Best Used Compact SUVs on a $5,000 Budget

When you’re on a tight budget, spending your money wisely is essential. If you plan on buying a used car for less than $5,000, making a good decision is often less about choosing the right model for you and more about choosing a vehicle that has been properly cared for over the years. Some models routinely appear on the market despite being more than 20 years old, which speaks to their longevity. When shopping at this end of the market, getting an independent inspection is always a good idea to ensure you’re buying solid transportation and not someone else’s problems.

Here are 10 good compact SUVs under $5,000.

1. 2008 Chevrolet Equinox

Critics and consumers hailed the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox for its excellent passenger and cargo space and strong V6 engine when new, and it carries those strengths into the used market. While it is essential to shop for the best condition and lowest mileage you can afford on a $5,000 budget, you should be able to find a nicely equipped midrange LT model.

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2. 2007 Ford Escape

If Ford is more your style, the 2007 Escape is a great choice, with even the top-spec Limited model in reach of our budget, meaning a V6 engine and 4-wheel drive (4WD) are possibilities, too. A roomy rear seat and decent fuel economy are among the 2007 Ford Escape’s other strengths.

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3. 2005 Honda CR-V

A stalwart of the compact SUV category, the 2005 Honda CR-V is an excellent all-arounder. It’s reliable and has low operating costs to match our budget. It’s an obvious choice, because it works so well for so many people.

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4. 2014 Buick Encore

The 2014 Buick Encore is among the newest vehicles on this list, and although it’s also one of the smallest, it’s a comfortable, well-equipped vehicle that was praised when new for its available all-wheel drive (AWD) and nice interior. Look for everything up to the Leather trim, appropriately equipped with leather upholstery, on our budget.

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5. 2011 Kia Sportage

The 2011 Kia Sportage is one of the SUVs that helped build Kia’s image and reputation into what it is today. Its features, design, and functionality continue to show their value in the used market. On our budget, look for midtier LX models, with or without the optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

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6. 2009 Mercury Mariner

If you’re young enough, you may not remember Mercury as a living, breathing car brand because it was killed off in 2011. However, the 2009 Mercury Mariner should be familiar to everyone as it’s essentially a clone of the Ford Escape. With the same strengths as the Ford, plus more refined styling, the Mariner is an equally good option for $5,000 or less.

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7. 2011 Nissan Rogue

When it was new, the 2011 Nissan Rogue was the stylish alternative to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. These days, you can find considerably newer used Rogue models on our budget than either of the others, which is only to our advantage. In addition to being stylish, the 2011 Rogue is practical, comfortable, and surprisingly engaging to drive.

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8. 2009 Saturn Vue

Closely related to the contemporary Chevrolet Equinox, the 2009 Saturn Vue offered a different look and feel that went along with Saturn’s brand image of being a different kind of car company. Boldly styled and nicely equipped, the Vue carries on despite the demise of its parent company in late 2010.

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9. 2008 Subaru Forester

If you’re looking for a used compact SUV to get you around all through winter or up that gravel road to your campsite, the 2008 Subaru Forester is a great choice, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and relatively high ground clearance. Its boxy shape also makes for lots of interior passenger and cargo space.

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10. 2004 Toyota RAV4

Alongside the Honda CR-V, the 2004 Toyota RAV4 stands as one of the legends of the segment. Even nearly 20 years on, the RAV4 is lauded for its reliability, comfort, and practical interior. If you’re having trouble finding some of the less common models on this list, there should be several RAV4s within budget near you.

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Best Used Compact SUVs On a $5,000 Budget

1. 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
2. 2007 Ford Escape
3. 2005 Honda CR-V
4. 2014 Buick Encore
5. 2011 Kia Sportage
6. 2009 Mercury Mariner
7. 2011 Nissan Rogue
8. 2009 Saturn Vue
9. 2008 Subaru Forester
10. 2004 Toyota RAV4