My old '08 LS460 (driven by my 17y/o daughter) has seen its' better days - 210K miles, bumps and bruises, torn front seat leather, burning AND leaking oil (from high pressure fuel pumps - yes, both sides). After throwing $2K at the car last summer, I've decided to finally let it go (served us well for 120K miles of ownership). The problem is - what to replace it with... Really don't want to buy a new car - would prefer something used - no older than 3-4 year old. Also, prefer to stay under $20K..... Daughter really likes driving CUVs (first car she drove was a Mazda CX-9). Some of the "contestants" include Kia Seltos (with the 1.6T engine), Buick/GMC/Chevy triplets (Envision/Terrain/Equinox), Mazda CX-5, and other suspects in the category.... As always - whatever your target price is, the cars that fit the bill are JUST a smidge more...

 

Can’t go wrong with a Subaru Crosstrek.
I think new - they are low $20s.

 

Kia Seltos is smaller than the CX-5, and not really in the same class. The CX-30 is more directly comparable to the Seltos.

I really like the Seltos and wanted to get one for my son 2 years ago, but it was when the market was crazy and Kia dealers had none on the lots and were tacking on $2-5K to the price. I ended up going with the CX-30; it's a great car, but the infotainment system is not nearly as simple to use as Kia's system.

Subaru CrossTrek, Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross are other competitors to the Seltos.

 

My mom has had a CX-5 for almost 9 years, good car, pretty built proof too!

Highline Autos
Direct: 844.999.0588
Office: 480.348.0777

 

As in another similar thread from a few months ago, infotainment functionality is a key with this demographic of new drivers. They Hyundai/Kia system is one of the best on the market, the Mazda one of the worst.

Given your list, I'd start with the Seltos and see if you can find one. The Kona is another good product.

 

My brother has a 2024 Seltos SX and loves it. Bought it in June of 2024...at list. You can probbaly get them today at list or below if you stand firm and bargain.

 

I actually test drove ‘21 Seltos S with the 1.6t engine…. Pretty decent little car. Infotainment with Apple Car Play is definitely a must. I just have to call my insurance agent to find out the rates - apparently due to Kia Boyz, rates on certain models of Kia (and Hyundai) can be insane.

 

Does the "S" trim level have a physical key? Kias with a proximity key don't have the theft risk, so it may be worth moving up to EX.

 

The one I test drove unfortunately had a physical key, which could potentially be the deal breaker.

 

Looks like the search is over, and so is our Lexus ownership…. I didn’t think I’d ever consider a…. Nissan, due to the stigma of CVT transmissions, but here we are - about to pull a trigger on a 2020 Murano Platinum with only 28k miles. The car does come with rebuilt title (have the pre-repair pictures - very easy repair) and the price is where it needs to be.

 

I will say this - my sister had a Murano of that same body style - I think hers was a '15 or a '16, and she absolutely loved it. She had a few minor issues over the years, but nothing major. I was not really a fan of the exterior styling, but was always impressed with the interior.

She now drives an Infiniti QX50.

 

The ride and interior of those are both surprisingly good, very premium feeling for a daily driver. Congrats on the new car!

Change the CVT fluid and hopefully all will be fine for a long time

 

Already looked up the procedure on YT 😂 - very straight forward. Plan on doing it at 50k, which should be in couple years or so, considering it’ll be my 17yo daughter’s car.

 

My cousin has one of these with 180k on it, its been very reliable. He did wheel bearings on it, brakes a few times but no repairs. CVT still works great, fluid has never been changed I'm sure...

 

Congratulations.....and enjoy it. Just make sure that the CVT transmission has a credible warranty on it......the original factory 5-year warranty (from 2020) is either over or almost over. And consider a good extended-warranty if you don't have one......Nissan CVTs are known to have issues.