I knew the CX-3 intimately and LOVED it. Nimble, great on fuel and a cozy interior just fine for a family of four who don't pack for a 2 week trip, when they're actually doing a weekender.
I Love my Forester Touring with the Saddle Brown Leather interior. It’s super comfortable and the outward visibility is amazing. I like my wife’s Outback but I prefer driving my Forester more
I used to have Subaru outback and Subaru Forrester, they were really very good vehicles, but I was a little bit apprehensive about CVT engines after 100,000 miles, in 2021 I switch to a Mazda, CX5,, just bought the base sports model, which had more than enough options than I needed ,at a very reasonable price for a new car (27800US) Have close to 50,000 miles on it today and it’s absolutely wonderful. I’m actually thinking about getting a 2024 but kind of hate to give up the one I have because it’s just a wonderful vehicle. Highly recommend.
Great video Shari, you really captured everything so accurately which years to avoid and which years are the best. Thank you for this video in helping the car buyers. Anyone who is in the market to buy a car should watch this video few times to soak everything in.
Hi Shari, thank you for a bunch of great videos and advices! One more thing I'd love to see covered is choosing the first car for a teenager who just starts driving. There seem to be specific considerations, like active and passive safety, costs of repairs, resale value, etc.
I regret thinking short term and getting an Elantra Hybrid over a CX-5, I’m happy with my purchase but in a couple years I plan on doing a cx-5(50 or 90) and Miata combo or Mazda6 if the refresh is worth it. Mazda is the best option right now if you want a driver’s centric car with good reliability.
After watching the CR-V coming in 3rd place and the RAV4 in 2nd place I couldn't imagine wath was going to be the winner but low and behold you deliverd it!!! Considering the market Mazda CX-5 has the upperhand, great car that's fun to drive with a great interior and well placed in first place.
Correct and not only that, Honda CR-V also comes with a 1.5 turbo engine which you should avoid. If I had one, it would be the N.Aspired 2.4L engine. Ppl should also research insurance premiums ! Unfortunately the Honda CRV is still on number one spot for most stolen vehicles in Canada and due to this fact, monthly insurance premiums are higher than the others. I asked CAA what my monthly premium would be on a used Mazda CX-5 and it would be almost 40 bucks less than on my current Honda Accord, so Yes, I have to agree with the above list and would also place the CX-5 on top of my list.
Foresters did not become reliable until the final year of the SJ generation. Earlier 2016 and 2017 model years were still fighting cvt issues. The first year of the SK gen (2019) also had problems. So buy 2018, or 2020+ if you can afford to.
Also, do not buy a turbo Forester from any year. Even though they were much nicer to drive than the N/A models, the engine failure rate is higher. Final note, be aware that Subarus require more maintenance than many competitors. For instance, CVT fluid should be changed somewhere around 45k. This costs over $300 from the dealer.
I have a 2006 Highlander Limited with 303,000 miles. No issues and have kept up with required maintenance. I have been waiting for used SUV prices to drop substantially and will continue to wait. The newer quality used ones are too close to the original MSRP. If I buying new today, I would go with only Mazda or Subaru.
Always great content, i base my buying decisions on your recommendations, I'm looking for a smaller SUV and leaning towards the Mazda CX5 any thoughts on GT version turbo 250 hp vs 187 hp 2.5 L?
Mazda turbo engines have been known to be super reliable. Just avoid 2021 models of cx5 and mazda6, because that year saw a defect in one of the engine seals of the turbo options. And mazdas do great on trails with decent tires. And will do more with a small lift if you need. But they already drive great in the street and get median to better gas mileage than competitors, definitely better than subaru or GM offerings in that aspect.
Wth,the exact 3 I like the most & was already considering b4 seeing this,were the 1st 3 in a row at bottom of list,lol...I've been researching for a while now(months),& since I want the most space/seating possible,then those were looking like the best so far that had both good reliability & lifespan of at least 200-300k for most yrs...My least fav.made the #1 of course..😂 I guess I should just be glad 2 know that the 9 of the top 10 on here (all but the lexus)have been on my final top picks/best rated vehicles check list of vehicles that I'm going 2 chose from. So if an expert came up w/this list & I have been checking out these specific vehicles(but b4 deciding on just any of these on the list u really kinda have 2 make sure 2 look into ea.1s individual reviews for the yr..if u find any of these 4 sale that & really are considering buying it). Like the rav4 & crvs,pilots,& highlanders-as much as i love most things about these 4 vehicles,some yrs.JD Power gave them avg.reliability scores,while other yrs.above avg..If the reliabity scores are lower on those yrs.,it's usually gonna have more recalls 4 that yr.& I want 2 avoid those, myself.
It's kind of funny, none of the cars you recommend are US or EU brands... They're all Japanese cars. So, just like in my country, the reliability of Japanese cars, especially Toyotas, has long-lasting performance... like the early generation LC FJ series like that, it's second to none... Easy, easy maintenance and lots of spare parts.
Great video. What do you mean by reasonable mileage? When you say the car can last you a long time what number in years are you approximating? Thank you!
Nissan's CVTs are junk and the brand has a sketchy safety score history. If you need a car fast they make for a good lease but run away if they are out of warranty.
@@cristianpalacios3552 According to Car Help Corner review, "2021 Nissan Kicks - A Good Crossover SUV For Under $20,000?", "the latest model CVTs are a lot more reliable than the ones in the past" . Maybe it wasn't included as it is a compact SUV.
Mitsubishi pajero the best urban onroad driving handling performance easier to maintain and repair eventhough all japanese car are most practical interm of repair cost wear and tear then the china brand,korea brand ,American and european car is more expansive to maintain repair not fuel economy
There are no actual SUVs in your list. These are all crossovers. For under $25k you can get a Lexus GX460/470 or LX470 or an 8 to 10 year old Toyota Sequoia or 4Runner. All of these are body on frame SUVs and extremely reliable. A step down would be a Nissan Armada, but you will find newer examples (19 to 21 model year in my area - US Mid-Atlantic) for under $25k.
Low running costs was kinda implied. The SUVs that you listed get between 12mpg and 18mpg on average. That's an extra $1000 a year for most people vs buying a crossover.
@@0HOON0 An extra $1k a year for the additional capability is not a bad deal. If the list is going to be 100% crossovers then call it Best used CUVs under $25k.
Went to a party in the Colorado mountains. Got a up a snowy steep hill with a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer without a slip. A Honda CR-V could not get up to save it's life. The GM rear differential beats these foreign crap SUVs in many slippery situations.
Been driving a CX-5 since 2014 - have about 112,000 kms on it - absolutely no complaints - love our Mazda !
Just bought a CX-5 and absolutely love it! Got a great deal on a preowned 2020 FWD.
I knew the CX-3 intimately and LOVED it. Nimble, great on fuel and a cozy interior just fine for a family of four who don't pack for a 2 week trip, when they're actually doing a weekender.
I Love my Forester Touring with the Saddle Brown Leather interior.
It’s super comfortable and the outward visibility is amazing.
I like my wife’s Outback but I prefer driving my Forester more
I used to have Subaru outback and Subaru Forrester, they were really very good vehicles, but I was a little bit apprehensive about CVT engines after 100,000 miles, in 2021 I switch to a Mazda, CX5,, just bought the base sports model, which had more than enough options than I needed ,at a very reasonable price for a new car (27800US) Have close to 50,000 miles on it today and it’s absolutely wonderful. I’m actually thinking about getting a 2024 but kind of hate to give up the one I have because it’s just a wonderful vehicle. Highly recommend.
Great video Shari, you really captured everything so accurately which years to avoid and which years are the best.
Thank you for this video in helping the car buyers.
Anyone who is in the market to buy a car should watch this video few times to soak everything in.
I was actually looking at Certified Preowned Mazda CX-5s and glad I found this video for reassurance.
Hi Shari, thank you for a bunch of great videos and advices! One more thing I'd love to see covered is choosing the first car for a teenager who just starts driving. There seem to be specific considerations, like active and passive safety, costs of repairs, resale value, etc.
@victoru6367 SUBARU Crosstrek has it all
I regret thinking short term and getting an Elantra Hybrid over a CX-5, I’m happy with my purchase but in a couple years I plan on doing a cx-5(50 or 90) and Miata combo or Mazda6 if the refresh is worth it. Mazda is the best option right now if you want a driver’s centric car with good reliability.
After watching the CR-V coming in 3rd place and the RAV4 in 2nd place I couldn't imagine wath was going to be the winner but low and behold you deliverd it!!! Considering the market Mazda CX-5 has the upperhand, great car that's fun to drive with a great interior and well placed in first place.
Correct and not only that, Honda CR-V also comes with a 1.5 turbo engine which you should avoid. If I had one, it would be the N.Aspired 2.4L engine. Ppl should also research insurance premiums ! Unfortunately the Honda CRV is still on number one spot for most stolen vehicles in Canada and due to this fact, monthly insurance premiums are higher than the others. I asked CAA what my monthly premium would be on a used Mazda CX-5 and it would be almost 40 bucks less than on my current Honda Accord, so Yes, I have to agree with the above list and would also place the CX-5 on top of my list.
Foresters did not become reliable until the final year of the SJ generation. Earlier 2016 and 2017 model years were still fighting cvt issues. The first year of the SK gen (2019) also had problems. So buy 2018, or 2020+ if you can afford to.
Also, do not buy a turbo Forester from any year. Even though they were much nicer to drive than the N/A models, the engine failure rate is higher.
Final note, be aware that Subarus require more maintenance than many competitors. For instance, CVT fluid should be changed somewhere around 45k. This costs over $300 from the dealer.
I am skeptical about Subaru Forester because most of the previous models are plagued with CVT issues
I have a 2006 Highlander Limited with 303,000 miles. No issues and have kept up with required maintenance.
I have been waiting for used SUV prices to drop substantially and will continue to wait. The newer quality used ones are too close to the original MSRP.
If I buying new today, I would go with only Mazda or Subaru.
Great stuff man!
Always great content, i base my buying decisions on your recommendations, I'm looking for a smaller SUV and leaning towards the Mazda CX5 any thoughts on GT version turbo 250 hp vs 187 hp 2.5 L?
@watchfuleye275 noted, thx!
Mazda turbo engines have been known to be super reliable. Just avoid 2021 models of cx5 and mazda6, because that year saw a defect in one of the engine seals of the turbo options. And mazdas do great on trails with decent tires. And will do more with a small lift if you need. But they already drive great in the street and get median to better gas mileage than competitors, definitely better than subaru or GM offerings in that aspect.
Thank you!!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!!
Any reason the CX-9 wasn’t on the list? If it was, would your model year recommendation be any different?
Is it under $25k ?
The final year of the CX-9 was really solid according to Consumer Reports.
Which is fuel efficient, as I do 90% city driving ?
What about the larger Mazda SUVs?
Any more new videos on the Toyota Grand Highlander ?
After overpaying for my 4Runner I’m only buying cars as close to $20k as possible or under.
Hi thanks for your videos and informations which is so useful, would you please test and make a video for the used Koreans cars? thanks
The last year of old tech is always the best one of everything stays the same running gear wise
Thanks
I checked but I haven't seen these SUV's with under 24k prices.
Wth,the exact 3 I like the most & was already considering b4 seeing this,were the 1st 3 in a row at bottom of list,lol...I've been researching for a while now(months),& since I want the most space/seating possible,then those were looking like the best so far that had both good reliability & lifespan of at least 200-300k for most yrs...My least fav.made the #1 of course..😂
I guess I should just be glad 2 know that the 9 of the top 10 on here (all but the lexus)have been on my final top picks/best rated vehicles check list of vehicles that I'm going 2 chose from. So if an expert came up w/this list & I have been checking out these specific vehicles(but b4 deciding on just any of these on the list u really kinda have 2 make sure 2 look into ea.1s individual reviews for the yr..if u find any of these 4 sale that & really are considering buying it). Like the rav4 & crvs,pilots,& highlanders-as much as i love most things about these 4 vehicles,some yrs.JD Power gave them avg.reliability scores,while other yrs.above avg..If the reliabity scores are lower on those yrs.,it's usually gonna have more recalls 4 that yr.& I want 2 avoid those, myself.
Why is the chevy blazer so underrated
It's kind of funny, none of the cars you recommend are US or EU brands... They're all Japanese cars. So, just like in my country, the reliability of Japanese cars, especially Toyotas, has long-lasting performance... like the early generation LC FJ series like that, it's second to none... Easy, easy maintenance and lots of spare parts.
mazda looks a little better, but I'd pick Honda or toyota over mazda any day.
I’ve owned all 3 and the Mazdas have been the most reliable.
Great video.
What do you mean by reasonable mileage?
When you say the car can last you a long time what number in years are you approximating?
Thank you!
Curious as to why you did not include the Nissan Kicks which gets an OK rating by you, and easily available for under $25K.
It sucks 👎🏼 🤮
I have heard that Nissan comes with transmission problems over the years
@@cristianpalacios3552
Exactly. They are awful. Actually the worst of all Japanese automobiles. Japan’s equivalent to Jeep.
Nissan's CVTs are junk and the brand has a sketchy safety score history. If you need a car fast they make for a good lease but run away if they are out of warranty.
@@cristianpalacios3552 According to Car Help Corner review, "2021 Nissan Kicks - A Good Crossover SUV For Under $20,000?", "the latest model CVTs are a lot more reliable than the ones in the past" . Maybe it wasn't included as it is a compact SUV.
For 29.000 you can have a new base model outback.
Subaru engine and volkswagon is the harderst to repair because the engine more complecated room not 4 inline engine
Biggest downfall of the HRV is it is so dangerously slowwww
Cx-5
I wish Honda would give the Pilot a makeover.
Honda did give the Pilot a makeover in 2023
But most of them aren't available in Asia.
Toyota or Subaru!! 💯 ✅
Topguns 👍
🇯🇵 👍
🇺🇸 👎🏼
WOW Japanese beats Americans on their own soil 😳
Japanese cars are so of the best. Reliable and last long.
👍💯
Forester/outback more reliable than highlander !!😮
Your car help service is paid unless just give me dealer quote 😅 that's not worth paying 90 $. People hoax a lot
Mitsubishi pajero the best urban onroad driving handling performance easier to maintain and repair eventhough all japanese car are most practical interm of repair cost wear and tear then the china brand,korea brand ,American and european car is more expansive to maintain repair not fuel economy
👍🙏
There are no actual SUVs in your list. These are all crossovers. For under $25k you can get a Lexus GX460/470 or LX470 or an 8 to 10 year old Toyota Sequoia or 4Runner. All of these are body on frame SUVs and extremely reliable.
A step down would be a Nissan Armada, but you will find newer examples (19 to 21 model year in my area - US Mid-Atlantic) for under $25k.
Low running costs was kinda implied. The SUVs that you listed get between 12mpg and 18mpg on average. That's an extra $1000 a year for most people vs buying a crossover.
@@0HOON0 An extra $1k a year for the additional capability is not a bad deal. If the list is going to be 100% crossovers then call it Best used CUVs under $25k.
Went to a party in the Colorado mountains. Got a up a snowy steep hill with a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer without a slip. A Honda CR-V could not get up to save it's life. The GM rear differential beats these foreign crap SUVs in many slippery situations.
Can you do 10 best used SUVs under $10K?