To ask for SUV recommendations

[Aiaiaicorona]

Sorry I know not an AIBU but I’ve posted in cars and got no response. We need a bigger car, 2 primary DC and about to get a dog so need a big boot ideally that I can get a guard to have half for the dog and half bootspace. I’m not sure if I’ve over researched because I’m more confused than ever. It’s for family use so day trips, holidays as well as me driving short journeys around town and for my work (community nurse).

Looking at Skoda karoq, Ford Kuga, Seat Ateca or Honda CRV. Aiming for 3 years old with not too many miles (less than 25k). Any recommendations, I’ve always had Fords so feel comfortable with them but a few of the others get better reviews. Want to spend 10-13k

Also would you avoid diesel?

I've got a Ford Kuga, I don't think it very spacious for families although it's a lovely car. My two teenagers struggle with legroom in the back and the boot only fits my small mobility scooter in it.

The best car I had was a Seat Alhambra. Loads of room, loads of seat/boot combinations, easy to drive, cheap to run and cost very little in repairs. I had it for 20yrs and would recommend it to everyone.

I know it's not on your list but last year I brought a Dacia Duster and I am so so impressed with it. I have a toddler an 11 year old and a dog and we have so much space! It's so economical on fuel to.

For your budget you could buy a brand new one. I honestly can't recommend them enough

Your budget is quite limiting so a crossover SUV (smaller than a full size but also cheaper and more fuel efficient) might be a better option for you. I've seen Ford Kugas before but agree they're not overly large inside, could you extend your budget anyhow?

Why do you want an SUV? If you go for an estate car you could get a much bigger boot.

I would avoid a diesel and agree with the comment about an estate car.

We are now on our second Toyota Rav.
First was diesel but we traded in for a Hybrid Rav. They don't go wrong.

Possibly out of your budget but we bought a Volvo XC60 last year. Total game changer for us - I was ferrying the kids (6 & 3) around in a teeny Kia Rio prior to that, which whilst it was a decent car that never went wrong in the 10 years I owned it, just wasn’t going to cut the mustard as the kids got older.

You could look at a VW Tiguan which we also considered and is cheaper than a Volvo.

@Sprig1

Why do you want an SUV? If you go for an estate car you could get a much bigger boot.

I like the height of being higher up and do a lot of town driving so feel like estates will be too long for reverse parking on terraced streets 5 times a day. Plus I have elderly relatives I take out and they struggle getting out of lower down cars.

@MiddleClassMother we really don’t want to borrow anything to extend our budget so are trying to be good with sticking to the budget.

Do you need 4x4? If not my brother has the Karoq in petrol and rates it highly. Yes, I'd avoid diesel.

I haven’t looked at the Rav, I’ve never been overly keen on toyotas as they’ve never felt very powerful when I’ve been in them but I guess it depends on engine size. I’ll take a look at the suggestions, thanks

Careful with the elderly relatives. Taller cars are worse for them. Relative a physio and loads of older people struggle to get in properly. I didn't realise you were on terraced streets, definitely wouldn't bother with an SUV in your position. You're just paying for the benefit of having an SUV. Much better value vehicles out there. But as I said, the Karoq if your set on it is good.

I did this last year.

I needed boot size, I looked at all of them and they were tiny apart from the Peugeot 3008.

DH has the karoq and its a really lovely car to drive. Its a company car and when it's replaced he wants another one in preference to anything else.

Rav's drink fuel and expensive to run compared to many.

I looked into these.

SUV s aren't that big inside though are they? The height is wasted space. You need length to have a big boot or decent legroom in the back. Also SUVs use more fuel and are more dangerous for pedestrians. If you are mainly driving in town I think it's pretty antisocial to get one. (Sorry but this is is aibu!)

that I can get a guard to have half for the dog and half bootspace.

The 3008 also has a pull-down in the middle of the backseats for dogs to pop their head through and lean their faces from the boot 🥰

Actually that might have been my 308W I can't remember.

It's the friday wine, sorry

I have a diesel Kuga and love it (would prefer it to be petrol but diesel was what was available second hand). It does what I need it to, we can all fit in it and the boot is big enough, if not as big as a Mondeo. Mostly I need either passenger space or boot space, not both together, so putting the back seats down for extra boot space is fine.

What sort of holidays? Camping with all the family you'll need great boot space and the Rav and Duster don't cut the mustard. I agree with a PP the old Alhambra (Galaxy and VW Sharan?) were amazing. Unfortunately a very expensive car these days. We settled for a C Max, wish I'd thought about the SMax as we really don't need the 7 seats now. Kuga looks to be a C max with a jacked up arse.
Don't discount replacing boot space for hols with top box/trailer or Thule easy base.

@SnackSizeRaisin I totally get that but if it’s a choice between an antisocial car that I can take my Grandma out in or a low car that I can’t then I’d rather be antisocial. Even with me physically trying to help her out a low car it’s a struggle and takes 2 people whereas a high car she can use her frame to get out easily once I’ve helped her around. I also have a small Citroen c1 that I use around town, but sometimes I need a big boot for carrying work equipment around so take the bigger car. Currently I have to then take the car seats out and it’s a total hassle. The boot whilst I need it longish I also need height so it’s tricky.

@Monkey500 jacked up arse 😂
I’ll have a look at the S-Max. Also happy to have a roof box, the kuga handily has rails which is one of its pros. I’ll compare it to the C-Max dimension wise too. No it won’t be camping but cottage stays etc much to my DC’s dismay.

Lots of SUVs are quite small internally. Definitely take a proper look inside them and compare them to non-SUVs.

If you just like the look of SUVs then that's fine! But don't buy one thinking they are roomier, because they aren't!

What actually is an ‘SUV’ is it another way of saying 4x4?

I don’t even think they’re proper SUV’s but that’s what the websites say. Basically boxy cars higher up. Don’t need a 4x4 just need a slightly high up car with a decent boot and a not too slopey boot.