Best Used SUV $25k and Under

[Ryan_Cunningham]

All,

My wife's 2013 Audi Q5 is up for a replacement due to its garbage reliability and notorious TFSI engine issue.

My budget is is limited to $25k as I don't want to have any type of loan save for mortgages. I'd like to keep the mileage at 70,000 or so if possible but also want the vehicle to be comfortable for my wife and young daughter (2). The wife ideally wants a third row seat but its not a requirement (apparently a sunroof is. )

I've always liked the Jeep Grand Cherokees and I've had good luck with the six Jeeps I've owned. I like 4Runners but they seem like they're a bit out of the price range I'm searching for. Other than a Ford Explorer, any other non-crossover like SUVs that might fit the bill that someone has had experience with?

Thanks for any help.

(I'd like for her to just grab up a Discovery II like I use as a daily but its terrible reliability would give me serious concern since she is the one primarily driving our daughter around when I'm at work.)

[onewhippedpuppy]

Do you want something more truck like or more car like?

[varmint]

Toyota FJ.

[sc_rufctr]

I'd suggest a Cayenne and I'm sure you could find a real cream puff for less than $25,000.
If you don't want the attention a Porsche may bring I'd suggest something US made.
(I wouldn't put my wife or GF into a Discovery.)

How about a late model Toyota SUV? - Boring but bullet proof.

[LWJ]

I have an ancient landcruiser. 2001 with 170k. Just did a 2700 mile loop into Montana. It may have hit 95 mph. Ran like a clock. Looks great. Hauls lumber, my bikes, my kids and their friends. Paid 14.5k 6 years ago.

Not what you asked.

Today? I would buy the Lexus version of the 4Runner. A little smaller tough as hell. And, have the suburban status of a Lexus. (Not that I care)

[Ryan_Cunningham]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Do you want something more truck like or more car like?

She wants something more sized like a truck but that drives like a car.

Originally Posted by varmint

Toyota FJ.

I really like them, her not so much.

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

I'd suggest a Cayenne and I'm sure you could find a real cream puff for less than $25,000.
If you don't want the attention a Porsche may bring I'd suggest something US made.
(I wouldn't put my wife or GF into a Discovery.)

How about a late model Toyota SUV? - Boring but bullet proof.

She only likes the Macan, which obviously is not under $25k.

Originally Posted by LWJ

I have an ancient landcruiser. 2001 with 170k. Just did a 2700 mile loop into Montana. It may have hit 95 mph. Ran like a clock. Looks great. Hauls lumber, my bikes, my kids and their friends. Paid 14.5k 6 years ago.

Not what you asked.

Today? I would buy the Lexus version of the 4Runner. A little smaller tough as hell. And, have the suburban status of a Lexus. (Not that I care)

I would be all about the Landcruiser, I'll bring it up but she really likes modern amenities inside the vehicle. I'll look into the Lexus.

[MMiller]

Lexus GX460, Toyota reliability, 3rd row seat, sun roof, full time awd. It can be bought in the 25k neighborhood. Same platform as 4runner without the 4runner mark up...go figure.

Sold as Landcruiser Prado to the rest of the world

[Alan A]

Touareg

[island911]

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/d/escondido-2013-porsche-cayenne-gts/7183599328.html

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/ctd/d/escondido-2009-porsche-cayenne-gts/7173523375.html

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/d/kent-2014-porsche-cayenne-awd-all-wheel/7185054901.html

[aschen]

Hate to be so boring, but best 25k SUV for the listed requirements is probably something like a slightly used highlander. No advantage to a truck frame for commuting

[cantdrv55]

Gotta echo MMiller. Here’s a video on Lexus GX470, not 460 but same family. These rigs go 300k+ miles easy. Modern luxury amenities with off road prowess. And yes, there’s a cult following.

https://youtu.be/6oWMcW3CscM

[RSBob]

CR gives the 4Runner top marks. The worst are Lexus RX 2013-2014. Touareg 2012. Cayenne 2016

[Ayles]

Nissan Xterra Offroad/pro 4x.

[Steve Viegas]

I really lilke my CX9

[Tobra]

Mom got a Lexus Hybrid SUV that is really something. Surprisingly fast, good economy if you can restrain yourself. It is the same color as her cell phone case, seriously what sold her on that one. It is damn nice, so quiet. She paid $25K

[Tim Hancock]

Six cylinder Cayennes are pretty trouble free as a higher mileage car. I am daily driving an '08 with 210,000 miles and my wife daily drives a '13 with around 60,000 miles. Both drive very car like yet are 4wd and even do a decent job of pulling our 21' boat.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Ryan_Cunningham

....

She only likes the Macan, which obviously is not under $25k.

...

You need to take control of your woman and shove her into a Cayeene.

[cabmandone]

Ford Edge. They aren't much smaller than the Explorer, get better mileage than the Expy and have a nicer ride. You can get one that's fairly loaded up for 25K or less with low mileage.

In fact, this thread an my own post might have me going to buy a 2016 with 28K on the ODO Edge Titanium for 22K. Gonna call this morning!

[rfuerst911sc]

My wife loves her Volvo XC90 . Three row seating , very comfortable and quiet with good performance out of the 3.2 straight six . Legendary safety and so far very reliable .I enjoy driving it I find the seats to be the most comfortable I have sat in . Ours is a 2010 .

[SamC.]

Suburban.

If the Suburban is deemed to be too large, go Tahoe.

Finding a good one under $25k will be a challenge, as low mileage "Burbs" bring a premium price.