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 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.

[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...

like this! too bad it is sold...

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ213201958



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

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ216796096

[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

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ214056168

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 )