 4WD, whatever don’t care. Scratch this, RWD would be nice.
  • Internal cargo space
  • # of seats
  • Towing capacity
  • Comfort. I had a 2006 outlander, so anything is better than that!

Other Notes:
  • I put about 50k on this per year from my commute
  • I take care of my car, change oil, brakes, fluids myself

Side question, if I bought a sedan instead of an SUV, would I save a ton of money and/or reliability shoot way up?
I think the three requirements I highlighted above are mutually exclusive,

Forget about Android Auto in sub 15K SUV. You're looking at least a five year old car. I'd stick with a 2013 or lower CR-V. Proven, reliable power train, bluetooth, 4WD, good on gas, within your budget in the lower-level trims, a better safety score than most of its contemporary rivals.
Deal Addict
Oct 14, 2015
1311 posts
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Toronto, ON
I can't think anything else than used Toyota RAV4 V6.
-
Deal Expert
Jan 15, 2006
21392 posts
23731 upvotes
Richmond Hill
G wagon
Deal Expert
User avatar
Oct 6, 2010
15881 posts
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Toronto
You can get a loaded newerish Acadia or newer Terrain for that, but don't expect android.

Reliability is like praying.
DIY difficulty scale:
0-joke
10-no joke
Jr. Member
Oct 2, 2017
121 posts
206 upvotes
I'd look at Mazda CX-5, yeah it doesn't have android auto, but it's reliable and fun to drive, overall one of the best cars in class. Also Tiguan definitely a solid option.
Deal Addict
Sep 8, 2017
4695 posts
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GTA
chevyz07 wrote: Height. I get super annoyed when I sit in a low car and can't see past the guy in front of me.
How do you think people behind you feel in your unnecessary SUV then...
Deal Addict
Sep 8, 2017
4695 posts
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GTA
philharmonic wrote: I think the three requirements I highlighted above are mutually exclusive,
And OP already has a V6 SUV. Only a bigger engine will be "more responsive", and that's going to come at a penalty to fuel economy.

Thinking about it OP could get a proper, built-on-a-frame V8 RWD SUV from GM. Something like a Tahoe or Yukon. Or a big Toyota or Nissan.
Member
Feb 26, 2017
285 posts
135 upvotes
With $15K, you can probably get a Toyota Highlander between 2008 and 2010 (and maybe a hybrid): high view, better than 12L/100Km with regular unleaded gas for your long commute, towing capability, roomy and cargo space, 7 cloth seats and comfort, awd, a/c, reliable, etc.
Sr. Member
Oct 2, 2017
850 posts
608 upvotes
Cx5. Crv is a boat
I'll see you at the top, cause the bottom is too crowded
Deal Fanatic
User avatar
Aug 23, 2004
9468 posts
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London
azmongold wrote: Cx5. Crv is a boat
Heard Mazada was rust magnet some years ago, wondering if they have improved.
Banned
Feb 7, 2005
4498 posts
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Crv and Rav4 rwo great choices with the type of mileage you do .
<sig removed> by moderators . Yet no moderator told me they removed or why ?
Deal Guru
User avatar
Jan 11, 2004
10408 posts
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Toronto


honda accord hybris
Toyota camery hybrid

rave4
crv ?

hyduia. ?

kia

watch alex on autos.
"When operating the viewfinder diopter control with your eye to the viewfinder, care should be taken not to put your finger in your eye accidentally."
Deal Addict
Jan 23, 2006
1805 posts
256 upvotes
Toronto
Hey there;
I've been in the same situation and right now; Kia Sorento 2014+ seems like a very good value, with high depreciation you should be able to get a good model out of Sorento.
Sr. Member
Oct 16, 2008
546 posts
43 upvotes
Vancouver
If reliability is your top priority I would start testing the top couple of vehicles in this test.

http://www.jdpower.com/cars/study/2016- ... t-SUV/1131

The test was based on long term owner reliability and not predicted reliability.

Make note that the most reliable vehicle in this test is the only SUV with a 300HP V6.

Happy hunting!
Deal Guru
Aug 15, 2015
10483 posts
7615 upvotes
ON
akito925 wrote:

honda accord hybris
Toyota camery hybrid

rave4
crv ?

hyduia. ?

kia

watch alex on autos.
Watchu smkin brah ?
Member
User avatar
Mar 17, 2006
377 posts
40 upvotes
SureshA720227 wrote: I can't think anything else than used Toyota RAV4 V6.
Would be my choice as well fairly economical very reliable good in the snow good turn speed,or if you want a few more bells and whistles Lexus RX350 same engine

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