Even with record inflation and record high vehicle prices, you can still get behind an SUV for under $5,000. However, buying an economy car is rarely that simple. When you buy a car for around $5,000 or less, you rarely know what you’re getting yourself into. With high miles comes years of possible problems that previous owners could pass on to you. Without knowing the previous owners, you could get into a car with different maintenance years or a vehicle that has only a few hundred miles left. On the other hand, if you find a cheap car with super low mileage on the odometer, you could find yourself in even worse shape with old fluids and gasoline sitting in the vehicle, creating interior problems unseen from the outside.
When shopping for an ultra-affordable SUV, it’s essential to look at simple models that don’t have a huge array of expensive components that could break down. Does a vehicle have a complicated air suspension that is prone to failure? You’d be better off looking for a simpler vehicle. Does the SUV you’re thinking about buying have an engine that tends to blow head gaskets? This may be why you are finding so much. With reliability and simplicity in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the best SUVs you can buy, according to Car and Driver.
on line; there is nothing rare about a regular XJ. It sold over 100,000 units nearly every year of its production, making it easy to find spare parts and donor replacement cars.
If you can manage preventative maintenance to avoid oil leaks and possible rust, the XJ Cherokee is one of the best options for an SUV under $5,000, according to .
Nissan Pathfinder
While Nissan’s reliability, the 1995 through 2003 Nissan Pathfinder model years are a different story altogether. This second generation Pathfinder came equipped with an unstoppable V6 engine, and when properly equipped, these Nissans can tow up to 3,500 lbs. With a towing capacity big enough to haul a lightweight sports car for a weekend track day, remote keyless entry, a roof rack and an optional Bose sound system, the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the best options around for a driver versatile newspaper under $5,000.
Toyota Sequoia
When the Toyota Sequoia was first introduced for the 2001 model year, it brought Toyota into the mainstream for . Sure, Toyota has always been great at building SUVs and trucks, but the Sequoia was built with Americans in mind. This Tundra-based SUV came standard with a V8 engine clean enough to earn it an ultra-low-emissions vehicle designation from the California Air Resources Board. Even though it was a clean V8-equipped vehicle, it had body dimensions that rivaled the Ford Expedition and made the Chevy Tahoe look small.
For under $5,000 used today, the Toyota Sequoia has a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and can be found with an all-leather interior in some higher-end models. The Sequoia is an absolute hidden gem today, especially as a way to tow a weekend toy into total early 2000s luxury at an extremely affordable price.
