Many people prefer used cars for obvious reasons. No one wants to take the depreciation hit from buying a brand-new car, and everyone is looking for a way to save money. At least that's the rationale that usually drives the sale of used cars. That said, if you are in search of a used vehicle under $5,000, be ready to go back in time to get one that fits into that budget.

SUVs under $5,000 are generally from the late '90s to the early 2000s. During that period, there was a boom in the demand for SUVs, so it won't be difficult to get a used model. However, don't expect them to be top-of-the-line models for that price point. So, let's check out the 10 best used SUVs you can get under $5,000.

Related: 20 SUVs Every Off-Road Junkie Can Buy On A Budget

10 1999 Lexus RX300

Green 1999 Lexus RX300
Via Lexus USA Newsroom

The 1999 Lexus RX300 is a stylish, versatile, and powerful luxury SUV with a trouble-free ownership experience. It comes with a 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 engine that gushes out 220 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque. Lexus' proprietary Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVTi) system makes over 80% of the torque at 1,600 rpm and improves fuel efficiency. The recalls on the 1999 RX300 were due to issues with the exterior lighting and back glass.

Silver 2000 Lexus RX300
Via Mecum Auctions

For drivers living in regions with mild climates, it's best to get the front-wheel-drive Lexus RX300 because it enhances performance and gas mileage. A used 1999 Lexus RX300 goes for about $4,995.

9 2000 GMC Yukon

Black 2001 GMC Yukon
Via Mecum Auctions

The 2000 GMC Yukon is one of the best SUVs for a large family on a tight budget. There's plenty of room in the cabin and cargo areas. Despite being a full-size SUV, the Yukon is quite responsive and easy to maneuver around tight corners.

Black 2001 GMC Yukon
Via Mecum Auctions

Available in two- or four-wheel drive, the Yukon is rugged enough to take on any terrain. It comes with a base 4.8-liter Vortec V8 engine that puts out 275 hp with ease. To step up power production, you can opt for the 5.3-liter V8 engine. You can get a clean used 2000 GMC Yukon for less than $4,000.

Related: 10 Coolest Features In The 2021 GMC Yukon

8 2001 Dodge Durango

Green 2003 Dodge Durango
Via Bring a Trailer

The Durango is a rugged SUV that shares the same platform as the Dakota. Although the outside appears to be compact, a family of eight can step into the Durango and embark on an off-road adventure. With a towing capacity of 7,600 pounds, you can haul your watercraft or anything of similar weight.

Blue 2003 Dodge Durango
Via Mecum Auctions

Both the 4x2 and 4x4 configurations of the 2001 Dodge Durango offer a 4.7-liter Magnum V8 engine with an output of 235 hp. Owners of the 2001 Durango seem to be very pleased with it, with over 62% of the reviewers on Edmunds giving it a five-star rating. You can get a good 2001 Durango for roughly $4,433.

7 2001 Ford Expedition

Green 2001 Ford Expedition
Via Mecum Auctions

If you prefer a Ford bigger than the Explorer, but not as big as the Excursion, the 2001 Expedition is meant for you. Beyond being able to accommodate 9 passengers, there's an optional third-row bench for more occupants. Despite the size of the Expedition, it's easier to maneuver around sharp curves than the Excursion or Chevrolet Suburban.

Black 2001 Ford Expedition
Via Bring a Trailer

Although the 4.6- and 5.4-liter engines of the Expedition are not as powerful as the Vortec powerplants in General Motors' full-size SUVs, you can take solace in the fact that the Expedition costs just about $4,965. According to a Cars.com reviewer by the name, Alex Guille, the 2001 Expedition has not experienced any problems even after many years of ownership.

6 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe

White 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
Via BigIron Auctions

The Hyundai Santa Fe is based on the Sonata platform, and it combines the seat height and profile of a truck with the handling of a car. Its standard 2.4-liter inline-four engine delivers only 138 hp, which is not as powerful as the 2.7-liter V6 that powers the LX trim.

White 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
Via BigIron Auctions

In mid-2002, Hyundai announced that Santa Fe would be receiving interior upgrades, among which are ISOFIX child-seat anchors, larger air conditioning vents, and an enhanced rear-seat recliner. The price of a used 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe stands at about $4,000.

Related: This Is Why The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Is One Of The Safest Family SUVs

5 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe

Black 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
Via Mecum Auctions

Chevrolet understands that people usually go for SUVs because of their utility and not really for the style. This is why the automaker offered a 2002 Tahoe that can accommodate a family of nine. When it comes to off-road capabilities, the Tahoe never disappoints. It features a specially designed suspension with large shocks.

Red 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
Via Bring a Trailer

This Chevrolet workhorse comes with two Vortec engines: a standard 4800 V8 and an optional 5300 V8. The former cranks out 275 hp, while the latter makes 285 hp. A budget of $4,495 is enough to get a used 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe that's still in a good shape.

4 2003 Nissan Pathfinder

White 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
Via Cincinnati Used Auto Sales

The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder came with refinements in the interior and exterior. While the LE model offers a standard leather-appointed interior, the SE model has enhanced 16-inch 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels.

Brown 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
Via Cars For Sale

However, Nissan did not change the engine of the 2003 Pathfinder. It still has the 3.5-liter VQ35DE DOHC 24-valve V6 that powers the previous model year. With a power rating of 240 hp and 265 lb-ft, the 2003 Pathfinder is well-equipped to facilitate your on- and off-road trips. Here's a damage-free 2003 Pathfinder that costs just $4,999.

3 2004 Toyota RAV4

Red 2004 Toyota RAV4
Via Best Car finder

The Toyota RAV4 is a great deal for experienced drivers and first-timers, thanks to its simple yet reliable construction. Consumer Reports lists the 2004 RAV4 as one of the best SUVs in the used market under $5,000. The tendency of airbag rupture was the only dent in the reliability of the 2004 RAV4. So, before settling for a 2004 RAV4, ensure that issue has been resolved.

Red 2004 Toyota RAV4
Via Cars For Sale

The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine of the 2004 RAV4 blasts out 161 hp and the fuel economy is relatively good. It takes up to 29 mpg on the freeway, and 24 mpg in the city. Here's a 2004 RAV4 that could be yours for just $4,997.

Related: What We Love About The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime

2 2005 Honda Pilot

Black 2005 Honda Pilot
Via Pinterest

Practical, powerful, and durable are the words that best describe the Honda Pilot. The 8-passenger SUV has crisp handling and drives like a car rather than a truck. Honda upped the power output of the 2005 Pilot to 255 hp with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that works with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Green 2005 Honda Pilot
Via Honda Newsroom

The Pilot is a little bigger than the Toyota Highlander with a spacious cargo area. For safety, Honda includes electronic stability control, tire pressure monitor, and enhanced airbags. A 2005 Honda Pilot is typically around $4,500 on the used car market. A 2005 Honda Pilot owner on Edmunds has been using the vehicle since 2009, and it’s still in good shape. According to the driver, you just have to follow Honda’s recommended maintenance procedures and you will be fine.

1 2008 BMW X5 4.8i

Black 2008 BMW X5
Via Mecum Auctions

With a sharp steering taut suspension and rumbling 4.8-liter Valvetronic V8 engine, you could really get used to driving the 2008 BMW X5 4.8i. Pumping out 350 hp from the V8, only a competitor like the Mercedes ML63 AMG can outpower it.

Black 2007 BMW X5 4.8i
Bring a Trailer

To get the most remarkable driving experience, even on roads filled with potholes, BMW equipped the X5 4.8i with Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damping Control. With a third-row seat and spacious cargo room, the X5 is what any who's big on practicality would love. This trouble-free 2008 BMW X5 4.8i is up for sale for $3,999.