DRIVERS looking for something reasonably cheap and rugged need look no further – as a host of experts have picked out the best 4x4s that won’t break the bank.
For seekers of all-wheel-drive prowess, used car gurus at Desperate Seller have picked out a handful of SUVs worth looking out for… and they’re all priced at £5,000 or under.
New 4x4s can be expensive after all, with even second-hand examples costing a pretty penny.
Thankfully, not all 4x4s are out of reach for drivers on a budget – including an iconic model with a “super-roomy interior and a huge boot.”
It’s tough to find a second-hand Land Rover at a reasonable price; as Desperate Seller say: “You won’t get a Discovery Sport for £5,000.”
However, you will be able to find its predecessor, the Freelander 2, for cheap.
What’s more, not only does the styling of this motor – which ran from 2006 to 2014 – still look fresh in 2024, the Freelander 2 also boasts “a super-roomy interior and a huge boot”, while its interior is said to feel “robust and easy to use.”
It can also be trusted off road thanks to Land Rover’s ridiculously high standards – with drivers able to take the Freelander 2 almost anywhere without getting stuck.
The Sorento is hailed as the motor that put Kia on the map, and the second-gen model – sold between 2010 and 2015 – is perhaps even better.
It comes with a “more refined detailing and a better quality interior” that still looks and feels modern.
Better yet, it’s spacious and even comes with seven seats.
The CR-V comes with a reputation for reliability – meaning you’ll get a motor you can trust for your £5,000.
For that price, you’ll likely find yourself a 2007 to 2012 generation motor which comes with 2.0-litre VTEC petrol engine, or a 2.2 i-DTEC turbo-diesel.
The latter is smooth and delivers “ample pulling power” and is even good on fuel.
Described as an SUV “pioneer” of the 1990s, the RAV4 was arguably the first 4×4 to put the sport into SUV.
Drivers will likely find an example from 2006 to 2013 for £5,000 or under – and it comes with “a decidedly premium interior and a classy appearance.”
It’s reliable too, and has a perfectly fuel-efficient engine that makes it surprisingly pretty cheap to run, while to drive it’s described as “very easy and car-like.”
Perhaps the most family-oriented motor on this list, the second-generation Santa Fe – sold between 2006 and 2012 – boasts seven seats with an interior that’s “super-spacious.”
Hyundai offered this with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine, but to save on the fuel bills, Desperate Seller suggests seeking out the 2.2 turbo-diesel instead.
Being a Hyundai, the Santa Fe is reliable and robust, and is great off-road.
Petrolheads looking for something more executive with supercar-esque acceleration might fancy a super saloon that a car expert has described as combining performance and luxury – all for less than £10,000.
And elsewhere, a legendary Ford stored in pristine condition for nearly 40 years has sold for a whopping six-figure sum.
