Prodigal Son Magazine Top 10 Vehicles under $15,000

1. ’97 Toyota 4Runner
Pros
Great looks and ground-pounding performance make the 4Runner an ideal choice for people who love the great outdoors as well as those who just want to look like they do.
Cons
Steep price and choppy highway ride temper our enthusiasm for this otherwise outstanding truck.
Consumer rating = 9.2
Price = (75,000 miles) $12,000

2.’96 Nissan 300ZX
Pros
This is one of those timeless looking vehicles, that still screams style today. Some cool features such as t-tops and a hydraulic lift system that lowers the vehicle when shut off, are just a few reasons this car had a nearly $40,000 price tag when it was new. 1996 was the last year the 300ZX was made, and is now a collector’s item if in good condition.

Cons
Barely a backseat in the 2+2 version, rear wheel drive will cause problems for the Northerners, and overall expensive upkeep.

Consumer rating = 9.5
Price = (85,000 miles) $9500

3. 2000 Lincoln LS

Pros
Roominess of a BMW 5-Series at the price of a BMW 3-Series. Interior luxery with muscle power under the hood (252hp), what could be better? Available 17� rims, select-shift 5-spd automatic,
Cons
It still has to overcome Lincoln's image as "your grandfather's car company."
Consumer rating = 8.2
Price = (50,000 miles) $12.500

4. ’71 Olds Cutlass Convertible
Pros
Big block engine, the kind that rocks back and forth when you rev it up! Vinyl interior with bench seating, dual exhaust, timeless style, automatic convertible top

Cons
AM radio, bad gas mileage (15 mpg),

Consumer rating = classic
Price = (90,000 miles) $12,500

5. ’85 Toyota Landcruiser

Pros
This was built when SUV’s were still trucks and not morphed soccer mom vans! Even if you find one with over 200,000 miles, they still run strong, and are very reliable. Square shape is back in style.

Cons
Gas hog, 4 speed manual transmission on most, hard to find parts when something needs fixed

Consumer Rating = too old
Price (100,000 miles) $6,000

6. 2000 Nissan Xterra
Pros
Rugged looks and capability to match, excellent brakes, lots of room inside, standard ABS.
Cons
Based on a truck, it steers like a truck (read: numb).
Consumer Rating = 8.0
Price = (60,000 miles) $12,500

7. 2000 Chevy Blazer ZR2
Pros
Still-handsome styling, wide range of features and options, competent drivetrain.
Cons
Spotty build quality, cheesy interior parts, uncomfortable rear seats, no V8 option.
Consumer Rating = 6.5
Price = (55,000 miles) $9,900

8. ’93 GMC Typhoon

Pros
This is the quickest s.u.v ever produced and it,s at the same time extremely comfortable. This thing does 0-60mph is 5 secs, enough to blow away new sport cars.
Cons
Body style is basically an overhauled GMC Jimmy. Gas mileage about 14mpg in town. Very rare to find one that is not beat up.

Consumer Rating = 7.5
Price (70,000 miles) $9000

9. 2000 Audi A6
Pros
Large selection of engines, well-appointed interior, all-wheel-drive stability.
Cons
Non-linear steering, questionable exterior styling, 4.2's molded rear seat.
Consumer Rating = 8.2
Price = (70,000 miles) $12,800

10. 2002 Dodge Ram 1500
Pros
Increased passenger room, side-curtain airbags, improved ride and handling.
Cons
Top engine choice lags behind competition, no stepside body style.
Consumer Rating = 8.5
Price = (70,000 miles) $9,500

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