Author Topic: Advice requested: Reliable, ~$10k, SUV/Hatchback (Read 2399 times)

NickSpacek · « **on:** December 29, 2009, 10:26:42 am »

Hi folks,

We're a single-vehicle family in NB looking to buy used this time around. We'd like something that has decent trunk space; originally we were only looking at hatchbacks (like the Matrix/Vibe) but have recently expanded to SUVs. We have around $10k to play with, so either something rock solid at that price or something cheaper with some money budgeted for repairs.

Trying to think of more details... but really, we're pretty much willing to get whatever's going to be reliable.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Nick

PS: I've been looking at the threads here a bit... you folks are awesome for going through all these requests for help with so much patience. Thanks!

TopGun · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2009, 12:38:12 pm »

Don't know about the SUV side. There are a few of us on here with Protege5s. Mine has 245,000 or so kms on it...no real issues to deal with and a great steering/handling car.

There are hundreds of these things across Canada...here is but one example of an '02 with 107,000 km on it for $9,000.

Did you know that Autotrader.ca can do a search for areas of the country on a specific price range?

NickSpacek · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2009, 01:59:20 pm »

Thanks, I have used AutoTrader some but was hoping to get an idea of what to look for here first. I hadn't looked much at the Protege 5, mainly because I figured it wouldn't have a whole lot of room in the trunk. How do you find the storage space?

sailor723 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2009, 02:14:35 pm »

You didn't say,but if AWD is important,I'd have to think some variation on a Subaru wagon. I believe the Legacy wagons tend to be cheaper than a comparable Outback while being pretty much the same car.

airbalancer · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2009, 02:18:40 pm »

sailor maybe they want to buy your SRX

NickSpacek · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2009, 04:33:13 pm »

Wife's not too fond of the Subaru station-wagon look (I realize that sounds strange when we're looking for a hatchback). AWD is a perk for us I guess.

sailor723 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2009, 05:47:41 pm »

Quote from: airbalancer on December 29, 2009, 02:18:40 pm

sailor maybe they want to buy your SRX

"10K"....That's a low blow AB!

airbalancer · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2009, 07:40:54 pm »

Quote from: sailor723 on December 29, 2009, 05:47:41 pm

Quote from: airbalancer on December 29, 2009, 02:18:40 pm
sailor maybe they want to buy your SRX

"10K"....That's a low blow AB!

You do not think they go up another 20gs

Loudpedal · « **Reply #8 on:** December 29, 2009, 07:41:38 pm »

Based on your criteria, I second the suggestion of a Mazda Protege5, or a Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix. Friends, colleagues and neighbors who have owned them all like them, and they spend virtually no time in the shop.

TopGun · « **Reply #9 on:** December 29, 2009, 11:11:45 pm »

Quote from: NickSpacek on December 29, 2009, 01:59:20 pm

Thanks, I have used AutoTrader some but was hoping to get an idea of what to look for here first. I hadn't looked much at the Protege 5, mainly because I figured it wouldn't have a whole lot of room in the trunk. How do you find the storage space?

The P5 space is way bigger than the Cooper S Cabrio! You could always use more space regardless what you've got...but I find it pretty good. Of course, it would be better if it was a true wagon...that sloping hatch that is good for looks isn't the best for big items.

The seats fold flat because you pull up the seat cushions first. I was concerned about the fake Alcantara...but it ~~was~~ has worn remarkably well.

NickSpacek · « **Reply #10 on:** December 30, 2009, 06:16:34 am »

Well, I'll add the Protege 5 in to our list and see if we can't find one to test out.

Are sub $10k SUVs a possibility? Anyone have any suggestions on that front?

Thanks for the help so far!

quadzilla · « **Reply #11 on:** December 30, 2009, 06:55:03 am »

Quote from: NickSpacek on December 30, 2009, 06:16:34 am

Are sub $10k SUVs a possibility? Anyone have any suggestions on that front?

Any reason why you want a SUV over a wagon? Given the fact that you want to save money (or at least that is what I'm thinking) a SUV would use more gas and handle worse than a wagon. If you do need AWD then I'd add I'd the Subaru Legacy, Impreza and Forester to the list.

airbalancer · « **Reply #12 on:** December 30, 2009, 07:48:26 am »

maybe they want something that sits higher, making easier to get into

In Ontario , you can find old Highland for under 10gs
If you close to the states you can buy something there, the CDN dollar is at about 96 cents US

NickSpacek · « **Reply #13 on:** December 30, 2009, 08:04:00 am »

Just trying to cover all the bases really. I appreciate the typically wider trunks on SUVs as well.

EDIT: How's the Dodge Caliber? I've seen a few 2007s around. That was its launch year (right?) so maybe not as much known about 'em.

Black Hatch · « **Reply #14 on:** December 30, 2009, 03:53:03 pm »

Mazda6 wagon or hatchback.
Well it might be slightly over 10k.

safristi · « **Reply #15 on:** December 30, 2009, 05:23:21 pm »

..fer gawds sake Nick stop beatin' that kid and give him an ice cream.................

Trainman · « **Reply #16 on:** December 30, 2009, 06:56:16 pm »

Quote from: NickSpacek on December 30, 2009, 06:16:34 am

...

Are sub $10k SUVs a possibility? Anyone have any suggestions on that front?

...

Yes, at least around here. You can 99-2002 Nissan Pathfinders for less than $10,000 and they tend to be pretty reliable. But are tough on gas, my 02 got about 22 MPG on the highway.

I agree that the Subaru 'look" of the older ones is a bit, um, unique, but the Legacy wagon is not a bad looker really.

Julie · « **Reply #17 on:** December 30, 2009, 08:35:04 pm »

Quote from: NickSpacek on December 30, 2009, 08:04:00 am

EDIT: How's the Dodge Caliber? I've seen a few 2007s around. That was its launch year (right?) so maybe not as much known about 'em.

Not recommended by Consumer Reports, who say, "there are better hatchbacks available".

We were given one as a rental once. We felt the quality was sub-par.

jamie1 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 30, 2009, 09:08:56 pm »

Take a look at the Suzuki Aerio. The hatch is available with AWD. The 2.0L is more reliable then the 2.3L. Should be under 10K.

NickSpacek · « **Reply #19 on:** December 31, 2009, 11:06:30 am »

My wife's been looking at some Sante Fes online, are they worth considering?