Considering Small SUV, Input Requested

[darcane]

Originally Posted by ksa8907

I know nobody around here likes Chrysler, but have you considered a diesel Grand Cherokee?

Have you priced one out? It's twice his $20,000 budget...

[ecoTex]

Mrs. ecoTex drives a 2014 mazda cx-5. She couldn't care less about hypermiling, and gets 28.7mpg (just checked) lifetime average over 42,000miles in 15 months.

When I drive it, with A/C, it averages between 35-38 mpg.
But it might be hard to find one used.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

What about a Nissan Juke?

[sarguy01]

Originally Posted by ecoTex

Mrs. ecoTex drives a 2014 mazda cx-5. She couldn't care less about hypermiling, and gets 28.7mpg (just checked) lifetime average over 42,000miles in 15 months.

When I drive it, with A/C, it averages between 35-38 mpg.
But it might be hard to find one used.

How many people does that seat? 5? Does it have the Skyactiv? I heard the new CX-5's are capable of high 30's for mileage.

I wish I could swap a Skyactiv into my 5...

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by darcane

Have you priced one out? It's twice his $20,000 budget...

Oops, didn't see that he was buying brand new.

They are a bit rare, but I see used 2008+ for $16k to $23k

[vskid3]

Thanks for the replies everyone. We test drove a Crosstrek and Outback today (both 4cyl autos). My wife liked both, but preferred the Outback because of its comfier seats and height. I preferred the Crosstrek because its smaller and seems like it would do better offroad because of it (not a priority, but if its designed to be used offroad, it might as well be good at it).

This search has shown me two things. I really like my Prius, its 50-60MPGs, its instant torque from the electric motors, and that ours is paid for. I have also found that most automakers have stepped up their mileage game recently. Unfortunately, most of the changes are so recent that buying new is the best way to get them. However, it'll be good news for us in about 5-10 years. :P

I'm hoping we come to the decision to just keep the Prius and deal with it. I really don't want to have car debt again or pay twice as much per mile for gas. If not, at least there are some interesting small-yet-large vehicles available.

[Xist]

Allegedly, the "Average" American drives 15,000 miles yearly, so 1,250 monthly. If you get 50 MPG and, for the sake of simplicity, you figure you purchase three gallons for ten dollars, that car would cost $83.33 per month for gas.

Replace that with a car that gets 25 MPG and not only are you paying $166.67 monthly, but the monthly payment would be even more, so ride height would cost five times as much.

[RedDevil]

Have you tried the Honda Fit?
I wanted that for the same reason as your wife.
You should be able to find one new (non hybrid) well below the $20.000 mark.

I also wanted the hybrid version with the EX trim, which ruled me out for a sharp deal. So I got a barely used Insight instead and drive with my head close to the roof

I did like the way the Fit drives even more than the Insight.
My wife is small (5"1) and liked the Fit too. She refuses to drive the Insight. But she has her own car (the I10, which also is quite high but not available in all markets)

[backpacker3]

Just in case you haven't heard this but there are a lot of people who have said the crosstrek is really underpowered especially when it's fully loaded with people or stuff. On the other hand however being a huge outback fan I also know that on the 4th gen (2010-2014) most people never see the EPA estimated 30 mpg either and even on the highway see as low as 25 mpg. Personally if you're interested in the outback I would recommend looking at the 3rd gen (2005-2009) as most see higher mileage figures out of them.

[UltArc]

I LOVE the 5. But not for a poor reason.

Resale value sucks. Which is good for a buyer, getting a second hand one. I see many nice units for cheaper than Honda Insights (G1). Yes, their fuel economy as a base stat is not impressive. For it's power level, I would expect more. If you get a standard, keep in mind EOC. That will significantly help fuel economy. Ecomods otherwise are all the same, really.

The only car I considered (REALLY considered) against my Mustang was the CX-5. For a close price (~25) it was very nicely equipped. Gorgeous inside, ride was great- sporty in a turn but comfortable in a straight. The biggest thing was after test driving so many Mustangs, it felt like a slug with a parachute flat out. I couldn't figure out why it was so cheap. All Mazdas seem a tad pricey than a foreign competitor, but I don't think it's a rip off.

If you want, I can make you a spreadsheet of auto populating costs/mile if you give me the general factors, and which cars.