Hi,

Looking for outside input, I have limited experience with all terrain, suv, truck type vehicles...

So I am buying a new car to be a work horse/daily. Must have AWD.

Here is my criteria listed in order of importance.
1. Reliability, Cost/Ease of maintenance
2. Capability; Trails, Dunes, Light towing (>3000), Camping, Snow, Inclement weather, etc
3. Gas Mileage
4. Interior Space - minimally seating 4 comfortably, cargo
5. Cool factor


Budget
4-8k for the car depending on condition, mileage, etc



Plans
Have it loaded with tools and goods so I can throw the dog in the car and take off for a weekend at a moments notice. Light bar, skid plate, all terrain or winter tires, roof rack, etc




Cars that fit the bill
Subaru Forester (2000-2002)
BMW X5 (6cyl, 2000-2001)
Toyota 4Runner

Others
Toyota Highlander V6
Honda Pilot
Lexus RX300
Nissan Xterra




What doesn't seem to fit
Trucks. Limited interior space and very high price for a late model with a good size cab and AWD.


Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

Other thoughts...

Cayenne V6?
LR3?

Touareg?

 

4-8k?
lol almost all of those are out of your price range unless you find an x5 with 300000 miles on it.

Maybe a forester

 

I'm not looking for anything super fresh. As long as it is mechanically sound, it will fit the bill.

I realize for most cars I've listed I'm probably looking at a 10-14 year old car with approximately 100,000 on it.

I found a one owner 2000 forester for $4500 with 60k on it. I'm leaning towards the forester because it is cheap. Unsure of reliability though.

I also found a 2001 3.0 X5 with 96,000 on it for about $8500.

The budget is flexible, but I'd rather putz around in something cheap and cheap to maintain.

Thanks!

 

LOVE this thing.

 

Sorry for massive pic....

 

4runner or Xterra.. i believe the Xterra depending on year make a lil more power

hard to beat the reliability of either one.. lexus obv same as toyota.. but more electrical gremlins waiting to arise on high mileage ones

 

A few years back i had a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8. It wasnt the best on gas but wasnt too bad. It had all leather, Heated seats, power everything, Sun roof, premium sound Etc. It ran perfect and actually towed my car with a rented trailer just fine. Take a look at those. BMW X5s are nice, but since there that old, they will be costly too fix.

 

Clean x5!!

 

Toyota FJ Cruiser?

 

I'm in this exact same boat right now with a very similar price range. I just need it to go to and back from work. I was looking at a Saab 9-2x. I personally just want to grab an older Civic, but they are pricing them ridiculously these days.

 

to the threadstarter IMO your best bet is either the toyota or honda. you know they both have great reliability, have good interior space, styling is ok. i would stay clear of older subarus, i've heard of them having numerous problems.

 

A 1998-ish T4R sounds like the best choice to me.

It pretty much fits all your requirements, with cool factor being questional in stock form.

They are extremely reliable and get good fuel mileage compared to most SUV's.

I have a 1994 4Runner with 200,000 miles, and the previous owner commuted down a road most people would consider a rock-crawling trail.

The only thing non-maintenance related that has ever been replaced is the clutch and radiator.
Every power option is original and still works.

You will really appreciate having the rear rolldown window/tailgate, being that you have a dog. My Golden Retriever loves it.

Good luck!

 

I'm a subaru guy myself. my family has 5. i have an 06 Outback sedan 3.0R for a DD and the Evo for a toy.

 

I was in the same boat (as posted earlier). I ended up with an AWD RX300. Fit and finish is great and the overall condition of the car is excellent. It drives nice and has plenty of room. Plus, it's a Lexus, so it will last forever. I got it for around $7500.