Tips on Buying Cars: Best affordable compact SUV to buy?

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
  I've been researching the best 2015 affordable compact SUV to buy and these are what I came across: Honda CRV, Mazda CX5, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, and Kia Sportage.  How would you rank these and why?  I'm not concerned about the bells and whistles.  I just want something durable/longevity.

Thank you,
CJ

ANSWER: Hi CJ,
I would also add the Toyota Rav 4, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage, Jeep Cherokee.

Honda and Toyota endure over time. Nissan is also very good for durability and will give you a couple of hundred thousand miles if needed. Jeep though nice looking is very problematic and I would remove from the list. Mazda has gotten better and may be a sleeper but personal opinion I do not like. If you can get more specific I will try to give you better answers, hope this helps.

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well Steve, I'm most concerned about something that is not a gas guzzler and if I end up buying a used car a few years old, I don't want to have a lot of problems with it while it's still young in age. Ya know? For years I wanted a Rav4, but as I got older I started thinking about leg room for my passengers, so I thought getting that it might be a tight squeeze for road trips.

ANSWER: Hi
Then my opinion the CRV is an excellent choice. Space a little better and reliability is second to  one. Again, feel free to ask any other questions. Good luck!!

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, since you offered.... I also read that  December was the best time to buy a car, so that was my plan.  Also, I was thinking of getting an auto loan  from my credit union, so all my concern will be is the price at the dealership. Your thoughts?

Answer
December is like any other month, but sometimes it is not better because they expect to sell more cars that time of year. Go to www.edmunds.com    you can sign up for free and look at forums and see what people are paying for the car you are interested in, it is not etched in stone but good information. Say your looking at financing about $25,000 or whatever number, when you are close to buying get pre-qualified from your credit union and see that rate, sometimes the dealers have special rates and at least you can give yourself a choice of who to use. Again good luck, and any questions are welcome!! By the way just came back from my first trip to Chicago and Wrigley field, enjoyed the town!!!

Steve