Good SUV for under $7,000?
 

I'm going to be looking at buying a used SUV next year to be used as my new winter vehicle to replace my aging 2000 Chrysler Neon, and wanted to get some feedback as to which one(s) I should look at. My budget is $7,000 and specifically I do want 4x4 as our winters can get a bit rough here in Northern Ontario.


Thanks for the feedback!

Are you going to be towing? Or are you looking for something more fuel efficient?

Not going to be towing, just something fuel efficient more or less for city driving and some highway

Toyota Rav4 and Honda CRV get my picks.

Older Ford Escapes seem to be popular as DDs around here, thoughts on them?

My bro-in-law had an older escape. V6 model. He never had any issues with it until he rolled it from hitting black ice. He now has a Ford Edge.

1st gen CRV. No question.

If you are needing something for the winter; than I would say get a SUV like the 4Runner, and not a CUV like those listed above. In my part of country they are priced around your price range. Good luck on your search.

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/4804337192.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/4805283615.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/4817970964.html

If your primary focus is getting through snow, I'd recommend a Nissan Pathfinder. My parents had a 2001 with all-mode AWD (locking center differential and limited slip rear differential).

It was amazing through deep snow. I remember a few times locking the center differential and just ripping through 15-16" fresh/loose powder like it was nothing, even on all-season tires. I even borrowed it when my STI got high-centered and stuck.

Around town on dry pavement, it was comfortable and handled pretty decently. Wasn't a big SUV, but that made it easy to drive and park.

Older gen 4runner (2000-2002 range) is my pick. I have found some good ones and they are bullet proof. Doing the same shopping with same price range myself.

Eh, I'm not keen on the CR-V as a 4x4. The first gen CR-V will last a long time, but Hondas even to this day don't make useful AWD systems as they're easily defeated due to its insistence on FWD bias. If you get a CR-V get it in FWD as the AWD version is pointless.

Toyota RAV4 is a good choice if its an older model. Particularly a 1st gen RAV which has a full time AWD system, very much a compact light off roader. 2nd gen RAV4 is a big bigger but the AWD system is still pretty good. A Subaru Forester with the SOHC 2.5L is also a worthy choice, but sure to skip the DOHC version due to it suffering worse BHG problems than the SOHC. The XT version has the WRX's 2.0L turbo.

Totally missed this one... my father has a 2001 Toyota Highlander V6 awd. The thing is a beast through snow! Not as fuel efficient as the rav4 or crv but loads more powerful and a bit more upscale. IMO, probably exactly what you're looking for. They pretty much bulletproof too. I think my old man has like 260,000kms on his and it needed nothing aside from regular scheduled maintenance.

My wife has had Mitsu Outlanders and a RVR. All of them were decent for what they are. The 08, V6 Outlander actually sort of rocked as it had all the niceties of a much more expensive make, the V6 was plenty peppy and the 4wd was very effective.

Don't forget the Forester. Whenever I go to snow country, I see about 50 times more Subarus than in the rest of NorCal.