search for picky buyer

[JBourne2Drive]

Hi PH, trying to make a decision on my next move. I think a lease would have solves this ie nearly new car, I’m not in position to take on credit. Budget is 10-15K, looking for something I can run for a year to 18monthd before picking up exactly what I want.

Looking for decent size SUV, to seat 5, will need to host 2 car seats and an adult in the back so rear space is important. Decent front and rear passenger room for 6ft, Petrol only, doing 8-10K annual mileage, need excellent safety record and features (OH in accident), cameras and sensors for parking and wouldn’t mind some luxuries (heated seats, full safety features), manual or auto. Ps - needs to be high seated position as we’re both more comfortable physically and driving.

So far my search is throwing up;
Sportage 2016 - has to be GT Line as NA is gutless, but GT has high emissions, poor eco
Honda CRV - not sold on looks, but has decent space
Mazda CX-5 2015 - but not sure if this has the rear space

Thought to ask the forum. I’ve also noticed how my search is frustrated by my own indecision - I want something not too old, but want to stay on budget, Want a good deal but don’t want a Dacia, decent name with good reliability but not a flashy car and I want decent residual. And I have one eye on doing a decent upgrade in a year or so.

Vehicle suggestions welcome as well as any thoughts on how to better focus the search.

Thanks

[samoht]

You might consider going slightly older so you can get a Lexus RX450h, 2011 or so, in the middle of the third-gen. I think they're pretty spacious and comfortable, well equipped and the Lexus reliability _should_ offset the age. Hybrid so pacey but frugal. Plus by getting an older car it will depreciate more slowly, giving you a stronger trade-in in 18 months' time.

But understand if you want to insist on something newer.

[samoht]

Some other newer options:

Nissan X-Trail, could be 2017 30k miles for the money, has 1.6T engine so maybe adequately quick.

Ford Kuga 1.5T Ecoboost, similar

Toyota RAV4 2.0 pushing the price a bit.

[ZX10R NIN]

The best pick of the Mid size SUV's is the 1.5T Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011166...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012036...

Titanium X

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...

BMW 2.0 XLine

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010074...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012127...

Kadjar Signature Nav nice spec with a decent amount of grunt & great spec

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009073...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010205...

Infiniti FX every bit of kit you could want heated/air cooled seats/adaptive cruise 360 cameras including curb cam

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011286...

[JBourne2Drive]

Thanks, some cool suggestions there.

Ford Kuga - don’t often hear much about these when they talk about the best mid-size SUVs. Any drawbacks?

Infiniti - that’s nice! Are they still supported in the UK? That looks like a good deal for the kit.

BMW - I forgot about the x1. Will do some more research.

Xtrail - will definitely solve the space problem. I had one as a hire car. It was a bit bulky to park up but definitely had punch.

[JBourne2Drive]

That Kadjar doesn’t seeem to bad - checked the dine stools and its longer than the Qashqai which I originally though my it was a copy of.

Lexus-haha. That would do it but I think the age was a concern. Good point on the reliability though.

RAV came, but that’s looking more towards 20k for a good hybrid version.

Many thanks for the suggestions

[ZX10R NIN]

People don't talk about them because the Ford badge isn't as desirable but they're a better car (especially in Petrol form) vs CX-5/CRX/Sportage etc.

Infiniti have left the UK but Nissan (which actually means it's easier to get them serviced now) are supporting the Infiniti (remember these are Nissans in other parts of the world) brand so there'll be no issues with this.