Car shopping is expensive, and not everyone can afford to splurge on a new vehicle. But what if you’re in the market for an SUV and only have $5,000 to shop with? Can you really find viable options? Absolutely.
There’s such a large used car market, where you can find just about any make and model under the sun, including SUVs that fit your established budget. We mined the data using several reputable car sites such as Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, and Cars.com, as well as listings, so you don’t have to.
In our search, we found quite a few options if you’re looking to buy an SUV on the cheaper side. These are just several that stood out for the reasons listed. A word of warning: Always be cautious and research any used vehicle before you buy it, including its history of accidents or other damage that can affect its performance moving forward.
2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 X
Subarus are well-known for their safety and reliability. Those who own them tend to keep them for more than a decade, according to Brandon Tomes Subaru, because as long as you maintain them, they keep going like the Energizer bunny.
Kelley Blue Book’s fair purchase price lists the 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 X — which has a 4.5 reliability rating — at $3,500.
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has been available since its debut in 2011 and continues to be a budget model for the manufacturer today. Older versions, like the 2013 Sport SE model, are available through individual sellers and dealerships across the country.
Sometimes, you can find them for less than the KBB value of $5,472. It’s also popular with consumers, with a reliability rating of 4.7.
2013 Ford Escape SE
The Ford Escape has been around since the turn of the century and is the first vehicle where Ford stepped away from the truck platform in favor of a unibody.
In our research, we’ve found several listings that match or fall under the KBB value of $5,402, including some options with less than 100,000 miles. The vehicle has a reliability score of 4 out of 5.
2008 Hyundai Tucson SE
The Hyundai Tucson SE is touted for its cargo space and fuel efficiency, and is still around, with a redesign for 2025. However, if you’re not looking to splurge on a new vehicle and simply want an inexpensive option, you can find several older ones for sale, including the 2008 model, for under $5,000.
The KBB value is $4,129 and consumers have rated it a 4 out of 5 for reliability, according to Edmunds.
2010 Chevrolet Equinox LS
Chevy is known for its full line-up of SUV options. The Equinox falls in the compact range, offering a combination of space and fuel efficiency. We happened to come across the 2010 model quite a few times in our search for SUVs under $5,000.
If you are considering the model, make sure the list price falls in with KBB’s value, $4,848. More than 300 consumers have left reviews on Edmunds, giving it a reliability score of 4 out of 5.
2011 Kia Sorento LX
When Kia first came out, it was marketed as a budget brand. It eventually branched out and grew its lineup, and the Sorento is one of its SUV options.
The KBB value of a 2011 model is $4,984, though our search did elicit some results of 2012 and 2013 models for under $5,000, too, with slightly higher mileage. The 2011 Sorento is pretty reliable, according to consumers who have given it a 4.2 rating.
2008 Jeep Liberty Sport
Jeep lovers rejoice! If you’ve been in the market for a Jeep under $5,000 the good news is we found several listings that fit the criteria, including this one. The model has since been discontinued and replaced with the Cherokee, but there are plenty on the used car market if you take the time to sort through listings.
According to KBB, the fair purchase price for the Sport Utility 4D ($4,440) and Limited Edition Sport Utility 4D ($4,825) is under the established price point. The vehicle also has a 4.2 reliability rating.
2012 Nissan Rogue S
Another SUV that consistently came up in our search through various listings is the 2012 Nissan Rogue S. This crossover is one of the smaller SUVs in Nissan’s lineup.
Per KBB, the fair market purchase price for the S Sport Utility 4D is $4,784. This lines up with listings we have found on several sites. Additionally, it has a 4.1 reliability rating.
2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
When this vehicle came out, it developed a bit of a loyal following due to its unique design. Originally marketed to younger folks, it quickly became a running joke that it was the dad jeans of cars.
While the model was discontinued 15 years ago, there are still many floating around for sale. The KBB value ranges from $2,761 to $3,570, depending on the model, which is great for your wallet if you’re on a budget. It also carries a 4.2 reliability rating, so you could get a lot of bang for your buck.
