Buying an early 2000s’ SUV < $5k...thoughts?

[David]

Hey guys,

Currently riding around on a GS500 motorcycle (no car) and am seriously considering getting a car as;

1. Weather hasn’t been much fun to ride in (even with gear)
2. Lack of space (no boot, though have bag)
3. primarily, I want to get into Triathlons, and not having a way to efficiently transport my bike there. (Also, may sleep in car to save on renting a room *shrug*)

I have considered getting an older car hatch, like a corolla or civic, but am thinking if maybe, they might be a little snug? or possibly a wagon of some sort.
I’ve poked around online, have come across a few, though what im really wanting to know from the mech-smart guys, if you know of any (serious) issues with these cars,

(Manual)2000 – 2003ish (if within budget)
1. Honda CR-V (2002) – Seems the CR-Vs have a major issue the with AC Compressor failing & being quite $$$ to repair. Is it possible to replace the AC Compressor by myself then get someone to re-gas / flush ?
2. Toyota Rav4 – may have less space then others listed.
3. Suburu Forester – Heard Head gasket issue, can anyone confirm & how hard is it for newby to replace?
4. Ford Escape – Only seen in Auto at the moment.
5. Suburu Legacy/Outback – was suggested on another forum, seems ok, though was leaning more towards the SUV style rather than wagon, but will keep it on the list in case.

Rear seat space not important, will be just me in the car (+1 passenger at most on the rare occasion) & a bike in the boot.

I don’t mind getting dirty & doing any serving on it, though I’m really not familiar in terms of costs involved with service parts (or maybe getting imported parts). I understand the Toyota will probably be the cheaper option, though hows the cost of parts for honda/suburus ? Any specialty tools required (for general servicing at least)

What are some things to look for, especially when dealing with an SUV with (most likely) over 200k on the clock @ 12yr/old. Does anyone have experience with these models listed & repairing them?

I really don’t do a great deal of driving, & certainly not considering off roading. I don’t mind the look of an SUV & have considered owning one.

Don’t really want a larger car (full sized wagon, large 4wd etc..)

Love the bike, but at this stage, with no income, im finding a need for a car (boot space / protection from weather) a bit more of a priority, until I can get income again, then get another bike.

I have come across this website;

http://www.carcomplaints.com/

a lot of what ive read seem to be from drivers in USA, not sure if they have the same models/engine/tech etc.. in their cars as we do?

If anyone can spare a few minutes to let me know your experience / thoughts, would be much appreciated, especially in relation to (known) engine issues.

Location: NSW, Australia

Topic

[David]

*bump* anyone with experience or knowledge of these cars ? 🙂

[Andrew Button]

for a manual trans vehicle of that vintage I would recommend a Cherokee XJ with a 4.0. Better than unibody front drivers listed above except the legacy stuff which can be good.

[Gary]

Do they have the Cherokee XJs in Australia? I was gonna suggest that as well but then I saw he was in Austraila.

[Author]

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