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?

 

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

 

Rav4 or CR-V would be my vote.

 

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

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

id go with the rav4.