Off or On Road: 2008 Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra was released for the 2000 model year, right at the time when Ford was in the heat of the Explorer/Firestone crisis, and quite a few SUV shoppers skipped the Ford dealer and found themselves in a body-on-frame Nissan that put an emphasis on ruggedness and affordability over luxury.  A few years later they are very cheap and still trail ready. Find this 2008 Nissan Xterra offered for $4800 in Houston, TX via craigslist. Tip from Jeff who writes: I had one of these the first year they came out (2000) and it was a solid ride. Not sure how they progressed over the years, but this one looks clean. Great daily/cash car I'd say!

4X4 5-Speed: 2001 Nissan Xterra 4wd

The Nissan Xterra was a plus sized compact SUV that was sold from 1999 through 2015 in the US market.  It wasn't the best off roader on the block, but it combined great road manners with decent mud capabilities, Japanese reliability, and available manual gearbox...can't hate that.  Find this 2001 Nissan Xterra 4wd 4x4 5 speed SUV offered for $1800 in Cincinnati, OH via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

2 Camels: 1970 Citroën Méhari

This next car is the kind of ride that gets you a sort of attention that could be good or bad...depending on how you feel about strange men chasing you around town to get a closer look at your ride.  And not the kind of dudes you'd want trying to poke under your hood, but that is a discussion for another day.  Find this 1970 Citroen Mehari offered for $4,800 near Cincinatti, OH via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.