X3s arent under $20k price cap. Admittedly, $20k is a bit low for a decent SUV thesedays.

(considering your parameters) I don't think it would be a mistake if she went with any of the following:

Honda Pilot
Acura MDX (pre face lift IMO)
Volvo XC70

Stay away from all American SUVs...after 30k miles you are looking for heartaches, rattles and lots of trips to the stealer.

4-Runner is usually solid from the friends I've seen that have had them as well as the Ford Explorer. The older body style Dodge Durango is pretty good too, from what I've seen. And this is actually seeing the vehicle for years in action, not reading a case study :rofl:

Thanks all! :)

She's really leaning toward the 4Runner. I don't think anyone has ever said a bad thing about them from a reliability standpoint.

I'll let you know what she ends up with. :thumbup:

Take a note that her 2000 SUV died. So the next one must be more reliable than that. No BMW or Mercedes. The best bet is to go with
1- Toyata 4Runner
You can get a very decent used one at $20K, lets see around 2004~5 with around 30~40K on the clock.
2- Honda Pilot
Same as the 4Runner.
Remember, she might not care about performance, tell her to buy something reliable that keeps troubles away. I had the 2003 4Runner for 4 years without any issue. Not even one visit to dealer for repair except for free oil changes I got for that many years. Trust me you can't go wrong with the 4Runner.

Are you sure you know what you are talking about?
2005 or newer Toyata 4Runner
2005 or newer Honda Pilot
2003 or older Acura MDX
2007 Rav4
2002 BMW X5
To name a few. Update your facts.

She should look for an rx300....Great reliability, nice looks, and great gas mileage.

RX300 is around $16K~19K. But it looks dated. Vote for the 2004~05 4Runner.

RX, 4runner or MDX.
Try an FX35 :rofl: it would be in the range.
(Edit: i drove one the other day thats only a year old with 56k and tech pack for $23k, so the price should be right on for an 03 or 04.)

what about '08 Escape? Very nice SUV.

2003+ 4Runner is nothing to write home about. Versatile, but clunky, and drives like a truck. V8 is not worth it. V6 is hampered by 4-sp auto, but it sufficiently quick.