Good small SUV for first car?

Question

I'm going to be 16 soon, and though I'm in no rush to get a car, I'm starting to think about what kind I might look for.

I think I might want a small SUV for a few reasons:

-I'm pretty claustrophobic, and can get a little uncomfortable in smaller cars.

-I do theater, and often help move props and such, so I want some room in the back.

-They're a bit safer than small cars.

-They're better on gas than large SUVs.

Plus, it's just what I'd prefer.

What models would you recommend?

I just want it to be safe, fairly inexpensive, and at least kinda cute.

Thanks!

[By the way, I know I should buy used, since it's a first car and everything, and I most likely will :) ]

Answer 1

small SUV eh? like a crossover sort of deal? I would say the Toyota Rav4, but you said you are claustrophobic, and it's a bit small. If you can find one for a great price, the BMW X3 is a great little SUV, and it has a lot of space for all the stuff you need. Also, I really like the Lexus RX (and the Toyota version, the Highlander), and it's got a lot of space for stuff in the back. The Nissan Murano is pretty sweet too (and its Infiniti version, the FX).

Hahaha, i'm watching a commercial for the VW Tiguan right now, and it looks kinda cute. but you probably won't be able to get it used.

Answer 2

Lease a Ford Escape Hybrid.

Answer 3

ford esacpe. its cute & affordable.

Answer 4

Subaru Forester has the best safety in it's class. Has for a while now.  Subaru also has one of the best AWD systems on the market too so any conditions are no sweat.  Lastly, the engine in the car has been used for many years.  Things like tuning and head design have changed for the better but the engine it self is very reliable because of the design.  I'm on my third Subaru now and have never been let down.

Answer 5

get something with 4 cylinders or a hybrid. gas prices are going up and you will regret it if you get any sort of suv. plus, what does a 16 year old really need an suv for?

Answer 6

I think an SUV would work. I mean it's not that expensive IT STILL MOVES! And some usually have 33 MPH (on gas) It doesn't need that much gas for 33 MPH. I mean you can add a little somethin somethin to the car. You might want to get it unused it is still at a good price. REASONS WHY! If you get it used it might not have good quality

Answer 7

heck no!!! just buy a ford truck get it over with.

Answer 8

Hi, I buy and sell cars everyweek,,,for you I would recomend a toyota matrix,,,there roomy-being a hatchback you can stuff alot of things in it-they feel like a suv but rides like a car-good gas mileage-either way if would like to know a particular make and model price wise and what they go for at the dealer auctions let me know,,,,

Answer 9

Give up the idea of a small SUV. To be useful at all as an SUV, they must be based on trucks, have solid axles, 4WD, a frame etc. Which makes good fuel economy impossible. Even the small ones get pretty crappy mileage (25 is NOT good)

A few excellent vehicles that get OK mileage and have the size and usefulness of a small SUV are: Subaru wagons from 1975-1998 (avoid automatics and the 2.5 like the plague) or a Volvo wagon. Both are also very safe.

Answer 10

small SUV?

choose between Nissan Xtrail or Toyota Rav 4 or Ford Escape.

fuel efficient. spacious. cute in black! :)

Answer 11

SUV's are out.  If you need space in the back other then to just have junk in the trunk then consider a crossover.

SUV's as a whole are gas guzzlers because they're all truck based.  A crossover is car based and will get you better fuel economy.  I like the Toyota Matrix recommendation ...

Just remember gas prices are on the up and more then likely here to stay.  You have to think long term when you purchase a vehicle so an SUV purchase can be very, very painful.

Answer 12

how much can you spend?

what color do you like

...........Toyota highlander, it's roomy and rides like a car

new ones start at 21,000

used ones can be found for 7,000

Answer 13

First thing you should know is that trucks and SUV are NOT safer (than cars).  They are slightly MORE dangerous because of high center of gravity (they roll over more easily).

I think young people are in to Toyota Rav4 but that is all matter of personal taste.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_RAV4

Good Luck...

Answer 14

CRV, RAV4, Grand Vitara, HHR,Caliber.

Answer 15

First things first, I would suggest you look into something like a Jetta SportWagen http://www.vw.com/jettasportwagen/en/us/

or Subaru Forester

http://www.subaru.com/shop/overview.jsp?...

I guess it would be considered a "Station Wagon" but these cars are good looking, spacious, have ample cargo room and great on gas to boot. They are cheap and fun too!

If you are still seriously thinking you want a Small SUV be sure to check out the Toyota RAV4 http://www.toyota.com/rav4/index.html and Honda CRV http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/. Both are very good cars.

Good Luck!

Answer 16

Honda CR-V

Kia Rondo

Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe

Hyundai Santa Fe

for $4,000 look for

98 Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder