$5k or less SUV

[boomhower]

I'm going to be in the market shortly for a new vehicle. I'm moving and will be able to take my work car home and the kids will start riding the bus so my gas usage is going to be extremely low. For the new house I originally wanted a truck but resale values are making much more economical to get an SUV and a utility trailer.

I'm not much of a brand whore so that really doesn't matter but would rather stay away from Chevy. I want power windows, cruise, and keyless entry would be nice. Four/all wheel drive is highly preferred but will go 2X4 if I need to. I would like to stay away from compact but will go there if I need to for the price range.

Consider mileage(vehicle not gas), reliability, and repair costs what you some suggestions? I'm pretty open to about anything. Just looking for the lowest running cost over the long term. I'm not much of a mechanic but with my own place I'll at least have the option of doing basic repairs myself. My 93 Accord is on it's last legs and am going to have to get something before summer gets here. Thoughts?

 

[Bignate603]

Jeep Cherokee (not a grand) if you can find a good one that is 97 or later. They did a major redesign then. High reliability and dirt cheap repair costs. I just redid the whole power steering system in mine (steering box, pump, and lines) for less than $300. Get it with the 4.0 liter engine and it will go forever. Keyless entry and power windows may be less common on the cherokee than some other SUVs of the same vintage but they are out there.

Other than that, you could go with an older 4runner but typically those seem to sell for more than what you'd pay for other similar vehicles.

 

[boomhower]

I've always like the way the Cherokees looked so I'll take a closer look. Power windows are a much but keyless isn't a deal breaker as it can be added easily down the road. How are the trannies? I've always heard Chrysler products lack in durability there but have no clue about the unit in that particular model.

 

[jlee]

Are you looking for any substantial towing capacity, or just a utility trailer? I've found a few late 90's 4Runners in your price range, but they have high miles (though I did find a couple in the ~125k range). What state should I be looking in?

 

[boomhower]

Are you looking for any substantial towing capacity, or just a utility trailer? I've found a few late 90's 4Runners in your price range, but they have high miles (though I did find a couple in the ~125k range). What state should I be looking in?

I'm in the southern part of NC so SC will work as well. I don't need big towing capacity, just house stuff like gardening, hauling trash, furniture, etc. I don't want to get into the really high mileage where everything is going to be falling apart. I'd say 150k is the absolute max. I'm not buying now, closing on the house in the next week or two. I'm just trying to start my research now so when we get moved in I can jump on something very shortly thereafter.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Late 90's Explorer - The 4.0L V6 is pretty damn bulletproof.

The Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Olds Bravada - with the 4.3L V6 is also an excellent choice.

Saturn Vue - they are FWD/AWD so not the best at hauling but economical and roomy inside.

 

[Bignate603]

I've always like the way the Cherokees looked so I'll take a closer look. Power windows are a much but keyless isn't a deal breaker as it can be added easily down the road. How are the trannies? I've always heard Chrysler products lack in durability there but have no clue about the unit in that particular model.

Both the manual and automatic transmissions behind the 4.0 liter engine for the '97 and later are good. The automatic is the AW4, an Aisin Warner that is related to the transmission in some Toyota products as well. It produces a bit of heat but the transmission cooler does fine. I've never had issues with mine, even in Phoenix during the summer.

 

[thedarkwolf]

You won't like it but MINIVAN! You can't fit jack squat in a SUV unless you go with something the size of an expedition. There isn't enough floor to roof height. If you just want something to haul crap around a minivan will do a better job. Remove the seats and you have a massive amount of room and you can still haul a trailer if you need to. I've had an old dodge caravan as a beater for years and have jammed an amazing amount of crap in it. Plus minivans have bad resale so you can buy one cheap.

 

[boomhower]

Late 90's Explorer - The 4.0L V6 is pretty damn bulletproof.

The Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Olds Bravada - with the 4.3L V6 is also an excellent choice.

Saturn Vue - they are FWD/AWD so not the best at hauling but economical and roomy inside.

Explorer was my first thought. Had a Mountaneer with a 5.0 before and loved the damn thing. Hadn't thought about a Vue, always like the styling.

Both the manual and automatic transmissions behind the 4.0 liter engine for the '97 and later are good. The automatic is the AW4, an Aisin Warner that is related to the transmission in some Toyota products as well. It produces a bit of heat but the transmission cooler does fine. I've never had issues with mine, even in Phoenix during the summer.

10-4

You won't like it but MINIVAN! You can't fit jack squat in a SUV unless you go with something the size of an expedition. There isn't enough floor to roof height. If you just want something to haul crap around a minivan will do a better job. Remove the seats and you have a massive amount of room and you can still haul a trailer if you need to. I've had an old dodge caravan as a beater for years and have jammed an amazing amount of crap in it. Plus minivans have bad resale so you can buy one cheap.

I agree. A minivan is more economical, gets better gas mileage, and has more room. But I'm not driving a minivan.

 

[boomhower]

Doing some quick looking I'm actually liking the Vue quite a bit. The resale value of these things is crap, which works well for me. How is the reliability of these things? The last couple of GM vehicle I have had hasn't been so hot. My wifes last two were GM and I swore I'd never buy another, but these look tempting.

 

[halik]

Range Rover! Driving it is the number cause of it not working.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Doing some quick looking I'm actually liking the Vue quite a bit. The resale value of these things is crap, which works well for me. How is the reliability of these things? The last couple of GM vehicle I have had hasn't been so hot. My wifes last two were GM and I swore I'd never buy another, but these look tempting.

If you can afford the V6. Its a Honda V6 and bulletproof with normal maintenance of course.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_J_engine

The J35A3 was also used by General Motors in the 2004-2007 Saturn Vue, though it utilized the cast-iron crankshaft from the J35A4 rather than the forged-steel version of the J35A3. GM refers to it as the L66.

240HP/253TQ

 

[CurseTheSky]

Another vote for an Explorer. For that price you can get a well maintained second gen (aim for 2000 or 2001) or a rougher third gen (2002-2004ish). There are tons of them out there both on the road and in the junk yards, so parts are cheap and easy to find. Best of all, with there being so many of them to pick and choose from, it's easy to shop around and find exactly what you want.

I managed to grab a 2001 Explorer Sport Trac (the "truck" version of the Explorer), with ~130k miles and every option except leather (including locking tonneau cover, step bars, fog lights, power sun roof, 6 disc CD player, power driver's seat, upper console w/ temperature and compass, wider wheels, transmission cooler, 4-pin towing light harness, and more) for $4800. The previous owner had documented all of the maintenance, and included receipts for any recent major work, like the ball joints he had replaced around 120k.

So, look around. They're out there, and it's not hard to find a great deal. I definitely recommend going with a third gen if you're looking for something more comfy and less utility-based, though. The second gen is a great choice for the price if you're looking for capability over plushness.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Doing some quick looking I'm actually liking the Vue quite a bit. The resale value of these things is crap, which works well for me. How is the reliability of these things? The last couple of GM vehicle I have had hasn't been so hot. My wifes last two were GM and I swore I'd never buy another, but these look tempting.

No minivans but a cute ute is ok . I just bought a pontiac vibe to replace my manly minivan and I bet my vibe has more storage room than a Vue. Maybe you should consider a vibe/toyota matrix. You can even get one with AWD and tell your self it is a SUV and not a station wagon. The subarus are another options just make sure if you look at one with a 2.5l the head gaskets have been replaced already.

 

[mvbighead]

I'd second the 4.0 liter Jeep. And you could even find that in the Grand for your price point I believe:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ctd/2829114937.html

I have a GC with the 4.7, which has been fine, but I am often told of the reliability of the 4.0. I had a 92 Cherokee that I drove from 130k to 212k or so with minimal issues (maybe an alternator). In any case, there are tons of Jeeps out there. Parts a plenty and the 4wd is generally great on most.

 

[heymrdj]

Still voting a minivan. Dodge Caravan base modles that were used as church/daycare shuttles ect are cheap as crap in most cities and they haul alot, and with a trans cooler, easily pull any normal utility trailer.

 

[CraigRT]

Cherokee definitely solid, although absolute gas pig.
Why not get one more fuel efficient? You don't care, but you may if you end up saving at the pumps.

Honda CR-V has excellent reliability, and functionality, for example. And it will get better mileage than a Cherokee for sure.

 

[kornphlake]

Dodge Durangos are usually cheap and surprisingly people I know who own or have owned a Durango report few problems.

 

[gevorg]

Honda CR-V 2000-2001

 

[manimal]

Durango would work if you dont mind horrible gas mileage from the v8.

 

[thegimp03]

My wife has a 2002 Jeep GC Sport with the 4.0 V6 in it. It is a reliable engine with no engine problems, but there are some electronics problems with it - notably the rear lights/brake lights go out on it pretty often. Thinking there might be a short somewhere. And I don't think it's just her car either, as I've seen a lot of other Jeeps with that problem.

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition with the 5.0 V8. Also a reliable engine, but it gets way worse gas mileage than the 4.0 V6 in my wife's car.

You should easily be able find either of these cars for less than $5k on Craigslist.

 

[boomhower]

No minivans but a cute ute is ok . I just bought a pontiac vibe to replace my manly minivan and I bet my vibe has more storage room than a Vue. Maybe you should consider a vibe/toyota matrix. You can even get one with AWD and tell your self it is a SUV and not a station wagon. The subarus are another options just make sure if you look at one with a 2.5l the head gaskets have been replaced already.

I'd be ok with a vibe, definitely prefer the styling of the matrix though. I just don't want a minivan.

Dodge Durangos are usually cheap and surprisingly people I know who own or have owned a Durango report few problems.

I've looked into those as well and like them, especially the V8.

My wife has a 2002 Jeep GC Sport with the 4.0 V6 in it. It is a reliable engine with no engine problems, but there are some electronics problems with it - notably the rear lights/brake lights go out on it pretty often. Thinking there might be a short somewhere. And I don't think it's just her car either, as I've seen a lot of other Jeeps with that problem.

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition with the 5.0 V8. Also a reliable engine, but it gets way worse gas mileage than the 4.0 V6 in my wife's car.

You should easily be able find either of these cars for less than $5k on Craigslist.

Good info. I love the 5.0. Like I said I had a Mercery Mountaineer with it and loved that truck. I certainly wouldn't mind another whether Ford or Dodge.

Gas mileage just isn't a big issue. I take my work car home, the kids ride the bus, and most trips for errands and such are with my wife in her car. On e we move later this month I might drive 500 miles a month but I doubt it will even be that.

I don't need to be able to haul a bunch of crap inside, just giant dog.

Vie, Durango, Explorer, Jeeps and Vibe. An outback would be OK but I'm concerned about repair costs on those. CRV would be fine but Im betting the typical Honda resale kills them, same with the RAV.

 

[Bignate603]

My wife has a 2002 Jeep GC Sport with the 4.0 V6 in it. It is a reliable engine with no engine problems, but there are some electronics problems with it - notably the rear lights/brake lights go out on it pretty often. Thinking there might be a short somewhere. And I don't think it's just her car either, as I've seen a lot of other Jeeps with that problem.

1. It's not a V6, it's a straight 6
2. The electronics issues are why I recommended the normal cherokee instead of the grand. The grands are known for having more electronics problems.

 

[The J]

Older Ford Escape? I have a 2002 Escape with the 3.0 Duratec engine in it and, while I've never towed anything with it, I haven't had any trouble hauling people and their stuff in it.

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk

 

[thedarkwolf]

One thing about the vibe/matrix and dogs is the back cargo area is all hard slick plastic. I use mine to take my two big dogs back and forth to the park every day and am going to have to do something to fix the slickness. Kind of a pita for hauling anything back there really but there are lots of tie downs. Lots of people have made custom rubber mats for the back but I think I'm going to herculiner, roll on truck bed liner, mine. All the plastic floor panels just pop out so it should be easy.