When to call it quits on a vehicle..

[SouthPaw]

If $5000 is your budget, I?d be looking for the following 4x4?s:

Trucks:
2000-2006 Tundra
1995.5-2004 Tacoma
Anything with less than 200k would be a good buy if it?s in decent shape. These trucks run well over 300k with no issues so don?t let ?higher? miles scare you. My first gen tundra has 177k on the clock and it runs/drives like new.

1999-2006 Silverado/Sierra 1500 V8 (4.8 or 5.3).
For $5000, this should put you in the 150k+/- mileage range. These trucks are super easy to work on and the LS series engines are bullet proof. Parts are plentiful and cheap.

SUV?s:
1999-2006 Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban 5.3L
1997-2003 Toyota 4Runner
1997-2000ish Mercury/Ford Mountaineer/Explorer 5.0L with selectable transfer case if possible. If it?s AWD, it?s pretty easy to convert to selectable.

FWIW, I’ve been finding a lot more deals on Facebook vs craigslist. I’d keep an eye on FB if you are in the market.