Used Reliable Mid Size SUV under $20k

justanick on 15/06/2025 - 18:27

Hi All,

My partner is looking to buy a mid size SUV which is reliable has some of the below technology and easy to maintain. Our budget is around $20k and we are really confused with some of the options. If you can provide some help and genuine advice that would help us a lot.
The car will be mostly used for city driving. Picking up kids. Occasionally 6-7 hours of driving outside Sydney.

Technology must haves:
Apple CarPlay
Blind spot monitor
Lane assist
Adaptive cruise control

We were very much interested in options:
A) Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2020 - 110k km (looking at Carsales - asking price $23-24k)
B) Hyundai Tucson - 2WD - 107k km asking price $22k
C) Mitsubishi ASX LS XD 2WD - 2022- 30k km asking price - $23k
D) Chinese car like Haval and Chery looks great but not sure how it’s like and if we can get something around our budget.

E) Also looking at Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander they are bigger more rugged but doesn’t have the technology within our price range.

Automotive Car Hyundai Motors Mazda Mitsubishi SUV

Comments

  • localhost on 15/06/2025 - 19:43

    Look more and try to negotiate. For example this Tucson from 2019 is $23k with 51000 km - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2019-hyundai-tucson…

    First have a look around and decide which one you would like and try a test drive. Later check offers.

    • justanick on 15/06/2025 - 22:44
      -2

      Great find but that’s in Vic I’m in NSW.

  • boomramada on 15/06/2025 - 19:45
    +4

    For used ICE, its no brainer to stick to Japanese/Korean cars, ASX would be the value for money option.

    • vince088 on 15/06/2025 - 20:35
      +1

      ASX is a raised hatchback, its very small compared to CX5 or a Tucson

      • Euphemistic on 16/06/2025 - 05:18
        +2

        CX5 is also a raised hatchback. It's just one size up from the ASX.

        • ChickenAdobo on 17/06/2025 - 13:12

          No wonder the rear seat smaller than my mg4. That terrible.

      • Poor Ass on 17/06/2025 - 23:36
        +1

        cx5 is a piece of shit when it comes to leg room and boot space

      • Mokr on 20/06/2025 - 12:07

        asx is 4.5cm less wide , but 32 cm less long

    • theHMASfriendship on 15/06/2025 - 20:53
      +10

      I prefer the NASDAQ

    • LanceVance on 16/06/2025 - 08:56

      But has a CVT…

    • Dr Phil on 16/06/2025 - 13:07
      -8

      Agree that Japanese cars should be top of the list but niot sure about Korean cars.

      Narrowing cars to country of origin is a very broad generalisation that can result in a poor car selection.

      Ive seen a Kia carnival with only 50,000 blowing smoke because the owner kind of forgot to do a few services.
      So that literally blows your suggestuion right out of the water Im afraid.

      All cars are usually reliable when serviced regularly. Even Chinese cars.
      And depends how they are driven and how well they have been maintained and looked after.

      First priority is to select the car with the lowest kms and then check the service records.
      Yes, some cars have a bad reputation (such as rebadged ones made by Opel) so stay well away from those.

      • johnno07 on 18/06/2025 - 01:07

        50,000 blowing smoke because the owner kind of forgot to do a few services.

        Oil/filters etc are not made to go 50,000kms. Old mate is probably cruising around on bald tires too. Also just f***king service your car. It's a couple hundred bucks a year for a Kia and pays for itself tenfold in longevity and increased resale price.

      • Euphemistic on 18/06/2025 - 12:07

        All cars are usually reliable when serviced regularly. Even Chinese cars.
        And depends how they are driven and how well they have been maintained and looked after

        Youre probably right about the drivetrain of chinese cars. Keep them serviced, theyll run for a long time. Where cheaper cars tend to fail is the interior and electronics. Switch gear fails. Seats dont wear as well. Interior plastics get brittle and break. Of course, the chinese cars are always improving and the more expensive models should have better quality parts.

  • p1 ama on 15/06/2025 - 20:06
    +14

    CX-5, RAV4 are always good choices realistically.

    I'd suggest trying a Camry (or other family sedan) before committing to a mid-sized SUV. They are generally much more comfortable because of their long wheelbase (much more legroom), better visibility, and better manoeuvrability.

    I went from an Aurion (basically a V6 Camry) to a mid-sized SUV and I'm literally counting down the days until I can get rid of it and go back to a sedan. It's been useful the one time I've needed to transport a washing machine. Other than that, it's dismal - much less comfortable sitting upright vs. leaning back, I can't stretch out my legs because of the seating position, the shorter wheelbase makes it a less comfortable ride, and I used to be able to zip around carparks and tight streets easily in my Aurion, in the SUV, I can't see where the nose of my car is, so makes it much harder to manoeuvre.

    • AustriaBargain on 15/06/2025 - 20:54

      If he's happy with well over 100,000km then an older Rav4 might be possible. I'd still shop around.

    • LanceVance on 16/06/2025 - 08:58
      +1

      I have an Aurion and am thinking about a mid size for the height as my back is killing me from leaning down to put our little one in the baby seat. Swap?

  • Gdsamp on 15/06/2025 - 20:29

    Ceebs hyundai GDI

  • MS Paint on 15/06/2025 - 21:11
    +9

    @SYLTB - which German car do you recommend for OP?

    • shxhshzhz on 15/06/2025 - 22:16
      +1

      Here before the crap jap/kor/chin comment 😂

    • JIMB0 on 16/06/2025 - 10:12
      +6

      He'd recommend an old VW Beetle with the engine in the rear, that way you can go around telling people you've never had to opened the bonnet to work on the engine in 20 years, and not even be lying.

  • justanick on 15/06/2025 - 21:55
    -1

    Thank you guys. My wife wouldn’t like a sedan. It’s her personal choice and getting a pram and other things suits her needs.

    For a Japanese or Korean car if it’s over 100k km is that a bad choice? How much can I negotiate to for a $23-24k cars like Tucson or CX-5? I can’t get a decent RAV4 with our budget

    • p1 ama on 15/06/2025 - 22:28

      Thank you guys. My wife wouldn’t like a sedan. It’s her personal choice

      Let her choose then - I think you have a pretty decent line-up of options that she can choose from if its her car. She can go and have a look and test drive them and see how they are.

      All of the cars you're looking at are fine, there's not much in it from a reliability standpoint.

    • loropy9 on 16/06/2025 - 00:18
      +3

      Mate if you didn't have a wife, I'd recommend Mazda6 wagon. CX5 is great you won't regret it. Not better than Mazda6 though.

    • Euphemistic on 16/06/2025 - 05:23
      +2

      For a Japanese or Korean car if it’s over 100k km is that a bad choice?

      A regularly serviced modern japanese or korean car should give you well over 200,000km pf trouble free motoring. Petrol is the go, unless you regularly (monthly) travel the highway for an hour at a time. Diesel costs more in maintenance amd their modern emission systems can be problematic for city dwellers.

      • cimrak on 16/06/2025 - 18:59
        +1

        I've got a from-new 2008 Mazda6 GH sedan and just hit 308k on it. It has been pretty reliable over those 17yrs.

        In terms of issues;
        -The clearcoat has gone, and the paintwork has started flaking.
        -I've had to replace one of the engine mounts a couple of times.
        -The spare wheel well in the boot now floods during winter. I assume a seal around the rear window has gone. I now leave the plugs open in the wheel well.
        -I've replaced the driver's door mirror/window control twice due to rain when I've left the window partially down.

        Its replacement will likely be a later model 6, but leaning towards a wagon this time around.

  • Hugh G Rection on 15/06/2025 - 22:06
    -2

    out of all of those, i would say mitsubishi is your best bet if you want reliability

    • loropy9 on 16/06/2025 - 00:19

      Asx is a corolla on high heels

      • Poor Ass on 17/06/2025 - 23:38
        +1

        there's already a car like that called the corolla cross

      • klaw81 on 18/06/2025 - 16:43

        Correction: it's a Lancer on high wheels.

  • bhubb18 on 15/06/2025 - 22:14

    IMO ASX is too small.
    My wife has an outback as a family car and the boot is a lot deeper than our friends ASX. By the time you put a pram etc in a lot of your room is gone.

    • Poor Ass on 17/06/2025 - 23:38

      you are right. NDQ is much bigger

  • justanick on 15/06/2025 - 22:41

    That’s right. Only reason preventing us to get ASX is the size. It’s too small. Mazda CX-5 and Tucson seems to have better space.

    I looked at RAV4 we can’t get anything less than 2018
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2018-toyota-rav4-gx…

    • justanick on 15/06/2025 - 22:50

      You are right. Mileage is the only concern we have with CX-5. We both like the shape, drive and looks.

      Does these car over 120k km gets you a lot of trouble? Keeping that car for 5 years and driving 12k km a year 60k km.

      If dealer is asking for $24k what sort of offer can I make without embarrassing myself? I can do $20k plus the drive away plus mechanics checking like MTA.

      • p1 ama on 15/06/2025 - 23:04

        Does these car over 120k km gets you a lot of trouble? Keeping that car for 5 years and driving 12k km a year 60k km.

        Yeah, it's fine. These cars will easily do over 300k no problem. Just don't be cheap and do the required maintenance.

        If dealer is asking for $24k what sort of offer can I make without embarrassing myself? I can do $20k plus the drive away plus mechanics checking like MTA.

        Who knows, do your own research and see what other options are around and what they look like they're going for. What the dealer lists it as is irrelevant, what's relevant is the going market price.

        • justanick on 15/06/2025 - 23:29

          Great. 300k surely makes it much better for us.

          What would you think the servicing cost would be a year on these older cars? They need servicing once a year, right?

          • p1 ama on 16/06/2025 - 00:45
            +1

            @justanick: Maintenance is not just servicing - there's regular servicing, which is basically just an oil change most of the time, then there's other maintenance items which come up.

            For regular servicing, you'd want to change the oil and filter at least every six months. If you want to save some money, but don't know much about cars, then you could just take it to the mechanic every year, and after six months, you can just change the oil and filter yourself and top off your coolant. Should take you 15 - 30 mins to do.

            For broader maintenance, it's impossible to say how much it is per year. You might well end up with a hefty $3k bill one year, and nothing (aside from regular servicing) for the next few years, or vice versa. Many things inside a car are quasi-consumable, they can and do break, buying a newer car will not necessarily protect you from that.

            Only recommendation is that when you need to fix things, then fix them properly, otherwise you'll just end up paying more to fix them later.

        • timmof on 16/06/2025 - 10:38

          Agree. Avoiding the diesel of course…

  • altomic on 16/06/2025 - 00:15

    i have 7 seater 2014 mitsubishi outlander. great car. fits 3 kids in the middle row with luggage and pram. though mine are now mostly grown up.

    it's got 190,000km on the odometer and still going strong.

    its a diesel and I had to get the intake cleaned out about 15,000km ago. that has been the only major "issue" with it.

    Im going to replace it in the next year or 2 and have been looking at another outlander second hand but lower kms.

    • smartazz104 on 17/06/2025 - 11:15
      +3

      Sure buddy, let's get you back to the home.

      • Randolph Duke on 17/06/2025 - 12:58
        +1

        This is like season 7 of a comedy show where the mainstays become caricatures of themselves.

    • Muppet Detector on 18/06/2025 - 13:43

      Had to google how many serial killers there are in Qld.

  • LanceVance on 16/06/2025 - 09:02

    Kia Sportage is worth a look. If you're doing lots of long distance drives a diesel would be a lower risk than a person operating it in the city. If you can stomach a wagon the Mazda 6 is great. Wouldn't recommend an ASX as its a bit small and has a CVT and if you do go an Outlander then get the diesel as it has a regular automatic. Also for long term maintenance piece of mind get your transmissions serviced roughly every 60,000 km! It's about $300 depending where you go but much cheaper than a new transmission.

    • bazingaa on 16/06/2025 - 10:11

      Kia Sportage is the same car as Hyundai Tucson, but with a different body style. Don't get the Petrol version of either one, which has issues.

      • LanceVance on 16/06/2025 - 10:14

        The earlier models did yes, later years of either supposedly they sorted the petrol issues out.

  • oshin on 16/06/2025 - 09:49

    Check out those car auctions example: Pickles or Mainheim see if you can get them cheaper. I find buying used car through dealers are more expensive.

  • bazingaa on 16/06/2025 - 10:09

    Hyundai Tucson - 2WD - 107k km asking price $22k

    Don't get any Hyundai/Kia with Petrol engines, which have issues. Diesel is great and comes with AWD and no CVT.

    https://www.hyundaiengineclassaction.com.au/
    https://www.kiaengineclassaction.com.au/

  • bbinc on 16/06/2025 - 10:28
    +1

    You should have many CX-5s to choose from, they’ve been very popular. Mine is a 2023 Touring, and a fuss free car to live with. You will likely find the rear boot to be a very dark cave unless the previous owner got LEDs fitted like we have ($230 installed by dealer).
    Be careful though.
    The diesels are noted for trouble - check the Mazda CX-5 forums in AU. I wouldn’t risk Diesel. Check that the exact vehicle you choose has the features you want - Mazda chopped and changed every year on what went in what model.
    For your purpose I don’t think you need the AWD If you need to replace a tyre you have to do both tyres open the front or rear, and some dealers say you should do all four. Ouch.
    Buying a CX-5 2020 model I’d be checking for new or near new tyres as they start to get hard at 5 to 6 years. And check the servicing interval for the exact vehicle you are buying, it’s tied to the VIN number and Mazda had a number of changes. They used to be six months, then went to 12mths 10k, 2023 it became 12, 15K.
    Very nice cars, and you wouldn’t want smaller with a few kids.

    • MS Paint on 16/06/2025 - 10:35

      got LEDs fitted like we have

      Extra lights or direct replacement of existing fittings?

      • bbinc on 16/06/2025 - 10:48

        They replace the existing fittings, but it includes a rewire of some kind. Took four hours, but that was included in the $230 price.

        • MS Paint on 16/06/2025 - 10:51

          Jeeeeeeeebus. Did you try $5 led bulbs first yourself?

      • UltimateAI on 17/06/2025 - 12:10
        +1

        I replaced my bulbs with led’s $8 Amazon, took a whole 15minutes with the provided tool. But understand why someone wouldn’t risk it themselves, due to risk of clips failing ect. I’ve done the led swapout for every car I have owned.

        • MS Paint on 17/06/2025 - 12:25

          Same. Makes a huge difference in the cabin, foot well and boot areas. Best $20 upgrade to any car.

  • justanick on 16/06/2025 - 12:00

    Thank you all. We are really interested in petrol engine and the will definitely not do much of long distance travelling.
    Features must haves:
    -CarPlay
    -Adaptive Cruise Controls
    -AEB
    -Blind spot alerts

    My wife is keen on Mazda CX-5 Maxx sports but we can’t get anything newer than 2020.

    Mitsubishi ASX is def smaller and doesn’t have the features we want even on newer models.
    What’s a CVT engine vs a normal one?

    Do you think 2019 or 2020 below are good one has less mileage and the newer model more mileage?
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2019-mazda-cx-5-max…

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2020-mazda-cx-5-max…

    Now started looking at Nissan X-Trail:
    Not sure if the FB marketplace is Ti badge which has mostly what we need.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2018-nissan-x-trail…

    https://www.facebook.com/share/16FCU3X8qd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    • Poor Ass on 17/06/2025 - 23:40
      +1

      DON'T GET THE CX-5 you will regret it……. small boot and bad leg room and worse of all a fuel guzzler

  • justanick on 16/06/2025 - 14:40

    Adding to the above list is the outlander hybrid. Mileage seems very low. Are these any good? My normal running groceries and parking near the station would not cost me a thing.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2019-mitsubishi-out…

    • Rockets84 on 17/06/2025 - 12:38
      +1

      Check out the ReDriven YouTube video they recently did on the Outlander. It's a great Australian channel where they give a full run down of cars that aren't new, typically a few years old sometimes over a decade, and have a mechanic who goes over any potential issues, things to be aware of and general reliability report. TL;DR they gave the Outlander a good review.

      ReDriven Outlander Review

      They also have some round videos discussing what they'd recommend in a market segment.

      Best Used Medium SUVs

  • justanick on 16/06/2025 - 20:07

    Any recommendations on the above cars we shortlisted which included the hybrid?

    • UltimateAI on 17/06/2025 - 17:10

      Super dangerous recommending second hand cars without a professional inspection.
      The 2020 CX-5 Sports has the 2.5L, vs the 2019 which has the 2.0L. I don't believe either do wireless android\apple carplay.
      The 2020 appears to have more damage, and higher milage, seems room to negotiate, remember there are heaps on the market as the CX-5's were and still are hugely popular. But certainly more of a buyers market.

  • UltimateAI on 17/06/2025 - 12:03

    CX-5 (non-diesel) is always a good choice, but for $20k you can get a NEW Chinese suv such as MG with 10 years warranty and much lower running costs.
    I have a CX-5 and while nice is a little larger, bigger engine but out dated tech and smaller warranty.

    PS: I have a soul red cx5 (no issues) but be warned it has a terrible reputation for chipping, there is a class action underway.

    • MS Paint on 17/06/2025 - 12:27

      Soul red is such a nice colour. Right up there with Carmine red on a GTS Porsche.

  • Tomhaigh1 on 17/06/2025 - 13:17

    CX-5 is the best option, eg.
    https://www.cars24.com.au/buy-used-mazda-cx-5-car-1789943700…

    • UltimateAI on 17/06/2025 - 17:07
      -1

      Too old, that's pre-LED head-lights. Massive difference.

  • Drakesy on 17/06/2025 - 17:15

    Haval H6/Jolion secondhand, would still be under warranty and are proving to be fairly reliable.

    Just stay away from MG.

    • justanick on 18/06/2025 - 14:43

      I’m confused with Carsales. They have Haval as a category and another as GWM and under that there’s Haval.

      • Drakesy on 18/06/2025 - 15:52

        GWM is like Volkswagen,

        They make their own cars under their own brand but also have sub brands.
        In VW's case they own Audi, Lambo, Porsche etc.
        In GWM's case they own Haval, Ora & TANK.

  • dono2 on 17/06/2025 - 19:02

    You will get better prices at the auctions go to the pickles website and pay for the auction history database and look up what the cars you want go for then bid live online or go in person.

    I have always got good cars from there.

    I picked up late last year a Hyundai Tucson 2019 Highlander with 55000km for $25500

  • serpserpserp on 17/06/2025 - 21:15

    Under 20k? Does that exist?

    • Poor Ass on 17/06/2025 - 23:41

      Kia Picanto

  • justanick on 18/06/2025 - 13:52

    We found a 2019 X1 BMW 50k km under $24k. Looks good but should we pursue it?

    Haval looks really good. 2021-2022 around $22k still under warranty with all the tech.

    Is Haval a decent car to drive mostly short distance and low maintenance? How is their service if something breaks down?

    • Euphemistic on 18/06/2025 - 21:05

      Friends dont let friends buy used BMWs out of warranty.

      • justanick on 19/06/2025 - 04:47

        True. I will not pursue.

  • Francis82 on 18/06/2025 - 23:26

    Honda CR-V?

  • justanick on 19/06/2025 - 05:02

    Our options are narrowing down. Thank God.

    1. 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring KF Series AWD - 90,000km indicative price $24,500. Rego ends 16th July. Servicing done Dec 2024.

    2. Haval Jolion 2022 Ultra 19,000km. $23,000

    3. Haval 2025 premium $25,450 brand new.

    Head over display, adaptive cruise control are there in Mazda and Haval Ultra.

    Which one should I pursue?

    • bhubb18 on 19/06/2025 - 21:54
      +2

      Haval is a far cheaper car new, and theres a billion around, so will have no resale.
      CX5 is tried and tested, and will still be a good car in 10 years.

      • justanick on 20/06/2025 - 01:18

        The CX5 that we went to see at a yard was in bad condition. It was sad. Windshield chipped off etc.

        We wanted a mid size SUV with head over display, less mileage, Apple CarPlay and adaptive cruise control below $25k and can’t seem to find one.

        • klaw81 on 20/06/2025 - 08:24

          In fairness, your requirements are for relatively new technology relative to your low budget.

          • justanick on 22/06/2025 - 06:35

            @klaw81: Yes comfort technology for daily commute is important.

            • Euphemistic on 22/06/2025 - 06:45

              @justanick: Unless your daily commute is an hour each way of mostly freeway, Apple carplay is probably the only thing that is inportant.

              Adaptive cruise is nice to have, but ita not hard to press cancel and resume and use your foot to control speed. You still need tonconcentrate on your driving and speed. If you dont, youll find yourself going slower than pkanned because the car will just naturally slow behind other traffic and you dont realise you could be overtaking, or it sits sonfar back the car in front wont move over tonlet you pass.

              Head up display can be added from aftermarket parts quite easily, but how hard is it to look at the dashboard? Millions of drivers seem to get by without HU display. You should be able to guage your speed by the traffic around and 'feel'. Otherwise set the speed limiter/warning to help.

              Carplay can be added for a few hundred dollars too.

              • justanick on 22/06/2025 - 08:10

                @Euphemistic: Any recommendations for my budget year and km?

                I was about to buy the Haval Jolion ultra $21900 21000km

                • Euphemistic on 22/06/2025 - 08:19

                  @justanick: Japanese, Korean or if chinese then no less than 5y warranty remaining. Nothing with a CVT. Regular auto only.

                  Other than that, buy the one YOU like to drive and look at.

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