Best Value Compact SUV in USA?

[krisw123]

Well our move to Denver is confirmed. The good lady will be going next month to take up a great job with her existing company. It covers Canada and Europe as well so she will be coming home every 2 months and being semi retired I will be able to go over fairly often. Then the plan is for me to finish my existing project and go out to live there in April 2013.
We will need to buy a car and think a small SUV will suit our needs. We want to spend about $20k for something we can use for about 3 years and then sell before returning to UK in 2016. Any thoughts? Thinkink 1 or 2 years old. Kia Sportage and Hyundai Santa Fe look good value and have advantage of long warranty . VW Tuiigan maybe or Mazda CX7? No real experience of this type of vehicle so would welcome any advice or thoughts.
Cheers.

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

Hi,The Yan..sorry, Americans get a better deal than we do in the Uk (or at least they did do) I purchased several US spec cars from them whilst in Germany. At that time most UK spec cars had 12 months warranty, the US had three years. What I would do is wait until I was over there, or are you thinking of shipping one over.

 

[krisw123]

Hi,The Yan..sorry, Americans get a better deal than we do in the Uk (or at least they did do) I purchased several US spec cars from them whilst in Germany. At that time most UK spec cars had 12 months warranty, the US had three years. What I would do is wait until I was over there, or are you thinking of shipping one over.

No, definitely buy one out there. My new C250CDI Coupe will have to be sold next year and the C200K Coupe in the next few weeks. Boo hoo!

 

[A-AvantGarde]

How about a used GLK? Would probably need to spend more like $30k+ though, heres one local(ish) to where you'll be:

http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com/u...mercedes-of-denver-for-sale-wdcgg8hb6bf686134

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

Its a shame about the UK cars. At one time you were allowed to buy a vehicle VAT and TAX free six months prior to the the vehicle being exported. It may be worth looking into, perhaps buy over here but take delivery in the USA ,LHD of course.

 

[Red C220]

If you find a vat qualifying LHD car in the UK you'd be able to reclaim the vat upon export. It will have to be USA spec though not any old LHD will do.

There are a few dealers around Mildenhall/Lakenheath in Suffolk that will specialise in supplying US spec cars to the Military at the local bases.

 

[Red C220]

Alternatively, how about a new GLK when you get there:-

Special Offers

 

[Red C220]

Kia lease deals. These are so cheap it's not worth buying anything.

Kia Motors

Kia Motors

Up until about a year ago I wouldn't even consider looking at Kia or Hyundai, however my neighbour arrived home in a Hyundai i40 tourer (previous car S line Audi A6) and I have to say it's a damn good car, inexpensive with an impressive warranty.

It's also difficult to ignore Kia's 7 year warranty.

 

[finisterre]

I think I would start by dismissing cars that do not have cruise control because I hear the american roads are very very long.

 

[krisw123]

Thanks guys. Some real food for thought. Diane is a bit worried cos although she is a good and confident driver she has never driven on the right! We both ski so AWD for trips to the Rockies is essential I think. I have revised my opinion of Kias and Hyundais as well. Think MB Audi BMW Volvo too pricey for what we want.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Thanks guys. Some real food for thought. Diane is a bit worried cos although she is a good and confident driver she has never driven on the right! We both ski so AWD for trips to the Rockies is essential I think. I have revised my opinion of Kias and Hyundais as well. Think MB Audi BMW Volvo too pricey for what we want.

The RAV 4 is very popular in the US - worth a look. Don't ignore the local market vehicles either.

Finally, bear in mind that leasing is very very cheap in the US - that's why you see a lot of college kids in BMW 3 Series / Mercedes C Class / VW Jettas

 

[davidjpowell]

I'm driving a Chrsyler Captiva for two days. While not impressed with its fit and quality, after a day, I would grudgingly admit its not a bad beast. Handles OK, and cruises well.