Topic: Most Affordable 2020 SUV (for my budget!)?

[Essdez]

Hey folks,

This message board continues to help with my car search, as well as many countless friends I've sent over.

I'm on the hunt for a new vehicle and I might dip my toes in the SUV ring (or even a crossover)

Some must-haves:
- Automatic
- High safety
- Great on gas  (I drive about 70km a day during a regular work week)
- Space for a dog to sit! (Black lab, about 70 pounds)

Ideally, on a month-to-month basis, I'm not bothered with financing or leasing. I enjoyed my leasing experiences previously. I want to stick between 300-350 a month, maybe over a term of 4-5 years.

I know it's probably an ambitious ask, but would love any help.

Thanks as always.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Toyota Rav4 Hybrid.  Ticks all the requirements you've listed.  Done. 

Next Question?

[Essdez]

Toyota Rav4 Hybrid.  Ticks all the requirements you've listed.  Done. 

Next Question?

Come on - even the pricing?

Further to that, how does it stack up to comparable SUVs?

[Fobroader]

300-350/month. You are going to be stuck in something terrible like an HR-V, C-HR or a Trax, probably in FWD only.

[CSH]

You can probably get a something used but new for you

[JohnnyMac]

As long as FWD is fine you have quite a few options in that $350 per month or less range.  I just looked at lease rates and these are a hand full of the vehicles that I saw in that price range.  Hyundai Kona and Venue, Kia Soul, Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Kicks and Qashqai.  I'm sure there are a few others but looks like you have some choices.

[dirtyjeffer]

for financing, $350/month for 60 months (5 years) are the max figures you gave...that's $21,000...if you are buying new, you'll need to look at vehicles that are in the range of $16,000 or less before taxes, interest and fees to achieve that payment...the vehicles that fall into that price range are going to be fairly entry level subcompact cars...looking at something used is where you will need to start.

you may need to look at leasing, but that's still a pretty low payment.

[Essdez]

for financing, $350/month for 60 months (5 years) are the max figures you gave...that's $21,000...if you are buying new, you'll need to look at vehicles that are in the range of $16,000 or less before taxes, interest and fees to achieve that payment...the vehicles that fall into that price range are going to be fairly entry level subcompact cars...looking at something used is where you will need to start.

you may need to look at leasing, but that's still a pretty low payment.

When I bought my 2016 Mazda 3 GS - I somehow, with no money down, was able to get it for about 250 a month for 4 years leasing. For the 2020 Mazda 3 now, it's almost 100 more a month with all the same stipulations attached monetarily. I think that's why I'm wondering how much more it would/could be if I went to an SUV or crossover. In an ideal situation, I think I'd still roll with the Mazda 3, to be honest.

Additionally, I've never bought used. I almost wanted to create a separate thread on where to start IF I do buy used.

[dirtyjeffer]

for financing, $350/month for 60 months (5 years) are the max figures you gave...that's $21,000...if you are buying new, you'll need to look at vehicles that are in the range of $16,000 or less before taxes, interest and fees to achieve that payment...the vehicles that fall into that price range are going to be fairly entry level subcompact cars...looking at something used is where you will need to start.

you may need to look at leasing, but that's still a pretty low payment.

When I bought my 2016 Mazda 3 GS - I somehow, with no money down, was able to get it for about 250 a month for 4 years leasing. For the 2020 Mazda 3 now, it's almost 100 more a month with all the same stipulations attached monetarily. I think that's why I'm wondering how much more it would/could be if I went to an SUV or crossover. In an ideal situation, I think I'd still roll with the Mazda 3, to be honest.

Additionally, I've never bought used. I almost wanted to create a separate thread on where to start IF I do buy used.

you may be able to get something in a lease, since you're essentially just renting the vehicle opposed to buying it...however, you can still use the numbers above, just consider them "rental payments" over 5 years (although, most leases are typically 3-4 years)...4 years of payments at $350/month equates to $16,800, so you'd need to find a vehicle who's purchase price is likely in the $23-$26k range (if purchased)...there's likely a few options there, but you will likely have to give and take with some of your "wants" list.

[Essdez]

Thanks for all the help, folks.

I took the CRV and the Rav 4 for a test drive. Crunched numbers and for what I want, it was tough to get down to the price I want. No deals on leasing or on interest rates right now made it tough.

Made switch gears and search for a sedan that I want and maybe revisit the SUV when my partner is looking.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Why not just buy out your Mazda ?

[Essdez]

Why not just buy out your Mazda ?

I leased it - and at the start of Covid knew I'd be at home and gave it back in (my partner has a car, so we just used that)

[dash]

Check out Leasebuster, there may be a lease takeover with incentive that falls within your budget