Overhaulin'

Looking to buy a new car! Best SUV?

I need a new car. Catch is that I am low on cash (aren't we all these days...) and I am moving in 2 months and would like to make sure that the car that I purchase is capable of towing a 4x8 or 5x10 Uhaul type trailer (once a hitch is installed). I don't want a truck or big SUV, so am considering getting another mini or small SUV (I have a Tracker right now and love the space)! My question: What mini or small SUV would be the best deal right now given my circumstances? It will need to be capable and sturdy enough to tow a trailer (thus, would V6 and 4WD be required??). And I don't care if it is "pretty" or if it has all the bells and whistles, as long as it is durable enough, and costs me less than $20,000! Any good deals going on worth looking into??? I have looked online at the Jeep Liberty ($2.99 gas deal and cash back), Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson so far... Thoughts??? Any I should STAY AWAY from??? THANKS!!!! WC-TD: Thanks for the info!!! Where did you get the info on towing capabilities (e.g., Rav & CRV can both tow 1500 lbs. Liberty 3500 pounds.)? I would love to look this up for all cars that I am considering! CHUCKSRIGHT: Whay avoid Jeeps? What is wrong with them? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. CRV and Rav4 are the best 25k and under. Outlander and Santa Fe are the next step down. I should mention that the Escape is the #3 selling SUV. The Liberty is a unibody crossover but the off road capability it offers also gives you a harder on road experience compared to others. Just to note: CRV get 20-27 mpg Rav4 21-27mpg, Liberty 16-21. Rav & CRV can both tow 1500 lbs. Liberty 3500 pounds. I like to use carpoint.com or edmunds.com for research.
2. avoid any and all Jeeps for $4,000 98 Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander $19,990 Subaru Forester Ford Escape V-6