What's the best mid-size SUV I can get for around $12-15k?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What's the best mid-size SUV I can get for around $12-15k?

Posted: 9/27/2016 1:14:10 PM EDT

I'm thinking about selling my JKU and buying a used Focus or something for a commuter car, a fun car/project car, and spending the rest on an SUV for winter. $15k doesn't buy much SUV anymore, tho. Maybe a 2007 or so Explorer? Or a 15-year-old 4Runner? I'd like to get into something with less than 100k miles. What else should I look at?

Posted: 9/27/2016 3:29:13 PM EDT

[#1]

You should be able to find a decent 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder in that range.

Posted: 9/27/2016 4:23:49 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
I'm thinking about selling my JKU and buying a used Focus or something for a commuter car, a fun car/project car, and spending the rest on an SUV for winter. $15k doesn't buy much SUV anymore, tho. Maybe a 2007 or so Explorer? Or a 15-year-old 4Runner? I'd like to get into something with less than 100k miles. What else should I look at?

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1st gen (2001-2007) toyota highlander. (2004-2007 models preferred)

Posted: 9/27/2016 5:16:50 PM EDT

[#3]

For $12-$15K. 2004-2008 Lexus LX470, hands down. Basically is a landcruiser. I'm looking to grab one as our winter beater.

Posted: 9/28/2016 12:39:20 AM EDT

[#4]

Full size, the only thing you should be looking at in that price range is a 2003-2006 Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban/Avalanche

small SUV - 4Runner in whatever year fits the budget

Everything else is a complete waste of time in that it will either cost a lot in repairs with most of those repairs not being something that you can physically do yourself. The rest will be a bunch of "fake trucks" or the "SUVs" that are car chassis with over sized tires posing as a off road vehicle.

For your computer car - LS1 Camaro SS 6spd. 10-15,000 with under 50k miles. 350hp and gets gets 17-25mpg

Posted: 9/28/2016 3:23:19 PM EDT

[#5]

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For $12-$15K. 2004-2008 2007 Lexus LX470, hands down. Basically is a landcruiser. I'm looking to grab one as our winter beater.

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Just a minor FIFY. ;)

No disagreement. A Land Cruiser would be a good choice more or less in the same price range. You'll find it rock-solid in shitty freezing weather.

ih8mud.com is the arf of LC's and LX's.

Posted: 9/28/2016 8:49:49 PM EDT

[#6]

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Just a minor FIFY. ;)

No disagreement. A Land Cruiser would be a good choice more or less in the same price range. You'll find it rock-solid in shitty freezing weather.

ih8mud.com is the arf of LC's and LX's.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
For $12-$15K. 2004-2008 2007 Lexus LX470, hands down. Basically is a landcruiser. I'm looking to grab one as our winter beater.

Just a minor FIFY. ;)

No disagreement. A Land Cruiser would be a good choice more or less in the same price range. You'll find it rock-solid in shitty freezing weather.

ih8mud.com is the arf of LC's and LX's.

What's wrong with the 2008's?

2008

ETA: oops that's a GX not an LX.

Posted: 9/28/2016 8:54:13 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:

I'm thinking about selling my JKU and buying a used Focus or something for a commuter car, a fun car/project car, and spending the rest on an SUV for winter. $15k doesn't buy much SUV anymore, tho. Maybe a 2007 or so Explorer? Or a 15-year-old 4Runner? I'd like to get into something with less than 100k miles. What else should I look at?

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In Miami you can get a used mid 2000s Lexus GX 470 for that. 100k on the odo for a modern Lexus or Toyota is nothing.

Posted: 9/28/2016 10:23:36 PM EDT

[#8]

4th Gen 4Runner. 2005 to 2010 to avoid headgasket issues that some V6s had from 2003 to 2005(depending on build date). You can get the V8 also.

Posted: 10/1/2016 1:26:59 AM EDT

[#9]

I'm sure some will disagree, but in that price range I'm really trying to find a 2006-2010 Explorer with the 4.6L V8. Seem to be some in the $13k range with about 60,000 miles.

Posted: 10/12/2016 7:22:22 PM EDT

[#10]

Hmm...there are two GX470s with around 100k on them for less than $15k within 100 miles. I wouldn't have looked at those. Interesting.

I had a 2007 Explorer for a work truck back in 2009. It went to the shop twice in a year. I really liked it otherwise. I guess at 100k the Lexus would be a much better bet than the Ford, tho.

Posted: 10/12/2016 8:21:50 PM EDT

[#11]

Check this out:

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchresults.action/?stkTypId=28881&stkTyp=U&tracktype=usedcc&mkId=20081&AmbMkId=20081&AmbMkNm=Porsche&make=Porsche&AmbMdId=20791&AmbMdNm=Cayenne&model=Cayenne&mdId=20791&prMx=15000&rd=250&zc=31501&searchSource=QUICK_FORM

You can get a nice Cayenne for $15k or so.

Posted: 10/12/2016 9:52:29 PM EDT

[#12]

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Check this out:

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchresults.action/?stkTypId=28881&stkTyp=U&tracktype=usedcc&mkId=20081&AmbMkId=20081&AmbMkNm=Porsche&make=Porsche&AmbMdId=20791&AmbMdNm=Cayenne&model=Cayenne&mdId=20791&prMx=15000&rd=250&zc=31501&searchSource=QUICK_FORM

You can get a nice Cayenne for $15k or so.

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those must depreciate like a ton of bricks

Posted: 10/13/2016 1:07:34 AM EDT

[#13]

I just got this for $11.5k after some looking. 2003 with 190k miles. All service up to date and brand new BFG KO2s. Awesome truck. Plan to drive it as long as possible, which should be a very long time. Unfortunately it didn't come with a blue helmet.

Posted: 10/13/2016 8:54:13 AM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
Hmm...there are two GX470s with around 100k on them for less than $15k within 100 miles. I wouldn't have looked at those. Interesting.

I had a 2007 Explorer for a work truck back in 2009. It went to the shop twice in a year. I really liked it otherwise. I guess at 100k the Lexus would be a much better bet than the Ford, tho.

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If you drive one, you will end up buying one!

Posted: 10/13/2016 1:47:51 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:

those must depreciate like a ton of bricks

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Check this out:

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchresults.action/?stkTypId=28881&stkTyp=U&tracktype=usedcc&mkId=20081&AmbMkId=20081&AmbMkNm=Porsche&make=Porsche&AmbMdId=20791&AmbMdNm=Cayenne&model=Cayenne&mdId=20791&prMx=15000&rd=250&zc=31501&searchSource=QUICK_FORM

You can get a nice Cayenne for $15k or so.

those must depreciate like a ton of bricks

Does it cost another $15k to change the plug wires on these? That's crazy, thought these went for like $80k new?

Posted: 10/13/2016 2:00:27 PM EDT

[#16]

I know that you are getting rid of a Jeep but have you considered looking at 2002-2007 Jeep KJ Liberty? I have a 2002 Liberty Limited with the 3.7L V6 and have 209,000 trouble free miles on it.

The Ford 4.6L V8 is a good dependable motor but is under powered (at least in a extended cap 4x4 truck). I had that motor in a 97 F150 extended cab 4x4 and it had 205,000 miles on it when I traded it in for the Liberty.

The 4.6 was very dependable for me, it just didn't have enough power for my truck, it would bog down pulling trailers. It would probably be fine in a SUV.

Posted: 10/13/2016 3:18:41 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
Hmm...there are two GX470s with around 100k on them for less than $15k within 100 miles. I wouldn't have looked at those. Interesting.

I had a 2007 Explorer for a work truck back in 2009. It went to the shop twice in a year. I really liked it otherwise. I guess at 100k the Lexus would be a much better bet than the Ford, tho.

View Quote

You can go to mylexus and create an account, put in the vin as if you already own the car, and see service history. (ETA also check out GXOR on facebook)

I bought a 2004 GX470 back in August and I've been really happy with it so far.

Posted: 10/13/2016 10:37:53 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:

Does it cost another $15k to change the plug wires on these? That's crazy, thought these went for like $80k new?

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Check this out:

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchresults.action/?stkTypId=28881&stkTyp=U&tracktype=usedcc&mkId=20081&AmbMkId=20081&AmbMkNm=Porsche&make=Porsche&AmbMdId=20791&AmbMdNm=Cayenne&model=Cayenne&mdId=20791&prMx=15000&rd=250&zc=31501&searchSource=QUICK_FORM

You can get a nice Cayenne for $15k or so.

those must depreciate like a ton of bricks

Does it cost another $15k to change the plug wires on these? That's crazy, thought these went for like $80k new?

Check out the mileage. At or above 100k for the most part and 8-12 years old.

Cayennes start at $59k now. Much less back then.

Posted: 10/13/2016 11:00:44 PM EDT

[#19]

The Lexus GX470 is an awesome vehicle. I have a 2008 with 122,000 on it and it runs and rides like new... and goes anywhere.

Posted: 10/14/2016 5:42:39 PM EDT

[#20]

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The Lexus GX470 is an awesome vehicle. I have a 2008 with 122,000 on it and it runs and rides like new... and goes anywhere.

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There is an 09 with 113k miles for 19k about 40min away from me. I was looking at 4runners but the GX is the same price. Worth looking into or just save up for a new 4runner?

Posted: 10/14/2016 7:21:19 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:

I just got this for $11.5k after some looking. 2003 with 190k miles. All service up to date and brand new BFG KO2s. Awesome truck. Plan to drive it as long as possible, which should be a very long time. Unfortunately it didn't come with a blue helmet.

View Quote

Mine's 23 and going strong. You're is just getting broken in.

Posted: 10/15/2016 1:13:01 AM EDT

[#22]

Keep in mind that with the Lexus GX and LX, the oil hydralic suspension will likely crap out after a 100k or 150k miles. If you properly maintain it with flushing the fluid, you may get a few more miles out of them.

Just make sure you have some money saved on the side when the LX or GX suspension goes out. You will be ready to changed to a traditional struts and coil system. They run about 1200 + labor.

My 02 Lexus LX 470 suspension crapped out at 120k miles. I had to switch to a OMU kit with a 3" lift. Yep, I've one of few that's lifted a Lexus, of course I had to get bigger tires(Nitto Terra Grabbler 285 75-16) later and it looked funny with a left and smallish tire.
I typically get a double take and then get compliments on its looks.

Posted: 10/17/2016 8:18:52 AM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
Keep in mind that with the Lexus GX and LX, the oil hydralic suspension will likely crap out after a 100k or 150k miles. If you properly maintain it with flushing the fluid, you may get a few more miles out of them.

Just make sure you have some money saved on the side when the LX or GX suspension goes out. You will be ready to changed to a traditional struts and coil system. They run about 1200 + labor.

My 02 Lexus LX 470 suspension crapped out at 120k miles. I had to switch to a OMU kit with a 3" lift. Yep, I've one of few that's lifted a Lexus, of course I had to get bigger tires(Nitto Terra Grabbler 285 75-16) later and it looked funny with a left and smallish tire.
I typically get a double take and then get compliments on its looks.

View Quote

Yep, I bought my GX with 138k miles and someone had already put some kind of coils in the rear. I upgraded to Toytec Boss 2.0 anyway.

And 265/70R17 KO2s.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What's the best mid-size SUV I can get for around $12-15k?

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