I have only ever owned a sedan, and I live in the PNW. I've been looking around on used marketplaces for options that I could use as a daily driver, but also take to the trails. My budget is tight... as in, $6,000 & under.So far, I've been considering the Mitsubishi Montero, Kia Sorento, Toyota Highlander, & Honda Element. Any of these would have around 150K miles on them.My biggest concerns are reliability and fuel economy. I do not have a history of wrenching, but I'm looking forward to learning. That said, I don't want to be constantly working on the car.I'm curious what you all might suggest.
>>29051353pretty much every one of those vehicles can handle the same level of "trails" as a honda civic unless you put another few thousand in mods and tires on it
>>29051353diesel volvo xc70element is good too
I think you can get a used condom for $6k
>>29051358I appreciate the honesty. If I really think about it, I mostly just need more space and something that can get outside. I'm not looking to do any serious offroading.
>>29051364>I mostly just need more space and something that can get outside. I'm not looking to do any serious offroading.so anything that has AWD, like Subaru Forester.getting something decent for 6k is the tricklook at ads by owner and try to find some old guy single owner who cant drive anymore.Of course we would all like the Rav4 or 4Runner, but those are way overpriced from high demand.
As a lifted element haver its only for up to level B roads. If you are going down trails you want at least a center diff subaru style awd or 4wd. With that budget I'd get a manual 2nd gen forester or non meme taxed baja with bad head gasket and swap in an ebay low milage japanese engine. Theres nothing to pulling motors on these. The hood dont even have to come off. For better wheeling but shitter daily empeegees the shitbox jeep liberties can make good budget offroaders.
>>29051364some kind of subaru like suggested above would be a good choice. also consider and older awd toyota rav4 or honda crv, they're both very reliable and known to last very high mileage. plus they have a decent amount of ground clearance for bumps and stuff.
>>29051353>Fuel economy>SUVEither pick one or get both by getting an Audi Q7 TDI, it's all wheel drive and especially once deleted they are easy to own and get well over 30mpgYou get could a Jetta Sportwagen TDI 50 highway or more realistic 40mpg everyday. Could easily put a small lift kit and still get great fuel economy. I'll never understand how Gas Babies get SUVs and Crossovers and then desire fuel economy.
>>29051353Buy a Geo Tracker
>>29053209If you do this you better treat it rightPeople do heinous things to these
>>29051353>A reliable, economical car to get outdoorsA dacia sandero with the 4x4 option, or a suzuki jimny.
Nissan Xterra First Gen 2003–2004 These years avoid the catastrophic transmission and timing chain flaws that plagued earlier production runs and fit your price. Go for the V6 if possible and check the service record.
2012 through 2015 are also good years but idk if you will find one for the price you want
