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Need FWD SUV/Crossover

The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

Member5142

I am looking for a small SUV/Crossover with FWD. While I prefer AWD, the FWD vehicle will be towed on a dolly behind an RV. Right now, I have a Golf TDI which is a great car, but I'm tired of feeling like I'm sitting in a washtub. And, I'm short besides.

I need a vehcile that has a curb weight of 3000-3400 or so lbs with very good road visibility. The issue is most of the SUV/Crossovers are coming to the dealers with AWD. Cars under consideration are 2015 Hyundai Tucson, 2015 Buick Encore, 2015 Audi Q3, 2015 VW Tiguan and a couple that I will have to wait for to see, the new 2015 Honda H-RV and 2015 Chev Trax.

Most likely whatever I decide will proably have to be ordered, if it can be. I've looked at but haven't driven the Mazda CX5 and the Mits Outlander Sport, the looks of which I didn't particularly care for.

I've had 3 Hondas and I can't say enough good about them, but in looking at the specs for the HRV, it looks like it will be underpowered. The Tiguan is expensive for its size, but we have a 2011 Touareg TDI Luxe that we got new and it's been a wonderful SUV and very comfortable. The Tucson(which also can't be ordered) would seem to fit the bill, but I worry about its fit and finish, altho' the brand has come along wayand you can't order one. I've read nightmares about ordering an Encore with buyers waiting 6 months or so for their cars. The Audi costs about the same as the Tig, but it's a new model and the Chev Trax is a Buick Encore "lite". It probably isn't smart to buy a new model, but there's not a lot to choose from.

Can anyone think of a veh I've missed? Anyone ordered the Encore?

Need minimum of 2 seats

Will consider new cars only

Maximum price: US $ 35000

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Response from ilene

4:41 pm August 12, 2014

I'm also looking at small SUV/crossovers. I test drove the Lincoln MKC last night and loved it!

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Lincoln MKC
Acura RDX
Audi Q5

Response from mkaresh

3:10 pm August 13, 2014

I compared the Encore and Tucson (which is nearing the end of its run) here.

Since you don't need all-wheel-drive, though, I wonder if the Kia Soul might not be your best bet. Better visibility than many crossovers (which can have small rear windows) and relatively inexpensive.

Another non-crossover worth a look--if fuel economy is a priority--is the Ford C-MAX. You sit higher than in a regular car, but with much better handling than the typical crossover. I really enjoyed driving it (though I didn't much enjoy looking at it).

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Kia Soul
Ford C-MAX

Response from Member5142

8:50 am August 27, 2014

I test drove the Hyundai Tucson and liked it. Neither my husband or I have had any luck dealing with our local Hyundai dealer for any car we've ever tried to buy, so if I want a Hyundai, I have to go a ways away. I also looked at MotorTrends rather extensive video on SUV's. I was not pleased about what they said about the "fit & finish" of the Tucson. I have gone to the Buick dealer in my area. I loved the Encore; my husband dislikes its looks, but it will be my car.

The GM dealer gave me a printout of the specs for the 2015, but didn't yet have the pricing. When they do, I will go back and test drive the Encore and decide if I will order or wait until the dealer is able to find one for me. I am relectant to order because some of the posters on forums said there was a very long wait and not much help from GM.

The Lincoln as suggested by OP is just to heavy and large to haul behind our diesel pusher. I had not considered the C-Max. Good suggestion. The Soul I had looked at and did not particularly care for it.

My husband has a 2011 Touareg TDI and absolutely loves it as I do. We've had no problems and it's a very comfortable SUV. He wants me to get a Tiguan which is okay, but I like my cars loaded up and 40,000 is a lot of money for a small SUV. The Encore seems to be the car of choice, at least for me. Thanks for the followup

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Response from mitchell9353

6:10 pm August 27, 2014

If you're towing behind an RV, weight is paramount. Consider the 2500 lb MINI hardtop. Nothing is more fun to drive. Visibility is excellent. It will drive a lot like your Golf, but it's more fun. The automatic transmission is as good as VW's and the power is similar if you get the Mini Cooper S. Or, have some fun and get the roadster!

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Mini Hardtop
Mini Roadster

Response from mkaresh

8:47 pm August 28, 2014

The Minis are fun, but she said she wanted to sit higher than in her Golf.

That said, a Countryman might work. You sit a little higher in one than in a Golf.

A final small crossover that hasn't been mentioned: the Nissan Juke. Tight inside, and the styling is very much love it or hate it. If the Buick is appealing, the Juke probably isn't.

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Mini Countryman
Nissan JUKE

Response from Member5142

5:41 am August 29, 2014

I think my choice will be the Buick. It's about the same curb weight as my Golf that we towed on the dolly.

I looked at and drove the Mini Clubman in Fla and it was noisy and I didn't particularly like the ride, nor my sitting position which was much same as my Golf. I do like the buyers' ability to customize the Mini, but man their pkg's are costly. The interiors are funky and really neat, IMHO.

The OP is right; the Juke is not for me.

I'm waiting for my dealer to get pricing on the Encore Premium and then decide about whether to order or have them locate one as the 2015's become available. Thanks for the wonderful input I rec'd here.

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