Utility

Runs: Yes Utility Value: Creme-o-crap

GMC Suburban SLE – $2,950

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The Last of the Real SUVs

Before SUVs became bloated crossovers with CVTs and plastic cladding, there was the GMC Suburban, a body-on-frame behemoth built to haul your family, your trailer, and probably a small country if necessary. This one, somehow, isn’t completely destroyed—a rarity in a world where these things were either run into the ground or converted into off-grid apocalypse rigs.

The seller claims it “drives like brand new”, and while that’s probably a stretch, the interior looks shockingly well-preserved for something that’s lived through multiple recessions and at least one gas crisis. It’s got the 5.7L Vortec 350, an automatic transmission, and new tires, which means it’s ready for another round of family duty or hauling questionable Craigslist purchases.

Buy Rating: Honestly, at $2,950, this isn’t bad. It’s cheap, clean, and still standing, which is more than you can say for most ’90s GM trucks. If you want a real SUV instead of a crossover pretending to be one, this is worth a look.

Fort Collins, CO

https://www.facebook.com/share/16AhGFAxHq/

Runs: Kind of Utility Value: Dregs

1996 Toyota RAV4 Sport – $900

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Suspension by Optimism, Price by Desperation

This first-gen Toyota RAV4 has survived 219,000 miles, but its suspension clearly gave up somewhere along the way. The rear wheels are bowing out thanks to rusted spring mounts, but don’t worry—the seller is throwing in a donor car’s rear section, because nothing says “easy fix” like needing an entire chunk of another vehicle.

The ad insists it “runs great,” which is a bold claim for something that lists “rear wheels might fall off” as a known issue. It has a new battery, fuel pump, and studded snow tires, meaning it’s technically prepared for winter—assuming the suspension doesn’t eject itself before the first snowfall. At least the Kenwood stereo works, so you’ll have something nice to listen to while wondering why you bought this.

Buy Rating: Dirt cheap for a reason. Cleaner first-gen RAV4s go for $2,500–$4,000, so if you’re willing to become a part-time welder, this might be a steal. Otherwise, consider it a $900 gamble with questionable odds.

Steamboat Springs, CO

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BV71gYzR8/

Runs: Yes Utility Value: Mid

1990 Chevy S-10 Long Bed – $2,500

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The Little Truck That Could… Use a Miracle

Ah, the 1990 Chevy S-10—a relic from a time when trucks were compact, utilitarian, and about as comfortable as a church pew. This particular specimen boasts an odometer reading of 100,433 miles, which the seller casually mentions has “rolled over.” So, is it 100K? 200K? Your guess is as good as theirs.

The V6 engine and automatic transmission are present, but with the A/C on permanent vacation (thanks to the extinct R12 refrigerant) and a reluctance to engage reverse gear, you’re in for a driving experience that’s equal parts sauna and surprise. On the bright side, it has a “newer battery,” a “clean title,” and “no check engine lights”—a trifecta of mediocrity. The “heat works,” which is fantastic news for those chilly days when you’re pondering why you bought this thing.

Buy Rating: Probably worth it if you need a cheap work truck, but don’t expect much. Similar S-10s in better condition have been listed for $7,500 to $21,315, depending on mileage and upkeep. Given this one’s quirks and potential high mileage, the $2,500 asking price is wishful thinking.

Post Falls, ID

https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/d/post-falls-1990-chevy-10-2d-6-long-bed/7826029066.html

Runs: Yes Utility Value: Mid

1991 Ford Explorer – $2,500

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1991 Ford Explorer: The Original SUV Dinosaur

This former government mule started life with the City of San Francisco, where it was probably used for hauling around clueless interns and road cones. Now, it’s up for grabs, rocking an unknown number of miles because the odometer gave up tracking them decades ago.

The interior is shockingly decent, aside from a sagging ceiling and dead window motors that have permanently committed to the up position. Seller says it’s “treated them well”—which, given the track record of Explorers, means it hasn’t exploded in the driveway yet.

Buy Rating: You’re basically buying a government surplus mystery box with four wheels. If you’re feeling lucky, $2,500 isn’t awful—but don’t pretend you’re getting a deal. Comparable 91 Explorers hover around the same price, but at least this one comes with fleet maintenance, which is either reassuring or deeply concerning.

Berkeley, CA

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/berkeley-91-ford-explorer/7820259512.html

Runs: Yes Utility Value: Creme-o-crap

1985 Toyota Pickup – $3,500

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Toyota Pickup: The Undying Workhorse

Here’s a 1985 Toyota Pickup with 315,000 miles—which means it’s just about broken in. The legendary 22R engine under the hood refuses to die, and the seller claims it “runs well,” which is Toyota-speak for “will still start after the sun explodes.” Body-wise, it’s surprisingly intact for a truck this old, aside from a bit of rust at the bed seam and tailgate. But let’s be honest, if you’re looking at this thing, you’re not here for aesthetics—you want something that will outlive your grandkids.

Buy Rating: A fair price if you’re after an indestructible work truck. Comparable 1985 Toyota Pickups in similar condition sell for $2,500–$4,000, while pristine ones go for over $10K. This one is listed at $3,500, sitting right in the middle of Toyota Tax territory.

 Flagstaff, AZ

https://flagstaff.craigslist.org/cto/d/flagstaff-1985-toyota-pickup/7819418104.html

Runs: Yes Utility Value: Mid

1997 Ford Ranger XLT – $2,100

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The Cockroach of Trucks: It Just Won’t Die

This 1997 Ford Ranger is the vehicular equivalent of a stray dog—dinged up, rough around the edges, but somehow still kicking. The seller boasts “never run hard,” which is a cute way of saying it’s been babied into mediocrity. With 223,000 miles of abuse, a dented front end, and a power steering system on its last legs, this truck’s biggest flex is that it technically still functions. “Perfect first truck for someone starting out,” meaning perfect for some poor kid who doesn’t know any better.

Buy Rating: If you need a cheap, scrappy hauler and don’t mind a little extra muscle to steer, this might work. Comparable Rangers go for $1,800–$2,300, and this seller is asking $2,100.

Brighton, CO

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/commerce-city-1997-ford-ranger-xlt/7819848292.html

Runs: Kind of Utility Value: Mid

1997 Mercury Villager – $1,500

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The Minivan That Time Forgot

This 1997 Mercury Villager is like that distant uncle who refuses to retire despite being way past his prime. With 191,000 miles, a cracked windshield, and the promise that motor mounts and spark plugs have never been replaced, it’s basically a time capsule of neglect. On the bright side, it’s a one-owner van with good tires and plenty of room for hauling whatever broken dreams you’ve got lying around.

Buy Rating: An okay deal if you’re looking for a rolling storage unit or something to break down on a budget. Comparable Villagers in similar condition sell for $1,500–$1,900, and this seller is asking $1,800.