Hey guys, I'm looking for some advice on potentially getting a used SUV for my wife. Reliability and quality is the most important factor. Looking for the best used SUV in the $15 to $20k range. I figured some of you may have had personal experiences so please share.

 

CR-V, RDX, MDX, RX, Rav4, Forester seem like the front runners without knowing how efficient or large they need to be

 

I could be wrong, but I found that the Japanese SUVs in that range usually had pretty high miles and didn't seem worth it. Ended up getting a new Highlander for about 30k+

 

^^ I forgot Highlander and Pilot for some reason, but also good choices. Granted until OP gives a few more specifications we're just listing stereotypical reliable SUVs

 

Depending how which manufacture you are referring to that is generally correct. I'm looking into domestic manufactures as well as I'm not real familiar with them but I know their trucks are relatively good vehicles.

 

The reason they have high mileage is because they last! If you keep them maintained regularly, some like Lexus will last forever.

 

Sorry for being vague in my OP. Looking for compact to midsize SUV. Seating for 4-5. Gas mileage isn't a huge issue. Reliability is the key. I know the usual contenders from the Japanese automakers. Just wondering if there was some good domestic options that I hadn't considered.

 

i was extremely interested in buying a domestic, especially an Explorer. Alas, i found their quality and reliability still is horrible.

 

Toyota Land Cruiser 100 or LEXUS LX 470
Designed for no less than 25 years of service in a third world country with no proper roads.
Very comfortable, spacious, safe, built like a tank ( it is a Tank ) and the Legendary 2UZ-FE...

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...-Cruiser-c3962

OOps

I just read that the OP is looking for a compact to midsize SUV...But seriously if Gas Mileage isn't an issue then the LC is going to be amazing. It is a legendary vehicle and owning one is truly a unique experience.....

 

RX350. I can't see any other better SUV.

 

RX350, Highlander, Pilot, if compact RAV4, CR-V, I think I said them all. Domestic? Can't think of any.

 

I have to agree. The best used SUV are probably going to be from Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. The newest domestic, American-badged SUVs ride and drive much nicer than before, but they are generally going to be either too expensive for his 15-20K budget or still suspect in the reliability department.

 

usual slam when was this exactly?

ford explorer has provided millions with VERY reliable transportation for decades.

i have an '06 that's been awesome. built like a tank. quiet, reliable.

 

1) Truedelta reliability surveys
2) Consumer reliability surveys
3) Actual owner complaints on the Explorer forums

Of course, it is all a probabilitstic thing. Sure there will be a plenty of very happy Ford Explorer owners.

 

Just check out the Ford Explorer forum. Tons of complaints, some of which are quite ridiculous. My fav is an owner who kept a sort of blog from when he ordered his car to when he gave up on it for breaking down too much lol.