SUV for under $4000 - which of these are the best options?

[WhipperSnapper]

I'm interested in adding a 3rd car to my lineup to be used as a back-up vehicle and for hauling cargo. It would probably see no more than 4000 miles/year. My wife hopes to tow a pop-up camper one day. Living in North Dakota, ideally it would be good to drive in the winter. Obviously, I'd prefer something with reasonable maintenance costs that would last for several years at 4000 miles/year. Ideally I'd like to get 10,000+ miles per $1000 spent out of it. I'm probably too chickenshit to go buy something right now, but some of these are intriguing.

Candidates:

2003 Ford Explorer, 92,000 miles, asking $3200. This is the most interesting vehicle to me given the low mileage, but I suppose that doesn't mean it hasn't been beaten up (has ding on rear driver's side), being an "off road edition" vehicle. It also seems to have more rust than I'd like to see on a 2003. I wonder if maintaining something like that would be an expensive pain-in-the-ass and if it would get real shitty gas mileage.

2005 Mercury Mariner, 130,000 miles, asking $2900. This one looks a little beaten up in the back but might be more my style. I'm guessing it would have less hauling and rough-n-tumble / snow driving utility than the Explorer but probably better gas mileage and a better drive around town. It also seems to have more rust than I'd like for its age.

2004 Chevy Trailblazer, 143,000 miles asking $3300. This one isn't as good of a value in terms of miles but maybe it's in terrific shape relative to that Explorer above, who knows.

2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, 120,000 miles asking $2700. This one is interesting though I'm a little leery of buying from a private seller. Hyundai may have had merely average or below average build quality at that time.

2001 Ford Expedition, 154,000 miles asking $2600. I'm not sure that the lower price makes the higher mileage worthwhile.

2003 Acura MDX, 177,000 miles asking $4000. 180k miles on an Acura/Honda/Toyota/Lexus is probably the equivalent of 130,000 miles on a Ford or Chevy. I would expect an Acura to keep going for at least another 50k miles, and being a luxury class vehicle I might not feel too badly sinking a reasonable amount of money into it. I worry how my insurance company would handle the addition of a luxury class vehicle.

2004 Acura MDX, 158,500 miles asking $4500.

2002 Honda Odyssey, 202,000 miles asking $1400. Tons of miles, but it's a Honda so it might run for another 50k miles and it has cargo capacity. Doesn't seem like too much of a gamble at that price but the mileage is kind of scary.
https://fargo.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2004-pontiac-grand-am-4th-of/6627194325.html
2004 Pontiac Grand Am, 110,000 miles asking $1200. It would only serve the function of a backup vehicle, but with 110k miles at a price of $1200 it shouldn't be hard to get 12,000 miles out of it.

 

[NutBucket]

If you want to tow, the Trailblazer, Explorer, Mariner and Expedition are your best bets as they are "trucks" with full frames. Campers get heavy fast.

And given your location rust would be my #1 concern.

 

[jonivanart]

Me and the wife have the Sante Fe T and with 120k miles with no issues. I know your looking for a price below $4k so I think you could get a higher mileage 2007 to 2010(Like my mom owned) that will be good for that price. We also tow a teardrop with no issues.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[mindless1]

Is there a reason you're considering lower value vehicles from a used car lot? I mean I could see forking over their fee for something higher value if it had a warranty but in this case, this price range, I'd buy from a private owner and just get it checked out by a trusted mechanic first.

 

[pauldun170]

For 4k, go private seller.
I'd avoid used car lots in that bracket. Your getting auctioned vehicles with priced higher to cover the effort these dealers put in to flip them.

For your price point and use case, Trailblazers and Astros are pretty solid and a pretty decent value. Astro's are ugly and they are rattle traps but for hauling stuff and people they are pretty good.
Expeditions, factoring out the spark plug issues used to bve pretty good but at the 4K price point I think you need to expect a lot of rust and electrical nonsense.
Stay away from any Explorer, or Mountaineer with a V8 and the 5spd auto. Automatic is junk and failures come often and early.
MDX's from the early 2000's suffer from the Honda transmission curse. Its a wear and tear item every 100K-120K so if you find an MDX, make sure its already had its initial transmission failure. Same goes for Odyssey.
Doesn't matter if the engine runs perfect when you are stranded on the side if the road with a busted transmission.
Your better off with

You're not towing anything with a 4banger SantaFe from close to 2 decades ago.

Last but not least
My recomendation
For 4K you should be able to find a second generation Toyota Sienna with the 3.3 and 5spd automatic.
Tow rating is 3500lbs.
There is a HUGE amount of space inside, it will still look semi modern.

 

[Insomniator]

Of the ones you listed only the Acura's don't look like complete heaps.

 

[robvas]

Trailblazer is a solid choice. Have you looked at older Durangos?

 

[mindless1]

Something else to keep in mind is that vehicles in good condition at a good price, don't stay on the market long. You should be ready to buy when you look at listings, and focus less on which make and model and more on overall condition. A good value will be snatched up by resellers within a few days, may get many calls the same day if on craigslist.

As far as the Explorer, it is a good example to elaborate on (or any 4x4 SUV for that matter) being an off-road(ed) vehicle, you have to look closer to figure this out. For one it's not lifted, second it has street, not off-road tires. That it has the bull bar on the front, looks more like something someone's kid added after dad gave it to him when he turned 16.

It also looks like the running boards were pulled which is why it looks so rusty along the rocker panel, that this area is hidden on most vehicles but left bare on that one. I'm not suggesting that makes it any better or worse, just to be familiar with the make and model of vehicle and look at the little deviations from what one is normally like. It is a good idea to go to a used car lot and kick a few tires, see if any particular make and model suits your fancy rather than just looking at stats.

Any of those in good condition should easily meet your criteria of $1K per 10K mi., though I would put the Hyundai last on the list due to rust on a strut-tower-suspension vehicle (safety issue, not just cosmetic), base model with I4 engine is only worth ~ $17K MSRP new, and that the owner can't even spell Santa Fe, lol.

You might not want a really loaded vehicle if there are multiple things broken due to that, but I wouldn't buy a base model vehicle used at this price point either because you may enjoy some of the features and now they're practically *free*. Some things can cost more later to repair, such as load leveling suspension or automatic climate control, but if you can DIY other repairs, it can be reasonably if not very inexpensive to maintain an older vehicle until the engine or tranny goes out.

 

[paperfist]

You guys aren't concerned about high mileage trucks? Seems like a road of repairs.

I'd look toward salvage as well, you can probably get newer for the same price and less miles.

 

[VirtualLarry]

No votes for the Odyssey?

 

[mindless1]

You guys aren't concerned about high mileage trucks? Seems like a road of repairs.

I'd look toward salvage as well, you can probably get newer for the same price and less miles.

The mileage of those isn't that high, I'd expect most to go another 100K mi if in good condition. It will tend to need more suspension work than a car would, but if you want something that can tow, or go in snow (4WD) it is a fair compromise and suspension parts are relatively inexpensive if you can DIY.

Salvage I would avoid in this price range. I mean if you want to go to an auction and pick up a vehicle dirt cheap (under $2K) as a gamble, accepting that the ~couple thousand you save might need to be put into fixing it, sure that's an option, but there are more details to consider on a salvage vehicle like whether it was flood damaged, totaled and half-arse repaired, or best case, was just stolen and recovered after the payout (and not vandalized) or the owner defaulted on the loan and it was repo'd, but in this latter case the owner may have neglected if not trashed it too.

 

[Thebobo]

2004 Chevy Trailblazer, 143,000 miles asking $3300. This one isn't as good of a value in terms of miles but maybe it's in terrific shape relative to that Explorer above, who knows.

First year Trailblazers came out, I would be wary?

 

[mindless1]

No votes for the Odyssey?

Not a fan of minivans and it seems that WhipperSnapper isn't either with only one in the list, seems like it was just sort of thrown in because of low price and Honda.

Except for poorly maintained vehicles, you can pick pretty much anything as if shopping for a new vehicle based on what you LIKE. If you don't know what engine X is supposed to sound like or what tranny Y is supposed to shift like, there's where a shop checkup comes in.

Do make a short list and research the engine and tranny issues as they can vary within the same make and model based on which combo it has.

 

[paperfist]

The mileage of those isn't that high, I'd expect most to go another 100K mi if in good condition. It will tend to need more suspension work than a car would, but if you want something that can tow, or go in snow (4WD) it is a fair compromise and suspension parts are relatively inexpensive if you can DIY.

Salvage I would avoid in this price range. I mean if you want to go to an auction and pick up a vehicle dirt cheap (under $2K) as a gamble, accepting that the ~couple thousand you save might need to be put into fixing it, sure that's an option, but there are more details to consider on a salvage vehicle like whether it was flood damaged, totaled and half-arse repaired, or best case, was just stolen and recovered after the payout (and not vandalized) or the owner defaulted on the loan and it was repo'd, but in this latter case the owner may have neglected if not trashed it too.

I meant from a salvage yard where they are still damaged.

I have owned tons of American cars but my last 2 cargo vans have been 130k beasts and they've been nothing but nickle and dimed me to death.

 

[Burpo]

Recently picked up an 06 Ford Freestyle for her to drive, and I must admit, it's pretty impressive. Had 117k when we got it and just over 120k now, but it gets good gas mileage (CVT trans and a Duratec V6) and weighs in at 3485lbs. Bought from private party for $3k (clean) and we're very happy with the way it looks & rides (sunroof & dual a/c, and handles like a car). Did a tune-up, brakes & tires for another $400+ & it's pretty sweet. The versatility of 3 rows of seats or fold down for hauling/storage makes this a nice little crossover SUV..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnRltYqBKQ8

 

[NutBucket]

No votes for the Odyssey?

No because it is from the crap transmission era like the Acura. Plus neither is any good for towing.

 

[BurnItDwn]

The Mom in Law drives a 97 Explorer with around 220K miles on it.
It goes through brakes faster than our other cars. When the transaxle broke, it was quite expensive to replace. It's a bit of a rustbucket these days, but, it's proven itself tough and overall quite dependable.

 

[draknon]

I was recently in the market for a similar vehicle. My budget was $5k and I was looking for something that would make a great winter vehicle (Michigan), have plenty of cargo space so that I could move most things without getting help, could tow a small boat. I also expect to only drive it 4000 miles a year.

I spent a little over a month combing craigslist/autotrader and a few local listings for the right vehicle. I wasn't in a hurry to buy but I knew that when the right car presented itself, I had better be ready to pounce. I had eventually narrowed my search down to a few models that were most ideal to meet my needs and preferences. Those were: Trailblazer/Envoy/9-7x, 4Runner, Xterra, S-10/Sonoma ZR-2. I found a large selection amongst the Trailblazer variants. My brother ended up buying one so that ruled them out for me. Can't have the same car as him. I really liked the ZR-2 S10's and Sonomas but there were only a few in my area close to my price and they had rust issues. I ended up going with a 2001 4runner limited. I'm quite confident that I have made the correct choice. It's got a lot of miles 190k but they have a reputation for going well over 300k. Rust can be a huge issue but the 4runner that I found was from VA and was completely rust free.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Trailblazer is a solid choice. Have you looked at older Durangos?

Durangos are Chrysler products, though. I tend to think of Chrysler as having the worst build quality of the American brands. There are also tons of Chrysler minivans out there (Dodge Caravan), which I would also want to avoid.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I post one of these threads every now and then. I like "car porning" I guess. I don't know if I'll ever actually buy anything until one of my family's two cars craps out, but if the right thing comes along, I'm open to it.

I think overall I'd prefer a medium-sized SUV with some cargo capacity. I don't really care all that much about towing. My wife talks about wanting to get a little pop-up, but I doubt we'd ever really use it enough to make it worthwhile. I'm more concerned about reliability, longevity, and cost of ownership since we're student loan and home mortgage poor. I've never had anything other than just a regular car before, so it would be neat to have a "cute ute" or medium-sized SUV for once in my life.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

This one is kind of interesting, though I don't know if I'd want another Saturn and it's only FWD. (However, being FWD, it could avoid the serious transmission problems that plagued the AWD Saturn Vues during this era.) I tend to think that Saturns do better in the rust department, at least cosmetically, since they have plastic panels. Not being AWD, it would basically just be a car that sits higher but with extra cargo capacity.

2005 Saturn Vue, $4000, 108k miles.

Here's a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer, $3200, 128k miles. Private seller, has a rust spot but doesn't seem like a big deal.

This one's kind of interesting, being a little newer: 2007 Mercury Mountaineer, $4500, 114k miles.

1997 Ford Explorer, $900, 181k miles. If it starts up and runs and drives decently, it would probably be worth $900. If it's a true POS worst that happens is that I'd be out $900 - whatever I could get for it. Tires look good.

1999 Ford Explorer, $2600, 142k miles.

Here are two Isuzu's with at reasonable prices/mileage, but I'd be concerned about purchasing a very uncommon foreign vehicle that mechanics may not be familiar with and where it might be hard to find parts at reasonable prices.

1998 Isuzu Rodeo, $1850, 142k miles
1998 Isuzu Trooper, $2200, 127k miles

 

[paperfist]

My mom's '05 Saturn Vue would have lasted another 10 years if it weren't for the AWD tranny issues. Had 100k on it and don't think it ever had a major repair. Was prior salvage to boot.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Is the Ford Expedition a 5.4 and still for sale...(doubt it). Those are tow beasts.

 

[desy]

http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Acura_MDX.html
http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Ford_Explorer.html
http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Dodge_Durango.html
So Acura and Ford don't pan out the Durango does, why because its built off their truck platform where they HAVE to make something reliable cause truck guys won't put up w the crap you get in minivans or cars.
Since you are looking old cars with higher mileages that what this site specializes in, however at this age and stage, owner care matters more than most of the other stuff.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Acura_MDX.html
http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Ford_Explorer.html
http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Dodge_Durango.html
So Acura and Ford don't pan out the Durango does, why because its built off their truck platform where they HAVE to make something reliable cause truck guys won't put up w the crap you get in minivans or cars.
Since you are looking old cars with higher mileages that what this site specializes in, however at this age and stage, owner care matters more than most of the other stuff.

Thanks for posting. Boy, it almost looks like the Ford Explorers are junkers. I'll start considering Durangos; there seem to be a good amount of them in my area. If "truck guys" won't put up with crap how does Ford get away with it?

Some more propects:

Here's a 1999 Durango for $3400 with 117k miles. Still seems a little steep to me for a 1999.

2001 Chevy Blazer, $1800, 152k miles. What happened to the door that should be painted to match the car? Not a big deal, but sad to ruin the custom decal.

1999 Ford Windstar, $900, 129k miles. Nothing sexy, but has some cargo capacity and who knows, it might make it to 150k.

2002 Buick Rendezvous, $4100, 111k miles. No 4WD though, just a raised up car with a little extra cargo space.

2004 Chevy Trailblazer, $2300, 150k miles. This one's kind of interesting but I'd have to drive like 120 miles to go look at it.

1999 Ford Explorer, $2000, 104k miles. Damn, the mileage is low for that. Might be worth driving 120 miles to go look at it.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I'd have to do some research on suspension bits but if I were looking for an old cheap SUVs out of the ones you have listed Blazer would top my list. 4.3l v6 and the old 4 speed auto in those things are rock solid and they are cheap and easy to work on. No freaking timing belts!!!!!!!!

I'd probably also add the old boxy Jeep Cherokee though and not the Grand version.