"MojoMotors.com" (MojoMotors)
07/09/2015 at 10:52 • Filed to: cheap used cars, used cars under $5000, Cheap cars for families
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"MojoMotors.com" (MojoMotors)
07/09/2015 at 10:52 • Filed to: cheap used cars, used cars under $5000, Cheap cars for families | 9
| 30 |
Need a car for your family? Have a credit score so bad that the bowling alley won’t loan you shoes?
If you have some cash saved, you can get a car that’s safe, reliable and practical —but you’ll have to go back in time.
Back to when Tom Cruise had the guts to jump on Oprah’s couch, Pontiac was still around and your visor CD-holder wasn’t complete without a “Now That’s What I Call Music” CD.
That’s right, we’re looking in the mid 2000’s.
Dodge Magnum
Year Range: 2005-2008
MPG: 21/28
Why: The Dodge Magnum proves that wagons can be cool. Introduced in 2005, the rear-drive Magnum wowed shoppers with its muscle-car bravado and an available Hemi V8 to back it up. Though on a $5,000 budget, you’ll be looking at more benign models like the SE and SXT, which come with 200 and 250 horsepower V6 engines respectively.
The Magnum is an deceivingly practical car —with loads of cargo room and all-wheel drive available. Some models even have a rear-seat DVD player to keep those minions of yours entertained. The Magnum is a great car for a smaller family trying to keep some remnants of “cool.”
What you’ll get for $5,000: A quick search on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! yields plenty of 2005-2006 models with anywhere from 90,000 to 140,000 miles on the odometer. But judging by how many were also for sale with 180,000+, we know these cars go for a while
Search for a used Dodge Magnum
Mazda MPV
Year Range: 2002-2005
MPG: 18/25
Why: Most families have ditched them by now, but nothing will ever be more family-friendly than a good-ole minivan. Unfortunately, Japanese stalwarts like the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! are pricey even as they get above 150,000 miles, but the lesser-know MPV from Mazda is nearly every-bit as reliable and far more budget-friendly.
Like any car from Mazda, it out-handles its rivals, making it fun-to-drive while running errands and practical when it’s time to drop the kids off at Lacrosse practice. The MPV will seat 7 total, but it doesn’t offer quite the same amount of cargo space as other minivans. If you truly need more space than this van can offer, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
What you’ll get for $5,000: You’ll find numerous MPV vans from 2002 and 2003 for under 5k, but try to stick with 2004 and above when disc brakes became standard on all models. The best example we found was a 2005 MPV with 118,000 miles.
Ford Taurus
Year Range: 2000-2007
MPG: 19/26
Why: In spite of its plebeian, wide-eyed look, the Taurus was one of the most popular cars in America, gracing Ford showrooms from 1999 to 2007. Even as the model aged, it fiercely competed in the midsize sedan market, offering a lower starting price and a lineup of reliable engines.
Now a decade after its prime, there are still thousands of these cars on the road, but they haven’t held their value nearly as well as their Japanese competitors (which is good for you.) Properly equipped, the Ford Taurus can seat 6, although we can’t say that’ll be a comfortable set up. Wagon versions have an available rear-facing third row option that bumps the seating up to 8. Now your car will have something in common with a Tesla Model S!
What you’ll get for $5,000: We managed to find a 2006 Ford Taurus with only 90,000 miles for the magic price of $5,000, and it even had the premium Duratec V6! It wasn’t alone either. There were plenty of them from 2003-2006 with less than 100,000 miles that fit comfortably in our price range.
Chevrolet Suburban
Year Range: 2000-2006
MPG: 14/19
Why: If you have a large family, a small budget and big ambitions, a full-size SUV is what you need. And there’s no SUV quite like the Chevrolet Suburban. Believe it or not, the Suburban is one of the longest running model lines in history, spanning over 80 years and 12 generations. The 10th generation Suburban, produced from 2000 to 2006, is your best bet if you’re looking in the $5,000 price range.
This was when SUV surge was at its peak, so there are plenty of Suburbans from this generation still around to pick parts from.SUVs come from the factory with enormous price tags, but with gas prices on the rise, the resale value of large SUVs has taken a big hit. Now it’s easy to find older models in this price range. It will be thirstier than a frat boy on the 4th of July, but when you have a big family, there really isn’t much choice.
What you’ll get for $5,000: These trucks are durable, so don’t be too intimidated by high-miles. On Mojo Motors, 5 stacks will find you a Suburban from the early 2000’s with around 120,000 miles. Just remember that you should only get a full-size SUV if you truly need all the utility. There are plenty of other ways to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Search for a used Chevrolet Suburban
Hyundai Sonata
Year Range: 2006-2010
MPG: 24/34
Why: Hyundai has evolved considerably from the bargain brand it used to be. Just as Honda did during the 1990’s, Hyundai has worked hard to deliver an exceptional product at a low costs in order to change the public’s opinion of them. The fifth generation Sonata, produced from 2006 to 2010, was a big part of that effort. With a comfortable ride, generous amenities and a bullet-proof engine, it was the first model from the company to truly go head-to-head with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
That’s why there are so many of them still on the road today, but they’re still reasonably priced. Best of all, the Sonata is one of the safest midsize sedans on the road. The NHTSA gave it a perfect 5-out-of-5 stars in every category (except rollover protection), so you and your family should be well protected in an accident.
What you’ll get for $5,000: Buying a car under ten years old for $5,000 is difficult, but not impossible. We found several 2006 and some 2007 Sonatas on our site in our price range, and most had between 120-150,000 miles. Not bad for a car that can run passed the 200,000 mile mark without breaking a sweat. You can also look into the fourth generation Sonata, but poor quality was an issue on many models from the generation.
Search for a used Hyundai Sonata
Ford Escape
Year Range: 2003-2007
MPG: 22/28
Why: Crossover SUVs appeal to families because they are more fuel-efficient than traditional SUVs but offer more space for passengers and cargo. They also feel safer because crossovers sit higher than sedans and provide a better view of the road. That’s why models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have taken off in recent years. The problem is that these crossovers, especially the big-name ones, are still pretty expensive.
Families on a budget should check out the Ford Escape, which isn’t quite as fuel-efficient or refined, but offers similar reliability and practicality for an affordable price. They’re one of the most popular cars among cab drivers in New York City, giving you an idea of their wherewithal.
What you’ll get for $5,000: You can find Escapes within the $5,000 range from 2003 all the way to 2007, but it’s best to find one right in the middle of that range with the lowest miles possible. We even found one from 2006 with less than 100,000 miles!
NOTE: While shopping, you’re likely to come across hybrid models which have depreciated just enough to fall into your price range. While the better fuel economy may be appealing, you’re taking a chance that you will have to replace the battery while owning the car, which can be extremely expensive. We recommend sticking with the gas versions.
Subaru Forester
Year Range: 1998-2005
MPG: 22/27
Why: The Subaru Forester has always been a little misunderstood. It’s kinda-sorta shaped like an SUV, yet the elongated space between the rear door and the hatch makes it look like a station wagon. It also doesn’t help that the Forester sits like a normal sedan, even if it offers 8.5 inches of ground clearance, which is average for an SUV. Perhaps due to this ambiguity, the Forester never sold like the Subaru Outback, which has a more distinctive look.
And that’s actually a good thing for you. The Forester shares pretty-much all of its same running gear with the Outback, like as the 2.5 liter boxer engine and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, which comes in handy during snow storms. But for whatever reason, they’re cheaper on the used market than similar Outbacks.
They’re known to be incredibly reliable and run well passed the 200,000 mile mark (with proper care and maintenance, of course.) And although acceleration can sometimes be sluggish with the non-turbocharged engine, the Forester makes up for that by getting great gas mileage. For a family with versatile needs, the Forester is a great choice.
What you’ll get for $5,000: We happened to find a bunch of clean Subaru Foresters for sale within our price range, with low miles, that weren’t more than 25 miles away. We even found a 2004 SXT, which comes with a turbocharged engine and all available options (but of course, the turbocharger is another part that will require maintenance.) We’d stick with the base engine for less headaches.
Search for a used Subaru Forester
Dodge Grand Caravan
Year Range: 2000-2007
MPG: 19/26
Why: If the Mazda MPV didn’t do it for you, the Dodge Grand Caravan surely will. This is the quintessential minivan, with deep roots to every middle school soccer field across the United States. But families grow up and these vans got replaced. Now Grand Caravans crowd the used car market, waiting patiently to reclaim their former glory with a new family. And they’re all cheap.
When you think about it, big depreciation in family-oriented cars makes sense. Minivans are only practical for a very short period in someone’s life: when they have kids. And since people tend to have kids during their prime money-making years, families usually upgrade their cars after only a few years of ownership. That leaves an abundance of perfectly good used minivans on the market, spoiling low-price shoppers with choice.
What you’ll get for $5,000: It’s hard to believe just how good of a deal you can get on a used Grand Caravan. We found a 2008 model (only 7 years old!) with only 135,000 miles for $4,500. We also found a 2007 model (which is pre-redesign) with only 107,000 miles for $4,450. That leaves an extra $550 for back-to-school clothes!
Search for a used Dodge Grand Caravan
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Year Range: 1999-2004
MPG: 16/21
Why: This gas-guzzler is not an obvious choice, but I recommend it because I have seen first-hand how a dependable Grand Cherokee can serve a family rich in love, but not much else. That was my family.
Though my parents eventually upgraded their cars, the Grand Cherokee remained in the family as the go-to vehicle for road trips, towing and conquering blizzards. There were some repairs made along the way, but at 180,000 miles I can’t say our Grand Cherokee asked for much. Everything still works just as it did the day we brought it home, hardly showing signs of age.
It’s launched boats that have greatly exceeded the towing capacity. It held up as three teenage boys learned how to drive for the first time, and then later withstood being raced home to make it in time for curfew. It was once stolen by delinquents, hooned through the woods and returned to us by the police on a flat bed, needing nothing more than a new front tire and set of keys. It owes us nothing, yet the Grand Cherokee perseveres.
Of course, my opinion is biased. Perhaps we got lucky, because it’s hard to image another car enduring the abuse we put our Jeep through with the same level of enthusiasm. But if there’s a chance that another Jeep Grand Cherokee could serve a family as passionately as it did ours, it would be worth it.
What you’ll get for $5,000: Try to stay between 2001 and 2004, which was post face-lift. We easily found dozens of clean Grand Cherokees with less than 130,000 miles for under $5,000.
Search for a used Jeep Grand Cherokee
Finding the car is just the beginning.
Learn how to inspect a car before buying
Know how to negotiate at the dealer
Written by Tristan Cathers
Image Credits: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 10:56 |
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The Taurus was a piece of shit. Loved this back seat though.
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MojoMotors.com
> Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
07/09/2015 at 11:00 |
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I had a lot of seat time in a Mercury Sable, which is basically a Taurus with leather seats.
I liked it. A lot. Never left me stranded.
Luc
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:00 |
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Wow, what a great list! I never thought much of many of these cars, but it’s terrific to find something positive to say about the Taurus, and the gas guzzling Magnum.
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:03 |
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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
As long as it’s not a Vulcan other than a very late one, because cooling system misery is not a good thing.
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Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:03 |
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OK, you got a good one then. Ours went through several transmissions over maybe 5 years, was a lump of poo to drive (so I’m told, I was faaaaaaaaaar from driving at that point), and in the snow it was hopeless (again, reported).
CalzoneGolem
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:06 |
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My credit is great. I got an ‘04 Taurus because I’m cheap. Got it well below $5k also.
dogisbadob
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:08 |
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Nice writeup, but unfortunately, the list sux, except for the Magnum.
Instead of the Escape, the Focus wagon would be a better choice. Also better mpg than the Taurass. And if you’d still rather the Escape, don’t forget about the Tribute and Mariner :p
You might be able able to get a decent 5 for 5(000 bux) instead of the thirsty MPV. A Rondo might also be attainable.
The Matrix/Vibe would also be a great choice.
Subarus before 2010 get poor gas mileage because they stopped selling the FWD models over here. Yeah you can insert a fuse to disable it (automatic transmission only), but still.
The Saturn LW might work, too. There’s also the Vue with either the Ecotec or VTEC! I’ve seen Astras at good prices, albeit without the awesome panoramic sunroof/funroof.
Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:16 |
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As long as you get the Taurus with the Duratec engine, sure.
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
07/09/2015 at 11:16 |
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Did you have the Vulcan or Duratec?
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> CalzoneGolem
07/09/2015 at 11:17 |
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Yeah they really didn’t hold any value. The KBB on our ‘01 Sable is less than 2500...
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Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/09/2015 at 11:18 |
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I have no idea, actually. I wasn’t old enough to be interested.
Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:22 |
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FWIW, you might want to stay away from the Caravan, and maybe the Jeep too if they use the same transmission. The dodge transmissions of that era (and before) are prone to failure. Often. I had to tote around 5 people, I'd also look into a Panther, they're pretty darn cheap these days. And any Suburban for 5k is going to be beat to shit. Hell, I don't even think you can get an Escape around here for under 5k.
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CalzoneGolem
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/09/2015 at 11:25 |
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I think KBB for my 2004 Taurus was ~$4k when I bought it in 2012
Brickman
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:25 |
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You could also get a 96-2000 caravan for even less money. It’s the same engines and body as the 4th gen. Just cosmetic differences. Except for the stow and go, but with a family you will rarely remove the seats.
SlickMcRick
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:37 |
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That model of the Sonata is a solid choice. My old man has had a 2006 V6 model for about 6-7 years. 140k on the odometer but still runs like a champ. That V6 makes great power too. You can really get up and go with it.
vicali
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 11:44 |
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Forester is based on the Impreza, Outback is a Legacy.. Subarus are not known for ‘getting great gas mileage’, and good luck choosing an ej25 with it’s headgaskets over a turbo because ‘less headaches’..
Captain of the Enterprise
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 12:08 |
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Where are your fuel economy numbers coming from?
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> CalzoneGolem
07/09/2015 at 12:56 |
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Sounds right. Mine is also in... well-used condition.
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MojoMotors.com
> Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
07/09/2015 at 13:01 |
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I still consider the Sable to be the most comfortable highway car I have ever driven.
Duratec V6, of course.
JR1
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 13:18 |
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Great list! If I may be so humble as to add a Ford Explorer from 2002-2005. It can seat 7 and has the same durability and capability as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. You can find good ones for 5k all day long.
Under_Score
> MojoMotors.com
07/09/2015 at 15:09 |
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My mom had an MPV when I was in elementary school. I can say that it was a pretty good car, but it had a few issues, and they have pretty bad safety ratings (no side airbags). Still, I like the Mazdas of the early 2000’s, with that grill design and the red taillights.
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MojoMotors.com
> JR1
07/09/2015 at 17:51 |
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Agreed. If it wasn’t for my emotional attachment to the Grand Cherokee (and the desire to have an odd number of cars on the list) I would add it.
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MojoMotors.com
> dogisbadob
07/09/2015 at 17:55 |
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I owned a 2003 Subaru Forester and it was pretty good on gas, under the context of being a heavy all-wheel drive car from 2003.
The Focus wagon is another great option. I wanted something on here that appealed to people who would otherwise be interested in a CR-V or RAV4, but don’t have the budget. That’s why I went with the Escape.
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MojoMotors.com
> RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
07/09/2015 at 17:56 |
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Duratec all the way. I’ll add that note to the post. Tomorrow.
I get out at 6.
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MojoMotors.com
> Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
07/09/2015 at 17:58 |
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We found many Escapes and Suburbans on our site for that price! Admittedly, in this price range, you could get a better deal in a private party sale.
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MojoMotors.com
> Under_Score
07/09/2015 at 17:59 |
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I didn’t know that about the safety scores! Thanks
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MojoMotors.com
> SlickMcRick
07/09/2015 at 17:59 |
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Thank you sir!
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MojoMotors.com
> Brickman
07/09/2015 at 18:03 |
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That’s the truth. I gear these lists towards an audience that doesn’t know much about cars. Unfortunately they equate newer with being better.
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MojoMotors.com
> Luc
07/10/2015 at 11:31 |
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No love for the Taurus.
Katydidit
> dogisbadob
02/07/2016 at 09:38 |
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I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to add my 2 cents here. I too was going to suggest the Focus ZXW over the Escape. The ZXW has more cargo room, better fuel economy, and runs in roughly the same price bracket.
I have an 07 manual ZXW myself.
Also, as a Saturn fan, I like the suggestion of the L series wagon. At least on paper, those are great cars. Lots of cargo space, great fuel economy.
My wife is wanting an upgrade from her Saturn S series wagon. We’re trying to keep the budget at $2500 and below. The top 3 contenders are the 05-07 ZXW, Taurus wagon, or L series wagon.
Another car that strikes me as a good family car (although not a wagon), is the Crown Vic. I’ve been jokingly telling my wife I’m going to get her a Chevy Caprice/Buick Roadmaster/Olds Custom wagon, and each time, she says “Too big.” But at least for some people, a full-size wagon would be a very good option. I mean, the Caprice/Roadmaster/Custom can tow pretty well.