Thinking about a mid-sized SUV....

[Big A]

Now that I've been on both sides of the spectrum, how many people, and how old? My extended-cab 4x4 ranger has served me well, been deep into the CO mountains, and has pulled a boat to the lake for 10+ summers. Perfect for you and the wife, but even with the 4 doors, the jump seats are for short trips only.

My vote is on a Grand Cherokee or extended cab 4x4 F150, but in your price range, good luck.

[Rreemo]

I can spend more if I need to...just not sure that I want to.

[sc281]

This is more what I'm going for, and I am looking to spend about 5 grand. I think it'll be hard to find better for the budget.

[Big A]

I can spend more if I need to...just not sure that I want to.

$5k is DD, or toy money, unless you want a Jeep that needs work. I would like to be wrong, but for a reliable family 4x4, you are going to have to spend more.

For what you've described, I don't see anything less then $10-15k. I hope that I'm wrong, or misinterpreted your needs.

[Pokulski-Blatz]

Jeep Cherokee can be had for under 5k for a really low mile example.

/thread

[Sean88gt]

Had an 04 Grand and the little issues drove me nuts.

Just picked up a Durango R/T for family dude. Don't expect mileage but it runs strong.

[talisman]

I've had 3 Explorers and they were all pretty great and reliable, although my 06 had some weird demons. It was super nice though.



Stay the fuck away from Isuzu. Expensive parts, IF you can even find them.

[Big A]

I've had 3 Explorers and they were all pretty great and reliable, although my 06 had some weird demons. It was super nice though.

4x4?

[sc281]

Had an 04 Grand and the little issues drove me nuts.

Just picked up a Durango R/T for family dude. Don't expect mileage but it runs strong.

What little issues?

[LS1Goat]

I have a Jeep Commander and we really like it. No problems, except for having to have the windshield resealed while under warranty. Some of the Commanders and Cherokees from '06 and up had the same common issue. Chrysler issued a TSB on it. "Windshield whistling"

We've done a lot of traveling with it and the little 4.7 V8 and the 545RE auto have been rock solid. Stock suspension and skid plate is pretty tough.

[Sean88gt]

What little issues?

Coolant usage, power steering was crap, viscous coupling went out, hvac dual climate quit on the pass side blowing a/c on max all the time an the ac was subpar.

[jluv]

I'm an Explorer fan. I sometimes wish I had a 4x4 V8. Jack shit for aftermarket on them, though.

[Big A]

I have a Jeep Commander and we really like it.

Great car, but can he get one for 5 grand? Even used?

[jw33]

I'm in the exact boat you are.

I am leaning toward the 02-04 Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 personally, but am interested in knowing what the crowd advises.

This. You can't go wrong with the WJ. The 4.0HO drivetrain is about bulletproof in stock configuration, they ride great, and they will last several hundred thousands miles. Window regulators and the cooling fan relay are about the only things that mess up and they are pretty easy fixes for both.

[Rreemo]

$5k is DD, or toy money, unless you want a Jeep that needs work. I would like to be wrong, but for a reliable family 4x4, you are going to have to spend more.

For what you've described, I don't see anything less then $10-15k. I hope that I'm wrong, or misinterpreted your needs.

Yeah, I think you might be misinterpreting my needs a little....wife and I both have our dailys, I'm looking for something to just be an extra 4-seat vehicle that is preferrably 4WD...one that I won't feel bad about leaving outside when it's storming, taking places where parking isn't great, hauling my daughter and her friends places, going to the lake in the summer, maybe making the trek out to South Fork once or twice a year, etc. Doesn't have to be anything too new either....sharing mileage with my other cars, probably something I'll put 6-8K/Yr on.

Something about like these examples.....

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/ctd/2779259335.html

http://killeen.craigslist.org/cto/2728629932.html

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/ctd/2765252297.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2732260161.html

Something older/cheaper wouldn't bother me either, as long as it's clean and well cared for....

http://www.averyautostx.com/vehicles/2000-ford-explorer--69

http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/2775662017.html

For the money its looking like the Exploders are going to be the most cost effective...but I'm certainly interested in the Jeeps too.