Car Buying Advice - Help deciding on a used, small SUV

helpdeciding

Have been looking at Honda Pilot, Mazda Tribute, Toyota Highlander or Ford Escape (aesthetically like the simple, boxed look to them) and read they are reliable but then I have read a lot of negative reviews on them and having lots of recalls.

My budget is $5000. Should I look at other makes/models? Or is just really a crapshoot on getting a decent, small suv for that price?

The years seem to be 2001-2007 for $5000 price range.

This would be used for work (when I do not feel like walking), which is only 2 miles to and from. And used for local errands/shopping in the Chicagoland area.

kyfdx

The Pilot is not a small SUV. Perhaps you were thinking of the CR-V? Also, maybe a RAV4, instead of the Highlander?

You'll have a lot better chance finding an Escape or Tribute in that price range, than a Honda or Toyota

[Deleted User]

helpdeciding said:

Have been looking at Honda Pilot, Mazda Tribute, Toyota Highlander or Ford Escape (aesthetically like the simple, boxed look to them) and read they are reliable but then I have read a lot of negative reviews on them and having lots of recalls.

My budget is $5000. Should I look at other makes/models? Or is just really a crapshoot on getting a decent, small suv for that price?

The years seem to be 2001-2007 for $5000 price range.

This would be used for work (when I do not feel like walking), which is only 2 miles to and from. And used for local errands/shopping in the Chicagoland area.

@kyfdx is right, the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are both vehicles that would be harder to find in your price range ($5,000). Plus, they are larger SUVs and wouldn't be considered a small/compact SUV (or crossover). I like the dependability of the small Toyota RAV 4 and Honda CR-V but they will either be more expensive for a similar model year and mileage.

My question for you is, are you open to something other than an SUV? Is there something that is making you want to have an SUV over a sedan or smaller car?

I think this a good guide to follow when buying a car in the $5,000 range: https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/buying-a-used-car-for-5000.html

JustinS

I agree with what @NathanCrumback said. However, I will say you can find some early 2000s Highlanders within your price range but they will have higher mileage. You might have more luck buying from a private party vs. a dealership in this price range for an SUV, but if you're open to cars instead of small SUVs, you'll have more options!