The lady needs a good, used 4wd

[Colorado Rambler]

I live in SW Colorado and enjoy off-roading and camping in both the Utah Canyonlands and the Colorado Mountains. I plan on moving to Durango, Colorado soon where they can have snowy winters.

I would like to get a used 4wd SUV (prefer Toyota, but open to others). I'd like one with 150,000 miles or less. The only two accessories I consider a must are AC and cruise control. Running boards and brush guard a plus.

How much should I expect to pay for such a vehicle?

And, yes, I do realize gas is climbing to $5.00 a gallon, but what's a girl to do?

Thanks for any info you all can give me!

[speediva]

Your price range is going to be ALL over the board. Every make/model, year, and mileage will have a different value - and some will be several thousands of dollars different.

Aside from gas prices going out of control, you'll also want to consider that some SUVs will be more expensive to insure, and more costly to maintain.

Also, are you looking at more compact 4wd SUVs or at something more spacious?

Narrowing any of the above variables down will give us a MUCH better opportunity to help you with your search.

[Colorado Rambler]

Thanks for your response, speediva. I only have $6,000 or so to spend and was thinking along the lines of a Toyota 4-runner, 4wd, and 6 cylinder engine. A Ford Explorer might also be a possibility if I could find one in my price range with 100,000 miles or less. I would also consider a jeep. Does that help?

[speediva]

Much!

Jeep will probably be the cheaper to maintain and buy between the Toyota and Jeep. You've got a pretty solid price range, but I would probably *try* to aim more at the $5k-$5500 price market so that you still have a little left in reserve in case something breaks. There will probably also be a TON of Jeeps in your price range in all kinds of years, mileages, conditions, etc. I'll be honest that I'm not 100% sure about the used 4-Runner market as far as what you'll find in your price range.

I know you mentioned 4wd, but what about Subaru? The AWD is actually more gas-friendly than a LOT of V6 models, plus you have a whole host of vehicle options other than "box on wheels" if you're not into that. I have had my Forester (4cyl, manual) for almost 6 years now, and I can say I have never encountered a situation where I would have needed more than AWD. Granted, I don't frequently offroad, and Pennsylvania (where I bought the Subaru) doesn't get half the snow of CO, but it is assuredly in your price range and might be a more gas-friendly alternative.

[Colorado Rambler]

Thanks for your suggestions! I once owned a Suburu and absolutely loved it! Unfortunately, I need a vehicle with a bit more clearance than what a Suburu has. Still, I'll keep suburu as a possibility in the back of my mind. Out here in western Colorado, 4wd's do seem to go at a higher price than they would back East.

Thanks again!

[speediva]

As memory serves, I think the 2nd generation Forester comes in at 8" of ground clearance, but you're probably right that the Outback, Legacy, etc. sit a bit lower. Keep us posted, and don't forget to come back to the make/model forum for your new ride when you find it!