SUV Recommendations?

Why not pay a little more than you might want to in order to get the latest and greatest safety technology that can only be found in new(ish) cars?
Cost is a big reason for us. While we have enough income to retire early and live comfortably, throwing $15K, 20K, or more on a vehicle that's just transportation doesn't make sense. Could we afford a pricier vehicle, yeah, probably. But why stretch our finances more than we need to. I would rather spend less on a vehicle and use that money on memorable experiences.

As for the latest and greatest, sure, newer cars are going to have more bells and whistles. But a 10 year old car was latest and greatest when it was released. I don't need the latest iPhone to get by (no iphone at all for that matter). Same with a car. If it gets me from point A to point B reliably, with decent fuel economy, can carry what we need to, and is decently safe, that's all I ask.
 
Be very careful that you are not simply 'buying' someone else's problem. Or a flood writeoff vehicle.

Agree. If I were buying an older used SUV I doubt that I would even consider a domestic. It would be, as above, Toyota, Honda, or Mazda.
 
I went out and measured the trunk of my Jetta. With the back seat up (necessary to hold me, my wife, and a mom), I get about 40" wide (between the wheel wells), 40" deep (back seat to back of trunk), and about 20" in height. There's a bit more in places, but that's a rough average.

I haven't seen a lot of specs for SUV cargo areas (seats unfolded), but what little I've found has been disappointing .

Honda CR-V is roughly 40" wide, 36" deep, and 38" high.

Toyota Rav-4 is roughly 42" width x 37" deep x 37" high.

I couldn't find measurements for the VW Tiguan, but it sounds like it's less than 36" deep also.

Unless I go with a full size SUV or a van, it's sounding like my Jetta has more cargo area (depth especially) than most small SUV's. If that's the case, I see little point in switching to a different vehicle (other than the higher ride height).
 
From chatgtp
ChatGPT

You said:
40" wide (between the wheel wells), 40" deep (back seat to back of trunk), and about 20" in height. What small SUV comes close to these cargo dimensions with the seats up
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT

Searched 3 sites
Several small SUVs have cargo dimensions that closely match your requirements of 40 inches wide (between the wheel wells), 40 inches deep, and approximately 20 inches tall with the seats up. Here are some options to consider:

Chevrolet Equinox: The width between the wheel wells is about 40 inches, and it offers a depth of 35 inches to the rear seats, which is close to your needs
iSeeCars
McGrath Auto
.

GMC Terrain: Similar to the Equinox, the Terrain provides a width of 40 inches between the wheel wells, and a depth of about 35 inches behind the rear seats
McGrath Auto
.

Hyundai Tucson: This SUV has a wheel well width of 41 inches and a depth of 39 inches to the back seats, which is slightly deeper than your target
McGrath Auto
.

Mazda CX-5: It offers about 41 inches between the wheel wells and 35.5 inches of depth, making it a potential fit depending on your specific needs
McGrath Auto
.
 
2018 Subaru Forester cargo area specs

Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1 (in)71.9 (seat down)

Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 2 (in)37.1 (seat up)

Cargo Area Width @ Beltline (in)45.9

Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings (in)42.2

Cargo Box (Area) Height (in)31.9
 
I have a Hyundai Santa Fe and would not recommend Hyundai. The paint has gone bad like so many others with Hyundai and the warranty that was still in effect was not honored. The top will have to be repainted at my expense of a few thousand.
 
We had a Honda CRV for several years and really liked it. When we wanted more space for long trips, we got a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and we love that too.
 
I went out and measured the trunk of my Jetta. With the back seat up (necessary to hold me, my wife, and a mom), I get about 40" wide (between the wheel wells), 40" deep (back seat to back of trunk), and about 20" in height. There's a bit more in places, but that's a rough average.

I haven't seen a lot of specs for SUV cargo areas (seats unfolded), but what little I've found has been disappointing .

Honda CR-V is roughly 40" wide, 36" deep, and 38" high.

Toyota Rav-4 is roughly 42" width x 37" deep x 37" high.

I couldn't find measurements for the VW Tiguan, but it sounds like it's less than 36" deep also.

Unless I go with a full size SUV or a van, it's sounding like my Jetta has more cargo area (depth especially) than most small SUV's. If that's the case, I see little point in switching to a different vehicle (other than the higher ride height).
So why even bother changing if you are happy with your current vehicle?

At one point we went down to one vehicle, gave the second to our son. Our condo rental only had one indoor parking space. We were very close to good public transport.

We were there for four years. Part of the decision was knowing that if we needed a second vehicle at one point we could always rent one. We thought that the cost of occasional vehicle rental would pale incomparison to a new car, higher insurance, etc.

Four years on we only rented once. And that was a mini van to move some items to our new home that we were reluctant to leave to the movers!
 
So why even bother changing if you are happy with your current vehicle?

At one point we went down to one vehicle
We live in a rural area. Only having one car is not an option at this time. My wife and I frequently need to run errands in opposite directions. Not to mention it's important to have the second vehicle when one breaks down.

As for why I'm thinking of changing (mentioned in my first post), my car is 24 years old and needs a number of repairs. Nothing major, but there are several things that need tending to. It also sits fairly low to the ground, making it harder to get in and out of now that I'm getting older. More cargo space would be nice too.
 
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