I just bought a 2010 CRV EX with 42k miles for 18500 so an 11 or 12 would definitely be in your budget. I like the reliability of the vehicle and it's nice to drive without being too big! It could have more pickup but that's the story with most SUV's unless you are going with an Infiniti or Acura or above. The kids seats (recaros) fit well too (just started FF) and I can fit a good amount of stuff from home depot in the back so I assume you can easily fit a 30 pound dog.
We are getting a Honda Pilot in May or June, but the 3rd seat option is a must for us.
I am sure you have researched this, because I know you're a smart lady but my two cents: I did not like the way the Pilot drove. It was not smooth and felt very truck like, and I was not impressed with the third row accessibility. I have come to the conclusion that a third row in a mid sized SUV is really only usable if the second row has captains seats.
We are getting a Honda Pilot in May or June, but the 3rd seat option is a must for us.
I am sure you have researched this, because I know you're a smart lady but my two cents: I did not like the way the Pilot drove. It was not smooth and felt very truck like, and I was not impressed with the third row accessibility. I have come to the conclusion that a third row in a mid sized SUV is really only usable if the second row has captains seats.
Hmmm...we have several friends who have them and I have never experienced this. I have an Accord and it's a great car. The 3rd row is for me when my parents come to visit so we can all be in the same car. I am a small person so it works. For me, I don't see the point of getting an SUV type vehicle if it doesn't have a 3rd row. I would rather just get another sedan.
I am sure you have researched this, because I know you're a smart lady but my two cents: I did not like the way the Pilot drove. It was not smooth and felt very truck like, and I was not impressed with the third row accessibility. I have come to the conclusion that a third row in a mid sized SUV is really only usable if the second row has captains seats.
Hmmm...we have several friends who have them and I have never experienced this. I have an Accord and it's a great car. The 3rd row is for me when my parents come to visit so we can all be in the same car. I am a small person so it works. For me, I don't see the point of getting an SUV type vehicle if it doesn't have a 3rd row. I would rather just get another sedan.
Oh, I love Hondas, too! I was sad that I personally did not like the Pilot. But if you've had positive personal experiences with it I'm sure it will be a great car for you. I just had to throw in my two cents.
I am sure you have researched this, because I know you're a smart lady but my two cents: I did not like the way the Pilot drove. It was not smooth and felt very truck like, and I was not impressed with the third row accessibility. I have come to the conclusion that a third row in a mid sized SUV is really only usable if the second row has captains seats.
Hmmm...we have several friends who have them and I have never experienced this. I have an Accord and it's a great car. The 3rd row is for me when my parents come to visit so we can all be in the same car. I am a small person so it works. For me, I don't see the point of getting an SUV type vehicle if it doesn't have a 3rd row. I would rather just get another sedan.
I have an SUV with just a second row and the rear of the car makes the difference as you can fit more in the trunk space than a sedan. I have driven an X3 then, went to a sedan (saab 9 3) then now back to a small suv. The trunk space is so much better and no squatting down to get your kids out of a sedan (those are my two +'s). The size is not much different in general though. I don't care for a 3rd row either because I honestly don't want to cart that many damn people around <: hahaha (like, oh tough shit we cannot take my car because I have no space for you). My ex has a Tahoe and the things a fucking beast and a bitch to park and drive (I'm just partial to smaller vehicles in general though. I can see 3rd row as a benefit but being both an suv owner and sedan owner with kids I can say that the 2 row Suv is just a tad better on those two things above <; Plus has better traction in snow!!
I want to sell our Acura SUV and get an outback. Our Acura is 5 years old with 30k miles on it. We have spent $3500 on it the past year (tires, regular upkeep) and its so not worth it for a car we barely drive.
We should lease because we don't care about keeping a car forever. What we would pay a year in payments will be less than regular upkeep on the Acura.
I alternate between wanting an Outback and an X5, which would not help the spending a lot on a car we don't use issue. Ha!
I want to sell our Acura SUV and get an outback. Our Acura is 5 years old with 30k miles on it. We have spent $3500 on it the past year (tires, regular upkeep) and its so not worth it for a car we barely drive.
We should lease because we don't care about keeping a car forever. What we would pay a year in payments will be less than regular upkeep on the Acura.
I alternate between wanting an Outback and an X5, which would not help the spending a lot on a car we don't use issue. Ha!
The X3 was a good car when I had it! Surprised a newer Acura would cost you that much to maintain!! That's annoying as hell! I looked at the RDX but it was a little out of my comfortable price range as a single mom. I would have liked the better pick-up though!! My only complaint about my CRV is it doesn't have the pick-up I want when getting on the highway. The saab, x3, and before that I had a g37x so used to cars with at least 220hp or more, this 180 shit makes me sads!!
I want to sell our Acura SUV and get an outback. Our Acura is 5 years old with 30k miles on it. We have spent $3500 on it the past year (tires, regular upkeep) and its so not worth it for a car we barely drive.
We should lease because we don't care about keeping a car forever. What we would pay a year in payments will be less than regular upkeep on the Acura.
I alternate between wanting an Outback and an X5, which would not help the spending a lot on a car we don't use issue. Ha!
The X3 was a good car when I had it! Surprised a newer Acura would cost you that much to maintain!! That's annoying as hell! I looked at the RDX but it was a little out of my comfortable price range as a single mom. I would have liked the better pick-up though!! My only complaint about my CRV is it doesn't have the pick-up I want when getting on the highway. The saab, x3, and before that I had a g37x so used to cars with at least 220hp or more, this 180 shit makes me sads!!
Yeah, I'm pretty annoyed. We got new snow tires this winter, because the tread was getting low. $1600. Supposedly the tires on SUVs wear faster. Oil changes are expensive. Basically everything is when the car is pricier. We also have everything done at the dealership, so I'm sure that is a reason for the higher cost. We seriously drive maybe 50 miles a week. Maybe.
The x3 was a little too small.
And pick up is necessary when driving in the city and needing to pass 2 cars & switch lanes seconds after the light turns green
The X3 was a good car when I had it! Surprised a newer Acura would cost you that much to maintain!! That's annoying as hell! I looked at the RDX but it was a little out of my comfortable price range as a single mom. I would have liked the better pick-up though!! My only complaint about my CRV is it doesn't have the pick-up I want when getting on the highway. The saab, x3, and before that I had a g37x so used to cars with at least 220hp or more, this 180 shit makes me sads!!
Yeah, I'm pretty annoyed. We got new snow tires this winter, because the tread was getting low. $1600. Supposedly the tires on SUVs wear faster. Oil changes are expensive. Basically everything is when the car is pricier. We also have everything done at the dealership, so I'm sure that is a reason for the higher cost. We seriously drive maybe 50 miles a week. Maybe.
The x3 was a little too small.
And pick up is necessary when driving in the city and needing to pass 2 cars & switch lanes seconds after the light turns green
You have to find a place that include 2 yr free maintenance
we have an Acura too with maintenance but you are scaring me on the tires but we have out 20k miles in in a little over a yr