Looking to trade in for the most reliable, fuel efficient, and off-road worthy vehicle under $15000!

ZattM

I currently own the 2012 Hyundai Sonata with 66,000 miles. I am interested in trading in this car for something that will last me a long time ( also easy and cheap to repair), will provide good fuel efficiency, and will allow me to access difficult roads that will lead to me dispersed camping spots and hard to reach trailheads. I am definitely willing to entertain the idea of owning a toyota prius and then installing a lift kit due to the fact that I WILL mostly be using my car for commuting. The lift kit could potentially be all
I need to access most stubborn dirt roads. Obviously, Subaru comes to mind but I have read mixed reviews about the reliability of certain models and kind of feel that the newer more reliable models are out of my budget. I am most willing to consider toyota, honda, or subaru as to avoid any sudden issues with reliability. Let me know of any make, model, and year vehicles at a certain mileage that I should consider looking at to buy used! Large SUVs and trucks are out of the question since they won't act as decent commuters.

corvette

Are you willing to compromise on fuel efficiency? It seems like your Sonata has low miles, so if you continue with that use pattern, you’re unlikely to need something that’s extremely fuel efficient like a Prius.

Second the used Subaru suggestion. If you can compromise on fuel efficiency, finding the newest/cleanest 4Runner or Tacoma in your price range would likely get you a more reliable vehicle that is very capable. Even something like a Highlander with off road tires would probably get you where you want to go.

ZattM

Thank you! I appreciate the comment. I think I would prefer something smaller that would serve more as commuter vehicle while being capable of offroading as more a secondary function. With that said, the tacoma, 4runner, and highlander are great vehicles, but I think they run a little too large my needs. If the prius with lift kit and and potentially other suitable mods proved to be sufficient enough on the roads I'd be interested travelling on (US forest service, BLM roads, New England backcountry roads), this would be my best option. However, I understand this may not be the case. I suppose the middle ground between your suggestion and the "offroad" prius package would be CR-V, RAV4, Outback/Forester/Crosstrek. Any thoughts (make/model/year)? Thanks!

Michaell

ZattM said:

Thank you! I appreciate the comment. I think I would prefer something smaller that would serve more as commuter vehicle while being capable of offroading as more a secondary function. With that said, the tacoma, 4runner, and highlander are great vehicles, but I think they run a little too large my needs. If the prius with lift kit and and potentially other suitable mods proved to be sufficient enough on the roads I'd be interested travelling on (US forest service, BLM roads, New England backcountry roads), this would be my best option. However, I understand this may not be the case. I suppose the middle ground between your suggestion and the "offroad" prius package would be CR-V, RAV4, Outback/Forester/Crosstrek. Any thoughts (make/model/year)? Thanks!

Crosstrek, Kona, Kia Seltos, might be the sweet spot. Slightly higher ground clearance and AWD. Chevy Trailblazer, too.