rough road capable, 4x4, reliable

Sounds like quite a driveway. Do friends and family ever visit?

The best match could be a Toyota 4Runner. To get one for your price you might have to be flexible on age and/or miles, but they are among the most reliable models in our survey.

No manual transmission in recent years, unfortunately.

You could get a manual transmission in the related FJ Cruiser, which would also be less expensive, so that might be an option if you don't mind limited rearward visibility and a small, hard to access rear seat.

I agree with Michael---the 4Runner is a fantastic SUV---going to be at or above your price range though. I truly believe with that car, you get what you're paying for.

You're not the first very satisfied Patriot owner I've heard about. That car gets shunned a bit in the press, but they seem to hold up well.

Your other contenders are good ones, in my opinion. Pilots are among the more capable midsize crossovers out there.

I checked Autotrader before posting, and SOME 4Runners were available in his price range close to his age/odometer limits. It's not easy to find them at good prices because they do depreciate slowly.

I did not check FJ prices, I just assumed they'd be less expensive. But someone has since told me that the FJs could even be increasing in value, since they're no longer available.