I'm looking for a rugged suv to serve as a back up car for my wife and I, have a little off road fun with, move things, and have room for future kids.
We're not looking to break the bank. Probably 10k. looking at pretty reliable SUVs that don't look too old such as 2008+ Xterra, 2009+ 4Runner, 2007+ Tahoe/Yukon, and GX470s and we except this car to last us like 4-5 years but not many miles put on it since it is a backup. Maybe 5k/year max.
Most of these cars are pushing 200k miles, whereas the 4Runners are pushing 250K and will cost over the budget 13K+. Do you think its worth the extra penny to go for a notoriously reliable vehicle or settle for something with less miles that is also considered fairly reliable? These prices are quoting are for single owners and two owner cars. Nothing more than that.
I bought the wife a 2011 4runner with 190k for 12k. Runs like new. My other 4runner is a 2007 and it has 345k miles all original.
@rocktheglock19 please copy+paste your response as ‘Your Answer’ below, thanks.
4Runners are pushing 250K and will cost over the budget 13K+.
I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t pay that kind of money for any high mileage vehicle..
Unless you absolutely need another vehicle right now, wait it out, till the market cools down.
At present you’re just going to be overpaying for clapped out vehicles.
I would consider the GX and the 4Runner first, the Xterra, and last the Tahoe/Yukon.
Some may not consider the GX, because it is a Lexus and may* be more expensive to maintain.
I don't know about 4Runners but my 2004 Sequoia is awesome. It has the iForce V8. Picked it up for $4000 a couple of years ago, it had 150,000 miles. Runs like a dream. It's 4WD has gotten me out of a few hazardous situations. Both 4Runner and Sequoia are tremendous gas hogs but I would always choose a V8 over a V6, they are bulletproof and can last a very long time with the minimum of maintenance. Yes you would get slightly better gas mileage from a 4Runner but they are a lot more expensive to buy than the Sequoia so expect to pay thousands more, and that would buy you a lot of gas even at today's crazy prices. Yes my Sequoia has a timing belt but the Aisin kit cost me $170 and I paid a local mechanic to fit it for $400. Good luck in your search.
