PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

My sister-in-law is in the market for a daily beater, but she wants:

a: something big(ger) and roomy, but she doesn't really like wagons,
b: something gas-efficient, so a FWD 4-cylinder engine is the goal,
c: and something cheap, around $5-7k so she can just pay for it in full.

So far, we have been looking at these (all around 75k miles, all near MY2000) :

(lower mileage and newer)
Kia Sportage
Hyundai Santa Fe
Saturn Vue

(higher mileage and older)
Honda CR-V
Toyota Rav4
Scion xB (maybe)

Any recommendations? Any other vehicles?

Any comments about these cars being older model versions with high mileage?

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

Is that before Hyundai ramped up quality? If so I'd get the Rav4.

Shoyuu

Rav4 or CR-V would be my vote.

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

I think the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V is a good way to go.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I should say that because of the popularity of the Rav4 and CR-V, they would be a couple of years older and have higher mileage than a similarly priced Sportage, Santa Fe, or Vue.

That is one thing to consider...

Shoyuu

I guess it depends on how much older and mileage they have compared to the others.

I must admit, the Vue does look nice on the outside and I've always thought the Sportage was a decent looking cross-over.

irv_usc

i have a gen1 scion xb 5spd manual.

1. great gas mileage. i average between 29-32 mpg per tank depending on my driving habits. this is with aftermarket I/H/E, bigger wheels.
2. extremely roomy interior. you can seat 4 very comfortably. or 5 if the people in back aren't too large. my 6'5" friend sits in the rear without any legroom issues.
3. fold the back seats down and you get a ton of cargo space.
4. pick up with a manual is pretty decent considering it dynoed at 89 whp.

cons -
boxy shape
it is definitely a wagon
road noise isolation not adequate.

spwolf

tough choices in used market... reliable brands and holding value better now as well as 4cly cars.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Out of price range though. Looking for $5-7k vehicles...

LexFather

I would go with the trusted CR-V, Rav-4 or xB at this point dude.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

id go with the rav4.