Best mid-size SUVs on a budget?

When you are Rob's mom you shouldn't ask him to help you buy a new car, but I did. He suggested a Ferrari, so that he and Jennie would have something to run around in when they were home. I laughed. I'm interested in a mid-size SUV, I think. He thought maybe a BMW or an Lexus would be the one. This "little grey haired" retired elementary school principal had to convince him that I'm on a budget - so he suggested I seek your help. He went with me Thanksgiving and we looked at a the Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, GMC Envoy, and Chevrolet Trailblazer. They all seem to have about the same sticker price - $35,000. I drove the Murano and the Highlander and really liked both. (I need to mention that I have a GM card which is now worth $3500 on a rebate) We didn't talk price to any of the dealers. I'm driving a 2001 Buick LeSabre with only 52,000 miles on it, so I probably need to sell it myself rather than take a trade in.
The Nissan dealer just called me and offered me a loaded 04 Murano for $30,000 with only a $6500 trade) PLEASE ADVISE ME.

 

TOYOTA!!!! You will one day re-sell it and you will be very pleased with the resale value (best in the industry), not to mention the dependability.

Welcome to the board. I guess we all need to behave now that Mom's home...


EDIT: ROB!!!!!!!!! Give yer Mom a Rossa subscription will ya?

 

You mean the Cornbread Recipies?

What, you didn't drive the 328 to Kansas?

 

Not to speak out of turn, Mrs. Lay, but that's kind of a weird mix of SUV's you have. The Highlander and Murano are car-based SUV's, the TrailBlazer and Envoy are body-on-frame truck chassis. The direct GM competitor to the Highlander would be the new Chevy Equinox.

Personally, I don't care for the BMW X3 (I want to like it, but can't...), and am indifferent about the X5. If you're set on a new one, the X3 would be in that price range. I'm also tired of the Murano's styling, already!

Since you have the GM rebate, it can't hurt to check out the Equinox. Reviews have been very good. I would also look at the Honda Pilot.

The new Ford Freestyle is also comparable to the Highlander, but I would stay away from it for now, until it's known if the new CVT transmission is reliable or not.

Highlander, Pilot, Equinox.

 

You should have put some mud grips on it.

 

Robs Mom--- I had a 03 Honda Pilot EX. All wheel drive, 255 hp, DVD, leather and a third row seat. New around $33k. Great SUV. Holds it's value fairly well also.

 

I have a 04 Pilot, likewise very happy with it, perhaps a little large for Rob's mom (and I think 240 hp? IIRC), i think the Highlander would be perfect for her needs, dependable and great resale.

 

Also check out a used Toyota Land Cruiser. 1999-2000 Land Cruiser's can be found in the low to mid-$20's. They are incredibly reliable but you might be looking for a new SUV. The Murano is a a sharp looking SUV with decent power. Out of the SUV's you mentioned I would go with the Murano. The Honda Pilot is a great all-around SUV too so I would go check that one out. You can also find a used Infiniti FX 35 in the low 30's and you will still have a lot of warranty left.

 

I would say pilot as well, and if not, then highlander.

 

Mrs Lay.
I bought our GMC Envoy XUV
http://www.gmc.com/specs/specs_content_files/specs_engines.jsp?brand=envoy&vehicle=xuv
about 6 months ago.. (If you arent needing the XUV part "the roll down roof".. it will take about 4k off the sticker.) We got a great deal from Ewing. in Plano. Cant recommend those guys enough.. I was looking at SUV's for about 6months before i finally decided to get it. There are all types of buying strategies out there. I would suggest talking with a dealer and getting a quote from the internet.. never go in and waste a day doing face to face.. Thats what we did.. then we shopped his quote around to make sure we were getting the best deal possible..

take care
Mike

 

I'd recommend either an Explorer/Mountaineer if you like it a little truckier (talk to me if you choose to go that way!), or the Equinox is supposed to be really nice for the money because of it's Chinese engine. What about the Escape? They're neat to drive and robsmom shouldn't be too worried about the (lack of) macho factor!

 

The Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute is also a good choice. My brother has a 2001 Escape and a guy I work with just bought a 2004 Tribute. Both are very happy with them, and I think you can get one loaded for under $30K.

 

Hi!
First, the Buick should book Wholesale @ 7200-8600 by Mannheim auction results online as of Today. I assume it was a Custom trim level, a Limited would be a little more.

Either the Murano or Highlander are fine choices, you should be able to hammer them more than 30K on an 04...with spiffs, should be a 26k car, 28-9 on 05.

Father-in-law bought Highlander, loves it. Friends have Murano, love it. don't pay over 28 for either.

Lee
PS 3500 GM rebate still only gets you a GM car. maybe a Saturn Redline Ion thingy powered by Honda?? Rob, help me out, I'm old and forget US car names anymore.

 

BTW the GM card works differently now-a-days. It used to be you could use the whole amount on basically any GM car (except Saturns I think), but now they limit the rebate depending on the model regardless of your accumulated total.

In the beginning you could get up to $7000, subsequently changed to only $3500, and now maybe less depending on model.

 

Sorry, I'd get a Subaru Outback.
mid-size SUVs make absolutely no sense to me whatsoever

 

SUBARU FORESTER XT 5sp. The safest mid-sized SUV on the market & also one of the fastest.

 

Nissan Murano, hands down. If you can swing a few more bucks, get the FX35.

 

The depreciation will be breathtaking as the new "style" will become yesterday's eyesore. I do not think the styling will age well at all.

That's my opinion, but I'm usually wrong about most things...just ask my wife...

 

Thats why you lease.