Best used 4x4 for under 10k?

[jeremyb]

Hi - need a 4x4 or AWD for under $10,000.  Priority is reliability balanced with value for money - in fact, nothing else matters.  What is your recommendation?

Thank you!

[sailor723]

Have a look a Nissan Pathfinders. I had an '03 for 5 1/2 years and 140K+ that was trouble free. They have a pretty good reputation for reliability.

[carcrazy]

Have a look a Nissan Pathfinders. I had an '03 for 5 1/2 years and 140K+ that was trouble free. They have a pretty good reputation for reliability.

I second that. A 2002/2003 Pathfinder (SE or LE) would be one of the best bets.

[jeremyb]

Thanks for that.  Would a Frontier Quad Cab be similar in quality/reliability/price?

Thanks.

[2hondas1BMW]

A Tacoma with a non rusted out frame. 

[Trainman]

Try looking for a 2002 or so Chilkoot.  I had one and it comes with a good set of options but keeps away from some of the pricier repair issue that may crop up for the fancy gadgets the higher trim levels have. 

I am not sure what the price points are for Fronties, but they are good too so I have heard from those who have them.

Now if you do not need the 4wd capability of these, then take a look at Subaru Foresters, they are as reliable as the Nissan's, ride better, get better fuel economy too.  I got rid of the Pathy as I was no longer using its off-road ability and I have saved myself around $1,200 in fuel since September.

[jeremyb]

That's interesting, thanks.  I'm wary of the Forester as it gets older - they seem to encounter engine problems at around 10 yrs old?  I would be investing in something to keep for a long time...

Anyone tried the Hyundai Santa Fe?  Comparable to the Pathfinder?

[Careener]

if you want low price, take a look at the older Kia Sportage..a body on frame truck that I know was used by some 4x4 training schools.

Nissan also has the XTerra.. a capable offroader.

[rrocket]

RAV4, CR-V or Forester.  All pretty good.

Pathfinder is nice...but boy, can they drink the fuel...

If cost of fuel is no biggie...l'd spring the extra few bucks and get a 2001+ Infiniti QX4.  Identical mechanically to the Pathfinder...but loaded with a nicer interior.

[carcrazy]

Anyone tried the Hyundai Santa Fe?  Comparable to the Pathfinder?

For 10K you can only get the previous gen Santa Fe I guess and based on what I know from a close friend owning a 2001, I'd stay way from it. Not comparable to the Pathfinder (my neighbor friend has a '99 still going strong, but indeed, it likes to drink a lot of gas).

[Squishy]

If considering the RAV4 or CR-V, don't forget the Escape.  The V6 + CD4E transmission is borderline problematic, but the four cylinder models are problem-free.  Unstoppable in the snow and a capable soft-roader.  The 2005 model with the updated 2.3 L engine should be just above the 10k mark.

But in terms of longevity and value, I would look at older four-cylinder compact pickups.  Tacoma or Ranger would be nice if you don't need the extra seats.  Body-on-frame SUVs also last a long time, but man they drink fuel.

[kardood69]

If you're talking more the 4x4 side, all the late model Jeeps are pretty good, and they are cheap.  

You can probably get a fairly recent Liberty for that price.

Older Jeep Cherokees are holding up well, esp say 94-2001.  Often get 300K km on the inline 6.  The 4-speed Auto is Aisin sourced (not ChryCo) and the 5-speed is very solid.

The Grand Cherokee is pretty comfortable  and for the most part well equiped..

[Leviathan]

1999-2005 Chevy Tracker/Suzuki Grand Vitara?

[johngenx]

For a high-clearance 4X4, I echo the Pathfinder recommendation.  Valued lower than 4-Runners, good off-road, pretty reliable and very good value in the used market.  A friend of mine has a 2001 Pathy that has been very good to her.

As for on-road and mild offroading ability, the Forester is very good.  My 2001 is solid, reliable and fuel economy is good.  Most of my climbing partners have Subarus in the 2000-2003 range, and they have all logged high mileages without problems.  My Forester has been taken up some pretty bad roads and over some terrain I doubt that Subaru ever intended it to travel on.

[Turbo Bob]

A used mitsubishi outlander with it's ridiculously long warranty. Built in Japan.

[initial_D]

Suzuki Grand Vitara v6 ...

Tough for a decent shape 4x4 under $10,000. Most of the ones under that price do need some work, be prepare for that.

[Ontariodriver]

You find some great Toyota 4Runners in that price. 

Also Mitsubishi and Suzuki are good value for money. 

[Honda Owner]

Older Jeep Cherokees are holding up well, esp say 94-2001.  Often get 300K km on the inline 6.  The 4-speed Auto is Aisin sourced (not ChryCo) and the 5-speed is very solid.

God no! And that is speaking as a Chrysler service guy. The engines and trannies stand up but nothing else does and the things drink high test gas like a Peterbuilt.

I would also recommend the Grand Vitara. Not flashy but pretty near bullet proof and will not cost the farm to run.

[sailor723]

Older Jeep Cherokees are holding up well, esp say 94-2001.  Often get 300K km on the inline 6.  The 4-speed Auto is Aisin sourced (not ChryCo) and the 5-speed is very solid.

God no! And that is speaking as a Chrysler service guy. The engines and trannies stand up but nothing else does and the things drink high test gas like a Peterbuilt.

I would also recommend the Grand Vitara. Not flashy but pretty near bullet proof and will not cost the farm to run.

As a former GC owner I can second that. The words "reliability" and "Grand Cherokee" don't belong in the same sentence!

[gta_driver]

I use to own a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4 door with the inline 6.

Pros:

-Super reliable
-Cheap to fix and maintain. If your a Do-it-yourselfer you'll love it.
-the inline 6 is powerful
-excellent towing
-unstoppable in any terrain (as long as its equipped with the right tires)
-very manueverable
-AC/Heater was quite powerful
-cargo capacity

Cons:

-Ride
-drinks regular gasoline like you wouldn't believe