My friend is looking for a Honda or Toyota family SUV with a budget of about 5K.
Not too big or too small.
I hear mention of off brands on this site once in a while and you guys are good.
Which sites for shopping?
Thanks!

A couple of years ago we bought a 2001 Honda CR-V from Craigslist for my college age daughter to drive. It's been a great vehicle and seats 4 adults comfortably. The AWD system works well in snow. I've done the timing belt, water pump, front brake pads and rotors, and for peace of mind installed a new radiator.

Car uses no oil and starts every day. Works great for my daughter. Once she is out of college we will likely keep the CR-V.

The only thing I don't like about it is that the metal body panels seem very thin. The car dents easily from parking lot encounters with doors.

13

I suggest you take a look at a Subie, cheaper than a Honda or Toyota.

Good luck.

With a 5K budget I'd suggest considering minivans -- Honda or Toyota. The safest cars on the road -- statistically -- are minivans and large SUVs -- but a Land Cruiser or mega-Lexus is probably out of the 5K budget range.

Suggest also looking to private parties and word-of mouth. Get a pre-purchase inspection.

BtC

'98 V70 T5 205K mi., 5-speed manual, original clutch, third evaporator, third windshield, heated velour cloth comfy chairs (need help), factory HD suspension (1998 only), front IPD stabilizer bar, rear HD Bilsteins, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, XC grill, C70 jewel E-Codes, V-1, Lidatek, IPD stuff, JB Weld, Original Duck Tape, zip-ties, Mobil-1 since new. Goal: to the MOON! (221,600 mi. at perigee.)

Something newer (German) (crossed over to the Dark Side) still a manual transmission -- 6-speed -- but with considerably fewer miles.

Number of children and ages? Do they really want AWD for winter sports. $5K will be a large market for Honda or Toyota, but they really only carry 4 people unless they are open to an Odyssey or Sienna. Any truck with a 3rd row will have limited space for luggage.
--
My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Fam of 4 + lab. Don't know about passengers. Trips upstate and soon college with stuff. Light winter sports. In the CRV, Rav 4 mindset. Minivan may have been vetoed. Thanks very much