[Ronald McChevy]

So I want to buy a used small truck or SUV in good shape for under $6k. I prefer GM but if I can't find anything I'm willing to go for something else (something like an Outback could be cool).

I don't want something huge, just enough to haul small stuff around, and still get decent fuel economy.

My only other requirements are that it must be an automatic and must have A/C, otherwise I'm pretty open. Four or five seats is preferred, but I could go with a regular cab if I found something I liked.

Any thoughts?

 

[MonteCarloSS86]

The '96 Grand Cherokee 2WD I have has been great... the I6 is a rock-solid motor and the four-speed auto has been great. It's got 139K miles on it and the only problem so far has been a dead fuel pump.

17 city without babying it, 23 highway.

 

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

What you should look at is a big gas guzzler their prices have fallen like rocks

 

[Ronald McChevy]

What you should look at is a big gas guzzler their prices have fallen like rocks

yeah a big truck is not gonna work because of my parking situation (vary narrow street around my building, tiny space - this is California afetr all).

even a Grand Cherokee would be cutting it close - I was thinking about a Wrangler though.

 

[MonteCarloSS86]

Ohh, the GC is shorter than the Outback so I figured it was fair game. (185" vs 177")

 

[davidlane]

A quick check on cars.com shows a number of Ford Rangers in the $5-6,000 range. Some with as few as 15,000 miles. Their are Mazda B series with as few as 34K miles.

 

[montrealvue]

Outback would be a great choice. Yes, you will pay more for it but the maintenence and fuel costs would be lower than a GM SUV. Pay now or pay later......

 

[cyclone]

Blazer , TrailBlazer both great, I've owned 2 Blazers, And Currently own a trailblazer.

 

[darndot]

My wife has a trailblazer, and I would recomend one if you want a SUV. Have you thought about a HHR?

 

[FenwickHockey65]

GMT-360. Only it'll suck gas like none other.

Or an HHR.

 

[Wolfman01]

I have a 98 Jeep Cherokee. Same I-6 engine in a smaller package. With my hypermiling driving style, I can coax 30mpg out of mine pretty much at will on the highway (highest ever logged was 31.4mpg @ 55mph from Denver, CO to Amarillo, TX). Mine is however the 5 speed manual, but still 4x4. I have 160k miles on mine, and It still runs like new. The I6 engine is ancient, but bulletproof.

 

[Ronald McChevy]

My wife has a trailblazer, and I would recomend one if you want a SUV. Have you thought about a HHR?

I know there are a lot of HHR lovers around here, but I just don't like it

Anyway, great suggestions... Ranger was one of my first thoughts, along with Wrangler. As far as GM goes my top picks are S-10, Sonoma, and Blazer.

 

[F14CRAZY]

I'm not sure how much truck you need but an Outback or Forester is a great choice.

If you prefer something beefier, may I suggest a 5.0L '96-01 Explorer?

EDIT: you want the 302 because the auto trans is MUCH more durable and mileage won't hardly be less. If you want the 4.0L get the manual trans

 

[darndot]

How about something like a Tracker. They should be under 6K. With the extra money buy a lift kit and some bigger tires.


Also skip the Trailblazer and buy a Envoy. They look nicer.

 

[Ronald McChevy]

How about something like a Tracker. They should be under 6K. With the extra money buy a lift kit and some bigger tires.


Also skip the Trailblazer and buy a Envoy. They look nicer.

ooh i forgot about the Tracker... that would be perfect.

 

[Ronald McChevy]

I think I've narrowed it down to a Chevy Blazer or an Isuzu Rodeo (or Honda Passport - same car).

Anything I should know about those cars from the late 90's / early 00's?

 

[F14CRAZY]

noooooo you gotta get an Explorer!

 

[darndot]

I think I've narrowed it down to a Chevy Blazer or an Isuzu Rodeo (or Honda Passport - same car).

Anything I should know about those cars from the late 90's / early 00's?

My 91 Sonoma was a great little truck. 170,000 and never had the motor or clutch open. I was it running around till a few years ago. It had to have 250,000 plus on it. The Blazer should do the same for you.

 

[baby-vortec2900]

HHR would definitly be at the top of my list of recommendations as it has been a great car for my dad. You would be surprised at the true versatility and space it really has. But if you don't like the way it looks, then you don't need one, great car though...

Other then that, I'd look around and see if you can somehow find a steal on a Colorado/Canyon. Great trucks and I would swear by it. I cannot bring myself to reccomend the S10, but a lot here seem to like it. I will remain nuetral on it despite my negative experiense with my granddad's.

 

[King Riffle]

I know there are a lot of HHR lovers around here, but I just don't like it

Anyway, great suggestions... Ranger was one of my first thoughts, along with Wrangler. As far as GM goes my top picks are S-10, Sonoma, and Blazer.

Wranglers are small but get terrible gas mileage. It'd be cool if you go offroad a bunch, otherwise I wouldn't bother.

Out of the two you've chosen, I'd take the Rodeo. I know I'll catch flack for this, but I rank the Blazer/Jimmy down there with the previous gen Malibu and the Uplander/Relay/Terraza. Absolute crap.

And yes, I have driven them before. On more than one occasion in fact.