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Buying a used SUV for £5000 - which car is best?

I am looking to buy a used SUV. I haven’t owned a car for a number of years, but friends tell me that German-built cars are best. I have looked at Range Rovers and the Lexus RX too. I have up to £5000 to spend.

What would be your recommendation? Is it best to buy from a trader rather than private? I doubt we will do more than 10,000 miles per year.

Asked on 20 September 2013 by Les Royle

Answered by Honest John
For this sort of money it's a mistake to go for something that originally cost £50,000+ because all the problems will be £50,000 car problems, not £5000 car problems. If you buy from a trader he will almost inevitably have at least £2000 profit in the car so you'll be paying £5000 for what cost him £3000, but he will be liable for any fault that develops during the fist six months. My advice would be to buy a Nissan Terrano II or a Mitsubishi Shogun.
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