SUV new type and color

[TampShawn]

Hello all,

I spend a lot of nights out in the desert and want to get something SMALL that I can sleep in and something that will work for long term travel or to live in if need be. I have about $30,000 to spend on a new vehicle (want new or relatively new. I am so not handy) and this has to be a vehicle that will last me a long time that has low maintenance and upkeep. I am thinking the 2017 ($28000 out the door) Honda CRV is the best choice. The 2017 model has higher ground clearance and is bigger in the back.

It does need to be small. My garage is small, I live in a big city, and I don't think I could handle a large vehicle.  

I would love your feedback. Have been wondering if there are any hybrids I should consider (AC during the day)

OH AND WHAT COLOR? I am worried about getting a darker color red, navy which I would prefer because of heat. Should I just go silver?

Thank you all in advance

My requirements
* reliable, long lasting. tend to keep my cars for 15+ years
* I am 5'9" I want to be able to sit up in the back
* a tad higher ground clearance than a car - safety when parking and sleeping in the desert
* something that I can get in and out of easy (I am not 16 anymore!)

Thank you all for your help!

 

[OutdoorFT]

Not an SUV but theres a few people here who use Kia Souls and even Prius. Im assuming MPG is a factor.

 

[sephson]

Speaking of...

...here's my build thread on my Soul. There are plenty of similar vehicles out there which some of these ideas could be adapted to.

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-My-Future-Road-Tripper

Oh, it's dark grey, which is great for hiding dirt. I can go a long time between washes as long as I don't look too closely.

 

[RVTravel]

Wow. Didn't realize that Honda raised the ground clearance on the AWD to 8.2 inches. My 2014 AWD has about 6.5 inches.

 

[minimotos95]

I wouldn't call a CR-V small, The 2017 while still smaller than the Pilot It's as wide as an Impala. The HR-V is a bit more towards the compact side of things but I don't know much about it.

 

[MrNoodly]

Go with the closest color to dirt.

 

[bigsallysmom]

^ I agree.

 

[akrvbob]

Ford Transit Connect

 

[ArtW]

Taoyota makes a Hybrid Highlander, but it's closer to 36k MSRP IIRC

 

[TampShawn]

Taoyota makes a Hybrid Highlander, but it's closer to 36k MSRP IIRC

I test drove that one and it drives beautifully. I was concerned this was too big for me in the city. I did take a used one home (I would have to buy used here since they are more than my maximum budget new) and it did fit into my parking garage although it took a bit of time. MY concern here it that I would never be able to parallel park it. Will look at it again.

 

[TampShawn]

Thank you all for the info. Looks like I have some more research to do now.

If anyone has additional advice or information please keep on coming. I have been online watching videos too.

 

[TampShawn]

Wow. Didn't realize that Honda raised the ground clearance on the AWD to 8.2 inches. My 2014 AWD has about 6.5 inches.

Yes, the back is quite a bit larger too, AND they changed the way the seats fold down in the back so there is quite a bit more room that way too). It is also quieter to drive now which is real nice.

 

[hepcat]

Your actual requirements are pretty vague, and "small" means different things to different people... there are a LOT of vehicles that might fit the bill for you, but have you considered a Jeep Wrangler? Chrysler sells a comprehensive "lifetime" warranty that, if you plan on keeping the vehicle, might be right up your alley. And you can find new ones in your price range. There's nothing better for exploring the desert... or charging the canyons of the cities. And frankly, for what they are, the gas mileage isn't too bad either... I'm getting about 19mpg combined with mine. AND as a REAL plus... if you ever buy a motorhome, a Jeep is the perfect towed.

Happy hunting!

 

[TampShawn]

Thank you everyone. I just want to update you on what I did. I purchased the 2017 Honda CRV in Lunar Silver and am very happy with the decision and am already looking into ways to use my CPAP machine on the road (machine to help you breathe at night) and a Weboost to keep me connected!