Reliable, Small SUV Suggestions

My last car was totaled and I'm only getting a few thousand from the insurance company because it wasn't my fault. I'm looking to get a small SUV that's reliable and cheap. I don't mean cheap as in cheaply made, but cheap as in an older SUV so it won't cost as much.

Anyone have any experience with any reliable small SUVs? Not looking for anything like a Tahoe, more the size of a range rover. It'll probably be from the later 90's/early 2000's because my budget preferably below 6-7k.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Jeep chereokees i know of several with 250k + miles

Jeep chereokees i know of several with 250k + miles

^^ agreed or go with a cross over, they have good gas milage and have room to move stuff if needed or go with a chevy tahoe, my girls mom has had hers for years.

Was looking for something smaller than a tahoe. I like the chereokee because apparently they are reliable. Any good sites I could use to shop? Only been looking on cars ebay.

Was looking for something smaller than a tahoe. I like the chereokee because apparently they are reliable. Any good sites I could use to shop? Only been looking on cars ebay.

screw ebay, never buy a car on ebay only purchase a car if you can see if your self, i would honestly go to craigslist. you can run across some great deals and also just go to local small car lots.

Why would u buy a car on eBay ?????

Craigslist ..... Or autotrader

Ford explorer/expedition their built strong and there fun to ride around in... Bought a 03 ford explorer for 7 grand a couple years ago milage was 125k. Almost 190k now and still strong just make your you take care of it if yoy get one

Edited by DEA, 07 June 2012 - 09:08 AM.

Yeah, the Jeep, check out Consumer Reports, or JD Power, and see just what rolling heaps of poorly engineered shit these things are.

Jeep products are pieces of SHIT.

Look at Toyota, the 4Runner, or Nissan Pathfinder or Exterra. Sure, yeah, they DO cost more then Jeeps. There is a reason for that.

Ford explorer/expedition their built strong and there fun to ride around in... Bought a 03 ford explorer for 7 grand a couple years ago milage was 125k. Almost 190k now and still strong just make your you take care of it if yoy get one

This. Just be cautious. 90% of Ford vehicles we've owned in the family have ended with serious tranny issues.

^ Yep, I know personally that Ford's truck division has had years and years of transmission issues. Sad really, everything else on their trucks seems to be built pretty well.

^ Yep, I know personally that Ford's truck division has had years and years of transmission issues. Sad really, everything else on their trucks seems to be built pretty well.

We've had I think 10 different ford vehicles...

Lemme think...

All the past ones we've owned ended in bad trannies. We.currently have 3 in the family atm, one of which has a failing tranny.

It is sad because besides that they are awesome vehicles. :c

Do yourself a favor and dont buy anything american with your requirements. A honda cr-v or toyota rav-4 will be extremely reliable and good on gas.

Yeah, the Jeep, check out Consumer Reports, or JD Power, and see just what rolling heaps of poorly engineered shit these things are.

Jeep products are pieces of SHIT.

Look at Toyota, the 4Runner, or Nissan Pathfinder or Exterra. Sure, yeah, they DO cost more then Jeeps. There is a reason for that.

second the Toyota...get a mini pick up, 4x4 even, and it will last. Down side at first is cost, even used they get a pretty penny, but it's due to the value.

When I lost everything over my disability issues, the truck was repo'ed and sold off...at an auction, I was sent almost 9k in proceeds that exceeded my principle balance...mof, it sold for more than I paid for it new...3.5 years prior...IT WENT UP IN VALUE.

Sad, can't drive now, or when able I'd buy another.

Yeah, the Jeep, check out Consumer Reports, or JD Power, and see just what rolling heaps of poorly engineered shit these things are.

Jeep products are pieces of SHIT.

Look at Toyota, the 4Runner, or Nissan Pathfinder or Exterra. Sure, yeah, they DO cost more then Jeeps. There is a reason for that.

4Runners are nice but my friend went out and got a 4Runner, ended up having some serious problems with it so he had to turn it in for a Tundra. The Tundra had tons of problems so he traded it for another 4Runner...That 4Runner had problems so he traded that one out where he finally got a 4Runner that wasn't complete shit. Myself I would have steered clear from that car after all those problems but apparently he just likes them. On the other hand his Jeep he had before that was nearing 300K and running solid. My jeep is at 235K and running solid, and my parents Jeeps are both at 200K+ and running solid. The 4Runners he got were all around 125K miles, oh yah and Consumer Reports picks favorites...

4 runners are great vehicles. Very robust, very capable off road, and they run for a very long time. I personally would stay away from jeep. Not bad vehicles, but they do break and parts are expensive comparatively.

My personal vote is for a Subaru forester. Little smaller than most "SUV"s but probably more capable than most of 'em. Definitely goes better in the snow than most anything and gets pretty damn good gas mileage. Only thing that goes wrong with the 2.5l engines is headgaskets and timing belt at 100k mi. Great cars IMHO.

4 runners are fuckin awesome vehicles. In OP's price range he could get a decent 3rd gen with the 22re 4 cyl and 5spd(gas mileage if you drive standard). My buddy has one and it will put any jeep to shame, guaranteed. They go 300k+ with no drivetrain issues easily.

4 runners are great vehicles. Very robust, very capable off road, and they run for a very long time. I personally would stay away from jeep. Not bad vehicles, but they do break and parts are expensive comparatively.

My personal vote is for a Subaru forester. Little smaller than most "SUV"s but probably more capable than most of 'em. Definitely goes better in the snow than most anything and gets pretty damn good gas mileage. Only thing that goes wrong with the 2.5l engines is headgaskets and timing belt at 100k mi. Great cars IMHO.

I second the 4 runner. I own a 1994 Toyota 4 runner. Good for off roadin, pretty good handling. Just wishes it got better mpg. Also its a heavy suv and only has a v6. Not a lot of power but it for sure gets the job down.