[landau88]

Hey all -- a family member of mine is in the market for a new (2011 or 2012 models only) compact suv/crossover. She is a 50 year old female and her price range is under $40k. Prefers a rounded chassis/shape rather than squared off.

Her requirements:
- All Wheel Drive
- Navigation System
- Leather Interior
- Heated Seats
- Backup sensors or camera


She has asked me for advice/research bc she knows I like cars, but I really only know about high-performance cars. Does anyone have any recommendation based on experience and/or knowledge? Reliability is important so I'm leaning toward Japanese cars, though I may be wrong to think they are more reliable.

Just a few ideas so far:
- Nissan Murano
- Acura RDX
- Infiniti EX
- Honda CR-V
- Hyundai Sante Fe
- Ford Edge

Ideal price is around $30k, but could creep up to upper 30s if the added luxury/features are worth it. Thanks.

[Artmasterx]

I have a friend with a 07(?) Murano and she likes it quite a bit.

You could throw the Mazda CX-7 into the mix. It's reasonably priced and supposedly reasonably fun to drive (for an CUV).

It may be a bit radical, but you also have the Cadillac CTS wagon, which would be a nice car.

The Mini Countryman could be an option, but may be on the small side.

[TK-421]

I'd go with the Acura. The styling of their recent cars still baffles me but this one isn't that bad and it's the best of the lot you provided.

[NFS13]

If your ideal price is 30K then the Murano is the only one on here to meet that. I have owned, X5, FX35, ML and Murano. For the $ the Murano can't be beat.

[Silver-Bolt]

Subaru Forester.

[UltimateBMW]

In a few months, you will have 2 more excellent options.

The new Range Rover Evoque, and the new 2012 Ford Escape.

Now, that Ford may seem out of place. But just take a look:




I think it looks fantastic, and starts at $20k. The Evoque is maybe alittle over budget at ~$44k.

[ragingclue]

My vote would be for the Edge.

[saeyedoc]

Q5

[DASHOCKER]

Infiniti EX is the best out of the group when it comes to luxury and equipment for the dollar. The drive is fantastic also

[landau88]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

In a few months, you will have 2 more excellent options.

The new Range Rover Evoque, and the new 2012 Ford Escape.

Now, that Ford may seem out of place. But just take a look:




I think it looks fantastic, and starts at $20k. The Evoque is maybe alittle over budget at ~$44k.

Are you sure that's the 2012 Ford Escape and not 2013/future concept? The 2012 on Ford's website looks a lot different (much boxier), but that one looks fantastic.

Thanks for all of the ideas so far. I like the Infiniti EX the best, but would that be able to stay at or under 40k with options?

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by landau88

Are you sure that's the 2012 Ford Escape and not 2013/future concept? The 2012 on Ford's website looks a lot different (much boxier), but that one looks fantastic.

Thanks for all of the ideas so far. I like the Infiniti EX the best, but would that be able to stay at or under 40k with options?

You are right in that it is currently a concept. However, I was expecting it to debute later this year.

Ford.com does post the older model though. Perhaps I'm off a year, and it'll come out Q2/3 next Summer.
http://www.edmunds.com/ford/escape/2013/

[landau88]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

You are right in that it is currently a concept. However, I was expecting it to debute later this year.

Ford.com does post the older model though. Perhaps I'm off a year, and it'll come out Q2/3 next Summer.
http://www.edmunds.com/ford/escape/2013/

Damn, was hoping I was wrong bc that sure is a nice looking car. Need to get the car before this upcoming winter because my mother is not interested an old RWD convertible thru the winter (2001 mustang convertible).

[Artmasterx]

The Mazda CX-7 has similar lines as the 2013 Ford Escape:





The top-of-the-line grand touring AWD model starts at $34000, but there really aren't any options to add... The touring AWD model comes to about $31000 with the tech package. They are both 245 hp, 258 tq and weigh 4000 lbs.

[AlexWK]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

You are right in that it is currently a concept. However, I was expecting it to debute later this year.

Ford.com does post the older model though. Perhaps I'm off a year, and it'll come out Q2/3 next Summer.
http://www.edmunds.com/ford/escape/2013/

Actually that's not a concept. It's been in production for several years in Europe under the name Kuga. The Ford Vertrek concept is supposed to replace both in 2013.

[DASHOCKER]

[mikeith]

awd ford flex ecoboost!

[Greenkirby21]

we have a nissan rogue as our family SUV. It has been nothing but great reliability. I think it is around 25k fully loaded

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by mikeith

awd ford flex ecoboost!

Yeah but if you want all the goodies on that, I believe you're going to head north of $40k pretty easily.

[landau88]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Yeah but if you want all the goodies on that, I believe you're going to head north of $40k pretty easily.

Not to mention its looks

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by landau88

Not to mention its looks

IDGAF about its looks. Everybody here always talks about "form follows function" and the Flex is a perfect example of that. It's pretty baller from the inside when optioned out, which is all I care about when I'm driving a vehicle like this (faux SUV).

[bmw-nj]

Just helped my mom get a car with similar requests. I picked up a brand new 2011 Nissan Murano SL AWD fully optioned with a MSRP of 41,500 for $1,500 under invoice from a dealer in Maryland. (34,750 plus tax and $810 destination).

She loves the car to death and I have to say its an incredible SUV for what it is. Its not a rocket but has a nice V6 and is actually pretty luxurious and comfortable.


PM Me for dealer and salesman info. He does internet pricing on new cars for buyers all around and has to sell 20 cars a month to get a decent paycheck he said so his prices are extremely competitive. Worth the drive from Jersey for me.

[MikeyV]

Or a MINI Countryman S All4, smaller but ticks all the boxes and could be had for under 40K, plus it's a well rounded shape.