+1 for the Kia.

We bought one of the first 2011 models and now have 28k miles on it - a Sorrento EX.  We looked at EVERYTHING. The Kia was the last one we saw and bought it that week.

The new Sportage might be more your size.  We got the Sorrento for the 3rd row seat.
Would buy it again in a minute

Test drove the Tiguan and love it. But the other vehicles listed have a bit more cargo space...especially the RAV4. I have looked into the CRV as well. May look again. The wife mentioned the Kia but I'm just not sold on those yet since I have a few friends with them and have watched the vehicles break apart  I will go take a test drive though. Herm, the highlander isn't a small SUV. I do like the space it offers. I'd really like a third row seat too but the price for those is a quite a few more bucks than I want to spend.  The wife is trading in her Lexus in two years so we may consider it then. Price point for me right now is 20K~25K. We can get a fully loaded RX Lexus SUV right now for 25 with only 25K.  I'd like a new car right now though. Btw..that is a 2007. Thanks for the info all!

I only looked at the Kia after I found out they had stolen the design engineer from Audi.  Their quality control is excellent.  I have zero complaints about this vehicle -- we bought it in March 2010 (came from the Georgia factory) and thus far it has exceeded all of our expectations.

The 2012 models have ironed out all of the quirkiness of the 2011 models as well.  For instance, on ours, the EX comes with a power driver seat, but no power passenger.  Now both are.   The Koreans didn't understand if an American wants a power driver seat, he wants the passenger as well. 

The leather seats have performed beautifully.  Engine is excellent, MPG is nearly what they say it will be .

Also, the Hyundai "Santa Fe" is something you might want to check out. 

I have friends who've chosen it over Honda/Toyota/VW/ etc...

A friend of mine's Mom had the front wheel drive one and she made it up an ice and snow covered driveway while the Lexus was stuck at the bottom...

I said I would rather buy new vehicle but just found this up in PHX.  Mitsubishi Endeavor with 30K miles for $15K.  I've had a Montero Sport that ran forever and thiss is pretty much the same vehicle.  Just the redesigned model. 

What you guys think?  I know it's a bit bigger than the other SUVs I've been looking at but I think it's worth a look today.   

http://www.chapmanmitsubishi.com/Phoenix-Used-Cars-2008-Mitsubishi-Endeavor-P1954.htm

I rented one and hated it, but for that price... maybe. 

Quote from: IZ on October 15, 2011, 12:11:56 PM
I said I would rather buy new vehicle but just found this up in PHX.  Mitsubishi Endeavor with 30K miles for $15K.  I've had a Montero Sport that ran forever and thiss is pretty much the same vehicle.  Just the redesigned model. 

What you guys think?  I know it's a bit bigger than the other SUVs I've been looking at but I think it's worth a look today.   

http://www.chapmanmitsubishi.com/Phoenix-Used-Cars-2008-Mitsubishi-Endeavor-P1954.htm

for what you said you wanted it's going to use a lot more gas.  it's a decent frame.  chevy uses the mitsu truck for their Colorado and I think it's got the same transmission and subframe.

Quote from: peeny on October 15, 2011, 06:22:09 AM
IZ should get a vehicle from whoever will throw in a free lifetime tire protection plan.

or one of these....


i think the H2 might be a bit bigger than a "small" SUV, but the savings on tire replacement and fender benders should offset the loss in mileage.....

I guess if I moved back to MI?  Could use it in the UP!   


Ducatiz..you're right.  That's a V6 and the gas mileage is comparable to a 4 dr Wrangler.  Which is what I really want but I want to save on gas during long roadtrips.  3 owners for that Endeavor too.  No car fax worries but I'll pass. 

The best v6 in that class was the Isuzu axiom.  It had direct injection and made great power and excellent MPG (26 hw?).  Lack of sales tho rheumatoid don't sell cars under their own name anymore

Quote from: IZ on October 15, 2011, 09:39:15 AM
Test drove the Tiguan and love it. But the other vehicles listed have a bit more cargo space....

Cargo space is a tad limited in the Tiguan, but has been adequate for my needs. I can see how it might be iffy for some though.

I would buy a used Tiguan even with the limited cargo room but it has to have that panoramic sunroof in it. Can't find any around here.

Have you considered the Ford Escape?  It's one of the more popular small SUVs sales-wise

JM

Curious what your reason is behind needing a sunroof?

I suppose if you are going to spend all that cash on a new car, you might as well get everything you want with it.

Also, make sure you are testing out rear seats with the car seat. I had some issues with a few vehicles I looked at. I ended up buying a Pacifica which is a lot bigger than I was expecting but it turned out to be a really great vehicle for me. It has captain's chairs in the second "row" which allows me to move the seat back with the car seat in. That gives the front passenger plenty of room to be comfortable still. Also has the option of third row seating. The best part about it is that I can flip down 2nd and 3rd row and fit a full size dresser in there with several boxes of crap. Plenty of options with the Pacifica. Oh and I average 20 mpg with a 3.5 V6

Looked at the Escapes the other night.  I haven't checked out any used though.  
Aunt has a Pacifica.  A lot of options/configurations but too much and too big for my needs.
I did find a Murano just now that I do like.  2007, V6, Nav, AWD, cloth seats though and no sun/moon roof.  
Lazy..my own personal needs for wanting one.  Since I can't buy a 4 door Wrangler i'd like to at least have that.  But..if not..the wife's next car will surely have one.  
Anyway..found that Murano..any input on this? 

Notice the carfax report..failed emissions first time but them passed.  Had some other things worked on as well.  One owner though.
http://www.hondaofsuperstitionsprings.com/certified/Nissan/2007-Nissan-Murano-aa0ac4f60a0d064900c9ab5284ee519f.htm
The carfax.. http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=DLR_3&vin=JN8AZ08T97W525661&zipCode=