Top 5 Reliable SUVs Under $3000 - Cheap Used SUVs for Less Than 3k

In this video I am going to give you my top 5 picks for a reliable SUV for under $3000. We are not going to be concerned with looks, 0-60 times, or even MPG this video is about RELIABILITY only. So basically I am going to cover cars that are cheap yet have no major or commonly known engine or transmission issues.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

[@devinmcdaniel3688]

Bought a 96’ 4Runner that now has a 286k on the clock. It’s the best vehicle I’ve ever owned.

[@wholeNwon]

That probably means you've never had any Toyota before.

[@devinmcdaniel3688]

wholeNwon First Toyota, and won’t be the last one either. 👍

[@Slychau]

I still have my 98' Limited at 210K.

[@smiddysmidton8313]

wholeNwon not true sime Toyota's are better than others. I assume he has a 3rd gen 4runner with 5vz, well they are bulletproof

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Just make sure if you live up north that you baby that frame, if you don't it rusts

[@Cheesycook]

My son is 11. He already inherited his grandmother's 98 4Runner. Got him working on it already. Awesome rig!

[@pvmwarchief]

Weither its a 200dollar junkyard car or a 3million dollar car

[@ElCocoNo_]

I have a 98’ 4Runner too. My father and I work on her whenever she needs it. 2nd but best car I’ve ever owned

[@GarretSterling]

I'll keep my 2003 Tahoe 5.3L. In 2014 I got it for $2k with 140k miles on it; with minimal maintenance costs over the years. It now has over 220k and going strong!!! I'll keep it until it blows up.

[@condog209]

Oh yeah I love the older Tahoe's Way better than the Jeeps

[@jamesgeorge65]

What are the best Tahoe model years to buy?

[@ChickenGaming-er2dy]

James George 2006 is a good model year for a tahoe

[@mogukia5806]

i love 90's design so much

[@trkrla5113]

mogu kia...Like I said...SEXY! 🚙💨

[@filipnorheim6456]

if a Toyota isnt on this list... It wont affect my day at all, but for a split second, I will feel pure rage.

[@kgisabeast]

oppenheimer well generally toyota SUVs are over 3k even if they have 250k on them

[@filipnorheim6456]

you have pleased me, Mr.Wrenches

[@freesaxon6835]

oppenheimer The force is strong in you

[@nicknicu1787]

lol

[@TheVboyfresh]

Yeah I was like no Lexus rx300

[@thefireman2854]

Unfortunately, many of these vehicles in good condition were turned in under cash for clunkers.

[@masterk5066]

Thefireman 285 Cause people find out they have a repair that costs more than 50 bucks, Panic, then call the junkers & go out to get a 400+ a month car note at 10%++ Interest lol

[@shitboxoffroad]

Thanks Obama!

[@thefireman2854]

Inner G Yep, I have a good friend that worked with body shops all over the country. Cash for Clunkers put a ton of them out of business, and he had to lay off his employees and move his office to his house.

[@shitboxoffroad]

Thefireman 285 I'm very familiar, it decimated used car and used car part market, forcing the poor into loans for new cars not great in my opinion.

[@jason22talley]

Jay Man you mean bush

[@pablobueno150]

I have a 1996 Toyota Tacoma 270,000 miles still going strong 💪🏽

[@DamnedInBlack92]

The branch manager of my office has one of these 4runners with 450k miles on it.

[@carterduncan6279]

Lil Sleepy Michael Scott drives a PT Cruiser ....?

[@unicron_primus]

Number 1 is TRUE. We currently own a 98, & the thing won't DIE. 😂

[@RealityGutPunch]

You are doing great work!!! Being the 'mechanic' in my circles; I just refer friends and family to your videos. Also that way they can't blame me for crappy purchase decisions.

[@travisp11]

You had me at thumbnail! My 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport has been nearly bullet proof for the last 7 years and 70K miles. I am up to 196K and other than fluid changes, brake pad changes and heater core she has started every day for me!

[@travisp11]

ken x we may just do that!

[@axs7689]

I stay away from the Jeep brand due to reliability but didn't know there were some that are reliable

[@travisp11]

Asad Siraj you run into minor repairs like light switches and door wires that snap. Also the heater core usually should be replaced. Now, I'm only referring to the XJs. My Grand Cherokees had more electrical issues.

[@JeffDeWitt]

I've got a 96 that I bought in 97 with 28,000 miles on it. It's now got something like 600,000 and is the best car I've ever had. It's not my daily driver anymore, but I still use it fairly regularly and went for a nice ride it this afternoon. No heater core problems but two regular problems these vehicles have are with the heater blower switches and on the two doors (like mine), the weld holding the door hinge can crack and eventually break. I've had to deal with both of those problems. And it's NOT really a Chrysler, AMC designed these and that wonderful 4.0 is an AMC engine who's design goes back decades.

[@randomvideosn0where]

Well it is a Jeep, so who cares if there are no doors.

[@dawsonr8214]

He’s right the 1996 Toyota 4 runner is a beast. The thing just keeps running and running. Ours has 462000kms and runs like new

[@spencerwright5429]

Ehhh, I’d love to know where you can buy an XJ or a 4Runner for under 3k. I’m not sure you can get either for under 5k in decent shape.

[@Steven-gv1ke]

Exactly! If you find an XJ that is stock, not rusted out, and under 200k miles, you are going to pay $9,000 easy. I have seen a 2001 with 91k sell for $14,500!

[@ihearti24traffic]

common in Texas

[@abandonedbucharest7704]

Here in Romania a grand cherokee 2001 with 180k kilometers is 2500 euros

[@someguysfishing]

He did say in southern California and that in most parts of the states you may not be able to find them for that price

[@Friendsshare]

I have a feeling youtube videos like this is what makes the price of those cars higher. People wisened up and started to push demand for these great products even though they are older.

[@Blakehx]

Good stuff thanks! Will you do one of these on pickup trucks?

[@LandaverdeFrancisco]

Blakehx This!

[@lonewolf-oc9vr]

chevys

[@galoguevara6049]

Dude, you are great. Thank for all the insight. Keep up the good work.

[@mark2748]

it amazes me how american manufacturers get so little HP from such big engines

[@waterloo123100]

Biff Dingus Ford and Chrysler make good 4cly motors not Gm

[@wildbill23c]

Emissions and insurance requirements make the automakers significantly de-tune engines to the point they're extremely underpowered and terrible on fuel economy.

[@jl8853]

Lower compression does add in reliability

[@SoapAcademy]

mark lewin drove a camero the other day.. a rental. 2.0 liter motor that got 275hp! Not bad!

[@01firstlast]

This is before traction control was normal. Drive a 400 horsepower v8 with out traction control and you just spin everywhere

[@TheHerreraEra]

I agree with this list, great vehicles, in high school and up until last year I had a 96 Maxima with 300K miles it rode like a champ. I now have a 02 Pathfinder with the 3.5 and it is surprisingly great. Haven’t had any major issues, VVT solenoid and changed out some gaskets that were leaking and maybe a sensor or two but those things are really easy to repair. I also have a 2000 Xterra with the 3.3 4x4 standard and that thing is a beast.

[@fwuffy2368]

4runners on the east coast are quite expensive but so worth it

[@Defund_HOA.]

East coast is like a blackhole where all the good cars go to rust out & die.

[@cassjr17]

You and scotty are top notch.... I listen to you guys in my car and nod my head like its dr dre

[@jonathanalveriodegarcia1219]

Scotty sucks

[@tenzinyeshe7060]

@@jonathanalveriodegarcia1219 yeah hes very iffy and the clickbait titles

[@doherpa]

Great videos man! Besides the useful information, the humor at the beginnings is always good for a laugh. Keep up the good work!

[@aptv6630]

I've seen so much rubbish on KZbin, thank you so much for this video, love the chill, love the straight to the point nature.

[@mkl757]

Kudos for the straight cold face while doing promo for the merch! 😂🤣

[@tommygun6028]

As always, Great show Keep them coming...... Thanks Buddy.

[@bywayofcomanche2576]

This was REALLY helpful. Just spent all day researching best 4x4s. Thanks!!!

[@Eldoce381]

Thank u for your videos Can u make one with more reliable minivans And what are your thoughts with push start bottom thank you again your channel is awesome

[@3vann5567]

The R50 pathfinder is from 1996-2004, so you can buy the Pathfinders from '96-'04, and in 2000 they added the option to get the VQ35DE engine, which is the same engine as a 350z. My pathfinder has the VQ with a 5-spd manual and 4x4. Don't limit yourself to 2000 model year. Up to 2004 is a great buy.

[@JimLBon]

The XJ is pretty sweet. My folks have three, two over 300k miles on an all original drivetrain and engine. The 4.0/4.2 six is the best thing AMC ever came up with.

[@nuclearbum9858]

man i swear im not buying a car until i check with this dude...love it

[@XvFenixvX]

Your guess about the 4runner is right, the only 4runners from that generation that are under 3k in new england have 300k miles and rotted frames

[@ginosmovies]

Juan Cruz, at least they have great an air conditioner at 60mph,with all those body holes that is!

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

They hear of undercoating there?

[@MrCoffeekelly]

Hahaha "well it is a Chrysler"

[@milesmoore3945]

I've been really enjoying your videos, keep up the good work

[@kuruptflip21]

Love your hustle! Coming all the way from Canada. Not flashy. Down to earth and very straightforward!

[@Jalvarez2]

I love my QX4! 195k and still running strong! 💪🏻👊🏻

[@mph5896]

You must be somewhere warm. Everything on that list in Michigan is rotted out and in the scrap yard, minus the CRV which would be $6K+ around here. Dodge Durango 2004-2009 with the 4.7l. They get pretty rusty around the edges but you can buy them cheap. If the engine has been maintained and not overheated they will go along time. I have purchased them in the $800-1500 price range w 4wd. Drivetrain is pretty much bullet proof minus the occasional dropping a valve seat/warped heads if ran hot.

[@zoltarsmith9462]

I second you on the Michigan rust issue. The second generation 4runner is hard to find not rotted-out here. I had what looked like good leads in Ohio, but those also turned out to have holes in the frame. I also second you on the extra high premium on foreign brands here. It's always interesting to go to other states and see how few domestic cars there are on the roads compared to out here, and the numerous solid old vehicles that appear to be totally rust free.

[@robertmoore1839]

He is in San Diego, California

[@brebnnr205]

Wrong!!! My 3rd gen 4runners frame is in good condition and it’s been in Michigan the whole time .

[@mph5896]

Cool, you wanna sell it for under $3k then?

[@bobsmith597]

He is in socal

[@wyattoneable]

Excellent information, thanks for doing these series.

[@TheCrackupboom]

Great Video, thanks for your knowledge treatment of this subject. You are certainly needed in the used care space.

[@evanmolden3157]

Mitsubishi montero never makes it on these lists. The gen 2 has a 3.5l v6 with 215hp and 230lb/ft of torque. The SR model has a factory rear air locker 3 way adjustable shocks leather interior cam fit 33s with no lift. And you can get them for like 1500

[@bobsmith597]

It's ok but usually not as reliable as CRV's or Toyota SUV's.

[@clintadams8451]

@@bobsmith597 The crv & rav's are softroaders, you cannot compare them with a Montero

[@hououinkyouma5539]

Good luck with parts

[@BabyCharlotteschannel]

I love the styling of the Montero's. I'd love to have one with the locker, and some beefy 31 or 32'ish tires..

[@ShanepxII]

It looks like your shirt has a giant square mark from the heat press when the logo was put on it. It’s faded very light in the whole chest area. Try tossing it in the dryer, steaming it or ironing the whole shirt to get it to go away.

[@justinthematrix]

🤣 just noticed

[@ShanepxII]

Justin Shaw happens to the best of us...lol. My wife makes custom shirts and clothes for a living so I’m used to her catching the little details...lol

[@gsmusic2009]

I had a Uses Montero it lasted 7 years

[@RealList10]

Great channel! Thanks for all the great content! I see that you mention 96-02 4Runners as being very reliable but what do you think about newer 4Runners, even just a few years newer? Looking for something in the $5k - $10k range sometime in the next 12 months. Thanks in advance!

[@shamanic.alchemist]

HAHAHAHAHAHA love the video, you know what I'm laughing at!! And as usual, thanks for the great info 💪💪

[@jeffloucks2120]

You make it so hard for me to quit my 3rd gen 4runner.

[@gibbsm]

go for the 3.5L Pathfinders, I've owned an '02 since '06 (165k), and this is the best car I've ever owned, rides great, loaded, bulletproof (with maint.).

[@reycuerdos]

Orale! Always on point ese. Good work. ;)

[@iPervy]

I feel all giddy haha. I was watching this video while I was driving my 3rd gen 4Runner, and I just knew it would come in somewhere in the list. When it came in 1st I couldn't help but smile haha. Also wasn't at all surprised. Great list R&W!

[@AverageNeighbor]

Love the old jeeps

[@lacha608]

It would have been helpful if you had included mpg. I'd love to see you do a video on reliable full size vans under $5k.

[@karimsadredini8875]

Good job👌🏼. In-depth knowledge n obviously reviews.

[@lifelongfit5997]

New to this channel. Lovin these videos :)

[@psilence0]

2nd gen honda crv for under 3 grand.... YEA RIGHT!!!

[@toyoscio]

Lol, same with RAV4

[@Maleekus]

I'll sell you my '02 for 3 grand...it's got 310K miles

[@Live-Life-Freely]

Search Miami Craigslist and you'll see tons of them.

[@meowmeow2759]

Check California or Nevada

[@shonuffisthemaster]

people do seem to think there made of gold. i was lucky to find my 1st gen with 190k for $2k

[@Hubjeep]

Jeep XJ has the AW4 (Toyota) automatic transmission. ZJ Grand Cherokees have the weaker Chrysler transmission.

[@PONCHEEZED]

I will always stand by my 99 Cherokee. Got it for $2900 in Michigan and did a 2 inch front and rear lift and almost an entire suspension and steering rebuild (because I wanted to) and it runs like a BEAST. My friends who all drive newer and often considered nicer cars envy this little beast of mine.

[@Candoit2]

Thank you! Good info and great video!

[@kenl2367]

please make a video for mini and full size vans

[@mariselaibarra49]

Love my 98 xj.

[@ja.935g67]

Another awesome video by ratchets and wrenches!

[@semco72057]

You are so correct about the S-10 Blazers in that age range and I had one of them and loved it except for the minor problems I had with them after long mileage.

[@patrickphippspa584]

Good compilation. Couldn't agree more with the Toyota 4Runners! Amazing vehicles.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

This guy gets his facts wrong on the model Pathfinder he is referencing. 1996 - 2004 and the they came with 3.5 v6 NOT the 3.3, which was in the Xterra!

[@bclilboostd]

2000 chevy tracker, got mine for 1k, go anywhere with it, best 1k I've ever spent

[@wholeNwon]

As always, good stuff!

[@thenima]

dude great info thx for your hard work

[@fixitladie]

Thanks, I appreciate your analysis. Ever little bit helps! 0:44 #5 1996-2001 Jeep Ckerokee 2:40 #4 1995-99 Chevy Blazer 4:22 #3 2002-06 Honda CRV 6:28 #2 1996-00 Nissan Pathfinder 8:19 #1 1996-02 Toyota 4Runner

[@markythelarky6948]

3:43 You missed one common issue with the Blazer's 4.3L V6. The spider injectors have a high failure rate. As a result, GM redesigned them and offered them as replacement parts. The spider injectors failed so often that it's very likely any Blazer/Jimmy you buy will already have had them replaced.

[@Tmy3rs]

Great vid as always

[@frankoo2]

Great vids...keep up the good work.

[@robertkubrick3738]

Not bad but to get below 3 grand, these things are going to be in the 250-300k miles and they will have lots of tiny defects and could well crater in only 10k miles. Do yourself a favor and save up 6k and get one with under 180k miles.

[@jjpds1]

you trippin . ever heard of offerup?

[@nicobordelon1503]

Toyota in its rightful place

[@stevenbryant4718]

the junkyard

[@tomhinde5451]

Thanks Brother, I find your information helpful.

[@nickdixon3536]

Thanks for making this!

[@chadpugh1490]

Had a 96 Blazer with the 4.3 V6. Awesome engine. Don't knock the 180hp. U can feel that torque at 240 lb/ft.

[@krisconkey8165]

4.0 is pretty good? It’s bulletproof!

[@Lincolnator721]

my dad always says pretty good, when he actually means really good/excellent. when he doesn't like something he's just silent lmao.

[@deanslegos1990]

It is outlasting the floorboards

[@akiwinny5114]

Lincolnator it's 2018 lol still worth to get the 4.0?

[@DakotaJaegle]

アッキー yes lol

[@GeoTrashPanda]

Most of the time if it's maintenance is up to par yeah but there's been a few lemons that don't hold up to the legendary 4.0L 242ci.

[@mrpotato152]

I have enjoyed whatching your videos on your channel. I wish you could do a tutorial to replacing old tint on a vehicle. More power to your channel!!

[@thomaspeterson8659]

I liked the tax return reference. More subtle than the used car salesman parody.

[@jb664q]

Great video but the The Cherokee XJ is more AMC than it is typical Chrysler. The 4.0L engine as well as the automatic transmission in these XJs are pretty bulletproof with the exception of the 00-01 head cracking issue, And even those are few between. Cracked exhaust manifold is easily remedied by aftermarket manifold if/when it happens and the biggest issue with the XJ is rust. Many XJ engines and transmissions outlast the frames that end up rotting out. Out here in AZ our XJs last for ever!

[@coltoncarpenter3790]

97 or 98 is when they started having issues due to Chrysler phasing out amc.

[@DiaperSNiFFER]

@@coltoncarpenter3790 noted thanks.

[@alimerhi6334]

The 3.3 Nissan V6 is bullet proof, I have the supercharged version in my xterra. That thing is a beast off-road, and the supercharger whine sounds sweet.

[@enthused7591]

Literally one of the worst engines ever put in a vehicle. 3.3s are all over every craigslist blown up. Wouldn't touch one for any price lol.

[@jl8853]

@@enthused7591 my 00 pathfinder just blew up the radiator and took out the head gasket. Never again.

[@shiloh4184]

Thx for the detail in your posts!! 👍

[@jamesgonzales6086]

Love your videos :)

[@sidekicklx1id]

the 4runner also come with a 2.7 L in-line 4 which has a timing chain and is even more reliable, it only has 30 less horsepower

[@DiaperSNiFFER]

Yeah very rare to find there good. But very slow 😂

[@syezar]

Good luck finding a second generation crv under 200k for that price though.

[@maprow]

Yeah, I was just going to make the same comment. 2nd gen CRV's start around $5,000 at least near me. (Chicago, IL)

[@MrCoffeekelly]

good luck finding any of these vehicles listed for 3 grand in the Midwest that aren't rusted out pieces of junk.

[@settripsbunch]

Same for the Chevy 4.3's...all day for the jeep $500 to 3500 100k to 299k...and I wouldnt by a pathfinder for 1500.. most suspect vehicle on the list especially over the i6

[@25-8]

I'm in North Texas and there seems to be a good handful on car gurus and Craigslist for around $4-6k with many around 130-170k miles in decent shape. I don't think he would mean all of these cars to be under $3k to have under 200k miles on them, I would assume if your budget is that tight and don't have many options.

[@yogtheterrible]

Unfortunately the prices for all of these SUVs are about 6k and higher where I live

[@owohgeorge2474]

Really informative.Thanks for sharing.

[@justyouraveragenico2387]

Man, I wish I would have watched this before I bought my first gen CRV! Great info!

[@darktigre8214]

I knew 4runners would be in this list. I want a fwd one for winter

[@DiaperSNiFFER]

Toyota 4runners never come in fwd thou, only 4x4 or Rwd

[@elaidickens343]

My favorite SUV is the jeep grand Cherokee

[@MrIcer105]

Another great video! When do we get an update on the sexy audi sleeper? (My '01 2.7 6speed A6 is currently getting some goodies😁)

[@LouLope]

Good job on this video, thanks.

[@danthayer4770]

As many S10s and Blazers I've had to work on I can't agree with it being on the list. Although yes they do go forever when maintained properly but if it's constantly in the shop it's not very reliable.

[@hououinkyouma5539]

I mentioned this as well. The years he picked probably had the most issues, mostly with the fuel injection.

[@ramtrucks721]

They don't go on forever....just stop

[@lonewolf-oc9vr]

i have a 99 chevy s10 with 400k still run like new

[@JohnDoe-zc2jb]

Please make a video for most reliable SUVs at a higher price point and also a video about most reliable trucks. Thanks

[@kgisabeast]

Toyota

[@wholeNwon]

Yup, it's really as simple as that.

[@jaredlokay]

2003-2005 Toyota 4Runner has been one of the highest rated SUV's to date, especially with the 4.7L engine. It's one of Toyota's strongest running V8 engine they have ever built.

[@trkrla5113]

John Doe...Hey John! I'm willing to part with $3k or so. Can you part with the rest? 💲💰🏦😁

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

My 90 XJ 4x4 had 290K on it when I sold it. Still ran great. Aisin/Warner AW4 is bulletproof. Same as Yota uses in their trucks.

[@laohantun7404]

Thanks mate its so precious infomation....

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

I was thinking/hoping I'd see a Ford Escape on the list (because I'm a Ford man). Picked up an 06 2.3L Std. for $2650 last month 158K. Had real good luck with the 2.5 and 2.3L in my other ford pickups, was thinking an old escape would be a lock.

[@randoshus3762]

I love the 2.3...how is your Escape running?

[@gokartbuyer]

3.0l is life

[@ClickLikeAndSubscribe]

Timing belt on top vehicles? Moving up in the world of luxurious risk taking ;)

[@bjcourtney5180]

Thank you for the information, I am planning on building an Overland vehicle and two of my choices of base starting vehicle are on your list (Cherokee and 4Runner

[@KamranHaider]

Hi there, I liked and subscribed your video because of Nisan Pathfinder and four runner. 👍🏻

[@joeyganey8322]

man I agree with most of your list I just can't believe you left out the Toyota 22R and 22RE engine in my opinion that's the most reliable one they ever built

[@buddythelittletinyrescuedo5114]

Joey Ganey this is an SUV video not a small pickup video 22RE as far as I know was only in the pickup

[@jonathandriscoll7930]

I think the 4 liter is more reliable than the 4.3

[@fade7755]

1996 Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 decent mileage, do my own work (up to a point) very reliable same color as one in the video ... nice

[@blacknessiah13]

Great video! I was looking for a 4runner of that gen but good one is more than 3k so i went with a 02 qx4

[@sybilledollemore6419]

Do VANS/Minivans

[@HR-jy1nb]

Kieran Dollemore yeah i need something for my abducting and raping

[@lailaloveslolllies5172]

It’s raping time!

[@claudesmoot1880]

Lol, shameless plug at the end. Love it.

[@miriammaldonado7848]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge it's so important to be aware of the pro vs con especially for us women. I grew up watching my dad, he was a top of the line auto mechanic...

[@BrockOBauma]

The 4runner is also available with the less common, but fantastically reliable. 2.7l 4cyl. I have one with 262k and it's never had anything but regular maintenance.