Small SUV cross shopping-opinions?

[fivepointnine]

Im looking at buying a small SUV next month with a price range of 5000 pounds or under, I have been looking at the following:
Lexus RX300 (03-05)
Nissan X trail (05 or newer)
Land Rover Freelander 1 TD4 (pretty much ruled these out due to reliability concerns)
BMW X3 (04-05, also pretty much ruled out due to reliability based on previously owning one)
Toyota RAV-4 (04-06)
Honda CR-V (05-06)

I am leaning towards a Lexus, just for the fact they are very nice vehicles, but does anyone have any other suggestions or comments on the ones I am looking at? I would like 4WD/AWD and big enough storage area in the back to fit a dog kennel.

[AmiableChimp]

Mazda CX-7?

Only possible issue could be roof clearance for dog kennel but starting to drop around 5k for 2.3T fun!

[fivepointnine]

AmiableChimp said:

Mazda CX-7?

Only possible issue could be roof clearance for dog kennel but starting to drop around 5k for 2.3T fun!

pretty nice looking and plenty available with lowish miles, what is the long term reliability like on these?

[AmiableChimp]

fivepointnine said:

pretty nice looking and plenty available with lowish miles, what is the long term reliability like on these?

i think, given its a Mazda, they are pretty bulletproof.

no dpf issues as petrol.

apart from mpg I love mine - thinking of going lpg.