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A used SUV is a great way to get a great vehicle for a reasonable price. Even if your budget is small, you can still get something that fits your needs – and it can be stylish, too. Of course it may take a little more legwork, but some research and patience can help you get what you want. Check out these five killer SUVs under $5,000 that you can buy right now, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Used Ford SUVs sit on a dealer lot.
Ford SUVs on a dealership lot | Scott Olson via Getty Images

The 2004 Ford Expedition is a great used SUV under $5,000

The 2004 Ford Expedition has plenty of room for your passengers and all their belongings. This is a quiet, larger SUV. That size does mean that it’s slow to accelerate and brake, and its tires do lose grip sometimes when cornering. It also only gets 14 city mpg and 18 on the highway. Yet it’s easy to handle and has well-designed controls. As far as SUVs under $5,000, it’s not a bad choice. 

The 2005 Subaru Forester may be harder to find, but it’s worth it

The 2005 Subaru Forester is a great used SUV under $5,000. It’s got all-wheel drive and pretty good acceleration. It’s also got safety on its side, with its original crash-test ratings being excellent. The Forester has also got plenty of room, and a rugged, boxy appeal.

The 2003 Lexus RX 300 may be high mileage, but it’s still a good SUV

Kelley Blue Book says you might have some trouble finding a 2003 Lexus RX 300 that doesn’t have high mileage. Still, this is a great used SUV under $5,000. Not only is the 2003 Lexus RX 300 a luxury used SUV at a reasonable price, it’s also reliable.

The 2003 Toyota RAV4 is a solid SUV under $5,000

Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2003 Toyota RAV4 is one of the first compact SUVs. They also point out that the RAV4 is known for its “safety, reliability, and efficiency.” Even eighteen years after its debut, it’s still a great SUV. 

The 2005 Honda Pilot is the best SUV under $5,000 that you can buy

Kelley Blue Book says that this is the best used SUV under $5,000 that you can buy. The Honda Pilot has been a great SUV since its inception, and the 2005 model doesn’t disappoint. The 2005 Honda Pilot is a three-row SUV with lots of space and a V6 engine. When it was first released, it had good safety ratings and equipment. Of course, safety has improved over the last sixteen years and safety features have become more advanced. Yet if your budget for a used SUV is under $5,000, the 2005 Honda Pilot is a fantastic choice.

If you are looking for a used SUV under $5,000, any of the SUVs on this list are a great starting point. When you’re car shopping, make sure you do a test drive of any vehicle that you’re considering. Also check out its crash test ratings and get a vehicle history report. You may also want to take it to an independent mechanic to make sure that your new-to-you vehicle is in the condition you’re expecting. Just because your budget is under $5,000 doesn’t mean you can’t get a good used SUV.

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