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HowManyChucks t1_j33jrry wrote

Former car salesman here. As I’m sure you’re aware, and as people here have already pointed out, you’ll get what you pay for. That being said, I applaud you for trying to avoid a payment and there are certainly things out there you can find to get by.

Look for a 15+ year old (‘06-‘08) Honda or Toyota. I prefer Honda, but Toyota is certainly comparable. An Accord or Pilot (if you want the SUV) can be found in that price range, especially if you’re willing to travel to KC/STL or similar. You will have to accept “high” mileage, but both brands have excellent longevity records (I’m currently driving a pilot with 400K+ miles and it runs beautifully).

You probably won’t find either at a big dealership (mark-ups are crazy) but smaller lots or even individuals will be your best bet.

Good luck and reach out with questions.

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SharksForArms t1_j33yryu wrote

I've been driving an 01 Toyota Tacoma for my entire adult life and it has been a really wonderful vehicle. Will get passed down to my stepson in another year or two.

I had the suspension replaced about a year ago because it started to creak, but the engine has been rock solid despite the extreme neglect I showed it early on.

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LurkingOakleaf t1_j38hxmv wrote

How do you tell when you need the suspension looked at? I’ve got a Honda that I’m thinking might need it- right at 100k miles but it’s been on a lot of back roads

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SharksForArms t1_j38j6t5 wrote

Because you could hear my truck coming down the road from a block and a half away lol. Squeak squeak squeak

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malevolentk t1_j34s2vk wrote

How do you feel about newer CR-Vs?

Have been looking for a small suv and they are near the top of my list thanks to a 97 civic that I drove for 10 years and still see around after selling to a neighbor

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pizza1sgr8 t1_j34uot6 wrote

Not who you replied to, but I have a 2016 Honda CRV & I love it!!

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HowManyChucks t1_j34v82w wrote

Love them. But just the newer ones. Late 2010’s and newer. They had some weirdness for awhile, but when they redesigned and started using the bigger chassis, things seemed to improve. It was about the time the newer accords dropped as well. If I was in the market for a small SUV, they’d be at the top of my list as well, along with the Passport.

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