Buying any used vehicle for less than $5,000 can be a real challenge these days, let alone a used SUV — although prices are better now than they were a few years ago. Finding a quality used SUV at this price point is as much about the individual example as it is about the brand, model, or trim, as how the vehicle was cared for can have a much greater impact on your ownership experience than the amount of equipment fitted or whether it comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD).
Most of the vehicles on this list are about 20 years old. Look for well-kept models with good service history and an accident-free report, and even these sub-$5,000 SUVs can keep you on the road for years to come. Tip: With a vehicle this age, you may want to get a used car inspection from a mechanic before you buy.
To help you with your search, here are 10 of the best used SUVs you’ll find for less than $5,000.
1. 2006 Honda Pilot
With lots of capacity for passengers and cargo (up to eight occupants and 87.6 cubic feet, respectively), the 2006 Honda Pilot is an immensely practical vehicle that isn’t as immense as a full-size SUV. That translates to easier parking and better gas mileage for you. For our money, the mid-range EX is the best fit, although you may find leather-upholstered EX-L models within reach in some regions.
See used Honda Pilot models for sale near you
2. 2006 Toyota Highlander
Like the Pilot, the 2006 Toyota Highlander is a family favorite for its flexible cabin, good balance of space and size, and reliability. The Highlander is a bit smaller than the Pilot. It has seating for 5-7 occupants and up to 80.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The base 4-cylinder engine is a fine choice, but if you can find an example with the optional V6, you’ll appreciate the extra passing power.
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3. 2006 Honda CR-V
The last year of the second-generation CR-V, the 2006 Honda CR-V is an efficient, practical compact SUV with classic good looks and all of the comfort, space, and utility you expect of a Honda. The 4-cylinder engine is reasonably efficient at 23 mpg combined (or 22 mpg with optional all-wheel drive). There’s even an available manual transmission on all-wheel-drive models. The CR-V offers seating for five and up to 72 cubic feet of cargo space. You might also be able to find a third-gen 2007 in this price range.
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4. 2006 Toyota RAV4
If you’re noticing a pattern here, good — the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is Toyota’s foil to the CR-V, and it’s every bit as beloved by its fan base, for good reason. It’s also a reliable, practical option that’s inexpensive to operate and maintain. The RAV4 just edges out the CR-V in cargo space with 73 cubic feet. It’s also available with an optional third row that offers seating for up to seven occupants.
See used Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
5. 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
The oldest model on our list, the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban is also the most capable in some regards, with up to 8,400 pounds towing capacity in addition to seating for up to nine and 138.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2003 Suburban is also available with 4-wheel drive and comes standard with a 5.3-liter V8 engine.
See used Chevrolet Suburban models for sale near you
6. 2006 Nissan Xterra
Long beloved by adventurers and off-roaders for its ability as well as utility, the 2006 Nissan Xterra is also civilized enough for the daily grind. If you’re looking for a do-it-all family vehicle that’s also up for some fun on the weekends, the Xterra may be your next SUV. The Xterra seats five occupants and fits up to 65.7 cubic feet of cargo.
See used Nissan Xterra models for sale near you
7. 2007 Subaru Forester
Somewhat smaller but with a surprisingly spacious cargo area, the 2007 Subaru Forester makes the most of its size, seating five occupants and holding up to 68.6 cubic feet of cargo. The Forester is a great choice for those who regularly drive gravel roads or who deal with winter weather, as it comes with standard all-wheel drive and also offers 8 inches of ground clearance. If you find a high-mileage example, make sure the timing belt has been replaced and there are no head gasket issues.
See used Subaru Forester models for sale near you
8. 2010 Mazda CX-7
For those who want to transport their families in comfort and style while still preserving some element of sporty driving feel, the 2010 Mazda CX-7 is the have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too choice, especially on our budget. Fun to drive in a way few SUVs manage, the CX-7 also offers 58.6 cubic feet of cargo space and roomy seating for five occupants as well as an available 244-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. However, we recommend the base engine. It is less powerful, but is more fuel-efficient and is reported to be more reliable than the turbo.
See used Mazda CX-7 models for sale near you
9. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
Splitting the difference between the capability of a full-size SUV and the easy-to-maneuver midsize realm, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder offers seating for seven, up to 145.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and an available 5.6-liter V8 engine that can tow up to 7,000 pounds. If you don’t need the maximum towing capacity, however, the standard 4.0-liter V6 is a potent and capable engine in its own right. Both engines can be had with 4-wheel drive.
See used Nissan Pathfinder models for sale near you
10. 2008 GMC Acadia
The 2008 GMC Acadia brings some minivan-like aspects to the SUV world, with seating for up to eight occupants and 116.9 cubic feet of cargo volume. The third-row seats are easy to access and surprisingly roomy, and higher-spec models offer features like dual sunroofs, tri-zone automatic climate control, rear parking assist, and a power liftgate.
See used GMC Acadia models for sale near you
10 Best Used SUVs Under $5,000
- 2006 Honda Pilot
- 2006 Toyota Highlander
- 2006 Honda CR-V
- 2006 Toyota RAV4
- 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2006 Nissan Xterra
- 2007 Subaru Forester
- 2010 Mazda CX-7
- 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2008 GMC Acadia
