We were 52/48 between Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4 when we were shopping that category. Then we realized we wanted a 3rd row so looked at Pilots, Highlanders and Traverses. The captain's chairs on the Traverse are what sold us.When I buy a new car for the first time this summer, I plan on driving it until it is just about dead. In today's age, cars are very capable of getting to 200k miles without any major issues. I don't really feel guilty about dropping $30k or so on a brand new car that I will be driving for 10+ years. I get that buying a certified pre-owned car (vs. used) makes the most financial sense, but whatevs.Haven't new cars become relatively more cost effective with how used car sales have skyrocketed over the recent years? I've bought two used cars recently, and anytime I went to a dealership it was take it or leave it. No haggling, no fixing a broken cruise control, nothing.
BTW, I am taking a hard look at the Honda CRV Touring Edition. I am really falling in love with the compact SUVs.
The warranty is nice to have for new cars as well. Not that you'd really use it, but if you are getting a first or second gen car, it's a must.
When I bought my first new car, I spent an unhealthy amount of time researching how to get the best deal. This was almost 15 years ago, so I'm sure things have changed.