What Is The Best $2-3000 SUV on Market

[mikey_p]

I'm looking into purchasing another SUV.. I have around $2000 - $3000 to play with. I'm looking for something reliable, stylish, and all around good SUV. I'm mainly going to be using it for commuting as i'll be living just outside of town starting september and need to drive in everyday for work and hockey. I also like to play a little in the mud every now and then so power has to be ok. Here are my thoughts below (in no particular order)..

1). Nissan Pathfinder 96+
2). Toyota Rav4
3). Chevrolet Blazer/Jimmy
4). Honda CRV
5). Jeep Grande Cherokee
6). Toyota 4runner

Any help would be great... I'd like to spend as cheap as possible with low maintenence costs and good reliability.. Iknow I know.. I might be chasing the "pot of gold"... Just want your opinions..

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I don't think the Rav 4 or CRV are that great for moderate off-roading. Have you considered the regular Jeep Cherokee with the I6 motor? You can find them in manual as well if that's your thing. I find ours to be pretty quick...for a truck, parts are cheap and easy to find, gets around 14L/100km in the city, 11.5L/100km on the highway, no problem towing moderate weight.

[mikey_p]

I'm not a huge fan of the regular Jeep Cherokee styling. I'd prefer a 99+ Grand Cherokee or something different..

Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 would be my last choices...

[Ihatetowait]

I have an older toyota 4runner sr5 (91). With your budget you could easily get into a nice 93-96 sr5 which is packed with options. I love the thing, comfortable on and off the road. So far with 333,000 KM on it and owning it for 6 months I've had to rebuild the brushes on the alternator (6$) and put near rear springs since they are infamous for sagging (150$).

All around solid and comfortable, the addition of power windows, mirrors, moonroof, rear window, locks and even adjustable seat bolster makes for an awesome cheap SUV.

[Unknown303]

Jeep of some kind will be the best if you're looking to do some offroading as well. I'm biased however...

[Redlyne_mr2]

Pathfinder
Cherokee
4runner

In that order, the Pathfinders are smooth, comfortable, and fairly rust free, they are also very reliable. The Cherokees are work horses and didnt rust much either. Parts are cheap etc

The runners are nice but if you're in that price range you're going to be looking at rusty trucks with 300K Kms +

[masoncgy]

Regular Cherokee is probably a better bet than the Grand Cherokee... easier on fuel, cheaper to purchase and simpler to work on yourself with plenty of cheap parts around.

Unfortunately, you can't find much in the way of "low maintenence costs and good reliability" at that price point... as you're looking at high mileage vehicles.

[toastgremlin]

I really like the Pathfinder. They're tough, long-lived and they have a plucky attitude common to Nissans of that era.

Check out MotoIQ's series on Project Pathfinder (http://www.motoiq.com/Projects/ProjectNissanPathfinder/tabid/104/Default.aspx) to find out some good mods for making the car more comfortable on the highway and a lot nicer to live with day to day.

I think their engine build is a little excessive, and they're primarily focused on towing, but you should be able to pick and choose some stuff to investigate further.

I strongly recommend a good steering damper (http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/tabid/59/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/899/Project-Pathfinder-Part-4-Suspension-2.aspx).

[Masked Bandit]

You really are chasing the "pot of gold" hoping for long life starting with a $3000 budget.

However if I had to pick something I would hang my hat on a well cared for Pathfinder. The 1995 and earlier models are very solid mechanically although slightly underpowered. Hey, you can't have everything. It's not uncommon for those things to go well over 400,000 KM.

[ercchry]

Originally posted by Unknown303
Jeep of some kind will be the best if you're looking to do some offroading as well. I'm biased however...

:werd:

like this! too bad it is sold...

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-1991-Jeep-Wrangler-yj-W0QQAdIdZ213201958

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/100623/872r4/3859n82_20.jpeg

EDIT: here is one that you could probably get even cheaper, guy seems desperate

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-1991-Jeep-YJ-MUST-SELL-QUICK-W0QQAdIdZ216796096

[Weapon_R]

Jimmy or Blazer

[mikey_p]

I am partial to the Pathfinder. Cherokee would probably be my next option however.. I do love the updated interior of the jimmy/blazer in 98/99 so that may be an option too.. I'm going to keep my eyes out for some great deals... A 4cyl Jeep YJ doesnt seem practical.. Sounds way underpowered...

[ercchry]

Originally posted by mikey_p
.. A 4cyl Jeep YJ doesnt seem practical.. Sounds way underpowered...

then get one with a 350 in it :rofl:

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-1993-Jeep-Wrangler-W0QQAdIdZ214056168

but unknown303 had a 4cyl, maybe he has more insight on them

[Unknown303]

The 4cyl in the City wasn't too bad. Highway driving was pretty brutal as I had 32" tires and it could hardly make it to 100km/hr. Offroading the 4cyl was funny as hell. It was unstoppable.

[Ashers]

Have you looked at a newer Tracker or Vitara? Really reliable and very well priced.

[Alak]

Originally posted by Weapon_R
Jimmy or Blazer

+1 great suv for that kinda price range

[mikey_p]

Maybe i should spend a little more and get a Nissan Xterra... 200-2002's are going for $4000 - $6000 depending on kms

[mikey_p]

I wish Exploders were better... THERE ARE TONS FOR CHEAP... I guess thats why...

Ok... 5spd or automatic.. pro's and cons on each.. im looking into pathfinder, xterra, or jeep cherokee.. as well whats the best engine tranny setup in these 3??

[Mibz]

There are a couple -amazing- Cherokees for sale on calgaryjeep.com right now. More than you want to spend, but well worth it. If I could sell mine I'd buy one of them.

[ercchry]

5sp= chance for exploding clutch if you depress it in water... besides that 5sp ftw! (6sp in my case ;) )

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally posted by Mibz
There are a couple -amazing- Cherokees for sale on calgaryjeep.com right now. More than you want to spend, but well worth it. If I could sell mine I'd buy one of them.

Agreed. I've been drooling over the MINT gunmetal Cherokee.

http://forum.calgaryjeep.com/index.php?topic=16178.0

$6800!

[Mibz]

That's the one I'd buy if I weren't broke as fuck :(

[mikey_p]

So in that case i'd be looking at a 4.0L i6 engine? im not to sure on that engine.. I've only had the v8 with a grand cherokee. Anyone got any tips or what to watch out for with the cherokee??.. Like for instance the timing belt on a pathfinder... make sure its been changed or get it changed.. that kinda idea..

So an automatic would be best?? Im mainly going to be using it for commuting.. I dont deep mud my vehicles or soak them in pools of water..

[Sugarphreak]

...

[masoncgy]

The Jeep 4.0L engine has been around for over 20 years and is a lot like the old Chrysler slant-six... virtually bullet proof and extremely reliable.

I don't know of any particular trouble points with them myself.

[Mibz]

I've got 235,000km on my '01 XJ Auto and TPS was the only actual failure I've had. It's not the easiest engine bay to work in when the thing is hot but, on the whole, maintenance is easy. First vehicle I've had that I can get under without jack stands :D

I've got a minor rad leak but never experienced the overheating problems that I hear a lot about. I mean, I know those complaints are legit, I just haven't gotten them.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

4.0L's are pretty much bulletproof. The odd sensor might go bad but the reciprocating assembly itself is damn near unkillable.

[mikey_p]

I'm leaning towards the cherokee however the coolant thing scares me.. im looking at a 1998 but the motor was changed 80,000km ago because the past owner over heated it..

How come every vehicle comes with a brutal story.....

[mikey_p]

How do i test a 4.0L cherokee to make sure it wont over heat?? would just turning on the a/c and running it do it?

[FraserB]

I would close all the windows, get it up to operating temp and crank the AC (on a hot day). Let is sit there, if it stays around normal temp you should be ok. It couldnt hurt to flush the rad and the cooling system either.

[Kloubek]

Explorers aren't really THAT bad of a vehicle. You can certainly find them for cheap, and in decent condition. Just make sure you check out the transfer case, and especially the very failure-prone transmission.

[4bier]

4runner all the way had 1 sold it wish i never did get 1 with a 3.4/
km dont matter they go 4 ever

[Kloubek]

This looks like a pretty great deal; though it would require a little elbow grease to get looking nice again:

http://reddeer.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-1997-Jeep-TJ-W0QQAdIdZ218675089

[bourge73]

Cherokee 4.0 all the way. Cheap to maintain, very reliable, have good power and will do what you want. (although certainly not good on gas but which SUV is? ) Ive had a couple of them never any overheating issues?

[911fever]

Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat


Agreed. I've been drooling over the MINT gunmetal Cherokee.

http://forum.calgaryjeep.com/index.php?topic=16178.0

$6800!

I love that jeep!

[Unknown303]

Jeep Jeep Jeep!

[Redlyne_mr2]

Originally posted by Kloubek
Explorers aren't really THAT bad of a vehicle. You can certainly find them for cheap, and in decent condition. Just make sure you check out the transfer case, and especially the very failure-prone transmission.
Every time I see an older Explorer on the highway it's rocking back and forth at speed like a canoe on rough waters.

[mikey_p]

The Explorer doesn't really seem to be a good idea.. To many issue's.. And BIG ONES... COmmon Tranny problems and Transfer Case issue's... Why would anyone buy one????

[01RedDX]

.

[dirtsniffer]

^^ i would agree, and if you drive on the highway lots, do not get a 4 cylinder jeep! those things barely manage 100

[mikey_p]

So back to my list.....

1). Nissan Pathfinder 96+
-Rusty
-timing belt needs to be changed
-common shock and minifold issues

2). Chevrolet Blazer/Jimmy
-Intake manifold issues
-Tranny Problems...... (man i hate tranny's)

3). Jeep Cherokee
-Over heating issue's

Now to find any for $2-$3k......

THE HUNT IS ON!

[a social dsease]

I'd consider a 2001ish Ford Escape. I have a 2001 and its great. I can fit a ton of stuff in it, gets good mileage (13L/100k city, 10L/100k hwy), and super reliable (no major repairs, all i do is change oil).
It does not have a locking differential, so its not going to be as solid off-road as say a 4-runner, but I've done some pretty decent mudding in mine and never had any problems.
You should be able to find one with higher milage for your price range, I paid $5k for mine and it had 200k.

[Kloubek]

^^ Yeah, but they're garbage from everything I've seen...

[a social dsease]

Garbage? According to who?

According to the Edmunds consumer review site the 2001 Escape has 7.9 rating, which is pretty good IMO. As I said before, mine has been amazingly reliable, and gets great gas mileage for a vehicle that can easily hold 3 people + 3 downhill mountain bikes in the cabin.

http://www.edmunds.com/ford/escape/2001/consumerreview.html

According to your profile you drive a Grand Cherokee, which ranges in rating from 6.9 to 7.6 depending on the year. Personally I'll take the Escape.

http://www.edmunds.com/jeep/grandcherokee/1999/consumerreview.html?tid=edmunds.u.crrindex...1.Jeep*

[Alak]

Guy at work bought an escape brand new when they first came out. He still has it and it has had no major failures. Just regular wear and tear.

You can buy a good late 90's jimmy/blazer for under $1000 if you hunt the auction block. And it wont be a peice of crap either.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by a social dsease
Garbage? According to who?

According to your profile you drive a Grand Cherokee, which ranges in rating from 6.9 to 7.6 depending on the year. Personally I'll take the Escape.

[url]

Yeah, but I never claimed my Cherokee was a great truck. They aren't. (At least, not quality-wise). Don't take it personally - I've just known a couple of people who had their engines blow, as well as seen many needing major repairs on Kijiji.

[mikey_p]

I've known 3 people personally that had escapes and all three had major issues.. Two needed tranny and one had a blown motor.. and for $5000 id rather buy an xterra..

[Scuderia]

I have a really low mileage 4x4 rav4 for sale, pm me if interested.

[soccernut]

Originally posted by mikey_p
So back to my list.....

1). Nissan Pathfinder 96+
-Rusty
-timing belt needs to be changed
-common shock and minifold issues

2). Chevrolet Blazer/Jimmy
-Intake manifold issues
-Tranny Problems...... (man i hate tranny's)

3). Jeep Cherokee
-Over heating issue's

Now to find any for $2-$3k......

THE HUNT IS ON!

Any reason why you dropped the 4Runner from that list?

It seems like they would fit the bill for what you are looking for. Indestructible, easy and cheap to fix, Parts are available, cheap on gas (4 cyl models).
The only thing that is negative is the rust. you can find a clean one for that kind of money though.

Might be a good one here:
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-1996-Toyota-4Runner-W0QQAdIdZ214271301
or this one:
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-1995-Toyota-4Runner-W0QQAdIdZ219351913

[mikey_p]

Interested possibly in a 1998 Jeep Cherokee.. However the owner has only had it for a year and said the engine was replaced just when he bought it because of overheating.. The engine ended up needing to be replaced but is all good now..

Anything i should watch out for?

[Mibz]

First confirm exactly what was replaced and what the diagnosis was. "Engine replaced because of overheating" is vague and might not tell the whole story.

RE: Overheating, start it up and let it idle. Mine sits right about exactly at 100* at all times. Highway, idle and everything in between. Make sure the electric fan (driver's side) kicks in when it's supposed to. If it doesn't overheat at idle you really don't have to worry about it happening any other time. There's no environmental airflow and the mechanical fan is at its lowest speed.

[autosm]

Originally posted by mikey_p
Maybe i should spend a little more and get a Nissan Xterra... 200-2002's are going for $4000 - $6000 depending on kms



Its what I would do or spend the 4-6 for a 96-2000 4runner.

[corsvette]

Through the years several friends and family members have owned Jimmys/blazers,they seem to be nearly bulletproof,my brother in law brags how his has gone 4 years without changing his oil,(its just a daily beater/driver for him)and just recently my cousin retired her's with 410,000kms on the clock (only because it would cost too much for a out of province to be done on it)They are simple and cheap to fix too.

[Alak]

Originally posted by corsvette
Through the years several friends and family members have owned Jimmys/blazers,they seem to be nearly bulletproof,my brother in law brags how his has gone 4 years without changing his oil,(its just a daily beater/driver for him)and just recently my cousin retired her's with 410,000kms on the clock (only because it would cost too much for a out of province to be done on it)They are simple and cheap to fix too.


Exactly, all my cousins drive them and they have no concept of maintenance or taking care of their vehicles. They buy them with deicent/good bodies at auction for very little money, fix any initial little things and drive them for years. The 4.3L V6 is BULLETPROOF. They drive good, and get fairly good gas milage.

If you have no brand preference, they are definately your best bang for buck.

[mikey_p]

Ok so i found a pathfinder.. Got the inspection.. timing belts been changed.. think i should be able to get it for around $2400. Only thing that failed on inspection was windsheild and has a bit of rust.. go figure!

Only thing i have concearns about is the AUTOMOTIC trans.. I'm a manual fan and haven't dealt with a Nissan Auto... Ive only have manuals...

[soccernut]

I say hold out until you find something you absolutely love....you will know when that happens...I did when I found mine.

[jonnycat]

The problematic Escapes blowing engines, are the ones with the 3.0L V6, not the 4cyl.

The Escapes and Cougars with the related 2.5L V6, blew frequently, but was never a Recall or TSB.

I bent my connecting rod at 66,000kms and it had almost punched through the block, (Cougar)

I've always loved the 99 GC's. I'd stay away from the units equipped with the dual climate control, they blow frequently and blow either only hot or cold.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally posted by jonnycat

I've always loved the 99 GC's. I'd stay away from the units equipped with the dual climate control, they blow frequently and blow either only hot or cold.

That's known as the Blend Door issue, and it can happen on any '99-'04 GC Limited with dual-zone climate control. It's permanently fixable but requires removing the whole dash. Laredo models did not have the DZCC option and thus don't have the problem.

[masoncgy]

OP: What did you end up settling on? Did you get the Pathfinder?

I've been searching the market for something similar but I am not quite convinced as to which direction to head, so curious to hear what you ended up getting.