1engineer
Moderator
I hate to say this (really I do) but, given your champagne tastes on a beer budget so to speak, you would be better off going with a domestic like Jeep, GM, Ford, etc. Here's why:
To get the features you want in a rugged 4WD full frame reliable platform like Toyota, Lexus, etc it will blow past your budget in a heartbeat. To get these features in a Ford, Dodge or GM it is attainable with your budget but you are giving up the reliability and durability. You have to choose. Memory suite, heated and cooled seats and all the other features OR reliability and durability with very few cool features and the reliability and durability.
Not knocking you for wanting your cake and eating it too but reality sets in all too soon. If you only have $28K for a new used vehicle then I would pick durability over everything else so you won't get nickel'd and dime'd to death.
To get the features you want in a rugged 4WD full frame reliable platform like Toyota, Lexus, etc it will blow past your budget in a heartbeat. To get these features in a Ford, Dodge or GM it is attainable with your budget but you are giving up the reliability and durability. You have to choose. Memory suite, heated and cooled seats and all the other features OR reliability and durability with very few cool features and the reliability and durability.
Not knocking you for wanting your cake and eating it too but reality sets in all too soon. If you only have $28K for a new used vehicle then I would pick durability over everything else so you won't get nickel'd and dime'd to death.