My budget is probably around $900 for now and I really want it to look a bit more sporty before my brothers wedding in October since I am driving some of the family around. I live in a place where it rains a lot so I dont want stuff that is gonna rust or fall off after one big puddle. Is there like a starter kit or something for people who dont know what they are doing? I just want some simple things that make the car pop a little more without looking like I tried too hard. What are the best things to start with for the outside of the car?

I'm specifically looking for something solid for my weekend trips out to the trails near Bend. My current sedan just isnt cutting it for the forest service roads anymore and I need the clearance. I was looking at the 4th gens because I heard the 2.5L 2AR-FE engine is basically immortal but then I started seeing stuff about the torque converter shudder on the 2013-2015 models and now I'm second guessing everything. I even looked at a 2016 last weekend but the guy didn't even know when the diff fluid was last changed and it had this weird musty smell in the headliner like he tried to cover up a leak.

Here's what I'm hunting for if anyone is looking to part with theirs:

• Budget is firm at $21,000 cash in hand


• Needs to be AWD (obviously, for the snow and mud)


• Preferably under 120k miles but I can go higher if the service records are legit


• No salvage titles or major accidents please


• Ideally the XLE trim because I really want the sunroof and the better seats for my back

I've been scouring Craigslist and Marketplace for weeks but it feels like everything is either a scam or sold within five minutes of being posted. I'm really trying to avoid the dealerships and their crazy doc fees if I can help it. Does anyone here have a lead on a well-maintained one or maybe you're thinking of upgrading to the Prime and want to sell your old one? I'm ready to pull the trigger pretty much immediately if the car is right. Just really curious if anyone knows of a specific year I should actually be targeting instead because some people say stay away from the 2019s due to the first-year-redesign gremlins and I really dont want to deal with transmission hunting issues while I'm trying to get to a trailhead...

I spent all last night on FB Marketplace and Craigslist and I found a couple that looked okay but then I started reading about these battery drain issues on the 2019-2021 models and then some other site said to avoid the 2013-2015 ones because of transmission shudder. Now Im just sitting here staring at my screen completely paralyzed because I dont know which years are actually safe and every local dealer I call says they dont have anything on the lot under $30k which is insane for a used car.

If anyone knows someone selling one privately around Pflugerville or Round Rock please let me know. I really need to get this sorted by Monday so I dont have to keep asking my sister for rides. Does anyone have leads on listings that arent just those contact for price bait and switch ads? I just want a reliable car for work...

I tried installing the usual Rennline magnetic mount but the fitment on my center console is weirdly tight and I dont want to scratch the leather if I force it. Im in Miami so it gets crazy hot, so anything plastic usually just melts or rattles after a month. Looking to spend maybe 800 or a thousand bucks to just make it feel more personal. Maybe some better floor mats or a specific storage solution? Let me know what actually stays put...

I really need to find a solid screen protector for that massive panoramic display and the passenger screen because fingerprints are already a nightmare. Also what are you guys doing for the center console? Its basically a deep pit and I hate just tossing my keys and wallet in there. I have about a $900 budget to get this thing kitted out before my family road trip to Vermont next month.

Are there any specific floor mats that actually fit the floor transition well? The OEM ones feel a bit thin for the snow and slush I know is coming. I looked at some generic stuff online but the dimensions seem weird because of the new interior architecture. Any hidden gems or specific brands that have already released custom fits for this model? I feel like the piano black trim is gonna be scratched to hell in a week if I dont find some protective film or something too...

Heres my situation:

• Budget is $3000 max for now


• Need it ready by August for a trip near Moab


• Still gotta use it as my daily driver for my job in Denver

Should I go for the suspension first or stick with better tires and some armor? Just dont wanna spend money on stuff I dont actually need yet...