[aigel]

I have been tempted by these prices myself. But then when I started reading, it got scary pretty quick. I don't have the time to be chasing gremlins and it is a fact that a 10 year old Cayenne will nickle and dime you with issues compared to, say a Toyota Highlander. What would worry me most is the thing being unreliable and leaving your daughter stranded or at least in distress, i.e. dash lights etc.

You said that this is only a little more than some of the old base compact SUVs you have been looking at. My suggestion is to take your budget to 12k for the base compact SUVs and you'll find something pretty decent.

Personally I don't get the "want to sit higher to see" argument, but the popularity of high seating vehicles certainly speaks for this being something most people like. I enjoy low center of gravity. Ultimately I feel safer, as I think there is less chance I roll or can't out-maneuver a bad situation.

Have fun with your daughter. Make this a fun experience. Mine aren't ready to drive yet and we already are eying cars they like.

G