[Postell]

Looking to get a SUV for around 5k for a daily/hauler. Thinking about a 4 runner or tahoe/suburban. Anything special to look for or other recommendations? special maintenance concerns or problems with these trucks?

[KingOfJericho]

At that price point you are looking at older cars with older car problems. I know in my personal experience that my family's 1998 4Runner was just donated two weeks ago with 334k on the clock and it still started right up and ran fine. It's definitely not as big as those other options but it will age better, IMO.

[iDriveanXi]

Xi Cherokee is always a good choice. 4.0 is bullet proof

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by iDriveanXi

Xi Cherokee is always a good choice. 4.0 is bullet proof

Not sure I'd call the 4.0 bullet proof for high mileage engines. Tend to spontaneously blow ~150k miles from what I've seen.

OP: I'd go Toyota.

[HOGGLIFE]

I would be concerned that your budget is going to shoehorn you into a shitbox. That's likely because I sell cars and that's what a $5k budget buys you these days.

I would suggest a Volvo 240 wagon.

[gtaccord]

5k will not get you any decent 4runner that is not at least 20 years old. It won't get you much of a jeep either. Unless you plan on not putting on much mileage or buying a fixer upper, 8-10k is about the minimum for a good jeep or Toyota suv.

[pukicabuki]

+1 on a 4runner.

Might be tough to find a nice one for under $5k but they're holding their value for a reason. I had a 2nd gen ('97) with 200k on it and it never gave me a problem. I'd still have it if some d-bag hadn't run a red light and totaled it ('06).

[W///]

For the record, I bought my 97 4runner V6 Sr5 for $3k, but put about $2k into it right off the bat. Pretty much all the electronics work even at 300k miles (minus AC). Serves its purpose a true beater really well

[Postell]

Originally Posted by W///

For the record, I bought my 97 4runner V6 Sr5 for $3k, but put about $2k into it right off the bat. Pretty much all the electronics work even at 300k miles (minus AC). Serves its purpose a true beater really well

what did you spend the 2k on to get the car in running order?

[W///]

Originally Posted by Postell

what did you spend the 2k on to get the car in running order?

On top of my head, pretty basic stuff. Tires, brakes and rotors (up front), new radiator, alternator, battery, alignment, spark plugs + wires.

Things like that. Granted, I DIY'ed almost everything. Like everyone said, you probably aren't going to get a turn key 4Runner or Jeep for under $5k, and even then it'll probably need some kind of work.

[Postell]

what do yall think about the next gen 4 runners? some 03-04s come up a little above my price range

[pgviper]

My parents have a 2000 tahoe that is still running strong with 150k miles on it. Easily tows around our track car in case you need to tow your Boss 302 to the track.

[reihani]

Suzuki grand vitara.

[DASHOCKER]

rav 4

[drewnel22]

Originally Posted by W///

On top of my head, pretty basic stuff. Tires, brakes and rotors (up front), new radiator, alternator, battery, alignment, spark plugs + wires.

Things like that. Granted, I DIY'ed almost everything. Like everyone said, you probably aren't going to get a turn key 4Runner or Jeep for under $5k, and even then it'll probably need some kind of work.

I got my 2000 XJ Cherokee for 4500 (probably paid a slightly more than I should have) but it runs great. Only have done spark plugs, oil change, O2 sensor and cleaned the throttle body. I got it with 144k miles on it. The only other issues is the AC doesn't work (will fix that) and the door speakers don't work (minor). It has done everything I've asked of it so far.

[W///]

Originally Posted by 10splaya22

I got my 2000 XJ Cherokee for 4500 (probably paid a slightly more than I should have) but it runs great. Only have done spark plugs, oil change, O2 sensor and cleaned the throttle body. I got it with 144k miles on it. The only other issues is the AC doesn't work (will fix that) and the door speakers don't work (minor). It has done everything I've asked of it so far.

That's not too bad at all. The thing about these DD's (at least in my case) is that I trust them to a certain extent. Have no problem driving around town with them when I need to, not sure I'd take it on an extended trip. I think what the OP has to remember is that most of us here are car enthusiast, so I know at least in my case, I'd change all the fluids right away, whereas some people will just drive them. I know the more I dug in to the car, the more basic things I wanted to do.

Did you go to Tech? Class of 08 myself. Check out the license plate frame

[drewnel22]

Originally Posted by W///

That's not too bad at all. The thing about these DD's (at least in my case) is that I trust them to a certain extent. Have no problem driving around town with them when I need to, not sure I'd take it on an extended trip. I think what the OP has to remember is that most of us here are car enthusiast, so I know at least in my case, I'd change all the fluids right away, whereas some people will just drive them. I know the more I dug in to the car, the more basic things I wanted to do.

Did you go to Tech? Class of 08 myself. Check out the license plate frame

+1. Exactly. There is lots that I want to do but it still runs great so I haven't gotten to it yet. Plus not having a garage makes things a little more difficult.

And yes I graduated in 2013 and live in Roanoke now. Haven't gone too far yet. What did you get your degree in?

And I love your car too

[Gle8]

I picked up a 2000 CR-v with 130k miles a few months ago. Paid $1,500, put about $1K into struts/exhaust/radiator/etc. Runs like a top now for minimal investment. May not be as big as your other choices, but it's big enough to haul most things, and small enough to still park in the city. One of the best all-around dailies I've owned, and I've owned quite a few. Might be worth looking into a CR-v.

[W///]

Originally Posted by 10splaya22

+1. Exactly. There is lots that I want to do but it still runs great so I haven't gotten to it yet. Plus not having a garage makes things a little more difficult.

And yes I graduated in 2013 and live in Roanoke now. Haven't gone too far yet. What did you get your degree in?

And I love your car too

That's the beauty of these beaters. I haven't washed my 4Runner in like almost 2 years, but it just keeps trucking along

I studied mechanical engineering. Last time I went back to Blacksburg, got a 55 in a 35 mph right outside of Blacksburg.

[drewnel22]

Originally Posted by W///

That's the beauty of these beaters. I haven't washed my 4Runner in like almost 2 years, but it just keeps trucking along

I studied mechanical engineering. Last time I went back to Blacksburg, got a 55 in a 35 mph right outside of Blacksburg.

Yea I did mechanical too. And yes those cops will get you if you don't watch out lol. The VT parking police are even worse though!