Most Prius car batteries will work effectively for 8 to 10 years or anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. Price: A second-gen Prius will ring up roughly in the $5,000 range. Space efficiency is one component where it excels, along with its low cost of ownership. It’s easy to see why several Toyotas were chosen, but how did a Prius make itself onto an adventure vehicle list? Well, the little fuel-sipper has some hidden talents. Toyota Prius (2nd-Gen 2004-2009) (Photo/ Pinterest) Why Sequoia? Often overlooked as an option for a full-size SUV, the Sequoia’s steady resale value is a testament to its safety record, reliability, and build quality. Consider a brake upgrade if towing or you’re a driver who regularly drives above the posted speed limit. Factory brakes are not entirely up to spec for an SUV weighing more than 5,000 pounds. Interior plastics are known for brittleness in early models. Long drives are hampered by a 26-gallon gas tank. The bad: Slow-and-go traffic deals a heavy blow to fuel economy. A burly max towing capacity of 6,200 pounds makes the Sequoia a first-class mule for hauling your recreational toys. The Sequoia has a pleasing driving experience for its size and strong towing capability.īuild quality and reliability meet Toyota standards and reputation. Drivers and passengers will appreciate the refined creature comforts, available second-row captain chairs, and third-row seating. The good: 128 cubic feet equate to lots of cargo space for carrying your gear. Moderately better deals exist for the 2001-2003 (XK30) Sequoias if the midcycle upgrades aren’t important to you. The average selling price for the 2005-2007 (XK40) model years is around $8,500. Price: In 2005, the Sequoia got a facelift and healthy power increase from 240 to 282 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque when Toyota upgraded the 4.7L V8 with variable valve timing (VVT-i). Emphasis is placed on creature comfort and less on its off-road capabilities than the Land Cruiser. The Toyota Sequoia, which shares many parts with the Tundra, is a roomier version of the Land Cruiser and a sturdy towing vehicle. Moreover, it’ll last well over 200,000 miles, has space to fit full sheets of plywood if you take out the back seats, and is economical to own. Aside from its below-average fuel economy, the small yet spacious Element will hold its value. Why Element? The Honda Element is still a fan favorite for those who enjoy the active lifestyle or need a penny-wise work mule. The bad: It only seats four, isn’t the fastest pony in the stable, and the gas mileage isn’t too good. You can even hose it down with soap and water for major cleanups. Honda engineers knew the outdoors would make its way inside the cabin and prepared their boxy utility vehicle for easy cleanup. Having a rugged plastic interior and no carpeting doesn’t elevate the Element in any way except when it comes to cleaning. Its high ground clearance makes traversing backroads and trails a breeze. The good: Honda has a robust reputation for reliability and build quality. If you’re not afraid of taking on a project, it’s not uncommon to find one for around $3,000 or less. Shop around for a well-maintained roller, and prices become reasonable somewhere at $8,500 or below. Price: The choice models will fetch prices in the neighborhood of 12 to 15 large. Only try to avoid the 2003 model year, as the first year of production had the most complaints and reported issues, as explained by CoPilot and MotorAudit. Today, the Honda Element fulfills the workhorse role for the budget-conscious. If you can score one with all-wheel drive, the roads less traveled immediately become accessible. Honda Element (2003-2011) 2008 Honda Element (photo/Slungsolow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Creative Commons)ĭuring the Element’s 9-year production run, it has proved itself a reliable daily driver for many who needed a dependable, practical vehicle. These are some of our favorites that leave money in the bank for other equally important tools and toys. And no, it’s not the end-all, be-all list of best adventure vehicles under $10,000. But it requires some patience and discipline to stay within budget.įortunately, the used auto market is full of awesome cars, trucks, and vans that, with a little elbow grease, will show you great times and provide reliable transportation for years to come.Ī word on our selections: We chose these cars for their availability to the masses and practicality to get you out to the fun. Is setting a $10,000 spending cap a fair objective? Most certainly. These are some of the best adventure vehicles under $10,000. You can get a great vehicle for less money. I recently read an article about ‘affordable’ cars under $50,000 and had to laugh.
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