Ford Escape/Freelander = money pit
X-Trail/CR-V = probably the best two
RAV4 = smaller size than X-Trail/CRV
Tucson/Sportage = the newer ones are good but the older ones I wouldn't really recommend them.

nope.
they'll always work according to what gives them better profit for themselves as long as the customer (you) don't complain.
2016 Mitsubishi Mirage - have you ever thought of considering a mirage (new car), for an A-segment car it has pretty good safety features, cheap to run with a fuel saving engine (although it can feel underpowered when on full load but since she is driving alone mostly this isn't a problem), also another plus for lady driver's is the EPS (electric power steering) which makes the steering light and easier to drive than conventional hydraulic ones, talking about easier to drive it is a small and nimble car and easier to park for women. I think the only downside is you can get a really powerful monster in the used car market for 60k but would have to content for a mini mouse when you're buying new.

2014 VW Polo Sedan 1.6 & 2014 VW Polo Hatch 1.6 - both the sedan and hatch are available with the basic 1600cc engine and 6AT gearbox now, avoiding the TSI engine & DSG gearbox. I don't know if it is a good move by VW because it doesn't seem to be flying off the shelves like they were previously I guess their reputation has really taken a hit after DSG gearbox, TSI engine and emissions scandals. However, there are still a good number of Polo's with the 1600cc engine on our roads so that means parts supply for this model is still pretty decent. These cars were initially intended to be sold at 90-100k but now these old stocks are being cleared at around 55-65k. A huge discount. The engine and gearbox combo is decent, it is not powerful like the TSI&DSG combo but powerful enough plus they're more reliable and cheaper to maintain. Also safety & size wise it is a notch above the Mirage because they're B-segments.
If you're already a car owner and have been servicing your car at outside workshops instead of SC/3S do have a chat with your mechanic on the car you want to buy, tell him the maintenance budget you're willing to spend (e.g. rm200 per interval) then he will tell you honestly you're in dreamland or meresiah.
demand and volume is klang valley region is higher so they can make do with less margin with more volume.