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Author Topic: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?  (Read 32687 times)

jeremyb

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Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« on: June 13, 2009, 10:43:32 pm »
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!
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Offline sailor723

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2009, 10:52:23 pm »
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.
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Online Dante

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2009, 12:40:40 am »
Quote from: sailor723 on June 13, 2009, 10:52:23 pm
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.
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jeremyb

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2009, 02:27:06 pm »
Thanks for that.  Would a Frontier Quad Cab be similar in quality/reliability/price?

Thanks.
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Offline 2JDM

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2009, 02:32:21 pm »
A Tacoma with a non rusted out frame.  :)
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Offline Trainman

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2009, 05:18:31 pm »
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.
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jeremyb

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2009, 06:23:45 pm »
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?
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Offline rrocket

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2009, 06:41:13 pm »
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.
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Online Dante

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2009, 06:50:35 pm »
Quote from: jeremyb on June 14, 2009, 06:23:45 pm

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).
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Squishy

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2009, 06:57:44 pm »
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.
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Offline kard00d

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2009, 06:58:56 pm »
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..

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Leviathan

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2009, 07:52:39 pm »
1999-2005 Chevy Tracker/Suzuki Grand Vitara?

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Offline johngenx

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #12 on: June 14, 2009, 11:17:07 pm »
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.
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Offline Triple Bob

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2009, 11:47:28 pm »
A used mitsubishi outlander with it's ridiculously long warranty. Built in Japan.
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Choosing a car based on reliability is like choosing a wife based solely because she is punctual. There is more to it than that...

Offline initial_D

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #14 on: June 15, 2009, 02:49:07 pm »
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.
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Offline Ontariodriver

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #15 on: June 15, 2009, 06:13:13 pm »
You find some great Toyota 4Runners in that price.  ;)

Also Mitsubishi and Suzuki are good value for money.  ;D
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Honda Owner

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #16 on: June 15, 2009, 07:07:33 pm »
Quote
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.
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Offline sailor723

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #17 on: June 16, 2009, 09:57:11 pm »
Quote from: Honda Owner on June 15, 2009, 07:07:33 pm
Quote
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!
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gta_driver

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #18 on: June 17, 2009, 11:43:58 am »
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
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Honda Owner

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Re: Best used 4x4 for under 10k?
« Reply #19 on: June 17, 2009, 12:05:16 pm »
Quote
As a former GC owner I can second that. The words "reliability" and "Grand Cherokee" don't belong in the same sentence!

As a service advisor, we used to rub our hands with glee when we saw a Grand Cherokee drive in because we knew the bill would be at least a grand. That's why they were called "Grand" Cherokees!
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