As the title states, I just got a new job that is going to require me to travel a lot for work and I currently lease a 2022 CX-5 Turbo that I enjoy but do not want to buy out due to a rather large accident with a deer.
With that being said, I need to start looking for a new or CPO used car that is comfortable for long distance travel, fairly fuel efficient, has AWD, space for me and my 80 pound dog, but is also fun to drive as it will be my only vehicle until my Rivian R2 order is fulfilled. Any and all recommendations appreciated, and I know this is a leasing forum but this is a PURCHASE and I know there are plenty of enthusiasts in this forum that would have great insight.
Monthly budget is $700 but ideally would like to be under that amount.
Given its a 2022 it should be approaching maturity soon, right?
I’d recommend a Subaru Crosstrek Limited. Comfortable on long distances, 28-30 mpg, AWD, plenty of space. Fun to drive probably not unless you get one with a manual, lol. They can be had brand new right around $30k, well below your monthly budget. They retain their value pretty well and have a ton of safety / convenience features for the class
I know people who love their Crosstreks, but they’re not car people. I’d suggest something practical like a CR-V because of the dog’s size. It’ll hold value pretty well too.
I think you are right it is going to be rough on the neg. equity side.
Current payoff is $26,000 (not exact), Carvana offering $23,000 right now. I will be way over miles, it is hard to say since the lease maturity is in June 2026 and I have around 4k miles till my limit. But with all the travel I will be doing, the mileage penalty will be rough.
Contract says $0.15 per mile over. I think it would be safe to assume somewhere around 10-15k miles over my contract.
I just like the ride of my CX-5 Turbo, plus all the features it has now and the CRV doesn’t exactly have an engaging ride or a lot of power. Same with the Subarus.
So keep the CX, pay the overage at the end at $.15/m on 15k and you will still be ahead without a new payment assuming your CX is now far under $700/m, correct?
So get this one instead. The last gen of the great ones. Low miles, single owner, 6 speed, no horrendous wing AND you’ll have the best sounding 4 banger
+1 my Crosstrek owning friends love theirs. The car people who drive them understand the tradeoffs and love it for what it is (once you buy and install Autostop Eliminator), or are not car people. I wish they’d make one with more HP but they’re CX30 sized and fine. Every CX-30 I’ve had as a rental I thought more than checked all the boxes (fun/safe/comfortable/capable/sufficient) and could fit my 80lb black lab.
+1 for new CRV or CX5/CX50. I had an early production CX-5 that I upgraded to after the second chocolate lab followed me home, and it was enough space
For big dogs, ground clearance matters too. I just ordered 2 different sets of stairs because the XC60 sits just a couple inches higher than V60 did.
My other tip for big dogs: I’ve always had some back seat cover but this new one with solid bottom - Rosie loves. More stable whether they lay down or stand.
CX-5 that I upgraded to after the second chocolate lab followed me home, and it was enough space
