Best Used Compact SUV for $6K or less?

Michael5155 · 05-13-2012, 05:19 PM

My daughter wants to get a compact SUV because she needs to carry a fair amount of belongings between college and home. As a college student she can't afford a lot, and I'm not helping her out other than co-signing on her loan.

I've heard good things about Honda CR-Vs and Toyota RAV4s (probably 2000-2002 model years). Anyone have any opinion on either of these models or suggest other brands? MPG, reliability, storage space are the big concerns. She can drive a manual but would prefer an auto.

Michael5155 · 05-13-2012, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

3rd gen 4runner. Trade off MPG for safety/solidity.

Okay, dumb question time: Who makes the 4runner?

DASHOCKER · 05-14-2012, 08:13 AM

rav4.. I have an 02 and its been reliable.. Got it brand new back in the day..

krnboy817 · 05-14-2012, 05:23 PM

nissan xterra (daily work hauling vehicle)

i personally own one since 2005. havent had any issue(s) other than battery and tire replacement and i have 98,xxx miles on the car.

insurance is on the cheap side and maintenance consists of just oil change every 4k miles.

ownership negativity would be MPG. 13 city 20 hwy. and i have always used regular never premium.

vehicle flaw would be the radiator cools the coolant and tranny fluid together. so either you need to by pass it (easy mod, there is tons of guides on the forums) or dont damage the radiator and keep it clean.

Michael5155 · 05-14-2012, 07:27 PM

She's leaning toward the RAV, but to get one in her price range she'll likely have to get one in the late '90s. Anyone have a '98 or '99 RAV that can provide a testimonial?

jopa489 · 05-14-2012, 08:26 PM

The RAVs are great, we have/had many for company vehicles. Currently the oldest in our fleet is a second-gen ('04, 2.4L engine) with 100k+. Needs brakes and tires every 35k, nothing else. Hell, it's still on the original battery. Plus it's way more fun to drive and built better than the new third-gens ('06+).

Not sure on the first-gen models. RAVs hold their value forever which makes it hard to find one for a deal. Can't go wrong with a 4Runner though.

secretsquirrel · 05-15-2012, 07:57 AM

A college student needs good gas mileage more than off road capability. I'd go with a rav4 or another small car based SUV

nmnicho · 05-21-2012, 09:34 PM

I think the xterra and the CRV are great options based on peripheral reviews from friends, coworkers, and general discussions.

In that price range you could also purchase a used Jeep Liberty. I owned one for 10 years and 120k (just sold it recently) and only needed to replace the radiator aside from general wear issues like tires, brakes, and oil ∆'s. 18-20 or so MPG on hwy without the ski rack. I'm a bit biased though towards Jeeps, I have owned a few over the years and use them as my winter DD's and backcountry tools.

The Jeep was great in snow and ice if that is a concern for your family. I know that every big snow storm I pull out a CRV or two from the snow banks, but I can not tell you if that is because of driver error or the vehicle.

my 2 cents.
N-

05-13-2012, 05:19 PM	#1
Michael5155 Private First Class 24 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 30i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Best Used Compact SUV for $6K or less? My daughter wants to get a compact SUV because she needs to carry a fair amount of belongings between college and home. As a college student she can't afford a lot, and I'm not helping her out other than co-signing on her loan. I've heard good things about Honda CR-Vs and Toyota RAV4s (probably 2000-2002 model years). Anyone have any opinion on either of these models or suggest other brands? MPG, reliability, storage space are the big concerns. She can drive a manual but would prefer an auto.
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05-14-2012, 08:13 AM	#3
DASHOCKER The power of V! 99 Rep 1,971 Posts Drives: 2007 335i coupe steptronic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 Lexus Gs400 [0.00] 2010 ebony & ivory [0.00] 2006 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 pics [0.00] 2009 e92 335 xdrive [0.00]	rav4.. I have an 02 and its been reliable.. Got it brand new back in the day.. __________________ 2007 335 coupe Alpine white, steptronic, sportpack, etc. (gone) 2006 X3 3.0 steptronic Titanium Silver, 2009 E92 335xdrive, next.... Caddy CTS_V! 13 Lincoln MKZ? hmmm.
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05-14-2012, 05:23 PM	#4
krnboy817 Major 44 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: 2008 328i coupe Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: DFW texas iTrader: (3)	nissan xterra (daily work hauling vehicle) i personally own one since 2005. havent had any issue(s) other than battery and tire replacement and i have 98,xxx miles on the car. insurance is on the cheap side and maintenance consists of just oil change every 4k miles. ownership negativity would be MPG. 13 city 20 hwy. and i have always used regular never premium. vehicle flaw would be the radiator cools the coolant and tranny fluid together. so either you need to by pass it (easy mod, there is tons of guides on the forums) or dont damage the radiator and keep it clean. __________________ driving is poetry in motion.
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05-14-2012, 07:27 PM	#5
Michael5155 Private First Class 24 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 30i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	She's leaning toward the RAV, but to get one in her price range she'll likely have to get one in the late '90s. Anyone have a '98 or '99 RAV that can provide a testimonial?
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05-14-2012, 08:26 PM	#6
jopa489 Major General 122 Rep 6,594 Posts Drives: Anything with Wheels Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	The RAVs are great, we have/had many for company vehicles. Currently the oldest in our fleet is a second-gen ('04, 2.4L engine) with 100k+. Needs brakes and tires every 35k, nothing else. Hell, it's still on the original battery. Plus it's way more fun to drive and built better than the new third-gens ('06+). Not sure on the first-gen models. RAVs hold their value forever which makes it hard to find one for a deal. Can't go wrong with a 4Runner though. __________________ X7 LCI // Incoming C7 ZR1 ZTK // Sebring + TRX // Hydro + Raptor Gen1 Roush // Tuxedo
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05-15-2012, 07:57 AM	#7
secretsquirrel Colonel 130 Rep 2,291 Posts Drives: f80 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Far North Dallas iTrader: (2)	A college student needs good gas mileage more than off road capability. I'd go with a rav4 or another small car based SUV
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05-21-2012, 09:34 PM	#8
nmnicho Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 roadster Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Santa Fe, NM iTrader: (0)	I think the xterra and the CRV are great options based on peripheral reviews from friends, coworkers, and general discussions. In that price range you could also purchase a used Jeep Liberty. I owned one for 10 years and 120k (just sold it recently) and only needed to replace the radiator aside from general wear issues like tires, brakes, and oil ∆'s. 18-20 or so MPG on hwy without the ski rack. I'm a bit biased though towards Jeeps, I have owned a few over the years and use them as my winter DD's and backcountry tools. The Jeep was great in snow and ice if that is a concern for your family. I know that every big snow storm I pull out a CRV or two from the snow banks, but I can not tell you if that is because of driver error or the vehicle. my 2 cents. N-
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