Will explain that in another thread at the appropriate time. Suffice it to say I lost my previous job and really, really landed on my feet one month later.

I can't believe this. These guys wouldn't budge a dime on price. First Santa Fe I went to look at was sold when I got there. Salesman's email arrived as I was parking my car. He tried to get me interested in a Sportage, but I wasn't having it. I knew there was another '08 Santa Fe with even fewer miles listed for $10k even at another dealer. So I drove out there. It was in perfect shape, took it for a drive, very nice. 76k miles. They said $10k plus taxes and fees, last and final number. I got ready to walk. Salesguy said that made it about $11.3k out the door and asked if I could meet him halfway. I hemmed and hawed and said, ok - $10,650 and not a dime more. He boss came in and told me they couldn't let it go for a dime less and they were sorry. I was pretty surprised they didn't come after me once I got into my car. But they let me walk.

Rick, as this thread got rolling, the Escape is the first thing that popped into my head... solid vehicle and definitely good for hauling gear with that liftgate; might be a good time to reconsider.

Yeah, I'd really look into a Ford Escape. My brother has an 04 3.0L and he likes it a lot.

I would love a Ford Escape. But all I can find are either restored/salvage title, have high miles or are pretty up there in years. There's a hybrid Escape I like, but I'm waiting for the selling to answer my question about his existing battery warranty.

Personally I wouldn't look for a cheaper used car at a dealership. You are usually dealing with the bottom of the barrel dealerships and salesmen, who are typically selling auction cars with very little invested in refurbishment. Many of the genuinely nice cheap used cars are sold privately, because sellers don't want to take a bath on trading in an older car. Craigslist is your friend.

If you were shopping for nearly new I would reverse my position, because most 2-3 year old cars are either just off lease or traded in.

Rick... I see several escapes on craigslist...

2008 Ford escape

2005 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 Low Miles ⋙

Thanks, but those miles are unacceptable.

Why Rick? Does a car suddenly stop working past 100k? I'd rather have high miles and good condition, than the opposite....

I'm looking for under 100k miles AND in excellent condition. They're not rare.

Well, you did start this thread on 3/21.......;)

I just got my first paycheck from the new job yesterday.

Just giving you crap, though I disagree with your statement. Finding an excellent condition, low mileage, newer SUV for under $10k is not easy. Really finding an excellent condition newer anything with low mileage for under $10k is a challenge. That price point really seems to be a dividing line with used cars.

Stud or dud? Battery warranty goes to 100k miles.

Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 (Hybrid batteries under warranty)

Only available with CVT, slow as molasses, and 20 yr old Ford chassis with rear drum brakes? Keep looking. A Subi Forester gets nearly the same mileage and is a lot more car IMO.

2008 Ford Escape - Auto Shows - Car and Driver

This:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/4100563999.html

I'd be concerned about a high mileage hybrid, but that's just me.

Man, that Subie is almost walking distance from my house. But I need an automatic, so Mrs. Lee can drive me home after my gigs when I'm usually hammered.

Also not thrilled about a high miles hybrid nearing warranty expiration. I'll pass.

Checking this one out tomorrow.

2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 2.0T Phoenix, Arizona | Killer Auto Sales

I have a buddy in Germany who runs a VW shop and looks up service histories for me and lets me know what to look for. I should hear from him by morning.

The car drops significantly in price once it hits 100k miles because there are a TON of people like you that think like this. It is completely unfounded. It only is 10%-20% more miles if expressed in percent - doesn't sound scary to me. I guarantee the price difference is 20-40% in contrast.

I have bought almost all my used cars at just over 100k miles. 100-125k is the sweet spot IMHO for price vs. mileage. If you run the car to 180k and start at 120, that's 60k or 4 years. The depreciation will slow down significantly. so you can sell for good money after 4 years, I don't think there is an SCuteV for under $4k out there that's clean.

G

A Passat is a very fun car with higher maint. costs. We had a 96 and it was a kick to drive.

Found another clean Subi in your area with auto. One of the best values in this car class I think.
Subaru Outback 2.5i Navigation Edition

Ugh - I would not buy a VW with auto trans.

G