Best Crossover for under $30,000?

"Zohaibman72" (zohaibman72) 01/19/2015 at 18:56 • Filed to: Crossovers, SUV, Help

2

52

My uncle wanted me to ask you guys, I tend to show him this site alot.

My aunt is looking for a crossover SUV to buy, as her daily driver. Her and my uncle currently share a 2008 Corolla S.

I was looking for serious consumer advice on a crossover SUV in the under $30,000 price range.

The budget is $30,000 CAD. American prices do help, but Canadian stuff is preferred.

AWD is preferred by not necessary. They are mostly looking for most bang for your buck. They are looking to purchase it buy March 2015.

Right now they are mostly into the Mazda CX5.

Also, my uncle would prefer something more sporty, handles more like a car since he will drive it alot too.

Automatic only. Sunroof is necessary too.

Takuro Spirit > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 18:57

5

I won't argue with a CX-5, but I'm slightly biased.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 18:58

0

My mom just moved from a CR-V to a Cherokee Trailhawk and seems to like it.

Zohaibman72 > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 01/19/2015 at 18:59

0

Cherokee is actually a decent option, the only problem is reliability from what I've heard. How has it been so far?

CB > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:01

3

Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring (with sunroof) goes for $29,995 new. Might end up a little outside their price range.

But the CX-5 is definitely a good choice.

spanfucker retire bitch > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:01

1

Also, my uncle would prefer something more sporty, handles more like a car since he will drive it alot[sic] too.

You won't do better than the CX-5 in that price range than. It was tested against the last-generation Mazda3 as far as driving characteristics is concerned. Which is pretty good for a crossover.

Chris McMays > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:01

1

I'd go with a CX-5. Good car.

TheHondaBro > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:02

0

The new Honda infotainment system is a half-assed headache. Steer clear of the CR-V.

Alex from Toronto > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:02

1

The Hyundai Tucson is nice. It starts at $23,141 CAD, fully equipped for $33,999 CAD.

http://www.hyundaicanada.com/Pages/showroom…

bob and john > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:03

0

your could try a new Tiguan or a CPO Tiguan. The drive like cars, can be had with 4 motion, GLORIOUS DSG MASTER RACE and nice interiors.


also, the mazdas tend to rust./ friend of my dads bought a brand new CX-5 2 years ago (lives in toronto) car already hase rust...paint is as thin as anything.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:03

1

I don't know honestly, I've been away at school since she got it and have only ridden in it twice and haven't driven it. She hasn't mentioned any problems, so I assume it's fine.

I did notice the lack of headroom with the sunroof, but I'm 6'4" so that's a problem with most cars. Also the sunroof goes to the back seats as well.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:03

1

Yes, the CX-5 sounds like about want he wants, though it would have to have the 2.5 if he'd prefer an auto.

wafflesnfalafel > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:04

1

Tons of good, reliable CUVs under 30,000 - Mazda CX5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, Subaru Forester. We are seriously looking at a cx5 to replace my wife's old Altima this year. My folks have a RAV4 and love it. I have a work buddy with a Forester and loves it.

PS9 > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:08

1

Okay. This looks the exact opposite of cheap, but hear me out. You could just buy another $30k crossover...or... or... you can be a range rover owner! Beat Chelsea at her own game with the ultimate in mini-tractors! Make your boss jealous! Be broker than you've ever been for the next 6 years minimum! Wait...that last one sounded bad. Forget the last part. Yeah.

KirkyV > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:14

1

I would recommend the Cactus, as it's the only crossover-ish thing I'd so much as consider owning, but I think I remember reading that Canada's as Citroen-bereft as the US. (Which is odd, when you consider Quebec and so on.)

Alex B > PS9 01/19/2015 at 19:23

0

I actually agree! You could even buy used from carmax.

Et tu, Hellcat? > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:26

0

Extremely polarizing, but Nismo Juke? Believe a new one goes for just over $30k CAD, however I am uncertain as to whether or not it can be had with a sunroof. Failing that, as everyone else seems to agree, the CX-5 is the way to go, although I haven't heard the greatest things regarding Mazda's resistance to rust.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:27

1

My neighbor has a black CX5 with tint and it looks better than the BMWs around here, to me.

dogisbadob > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:27

0

You guys are lucky to get the Mercedes B-Clas and Kia Rondo!

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > KirkyV 01/19/2015 at 19:28

0

It looks like some kind of flotation device, or a cooler.

KirkyV > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 01/19/2015 at 19:30

0

Well, the bumpy panels on the side, back and front are filled with air...

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > KirkyV 01/19/2015 at 19:31

0

Well there you go

F10M5 > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:42

0

I know it's not a crossover (and it's a tiny bit over $30,000), but I kinda like this thing...

Otherwise, I'd probably get a Escape with the 2.0 Ecoboost.

ViperGuy21 > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 19:42

1

CX-5 hands down. My mom has one and it's really good

Zohaibman72 > KirkyV 01/19/2015 at 20:15

0

Canada has very few cars that the Us doesn't. The markets are exactly the same.
Canada has no french cars :(

Zohaibman72 > Et tu, Hellcat? 01/19/2015 at 20:16

0

A regular fully loaded Juke would sound good, but my aunt thinks its ugly as sin and wouldn't pay money to drive one.

Zohaibman72 > dogisbadob 01/19/2015 at 20:18

1

Kia Rondo is only in Canada?

My whole entire family is anti-minivan. So none of those are ever happening, B-class is over budget believe it or not.

It starts from $31,000.

Zohaibman72 > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 01/19/2015 at 20:19

0

Yea my aunt loves the Tiguan's sunroof, its like that too. Tiguan is just way overpriced here, all volkswagens are.

Zohaibman72 > Alex B 01/19/2015 at 20:19

0

Carmax doesn't exist in Canada. Also the Evoque base is $10,000 over budget haha.

Zohaibman72 > Alex from Toronto 01/19/2015 at 20:20

1

Yeah this is a good option.

Zohaibman72 > F10M5 01/19/2015 at 20:21

0

My Grandpa has owned tons of Mercedes and hated all of them, it's unlikely our family will see another. My Aunt also doesn't like how it looks either, and interior is smaller than the Corolla.

Zohaibman72 > bob and john 01/19/2015 at 20:23

0

Tiguan is over budget by alot. My Aunt really badly wanted one, from the moment she wanted a new car she was like "I'm going to get the Tiguan". But she test drove it, and priced in every possible way. It's the most expensive of it's competitors, and it has the worst options to price ratio.

This article wouldn't have been made if the Tiguan wasnt super expensive here. All Volkswagens are sadly very pricey in Canada.

Zohaibman72 > wafflesnfalafel 01/19/2015 at 20:25

0

They like the Rav4 but they want to go away from Toyota.

My Aunt has only ever owned Toyotas and is sick of them (her father owns 2 toyotas and a Lexus, and her brother has a Lexus). She is sick of them completely, and also their 2008 Corolla has had alot of problems with the dealerships.

Et tu, Hellcat? > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 20:26

1

Fair enough. I'm of the same mindset but hey, they're selling so someone likes em.

dogisbadob > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 20:26

0

They stopped selling it down here in 2010

Do they have CPO programs in Canada? because then it can be within budget :)

bob and john > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 20:30

1

(I live in toronto...I'm well aware) hence why I mentioned CPO. or a base DSG and AWD (with the convinence package, comes in at a hair under 30K

sadly, in the can market, 30K doesnt get you much new car. Better off looking at CPO.

Zohaibman72 > dogisbadob 01/19/2015 at 20:30

1

They do have CPO in Canada, but the problem with the Benz is that my grandpa has owned 3 mercedes and its been nothing but problems, so Mercedes has had bad rep in their household. Also my aunt is really set on a CUV, the Benz is more like a hatch-thing.

Zohaibman72 > Et tu, Hellcat? 01/19/2015 at 20:31

1

I heard they are good. If Nissan went a little more conservative on the styling it could've been a game changer.

Zohaibman72 > bob and john 01/19/2015 at 20:32

0

I'd go CPO all the way, but my aunt is against it for her own reasons.

It seems like CX5 is going to be the way to go, even with rust. We also own 2 other Mazdas so it really makes everyone in the household want a Mazda.

bob and john > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 20:36

0

ah.

then subaru XV, out back, Forester (all can be had for under 30K can)

both mitsubishi cross overs are under 30K

CR-V starts under 30

not much else really. like I said, i'd avoid mazda because they do not have their rust issues figured out.

OH and ford has the escape

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 20:41

0

I prefer blatant crossovers, like the Crosstrek and the Crosstar. For God's sake, it's IN the names!

dogisbadob > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 20:42

0

How about the Chevy Orlando? Another one we don't get down here

deekster_caddy > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 20:57

0

There is such thing as a good crossover.

Although a friend just leased a CX-5 and it's not awful. That's about as close as I'm gonna get.

Zohaibman72 > dogisbadob 01/19/2015 at 21:29

1

It's a straight up minivan. It's like the Mazda 5, small MPV

Zohaibman72 > deekster_caddy 01/19/2015 at 21:31

0

Different people have different tastes. Some people don't want cars, they want SUVs because they like the power and feel it gives them, but they don't have money for Tahoes, Suburbans, Expeditions and the like. Or some consider those too large.

CUVs are just hatchbacks a few inches off the ground, thats usually enough to make it worth it for some people. My Aunt doesn't see the need for an offroad SUV and doesn't want a lower car, so this slides right in.

dogisbadob > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 21:33

1

Ah, I see. I didn't know that, had thought it was a small crossover

deekster_caddy > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 22:37

1

I understand their appeal, I just don't like them much myself is all. They do what they are supposed to do. That's why I ended with the concession that the CX5 was not unbearable...

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Zohaibman72 01/19/2015 at 23:16

1

I drive many of these vehicles on a regular basis. The Mazda and RAV4 have a much nicer interior than the CRV or any Mitsubishi offerings. For 15, Subaru has really upped their game and they have a rabidly loyal following so resale is very good. As far as driving goes, the Mazda is probably my favorite, followed by the Escape. Captiva/Equinox and Terrain don't even come close. The Ford also has a nice interior as well as a lot of electronic toys for the money. The CRV and RAV4 tend to feel a bit more numb and boring than the Mazda or Ford. The 2.0 Ecoboost in the Escape will torque steer like crazy in a FWD configuration but it's far quicker than one of those ought to be.

shop-teacher > Zohaibman72 01/20/2015 at 00:23

0

CX-5, but I am also biased.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Zohaibman72 01/20/2015 at 05:28

1

I'm quite biased to the XV Crosstrek, but that's because I own one. I did a review a while ago about my experiences with mine.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/i-figure-21-mo…

In lieu of that, I think the CX5 is a good choice. You already said the Juke is out. What about anything from Jeep? You could get a fully loaded Patriot for that price. I'm sure the new Renegade would probably be under 30k too.

Zohaibman72 > deekster_caddy 01/20/2015 at 06:19

0

yea I persinally wouldn't ever buy one over other options. Only if I had to.

unless they made a very convincing hot version, then I'd consider it.

Zohaibman72 > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 01/20/2015 at 06:21

0

Yeah it seems like they are going with CX-5. You get the most options for the price (CX5 is the only competitor that you can get the sunroof on base model and up) and the driving dynamics really seem attractive to my uncle, who prefers cars over CUVs.

Zohaibman72 > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 01/20/2015 at 06:24

0

My aunt personally doesn't like the jeep either, she only likes the Cherokee which comes overpriced if you load it similar to the CX5. She thinks the renegade isn't good either.

On the other hand my Mom is actually looking for a new car in that time frame, the Renegade, Subaru XV and GMC/Chevy mid-size pickup are her top options, so your article helps a lot. Thanks.