The original post: /r/whatcarshouldibuy by /u/solidlymediocre on 2024-08-13 21:34:45.
Currently driving a 2015 Golf R, had a BMW 335i before that, never owned a truck or SUV.
My girlfriend and I would like to buy a second, used car for both of us and we’re discussing getting something that is suitable for light off-road duty. I’ve taken the Golf to many dirt trails that it had no business being on, but an expensive $1500 tow out of one of these places made me really consider getting something that has better clearance and tire sidewalls that are not rubber bands. I live in southern California and would also use this car to go up to Mammoth in snowy conditions, light off-road in Death Valley, etc.
Ideally it would be something in the $10-15k range, although I think we’d splurge up to 30-35k for something much newer and actually fun to drive. Must have AWD or 4WD.
Considering:
- Toyota 4Runner - biggest issue is that they hold their value extremely well and I don’t want a car with 200k miles on it. Was considering the 2025 4Runner, but I’m sure they’ll be impossible to get for a year, and will be selling above MSRP. I tried driving my friend’s 4Runner, and found it a joy when I got to drive it off-road, but absolutely the worst-driving car I have ever driven on pavement, literally devoid of joy, steering feel, braking, or any semblance of fun. Also abysmal gas mileage.
- Mazda CX-5 - rented this on Turo for a Mammoth trip and it drove great and did great, I just wish it could swallow slightly more gear and I don’t know how it would do in mild off-road (certainly better than the Golf)
- Subaru Outback - rented this on Turo also, and enjoyed it, much better to drive than the 4Runner, but girlfriend hates the looks. Good gas mileage.
- Toyota Rav4 - haven’t driven this, but it seems like it gets good MPG, but has low ground clearance and I don’t know how much better than my Golf it would be off-road.
Any other models I should consider?