Worst SUVs under $20,000 for single mums

 

If you’re a single mum looking to buy an SUV, you probably want one that has all the qualities that you seek in a prospective partner. You need an SUV that is reliable, respectable and stylish. You also want to make sure that your relationship with the SUV is hassle-free. You certainly do not want one that costs you a fortune down the line.

To help you dodge the SUV equivalent of the blind date that quickly turns into a nightmare of a relationship, here’s 5 to avoid.

 

5. Jeep Patriot

In fifth place, we have the Jeep Patriot. When you think of a Jeep, your mind probably conjures an image of a rugged Hulk of a machine that can take on anything. But, the only thing the Patriot can successfully take on is your patience. Unreliable, uninspired and underwhelming, the Jeep Patriot will constantly frustrate you with its long list of flaws. Its overheating engines, dodgy gearboxes, fussy electronics, wonky entry system, poor suspension and confusing design choices makes it one of the worst cars to drive.

 

This is not one car you should invest your money in.

 

4. Nissan Pathfinder

While Japanese automobile manufacturers have been historically known for their superior build quality, and Nissan, in particular, has seldom compromised with safety, it really dropped the ball on the 4th-generation Nissan Pathfinder that was launched in the 2013.

 

The CVT transmissions in the Pathfinder are bad enough to begin with. But as the car begins to age, the transmissions keep failing with an alarming frequency, resulting in repair bills that often mount to thousands of dollars. Add to that the front-wheel strut issues, shoddy windscreens, ill-conceived interior trims, proliferating electronic gremlins and you get a car that will ensure that you never drive in peace.

 

3. VW Tiguan

When it comes to automobiles, German engineering is as highly regarded as Japanese manufacturing. Volkswagen, one of the leading German automobiles brands, has, in fact, given us some of the finest cars in the world. Sadly, the Tiguan is not one of the and it falls way short of the lofty standards we have come to expect from Volkswagen. 

 

While brand new Tiguans perform remarkably well during the length of their full factory warranty, they rarely stand the test of time. Despite exuding that familiar, understated European suave image that Volkswagen cars have come to be known for, the Tiguan unravels once the warranty period is over. The DSG gearboxes fail, the turbos malfunction, the electronics falter, and some engines need replacing only after a few years of wear and tear. 

 

So, unless you enjoy shovelling your hard-earned money down the drain, you may wish to steer clear of a Tiguan that is past its prime. 

 

2. Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you think the Jeep Patriot is bad, wait till you drive its elder sibling, the Grand Cherokee. The WK model, in particular, is an unmitigated disaster. The WK2 model, while admittedly an improvement on the previous model, doesn’t fare much better on the road either. The reports of awful customer service further makes this car more of a liability than a treasure.

 

The Grand Cherokee is beset by a staggering number of problems. There have been multiple reports of electrical issues, transmission failures, overheating engines and clunky steering wheel can result in a very uncomfortable ride. The diesel models are plagued by an additional problems too. There have been reports of high pressure pumps failing which then pump metal shavings into the fuel system, completely destroying the fuel system in the process. 

 

Owning a Grand Cherokee, thus, comes with the risk of incurring repair costs that often surpass what the car is worth; and while, the quality of the car has seen some improvement in recent years, Grand Cherokees are still far too risky to invest in, especially if they have more than 40,000kms on the clock.

 

1. Holden Captiva

Holding the dubious honour of being the number 1 car on our list of the worst SUVs under $20,000 (for anyone, really, not just single mums) is the Holden Captiva, which frankly should be renamed to its colloquial title, the Holden Craptiva. 

 

This particular model is every car owner’s nightmare. There are a million things wrong with this car. Faulty transmissions, overheating engines, poor suspension, unreliable braking systems, frequent electrical problems and excessive oil consumption are just a few of the issues you can face with this car. 

 

So profoundly flawed is this particular model, in fact, that its manufacturer, General Motors, is currently facing several petitions and class actions suits on account of the damages caused by this car. If you care at all for your own well being and that of others, stay as far away as you can from the Captiva. This car should not be anywhere near your garage.

 

We’ve reviewed versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volkswagen Tiguan and Holden Captiva.

 

In the market for a used car? Check out all our ReDriven Cheat Sheets.

 

Find all our video reviews over on YouTube.

Performance cars under $10,000

 

A great performance car for under $10,000, surely that’s impossible! Well, no it’s not, there are some absolute bargains out there for fun cars on a budget and here is our top 5.

5. Toyota Celica SX (1999 – 2006)

In fifth place, a car that’s been around since 1970, it’s the Toyota Celica.

 

For 10 grand, we’d recommend looking for seventh-generation, 1999-2006 Celicas in the best possible condition you can find.

 

This generation Celica is hugely underrated. Typical bulletproof Toyota reliability, a funky coupe body, excellent driving dynamics the already excellent Celica is a genuinely superb and still very affordable performance car.

 

Ok, it’s not the fastest thing in a straight line and has to be revved hard to get the best out of it, which is incredibly fun, but the biggest issue this generation Celica had was that when it was new, it was commonly compared to the now legendary Honda Integra Type R.

 

But while Integra Type Rs now asking immense amounts of money on the used market, the Celica is an absolute bargain.

 

4. Nissan Skyline 350GT

In fourth place, it’s rear-wheel drive, it has a stylish coupe body and like the Celica, has a name plate that goes back decades, it’s the Nissan Skyline 350GT.

 

Sharing its platform and engine with the Nissan 350Z, the eleventh-generation V35 350GT did weigh a little more and was set up to be more of a grand tourer than an outright performance car, hence the GT in 350GT.

 

But, make sure you buy a manual, give the engine a mild tune, fit some quality suspension, brakes and tyres and you’ll have yourself an excellent performance car for thousands of dollars less than a decent 350Z.

 

3. Suzuki Swift Sport (2010)

In third place, this thing is an absolute barrel of laughs and a genuinely talented little car, it’s the Suzuki Swift Sport.

 

Motoring journalists raved about the Swift Sport when it was released and now these first-generation 2005-2012 Swift Sports can be had for well under 10 grand, they make for brilliant bang for your buck.

 

A punchy, high-revving, 1.6-litre engine with a notchy mechanical 5-speed manual in a little hatch body with wheels positioned at the extremities of the body, sports-tuned suspension and just the right amount of visual flair makes the Swift Sport an incredibly appealing proposition.

 

2. Honda Civic Type R (2008)

In second place, it’s possibly the least popular of a very popular line of performance cars, it’s the Honda FN2 Civic Type R.

 

The FN2 Civic Type R is cracking good performance car but its issue is that, with some of the FN2’s suspension changes, it just isn’t as special as the Civic Type Rs that came before and after it.

 

But, it still has the truly superb high-revving 2.0-litre K20 engine up front, a gear change feel many car companies still can’t get close to, a chunky squat appearance that almost looks like an angry little space ship and the ability to give whoever is behind the wheel immense levels of fun and interaction.

 

10 grand is pushing it to find a decent FN2 and chances are it might need some TLC but, it’ll be worth it.

 

1. Mazda NB MX5

In the top spot, it’s the Mazda MX5 or Miata.

 

These days, for 10 grand you’ll only really have one variety of MX5 to choose from and it will be the second-generation NB with the 1.8-litre engine, and obviously you’ll get it with a 5-speed manual because the auto should be eradicated from the face of the earth.

 

While the original NA keeps climbing in value and is fast becoming the collector’s choice, the NB is arguably a more resolved and better overall car while still delivering an equally addictive level of driving experience.

 

Plus they’re proving to be reliable, if they do break they’re easy to work on and parts aren’t expensive and if modified correctly and intelligently, can make the already brilliant MX5 truly phenomenal. 

 

For the money, we don’t think any other car will make you laugh and connect you with the essence of driving quite as well as the MX5.

 

We’ve reviewed versions of the Mazda MX-5, Honda Civic Type R, Suzuki Swift & Toyota Celica.

 

In the market for a used car? Check out all our ReDriven Cheat Sheets.

 

Find all our video reviews over on YouTube.

Road trip cars under $15,000

What if you’re not ready to live in something the size of a walk in wardrobe but still want to travel and explore your own backyard without committing to buying a van.

What you need is a road trip car, and here’s our top 5 picks under $15 grand.

 

5. Honda CR-V

In fifth it’s the 2007 to 2012 Honda CRV

 

The one to get is fabric-trimmed, mid-spec Sport as the leather in the Luxury spec isn’t ageing all that well and in our opinion, the leather isn’t as comfy on a long trip.

 

The CRV makes for an enjoyable drive, it’s supremely practical with a huge boot, is quite fuel efficient and being a Honda, is extremely reliable.

 

Plus with on-demand all-wheel drive, will handle some off-road adventuring, as long as that off-road is basically just a dirt road, or a normal road with some dirt on it.

 

4. Kia Sorento

In fourth place, it’s the 2009 to 2014 Kia Sorento

 

The one to get is a diesel 4×4, preferably the top-spec platinum trim as this will get you excellent fuel efficiency for those long trips, a spacious and very comfy interior and the ability to do some off-road exploring with its all-wheel-drive system.

 

3. Toyota Kluger

In third it’s the 2007 to 2009 Toyota Kluger.

 

Like the Sorento, the one to get is a higher-spec, all-wheel-drive version like a KS-S or Grande and being a Toyota, these things are bullet proof and have an excellent support network.

 

Plus, the Klugers interior is spacious and comfy, the higher-spec models have loads of extras and they soak up kilometres with ease.

 

But, there is a negative, being powered by a V6 petrol engine means they’re not the most fuel efficient.

 

2. Nissan X-Trail

In second place it’s the T31 Nissan X-Trail

 

The one to get is the post-2010 Ti as you’ll not only get the full suite of X-Trail upgrades and features but you’ll get the X-Trails robust yet comfy interior, willing and efficient engine and, as long as you get a manual, as the CVT auto has had a few issues, pretty decent reliability.

 

On the used market, these T31 X-Trails offer great value for money and nails that balance between decent on-road dynamics and capable off-road ability.

 

1. Subaru Outback

If ever a car offered the perfect recipe for a road trip, it’s the Subaru Outback and for $15 grand, you’ll want a 2009 to 2014 3.6R Premium.

 

Even Outbacks from back in the late 90s and early naughties still make excellent road trip cars, but these 4th-generation Outbacks, especially with the superb 3.6 litre flat 6, exude refinement, quality and offer even more interior space than previous generations.

 

Throw in the fact the Outback steers and handles more like a car than an SUV yet still retains decent ground clearance and superb tractions with its symmetrical and constant all-wheel-drive system and you have yourself an excellent road trip car that will embrace your adventures just as easily as it tackles your day-to-day needs.

 

We’ve reviewed the Toyota Kluger & Nissan X-Trail.

 

In the market for a used car? Check out all our ReDriven Cheat Sheets.

 

Find all our video reviews over on YouTube.

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