Topic: Need a reliable used 4x4 SUV

[Malio94]

Hey guys! Just discovered this site and it's great to see such an active car forum! I've been the market for a reliable SUV for quite some time but I'm finally in a position to be able to afford a good one soon.

In my past I've had a Hyundai Tucson which had a blown head gasket which the dealer hid as well as a Jeep Liberty which also had quite major engine problems since it wasn't looked after. (I was the first to change the spark plugs at 190,000 KMs and there was oil on a few of them.) Sad because liberties are really fun cars and I really loved it for the short time I had it!

So anyways, I'm needing something reliable and reasonable on gas (around 20mpg at the lowest), 4 wheel drive or AWD is a necessity. I'm a storm chaser and most of my mileage will be spent doing that. Right now I feel I've narrowed my search down to either a Jeep Patriot, a Ford Edge or newer Ford Escape. (2010-2012) since they're less likely to have transmission issues which older ones suffer from. But since this will be a big purchase for me I thought Id post on here and get your guys's opinions! My budget will be around $8,000-$12,000 CDN dollars and I live on Vancouver Island but plan to buy my car in the Vancouver area.

Thanks in advance!

Malcolm

UPDATE: Thank you guys for all your help! You voted and I listened  I got a 2010 Ford Escape which I found on craigslist! He originally posted it at 9500 or more I'm not sure but I noticed he'd lowered it over time to 8700 due to lack of interest (likely just because gold isn't the most popular colour) I offered him 8000 which he agreed to and he also accepted my beater 2003 Pontiac Sunfire as a 2000 dollar trade in (which I was going to sell anyways) so I only had to pay 6000. It's the XLT V6 model with AWD only has 93,000 KM's. It needed nothing other than an oil change which was maybe neglected for just a tiny bit too long since the last one was done around 80,000 KM's. I did an oil change right away and fixed some burnt out bulbs but everything is working quite well! Pics attached!

[Fobroader]

Jesus guy, if you are a storm chaser I immediately have to point you away from the domestics, especially the Patriot, and into something Japanese. When you have a tornado bearing down on you the last worry on your mind should be "will this POS start??!?!?". CR-V, RAV4 and just for fun, Jeep TJ.

[EV Dan]

A JDM toyota hilux surf FTW    or even better a hilux.



A landcruiser prado is also good on gas.

[Fobroader]

Bonus points from Helen Hunt in white tank top in passenger seat 

[revalations]

Jesus guy, if you are a storm chaser I immediately have to point you away from the domestics, especially the Patriot, and into something Japanese. When you have a tornado bearing down on you the last worry on your mind should be "will this POS start??!?!?". CR-V, RAV4 and just for fun, Jeep TJ.

Actually, every storm chaser rig I've encountered (many during trips to Kansas and in storm season here) have been big domestic SUV's or pickups. Never and Jeeps though lol.

I do agree that the CR-V/RAV4 are great choices OP. I would stay far away from the Patriot though. Also think the later Ford Escapes were solid as well.

[Fobroader]

Jesus guy, if you are a storm chaser I immediately have to point you away from the domestics, especially the Patriot, and into something Japanese. When you have a tornado bearing down on you the last worry on your mind should be "will this POS start??!?!?". CR-V, RAV4 and just for fun, Jeep TJ.

Actually, every storm chaser rig I've encountered (many during trips to Kansas and in storm season here) have been big domestic SUV's or pickups. Never and Jeeps though lol.

I do agree that the CR-V/RAV4 are great choices OP. I would stay far away from the Patriot though. Also think the later Ford Escapes were solid as well.

Probably something to do with the soft tops not being flying telephone pole proof 

[Malio94]

Jesus guy, if you are a storm chaser I immediately have to point you away from the domestics, especially the Patriot, and into something Japanese. When you have a tornado bearing down on you the last worry on your mind should be "will this POS start??!?!?". CR-V, RAV4 and just for fun, Jeep TJ.

Yeahh that's true. Don't get me wrong though I'm not afraid of doing a little work on my cars as most of what makes a car reliable is how well its looked after. I've definitely considered the both the RAV4 and CRV, however (especially with the CRV) I've found its hard to find one for a reasonable price that isn't over 200,000kms due to their good reputation. As for the TJ's I'd love one or a newer wrangler but they're also really pricey and bad on gas. And I'm not going to lie I need a fair bit of space inside so I can sleep in the back after a long day of storm chasing haha

[Malio94]

A JDM toyota hilux surf FTW    or even better a hilux.

A landcruiser prado is also good on gas.

Yeah those older toyotas are really nice! Just hard to find one with lower mileage and thats mainly what I've been looking for. (trying to stay under 100,000 KMs)

[Malio94]

Probably something to do with the soft tops not being flying telephone pole proof 
[/quote]

Hehe plus when hail can do this to your windshield a soft top roof would last for about 2 seconds! ;P

[Ex-airbalancer]

Tesla model X 

[Malio94]

Tesla model X 

Haha good one! I just saw that car on a list of worst cars to avoid ;P

[EV-Light]

The Ford Edge of that generation is actually quite reliable! If you can find a used one in good shape, you should go for it!


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[JohnnyMac]

How about a Mitsubishi Outlander?  I think they have been fairly reliable overall and have a decent AWD system and cheaper than a comparable CRV/RAV4.

This is a good example of one that is close to your price range.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Mitsubishi/Outlander/Surrey/British+Columbia/5_34492843_BS200461513833/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=22_100_107

I test drove one back in 2009 and thought the V6 unit was very smooth.  Felt solid enough.

[2JDM]

Man I just checked Kijiji ads for used Toyota trucks/SUVs and they are priced like Ferraris on the West Coast. 

Honestly if you want a 4x4 SUV for $8-12k with <100km, I'd go with a no-frills Ford Escape.

[BWII]

Tesla model X 

  swerver!!   

[Scaerio]

Volvo 850 T-5 R

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCg6QbU8Nmg

 

[johngenx]

If you need a true 4X4 SUV, then trying to find a good reliable one with <100K-kms at your budget is going to be impossible.  Just buy the best 4Runner in your budget and don't get hung up on mileage.

If an AWD CUV will do, then a V-6 Ford Escape is your best bet.  The V-6 is a decent engine, stay away from the 4cyl.

[Dante]

I would go with 2002 Toyota 4Runner or a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Another option, newer,  a 2007-2009 Mitsubishi Outlander V6 or a Subaru Forester of the same vintage.

[Malio94]

Ok thank you guys so much for the suggestions! I feel like Ive been able to narrow things down from your guys's help! Ive made a poll for all the cars Im considering based on reliability fuel economy and off road capabilities. Vote for whichever you guys think I should get!

[ArticSteve]

and off road capabilities     Excluding the Jeep Liberty which is absolute JUNK, those in the poll are all slip and grip "AWD".

Interesting to see the old Escape get 5 votes.  Of those choices I also went for the V6 Escape.  The mpg is crap on those things, but they have good clearance, parts are cheap, really depends on how many miles you intend on driving vis-a-vis gas costs.