[saeyedoc]

Not worried about her damaging cars at this point, she's now 22 and got that out of her system, she's been a very safe driver for several years now. Budget <$20k. Her current escape has been ok, she's only had it a year or two, we bought it from a friend. Starting to need work, like new AC, ignition switch, other minor problems, just getting up there in age.

[overcoil]

I think you can do a front-wheel-drive on the road HRV-LX with CVT transmission and a few dealer installed options like wheel-locks, mud-flaps, door edge guard for $20,000 - $20,500.

[AtlasM]

If you want something that's actually sort of quick then your options are Ford Escape 2.0t, Subaru Forester XT, or Kia Sportage SX. All of these have 240-250 hp.

The 2009 - 2012 Toyota RAV4 V6 is pretty quick. Not sure if you want something that old. Toyota dropped the V6 for the current generation.

Beyond that, most of the base engine 4 cylinder compact/midsize CUVs are at least decent enough power to get out of their own way.

[saeyedoc]

Maybe I'll look into a '12 RAV 4, when I heard the new ones took over 10 seconds 0-60 I took that off the list. No need for her to have a car newer than ours.

[jmg]

Were on out 2nd Subaru Forrester and it's been very good to us. AWD, decent performance for a crossover, good mileage and did I mention it's been very good to us?

[Scout10]

Originally Posted by saeyedoc

What's that? You mean any Japanese car?
She had an old Honda Civic when she first got her license, was kind of a POS, but I knew she'd damage it anyway, which she did. Will check out the newer HRV, CRV. We had a CRV many years ago, it was so underpowered I had it floored for hours when it was filled with stuff driving up to Lake Powell, couldn't get it above 65 on an uphill stretch.
Would like to spend no more than $20k if possible.
Are Jeeps total junk? Some of them are so inexpensive with incentives right now.
The Mazdas keep popping up when I search for inexpensive, reliable SUVs, will have to check them out.
Some of the certified used cars I've seen online from Japanese manufacturers seem so overpriced, you can get a new one for not much more.
Thanks!

Based on Consumers reports and prior ownership of them.

Honda CRV ....... must have been ALONG time ago you had it. I'm
on 3rd one, all have been great, and your $ range gets you 185 HP.
Holds price the best, big safety ratings, ( i can attest to it, I tested IT )
RELIABLE ! (owned 2005 + 2010 + 2015)

Toyota Rav4 Limited V6 (2012 last of old body) YA just missed it....
SOLD mine last month ! It was also a GREAT vehicle. gas mileage was
a trade off 20 city / 26 highway..... but you were worried about power
it has a V6 with 270HP. It was spirited! There are plenty of 4cyld
Limited out there also at 2.5 ltr / 180 hp . . . . . plenty. It has more
interior room than the Honda . . . . . I had both . . . . look at signature.
RELIABLE ! (owned 2012 )

[saeyedoc]

The CRV we had was probably from the early 2000s, maybe earlier. I think it was the first generation model.

[Alfisti]

My first reaction is she is 22 so can buy her own damned car but each to her own.

For a single person i think the CX-3 (not 5) is damned near perfect, a real looker too.

[saeyedoc]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

My first reaction is she is 22 so can buy her own damned car but each to her own.

.

Give me a break, she's still in college. With her sociology degree, I think she'll still be on the family teet for a while. Not like I'm buying her a new beemer.

[BimmerRookie]

Mazda CX-3/5

[Alamat]

Same situation with my son who is graduating then going to psy-d. Got him a '17 HRV EX for $25K out the door. Others might say its too much but he never owned a car as he didn't need one during undergrad years. Needs one now and this is also his graduation present.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by saeyedoc

Give me a break, she's still in college. With her sociology degree, I think she'll still be on the family teet for a while. Not like I'm buying her a new beemer.

My sister is in grad school and she will be in massive debt. Like you, I bought her a car because she has yet to achieve financial independence. If she was a grad working at the mall living with my parents that would be a different story.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by tdott

Honda HRV

OP said he'd rather not get something that's underpowered.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

My first reaction is she is 22 so can buy her own damned car but each to her own.

Lol white people hate their kids so much.

[Mr Carrots]

Golf Sportwagen's can be had for 10% off with minimal haggling, the base is about 20k which is a steal.

Its a nice polished little vehicle and far better driver than an SUV - a simple ECU tune and it's putting down some very impressive numbers from that little 1.8

but this is America and wagons are somehow 'uncool' so maybe go with the bloated people hauler options instead.

[CO_Steve]

Originally Posted by Mr Carrots

Golf Sportwagen's can be had for 10% off with minimal haggling, the base is about 20k which is a steal.

Its a nice polished little vehicle and far better driver than an SUV - a simple ECU tune and it's putting down some very impressive numbers from that little 1.8

but this is America and wagons are somehow 'uncool' so maybe go with the bloated people hauler options instead.

Friend just got a new Sportwagon. Got to say it looks like a real bargain. He's doing the tune so I'll see what it's like then.

[infinitekidM2C]

Subaru Forester or Crosstrek.. Honda CRV is for people who have given up on life.

[Scout10]

Originally Posted by infinitekid2002

Subaru Forester or Crosstrek.. Honda CRV is for people who have given up on life.

.
Right...... and in a couple years those Subarus are worth WHAT !!
Baruoos have good 4 wheel drive systems, thats it.
I've look at them every time i replace a vehicle, but its the same
thing each time, "heavy" depreciation, spartan furnishings, poor
fit and finish. .... but a good 4 wheel system.
.
I "gave up" on loosing more money than i had to.

[CO_Steve]

Originally Posted by Scout10

.
Right...... and in a couple years those Subarus are worth WHAT !!
Baruoos have good 4 wheel drive systems, thats it.
I've look at them every time i replace a vehicle, but its the same
thing each time, "heavy" depreciation, spartan furnishings, poor
fit and finish. .... but a good 4 wheel system.
.
I "gave up" on loosing more money than i had to.

Must be a regional thing. In Colorado they hold value like almost nothing else short of a Toyota pickup.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Scout10

.
Right...... and in a couple years those Subarus are worth WHAT !!
Baruoos have good 4 wheel drive systems, thats it.
I've look at them every time i replace a vehicle, but its the same
thing each time, "heavy" depreciation, spartan furnishings, poor
fit and finish. .... but a good 4 wheel system.
.
I "gave up" on loosing more money than i had to.

There's not much to depreciate because they are already inexpensive.

Subarus are like work horses. You keep them until they they die because they are so loyal and you develop a relationship with them. Most Subaru owners I know are die hard fans. I've had a Subaru in my garage for almost 17 years. They haven't let me down once and I've been through a LOT in them and they keep standing. Frills are on the low end, but that's okay because I can park it anywhere and bring it anywhere and not worry about getting door dings or dirt or whatever. It's the most painless thing to own I have.

[Mr Carrots]

We had a forester xt before a minivan ran into the back of it, prettt good cheap SUV but that cvt is awful and the car lacked the feel or handling of the new x1 I got my wife to replace it.

The base forester is as junky as anything else with that prehistoric 2.5 engine Subaru insists on keeping alive.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Mr Carrots

We had a forester xt before a minivan ran into the back of it, prettt good cheap SUV but that cvt is awful and the car lacked the feel or handling of the new x1 I got my wife to replace it.

The base forester is as junky as anything else with that prehistoric 2.5 engine Subaru insists on keeping alive.

I haven't driven the new CTV and I dread the idea. I hope it doesn't take me off the Subaru fan club. Does the X1 come with AWD or is just just FWD now?