<p>I’d much rather be thinking about the bicycle, budget or cooking threads, but our car was totaled and we are suddenly in the market for a new car. The maximum we can spend is $30,000 including fees and taxes. Lower would be better. We need a small to midsize SUV. </p>
<p>This car will replace a Volvo SUV we bought used from a friend, the only used car we’ve ever purchased. Under consideration are used luxury SUVs with substantial mileage or a new SUV from a less expensive brand.</p>
<p>Any advice or recommendations would be much appreciated, whether they’re endorsements or horror stories about specific cars or tips on how to navigate the used car world and not make a painfully expensive blunder.</p>
<p>We have been buying used cars for a while. DH gets ones that are 2-3 years old from dealers. He got tired of the fly by night rip off artists and only goes to dealers now. By getting them 2-3 years old they are usually relatively current for safety and features but the "drive it off the lot’ depreciation is done. They usually have a limited warranty, too. He likes to get Toyota Highlanders. </p>
<p>We got a used loaded highlander for under that from a dealer. It’s easy to shop around on the internet. We had to drive over an hour to get it but the price was great. He just wanted to get rid of it because he didn’t sell that make in his new car lot. </p>
<p>Thumper, some of the cars you mention are contenders. Bunsen, we are very interested in a hybrid but used inventory in our price range is limited and mileage tends to be high. Singers, I’m leery of the independent used car lots as well. If we go for a used car we’ll buy from a dealership or a broker. KK, I wish! Surf, it makes me nervous to buy a used car with significant mileage. I worry that something major and expensive is about to go wrong. I’m glad your purchase worked out well. Thanks, all, for your comments.</p>
<p>Does the SUV need off-road, towing, or other capabilities usually associated with them, or are you looking just for more cargo room like with now-rare station wagons?</p>
<p>If the latter, you may want to consider vehicles like the Mazda 5, Ford C-Max, and Toyota Prius V, which should be available new under your price limit. The latter two are hybrids with good fuel economy.</p>
<p>Don’t forget this if you buy a new hybrid, there are some tax incentives. I was surprised that buying my C-MAX came with a hefty federal tax credit. </p>
<p>Have you considered looking at Car Max, or calling your Volvo Dealer? We bought our last two Volvo sedans, certified, from a dealer. They were a year old, and were off lease. They were a great deal. Maybe the Volvo dealer or car max will have a late model used Volvo that is exactly what you want.</p>
<p>If you want an SUV you can buy a new jeep patriot for well under 30,000 with all the bells and whistles. You could also buy one with under 20,000 miles on it for under 20,000. I drive and ACURA MDX and am thinking of trading it in for the patriot because the gas mileage is so much better! </p>
<p>Some folks swear by Hertz and other rental companies for used vehicle purchases while others curse them. Our extended family and neighbors have been happy with a Hertz and a mechanic’s inspection prior to purchase. </p>
<p>Somebody told me NOT to get a C-MAX because he owns one and he said there’s lots of problems, but because he was into green/environment so he bought one without realizing all the problems. Not sure what year, so do some research.</p>
<p>I noticed your $30,000 max includes fees and taxes. What state you are in makes a huge difference. </p>
<p>If you are Costco members, check and see if they offer guaranteed pricing for the new models you like. This is something you sign up for online and then you take that letter to a local dealer who has an agreement with Costco. There is no requirement to buy; it is just a guaranteed price. Other dealers will often match the price on that letter if you show it to them too.</p>
<p>I love this forum! Everybody’s so helpful. Thank you for all the comments and suggestions. I’ll summarize the current status of our search just in case you’re interested.</p>
<p>We don’t need an SUV for off-road purposes but have been spoiled by the cargo space in the Volvo. We also enjoyed its smooth ride and appreciated the safety features, especially after it was totaled without any injuries to driver DH or passenger DC (canine), but would prefer something with better gas mileage. Our other car is a 12-year-old hybrid and we’d like to be as green as budget and available options allow. We won’t put many miles on this “new” car, which helps with the green factor.</p>
<p>We have been using cars.com, Carmax and Edmunds (great site) and others, and are checking the inventory of dealerships in our area. I also searched for rental company sales but didn’t find anything nearby. Himom, I guess this is one instance in which it helps to be on an island! Picapole, I love Costco and would definitely check out that option if we were looking for a brand spanking-new car.</p>
<p>DH spent several hours on car lots today, for which I am extremely grateful. We’ve narrowed our sights to a used Lexus hybrid, the rx400h, and will be comparison shopping to find the best price with decent mileage. I’ll post an update when it’s a done deal.</p>
<p>I personally have had great luck with Hertz car sales. My most recent purchase was from Craigs list. My 2006 Honda CRV from there has been a great purchase. I have a mechanic I trust who will check the car out and tell me if the price for that model and that year is fair. Certainly, that is the most affordable way to buy a car. This same CRV will probably be sold by me on Craigslist. I will sell it for about 8K. But, that same vehicle is listed at the dealer for 10-12K but the dealer will offer to buy it from me for 6K. A win/win for the Craigs list buyer and seller. </p>
<p>I might be in the market to sell my 2005 crossover. I love it and its in great shape, but DH is thinking of a new car for our anniversary. Where you located? ;)</p>