If you forced to choose between the 2008 Mazda Tribute and 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, I would probably go with the Outlander. My main concern would be the car's history and making certain that it was not formerly a rental car!
The Mazda Tribute is literally the same vehicle as the Ford Escape, just with a different grille and emblem. The Escape had decent but not great reliability and being a 2008, I'm guessing it has quite a few miles on it? The 3.0L V6 engine used in most of Tributes has some weak spots as does the transmission.
The Outlander is five years newer, Mitsubishi usually has average reliability but I worry that they will be pulling out of the US market in the near future and service and repair might be a lot tougher if that happens.
I don't know your budget, but if you were a friend or family member and came to me asking for a small SUV recommedation for under $11k with excellent reliability, here's the short list I'd give you-
2007-newer Toyota RAV4- they're good looking, exceptionally reliable and one of the most enjoyable small SUVs to drive that I've ever experienced. If you happen to fine one with the optional V6 engine, you basically have a hot-rod compact SUV because they will MOVE! That engine is used in heavier, larger models but it is almost too much power for the RAV4. You simply CAN'T go wrong with one of these! I easily found some 2007 and 2008 models with under 80k miles for $10k.
2007-2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara- I'll bet $20 that you've never heard of a Grand Vitara, most people haven't. But they are very nice looking, solidlyl built and reliable all around. Their anonymity is the used car buyer's friend because they are cheap to buy. A 2007-2009 with under 100k miles can be had for $6-$7k and a loaded 2012 with 50k miles is still under $11k.
Not exactly an SUV, but will do everything you need and then some and get better fuel economy to boot-
2010-present KIA Soul- they have been rock solid reliable from day one, have a roomy interior and large cargo area and they get good fuel economy. A clean 2011 starts around $8k with under 80k miles. It's a great value.
Good luck!
| 3 |
