Recommend Mid-size SUV for bad hip/back ~ $40k

Lcapslock janitor on 02/03/2019 - 16:55
Last edited 03/03/2019 - 10:52

My mum is looking for a new (or relatively new) car that's easy to get in and out of for her back problems.
Taking into account price, cost, function, reliability, looks etc.

Would love some yay's or nay on a medium size SUV below.
(e.g.)

**Shortlist: Automatic/CVT/Petrol
- Budget: 35K but can push near 40k

  • Toyota Rav4 GXL
  • Mitsubishi Outlander ES ADAS / Eclipse Cross
  • Subaru Forester

Checklist:
- Leather/heated seating with lumbar support.
- Real-world fuel efficiency

Wishlist:
- Power tailgate boot
- Nudge bar
- Safety features/sensors/reverse cam
- Self parking**

It will be used mostly for suburb driving but want to be able to do some easy road trips i.e. interstate, or to rural-ish theme parks etc. Looking at 2WD.

Our current car is pretty basic so my main concerns are ACTUAL fuel economy/other running costs and reliability / longevity. (think decade)

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Cheers

Automotive

Comments

  • John Kimble on 02/03/2019 - 17:12

    Do any have self parking???

    Have you seen this? https://www.drive.com.au/review/2019-medium-suv-safety-test-…

    • capslock janitor on 02/03/2019 - 18:28

      Yup skimmed thru it before and the Forester seem to top most of the test. Mhhmm
      Though I heard Subaru boxer engine were known for premature head gaskets failure, sad they didn't get to try the Mitsi !

      • brendanm on 03/03/2019 - 16:36
        +1

        That was the old ej25 head gaskets, you are looking at cars with the fa/FB engines, which are completely different.

        As mentioned she just needs to try them all and find out which is most comfortable. Take an extended test drive for any that you short list. No good if it's recommended and fuel efficient if it's uncomfortable for her.

    • capslock janitor on 03/03/2019 - 15:14

      self parking???

      Not a deal breaker and asked thru FB none seem to have lol

  • spackbace on 02/03/2019 - 17:24
    +14

    If it needs to suit her back and driving position, that's number 1 priority. Ignore any opinions or recommendations on here.

    Get her to all the major brands sitting in cars. Just sitting in and looking at them. Go home, compare features and price. A week later, test drive the top 3 on the 1 day, back to back.

    Simples

  • Melb69 on 02/03/2019 - 17:52
    -6

    Putting it out there. Demo BMW 2 series Active Tourer luxury or sport. Not an SUV, but why does it have to be one of those cars. Go test drive it. Has also the items except the nudge bar.

    • John Kimble on 02/03/2019 - 17:57
      +2

      higher = easier to get in and out

      • Melb69 on 02/03/2019 - 18:00

        The Active tourer sits higher then a normal road car for the seating position. The seat position is good as my wife has bad knees and back and she love this car. Economical.

        • Diji1 on 02/03/2019 - 18:12

          Depends on body size and health issues.

          • Melb69 on 02/03/2019 - 18:15

            @Diji1: Until Ops mum tries it she wont know if it will work for her. My wife tried 17 cars. What State is OP in?

            https://carsales.com.au/_/details/OAG-AD-16873737

            • capslock janitor on 02/03/2019 - 18:31
              +1

              @Melb69: Can't suppose a beemer would be cheap to maintain though..
              Btw am in MEL

            • [Deactivated] on 02/03/2019 - 22:40

              @Melb69: They've gotta be having a laugh with that car mate… "luxury line" it's got the seats out of a 2005 Honda Jazz. I'd know, I owned one, and I wouldn't drive more than a couple hours in it with a good back, let alone a bad one.

          • capslock janitor on 02/03/2019 - 18:31

            @Diji1: Slim figure, physical health issues just the hips/lower back discomfort

            • Melb69 on 02/03/2019 - 19:17

              @capslock janitor: Give it a test drive at least. Over the long term its probably a reasonable choice. You could try getting at least a first year service for free.

              • capslock janitor on 04/03/2019 - 19:48

                @Melb69:

                You could try getting at least a first year service for free.

                Is this for real? I'm hearing stuff I never thought were possible before, or is it a Beemer thing?
                The stuff we can pull out from dealers amaze me :O

        • whooah1979 on 02/03/2019 - 19:45

          The seating position in a BMW 2 is lower when compared to an SUV.

    • Stimps on 02/03/2019 - 21:55
      +4

      Doesn’t reliability and longevity rule euros out?

      • Melb69 on 04/03/2019 - 13:18

        At the end of the day the car you think you want will probably not be the one you are likely to purchase. All I'm really saying is try them all. There are many factors that you would consider. Why limit the choice. Euro cars are off the list in Ozb for the mere reason of value for money. Go a Hyundai or Kia then.

    • tooslow8888 on 04/03/2019 - 12:29
      +1

      Not sure why people downvoted you. The powered M-sport seats are much more supportive than all the cars that's listed on this page, and BMW knows how to make a good seat heater (unlike Subaru). And most 2 tourers have the sport seats installed without the M-Sport package unlike the X1.

  • vince088 on 02/03/2019 - 18:26

    eclipse cross is a small suv

    for features to satisfy your wishlist I can think of is the VW Tiguan 2017+

    • Power tailgate boot
    • Nudge bar(might have to install this aftermarket)
    • Safety features/sensors/reverse cam
    • Self parking
    • capslock janitor on 02/03/2019 - 18:48

      Few review say EclipseX lies somewhere between Sml and Med SUV.. can they make it any more confusing?? they already have ASX!
      Thanks
      I would'nt have pegged VW for longevity?? hmmmm

  • chumlee on 02/03/2019 - 18:50
    +6

    Used hearse. Plenty of room to stretch out

  • whooah1979 on 02/03/2019 - 19:43
    +1

    Toyota has lumber support.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzl9LYmRyxg

    • spackbace on 02/03/2019 - 20:00
      +4

      *lumbar

      Though a Hilux or LC70 support good amount of lumber as well!

    • capslock janitor on 03/03/2019 - 15:16

      yeah SWEET!

  • hasselbladsnapper on 02/03/2019 - 20:53

    Kia Sportage SLI, well built vehicle with a 7 yr warranty ….I have the awd diesel and love it, but there is a wide range from 2wd Petrol upwards!.

  • elgrande on 02/03/2019 - 21:09
    +1

    bad back

    theme parks

    Ummmm.

    • capslock janitor on 02/03/2019 - 21:14

      Not all games strain the back :) she can take a break or worst case spectate. A little family fun won't hurt!

  • HeWhoKnows on 03/03/2019 - 07:54

    Get the Chiropractic version with massage seats and back warmer

  • BigBirdy on 03/03/2019 - 08:59
    +1

    I’d say you should look for firm seats, high sitting position with easy entry/exit. Avoid where you have to significantly raise/lower your body while turning getting in and out. If others may drive it, look for electric seat with memory. My wife’s RAV4 has much firmer seats than my (previous model) XTrail. I also tried a Forrester a few years back, but found it too height cramped (floor to roof) for me, and seating position was a bit low.

    • capslock janitor on 03/03/2019 - 15:17

      Now I'm honing in on the RAV4! Tunnel vision on it hope to snatch one up otherwise disappointed and consider a Plan B :/ Should've bought earlier

      • spackbace on 03/03/2019 - 21:16
        +1

        Chase a used Cruiser model, Jan 2018 onwards. All the safety, electric seat with memory, electric tailgate.

        Otherwise they're around $45k new

        • capslock janitor on 04/03/2019 - 20:09

          Cheers but don't need the moon roof nor AWD

          • spackbace on 04/03/2019 - 20:39

            @capslock janitor: So? You need everything else, and the GXL doesn't get the electric tailgate or drivers electric seat with memory

            • capslock janitor on 04/03/2019 - 21:01
              +1

              @spackbace: GXL Premium does have electric seat & mem. Electric tailgate was a Want not must-have. :) 'preciated

              • spackbace on 04/03/2019 - 21:04
                +1

                @capslock janitor: Ah ok! I'd get on to it quick, stocks are dwindling of RAV4 in the lead up to the new model

  • Speckled Jim on 03/03/2019 - 13:24
    +1

    Power tailgate, leather, batteries of sensors…best seats? Volvo XC40.
    Starts at 45K tho.

  • Agro on 03/03/2019 - 16:47
    +2

    I drive a Honda CRV for this reason (the seats not the fuel consumption). The seats are SO GOOD. Next car I might try RAV4 or KIA Sportage, Subaru is a bit too low for me. Outlander is also OK and also Nissan Xtrail, depends on price point too.

  • Battlestar666 on 03/03/2019 - 17:08
    +1

    Don’t forget Skoda (probably Karoq, though a superseded Yeti with tech pack might suit, but no auto tailgate or leather) and Ford Escape.

  • 2023 on 03/03/2019 - 20:22
    +2

    Renault Koleos Intens have a nice ride, good space, internals like a lexus, plenty of safty features and the power tailgate you're after.

    • justaperson on 03/03/2019 - 23:07

      Yep +1 for the Koleos. Super reliable too (Petrol models) as they are basically a Nissan X-Trail with much nicer fit and finishes, this also makes them super cheap to maintain. Not to mention they now have a 7 year warranty

  • navyskies on 04/03/2019 - 00:03

    For that price you can easily get yourself a CX-5 Akera which is a top of the range, and comes in AWD too.

    • capslock janitor on 04/03/2019 - 09:30

      Thanks but don;t really require AWD and consumes more fuel, also cost more to sevice AWD system ? and repairs

  • bocca on 04/03/2019 - 00:51
    +1

    Step 1. Spend $500 on physio to fix back
    Step 2. Save $20k by getting smaller car
    Step 3. Profit???

  • Traveller107 on 04/03/2019 - 01:55
    +1

    Get her to hire different cars and judge for herself. Everyone is different and what might work for one might not work for another.
    I had a horrible neck injury and after trying a lot of cars realised the most comfortable seats were still our old Nissan Patrol. Pajero was a second best so bought that as a second family car and it's been amazing. There's a reason grey nomads doing the lap love their Pajeros.. Comfy as but not a medium sized car that you need and costs over 40k.. I'd suggest trying a few…
    Cheers!

  • PinzVidz on 04/03/2019 - 01:56

    OP, are you able to wait a month or 2 for the new gen RAV4 (50 series) to be released before making a decision?

    • capslock janitor on 04/03/2019 - 09:32
      +1

      Hi Pinz, I prefer current model styling and hoping to snatch one up in run-out. Otherwise you'l see me back here in a weeks' time considering Plan B vehicles again XD

      • PinzVidz on 04/03/2019 - 12:34
        +1

        Ah no worries. I'm looking forward to the new gen model primarily because of the TNGA platform, new engines with hybrid option and more safety.

        • capslock janitor on 03/04/2019 - 11:22

          Hi again :) can I get warranty work done at any same brand name dealer (Toyota/Ford etc.),

          example if I bought one from a dealership 2 hours away, and found defects could I just go to my local dealer under warranty?

  • Austaurean on 04/03/2019 - 08:39

    After being rear ended in an 80k zone stopped at a red traffic light behind other cars,
    I know about back, lumbar, leg, neck, and associated radiated pain…

    I have a 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5 Premium and getting in and out is pretty good for me, but im 6ft
    I find the seating quite good and it also has 2 memories for the drivers seat I can always get it back to my preferred position.

    I find it quite strange that it does not have any exterior sensors as standard being the premium, other minor things that annoy me, but none that are a deal breaker, the reverse camera is very good, also has a power rear tailgate Premium only, and the touch to lock/unlock is great.
    The doors do not auto lock like a lot of other cars
    I get 7.8 l/100km, but I do a 60k round trip for work, so for a more normal city drive with more stop start, probably 10. l/100km

  • hts on 04/03/2019 - 09:05

    It's not on the list, but look at the Mazda CX-5, we got ours little under a year ago, no issues at all, can spec it out to have all the above (unsure on self parking though). Real world fuel around town we are sitting at 8 L/100Ks, so the tank gets over 600KMs around town.
    We got ours to keep for quite a while, just had our first kid so wanted a car to keep up with them really (had a Suzuki Swift before this…) Good sized boot, seats are comfortable, and good standard kit.

    • Jabberwocky on 04/03/2019 - 09:32
      +1

      hey mate not panning down your comment…but I was using the new MAZDA CX-5 (I am in sydney) , the best i could get was 9-10l/100kms in city driving …I had to refill at 450kms, definitely I am no leadfoot. Similar are the results online and a few of my colleagues who have driven this car.
      Are your fuel consumption numbers in city (what city) or highway ?

      • hts on 04/03/2019 - 10:38

        I live in Wagga- Rural city, I'd imagine a bit different in driving compared to Sydney. Most drives are probably 10 kms or so, mixed speeds between 50 and 80ks. Just checked and it is sitting at 8.2 L/100Ks at the moment. Car has done mayb 2000kms of the 10000kms as freeway (Wagga - Sydney/Melbourne) and the rest is local. Coming from the Swift, it so far has been similar in terms of economy, a little more in the pocket at the bowser but getting further out of it.

  • Jabberwocky on 04/03/2019 - 09:25

    If you can consider USED cars/

    Consider Lexus NX300h …3 yr old you can get for 40k + 1yr warranty will be left on it.
    Excellent quality and least problematic brand worldwide according to JDS survey

    More the traffic the better fuel economy coz Hybrid works like a charm under a certain rpm and no fuel is used…

    Sydney Traffic I get 5.5-6.5l/100km
    Highways I get 6.5-7l/100kms

    I get 650-720kms+ on one fill $55-$60 (normal petrol Unleaded) doesn't get any better - Lexus Hybrid is Amazing

    • capslock janitor on 04/03/2019 - 09:33

      Definitely on the contingency. Lexus would be the first 'luxury' brand I'd get :)

      • Jabberwocky on 04/03/2019 - 09:34

        I mean if you dont have to change a car every few years and need a reliable one at that …there is no better brand than Lexus.

      • Jabberwocky on 04/03/2019 - 09:35
        +1

        Feel free to PM me for any details or real world usage or any questions. Happy to be of help :)

  • tooslow8888 on 04/03/2019 - 12:23
    +1

    If you want lumbar support, I can say that most of the import cars in the price range offer very little support.
    If seat comfort is the #1 priority, and your budget is $40k, I would look at:

    1. Get the cheapest 2016/17 BMW X1 with the powered heated sport seats (I think this is part of the Comfort Package). Although they are sport seats, you can actually set how tight/lose the bolsters are. In addition, BMW powered seats have 4-way adjustable lumbar and can stick out quite far. Lastly, the heated seats on BMWs can literally set your pants on fire on the highest setting.

    2. Get the cheapest current gen Tiguan with the heated powered leather seats. You still get 4-way adjustable lumbar like the X1, the heated function is probably even warmer, but you lose the adjustable bolsters in which it can change the width of your seats.

    3. The current gen Nissan Qashqai have surprisingly comfortable seats, regardless of price range. Even on a STL, you get heated and powered partial leather seats. Not much lumbar support mind you. It's manual on the STL, and I believe powered lumbar on the Ti.

    This is coming from someone that's owned the following over the last decade:

    2009 VW Tiguan with sport leather heated seats (owned overseas)
    2017 (Current-gen) Mazda CX5 GT (gave to in laws)
    2016 Lexus NX200t F-Sport (sold it, I actually sold the NX for the CX5)
    2018 Qashqai ST-L (current, for work)
    2018 BMW G01 X3 (with the M sport powered, heated leather seats)

    From the 5 cars above, I think I liked the Tiguan seats the most. Because I took the Tiguan to the ski-mountains (Canada) extensively while wearing layered ski pants), the fact that the seat heaters were warm enough to penetrate through thick clothing is awesome.

    YMMV. Have fun car shopping!

  • tooslow8888 on 04/03/2019 - 12:27

    Having rented a 2016 RAV4 and Forester, I can say that both have some of the worst seats in the car business.
    They may have improved in 2018/19 since a new generation would have (or about to) come out already.

  • Sammyboy on 04/03/2019 - 13:50
    +2

    Only way to do it is for her to go sit in every SUV at that price point and drive for at least 15 to 20mins. One ergonomic seat may suit one person's body shape, and be completely uncomfortable for a different body shape, regardless of how many adjustable segments the seat has or what brand the SUV is.

  • goraygo on 04/03/2019 - 14:19

    In our family, we have the Forrester and B class.

    We found that for older people with back issue, the B class is surprisingly better for them to get in and out of the car because the lower floor means easier to put the feet in, the high roof together gives you a lot of vertical rooms to get into the car. In the forrester, we ended up putting a “rotating” round seat thing for the oldies to get in and out easily but they prefer the B class.

    The b class sit is high and straight, more like a SUV seat than sedan. So it’s good for back problem as well.

    If you look for a second hand B200, it should fit your budget and comes with Auto-Parking and blind spot monitoring too. Heated seats depends on whether the previous owner bought the seat options or not.

    Fuel economy is pretty good, our B250 managed to go from Sydney to Gold Coast in one tank. I can only imagine B200 is even better.

    Good luck.

  • capslock janitor on 06/03/2019 - 17:21

    Hey All I'm looking at used/demo 2018 Rav4.

    Please advise rough minimum D/A price I should get it for? It retails $39,810+ RRP addons below?

    Paint $500
    Interior leather option $2500
    Front nudgebar $618.60
    Side step $957
    Weather shield set $166.84
    Cargo mat rubber $91.21
    Rubber floor mats $112.2
    Slim plates $170

    ~ $44,755.85
    THANKS

    • spackbace on 06/03/2019 - 19:07
      +1

      Hmm where'd you get the accessory prices from? They don't look to include labour in the costs. My total build cost is coming up as $45,745. Though we do pay slightly more for stamp duty in WA. Bear in mind that it's not as simple as $2,500 for the premium interior, as you have to pay stamp duty on that $2,500. It's actually $2750.65 more for the premium interior.

      Your hard part will be finding stock currently. These cars are in run-out, with the new model due out in May. We have a couple of 2018 build, 2019 complied cars.

      I haven't crunched the numbers, but $3,500-$4,000 off that (assuming you're not taking advantage of the 2.9% comparison rate finance deal) should be the best ballpark to aim for. So based on my figures, that would be a final price around $42,000.

      • John Kimble on 06/03/2019 - 19:16

        Can't one do the trick where you buy the car and get the accessories fitted (a week) later to avoid stamp duty?

        Yeah, I dunno why (because it is obviously different for every situation), but I feel happy if I get 10% pe more off DA price. I've only ever bought 2 cars in my lifetime though…

        • spackbace on 06/03/2019 - 19:19
          +2

          Well, can't fit the premium interior later lol

          Stamp duty is paid on the vehicle price, not the accessories. LCT (Luxury Car Tax) is a bitch of a tax, and that's paid on ever dollar above around $70k

          • John Kimble on 06/03/2019 - 19:20

            @spackbace: Oh yeah ha

            I was thinking for stuff like the side steps, weather shields and nudge bar…tinting etc

        • capslock janitor on 06/03/2019 - 19:21

          Hello John, your rule is to get at least 10% off Retail value?

          • John Kimble on 06/03/2019 - 19:23
            +1

            @capslock janitor: Yeah, generally. But that would probably only apply to cars under 50k

            Take with a grain of salt, I've only ever bought a Honda HR-V and CR-V ha

      • capslock janitor on 06/03/2019 - 19:18

        Thanks Spack. yeah I'm not familiar with uh..stamp charges…are you a dealer btw?

        Anyway I found one Used demo at the dealer < 500kms, and also a lucky "last" New too at a diff dealership.
        I got the accessory prices from a recent cheapest quote.

        Yep paying cash, I assume your $42k is what you'd be happy with New vehicle? How much for a Demo as above do you think I should aim ?

        Edit

        accessories fitted (a week) later to avoid stamp duty?

        That's interesting… I'd like to hear the answer as well :)

        • spackbace on 06/03/2019 - 19:30

          are you a dealer btw?

          Yep!

          How much for a Demo as above do you think I should aim ?

          How much are they asking for it, before the extras?

    • vince088 on 07/03/2019 - 18:02
      -1

      the new model RAV4 comes out in a few months, i suggest you wait

  • capslock janitor on 13/03/2019 - 12:14

    UPDATE:
    New car deal fell thru :'// Now looking into Demo (even used) RAVs, Subie Foz's, Mitsi O'Landers and Mazda CX5's - possibly Lexus UX

    • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 12:51

      What happened? They renegged?

      • capslock janitor on 13/03/2019 - 15:21

        Lexus NX*

        Apparently couldn't source the vehicle..

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