Hello everyone,
My wife and I are retired and currently live in Ukraine, but we are planning to relocate to Laughlin NV in the next year or two. I will be buying my (hopefully) last vehicle at that time, so reliability and longevity are key. I want something that will last 20 years.
I was originally planning to get a CPO Lexus GS sedan or RC coupe. However, since we will be living in the middle of the Mojave desert, a vehicle with AWD and higher ground clearance might be more practical. We have no kids or dogs to carry, and we don't plan on doing any rock-crawling or overlanding. We will want to explore the desert scenery off the pavement from time to time, but 95% of our driving will be on asphalt. My budget is roughly $40k.
I considered Toyota, but the 4runner is too utilitarian, and the RAV4 has major transmission issues. European and US makes are not reliable enough. So far, I have narrowed it down to:
Mazda CX-5... cons: has issues with front seat bolsters and cracked windshields, pros: low price, features, drivability
Subaru Crosstrek... cons: weak motor, pros: excellent ground clearance, features, manual transmission available, low price
Lexus NX300...cons: infotainment controls, mediocre ground clearance, pros: opulent interior, excellent reliability
Honda Passport: brand new vehicle...that's why I am here!
PS...the roads here in Ukraine would be considered "off road" in America.
My wife and I are retired and currently live in Ukraine, but we are planning to relocate to Laughlin NV in the next year or two. I will be buying my (hopefully) last vehicle at that time, so reliability and longevity are key. I want something that will last 20 years.
I was originally planning to get a CPO Lexus GS sedan or RC coupe. However, since we will be living in the middle of the Mojave desert, a vehicle with AWD and higher ground clearance might be more practical. We have no kids or dogs to carry, and we don't plan on doing any rock-crawling or overlanding. We will want to explore the desert scenery off the pavement from time to time, but 95% of our driving will be on asphalt. My budget is roughly $40k.
I considered Toyota, but the 4runner is too utilitarian, and the RAV4 has major transmission issues. European and US makes are not reliable enough. So far, I have narrowed it down to:
Mazda CX-5... cons: has issues with front seat bolsters and cracked windshields, pros: low price, features, drivability
Subaru Crosstrek... cons: weak motor, pros: excellent ground clearance, features, manual transmission available, low price
Lexus NX300...cons: infotainment controls, mediocre ground clearance, pros: opulent interior, excellent reliability
Honda Passport: brand new vehicle...that's why I am here!
PS...the roads here in Ukraine would be considered "off road" in America.