01-22-2007, 05:08 PM
i hate that i even have to create a thread called this, but i could use some tips/help from you rapscallions.
here is the situation. Jen and I own a 95 ford explorer, which has become a reliability time-bomb. the tranny has been dropped twice in the last year due to major failure and after the last failure occurred only 5000 miles after the rebuild, i have lost all faith. shame too, it's a real tank that has never let us down otherwise.
we use our truck. we love the outdoors and typically have to traverse poor roads, logging trails, mud, dunes, small creeks, and deep snow to get to our destinations. in a year or two we will most likely be either towing a canoe/kayak or have it carried on the roof. as such, having things like fat tires, 4WD and low range, a roof rack, and good ground clearance are required. as it will be strictly our second/recreational/beater vehicle i would actually prefer an automatic and fuel consumption doesn't matter. that said, i'd also like to keep things V6 or better because i live in atlanta and don't want to die.
i am asking for your opinions on used SUV's from any and all manufacture's you can think of that fit the class of the explorer. assuming we don't get pounded in the pooper too bad on trade in or private sale of the exploder, my budget is roughly 10 grand. i'd prefer not to buy something older than what i currently own, so lets cap the age at '96 or so. i am hoping for a vehicle with less than 85k on it and NO RUST.
trucks i have strongly considered
- Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
- Nissan Xterra
- Nissan Pathifinder
- Toyota 4Runner
i have already developed some opinions on these vehicles but i want to hear all i can. i know some of you even own a vehicle or two on the list so please chime in with experiences, knowledge, or warnings. Thanks!
here is the situation. Jen and I own a 95 ford explorer, which has become a reliability time-bomb. the tranny has been dropped twice in the last year due to major failure and after the last failure occurred only 5000 miles after the rebuild, i have lost all faith. shame too, it's a real tank that has never let us down otherwise.
we use our truck. we love the outdoors and typically have to traverse poor roads, logging trails, mud, dunes, small creeks, and deep snow to get to our destinations. in a year or two we will most likely be either towing a canoe/kayak or have it carried on the roof. as such, having things like fat tires, 4WD and low range, a roof rack, and good ground clearance are required. as it will be strictly our second/recreational/beater vehicle i would actually prefer an automatic and fuel consumption doesn't matter. that said, i'd also like to keep things V6 or better because i live in atlanta and don't want to die.
i am asking for your opinions on used SUV's from any and all manufacture's you can think of that fit the class of the explorer. assuming we don't get pounded in the pooper too bad on trade in or private sale of the exploder, my budget is roughly 10 grand. i'd prefer not to buy something older than what i currently own, so lets cap the age at '96 or so. i am hoping for a vehicle with less than 85k on it and NO RUST.
trucks i have strongly considered
- Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
- Nissan Xterra
- Nissan Pathifinder
- Toyota 4Runner
i have already developed some opinions on these vehicles but i want to hear all i can. i know some of you even own a vehicle or two on the list so please chime in with experiences, knowledge, or warnings. Thanks!
2010 Civic Si
2019 4Runner TRD Off-Road
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Past: 03 Xterra SE 4x4 | 05 Impreza 2.5RS | 99.5 A4 Quattro 1.8T | 01 Accord EX | 90 Maxima GXE | 96 Explorer XLT
2019 4Runner TRD Off-Road
--------------------------
Past: 03 Xterra SE 4x4 | 05 Impreza 2.5RS | 99.5 A4 Quattro 1.8T | 01 Accord EX | 90 Maxima GXE | 96 Explorer XLT