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I'm looking for some ideas and experiences from others out here...
I've been thinking that I might want a mid-sized 4x4 SUV....something to have for bad weather days when I don't want to take my daily out, something that doesn't ride too bad and able to make long trips, seat ~4 people comfortably with some inside cargo area, reasonable MPG, and also decent for a little offroad use....nothing too extreme, but light Jeep trail type stuff...would probably be used to make some Colorado trips, and ability to tow a small ATV trailer would be a plus. I'm thinking in the ~$5K range.
Here's what I've considered so far (in no particular order)....
- Land Rover Discovery....they have a lot of creature comforts and I know that they do very well offroad (I actually did an offroad driving school in one about 5-years ago and was impressed with it's abilities). They also have a lot of creature comforts which isn't necessary for what I'm looking for, but a nice plus. However, I'm a bit afraid of the reliability in one of these things, and also the cost of repairs when something happens. My research seems to indicate that they are prone to driveline issues, particularly with the transfer case, and also some cooling system issues that often result in blown head-gaskets/more major engine teardown. Of course the auto-leveling has its own set of issues too, and I'd prefer something that isn't fulltime AWD...I don't think these things are good for towing much either. There also has to be a reason these things were $40K new, and now selling for $4-$7K.
- Explorer or Mountaineer - Not really known for being great offroad vehicles, but I'm really familiar with them overall and have always known them to be pretty dependable vehicles overall. I actually owned a 98' 5.0 for a couple years, and it was a great truck other than being a bit thirsty for fuel. Have also known several other folks who've owned them and most always seemed to have real good luck with them....my brother had a 95' model that he traded with 210K miles on it, and it still ran and drove excellent when he unloaded it. They also tow pretty well for their class.
- Jeep Cherokee - I admittedly don't have much experience with them, but the Chrysler part scares me a little. The Limiteds seem to be more geared for concrete use...better ride/drive out on the road, while the XJs are more for offroad...from what I've read it seems that most "Jeep Guys" flock towards the XJ style, and try to stay away from the Limited style ones. I also know the reputation for the 4.0L, which does seem to be a plus.
- Isuzu Trooper - I don't know much about these either...only on my list b/c I've known a couple guys that owned them and both couldn't say enough good about them. One is a good friend who has a place up in the mountains, it's his primary transportation when he's up there...I believe it's a 99' and he's had it for about 8-years now, and says that it is one of the best offroad/trail trucks he's had. He claims to have never had any major issues out of it, but last time we spoke about it I seem to recall it still had relatively low miles for it's age....around 100K I think. Although somewhat low, the miles it has seen have been harder than just regular road driving, it has seen some tough winter conditions, and the road going up to his place is pretty bad in itself.
I've also thought about a Toyota Landcruiser, but appears anything decent is going to be more than what I'm trying to budget for. I've never been a fan of 4-Runners (except for the early 2-doors, and I'm looking for a 4-door)
So...would like to hear opinions on what I've listed above and also any additional recommendations any of you may have.
I've been thinking that I might want a mid-sized 4x4 SUV....something to have for bad weather days when I don't want to take my daily out, something that doesn't ride too bad and able to make long trips, seat ~4 people comfortably with some inside cargo area, reasonable MPG, and also decent for a little offroad use....nothing too extreme, but light Jeep trail type stuff...would probably be used to make some Colorado trips, and ability to tow a small ATV trailer would be a plus. I'm thinking in the ~$5K range.
Here's what I've considered so far (in no particular order)....
- Land Rover Discovery....they have a lot of creature comforts and I know that they do very well offroad (I actually did an offroad driving school in one about 5-years ago and was impressed with it's abilities). They also have a lot of creature comforts which isn't necessary for what I'm looking for, but a nice plus. However, I'm a bit afraid of the reliability in one of these things, and also the cost of repairs when something happens. My research seems to indicate that they are prone to driveline issues, particularly with the transfer case, and also some cooling system issues that often result in blown head-gaskets/more major engine teardown. Of course the auto-leveling has its own set of issues too, and I'd prefer something that isn't fulltime AWD...I don't think these things are good for towing much either. There also has to be a reason these things were $40K new, and now selling for $4-$7K.
- Explorer or Mountaineer - Not really known for being great offroad vehicles, but I'm really familiar with them overall and have always known them to be pretty dependable vehicles overall. I actually owned a 98' 5.0 for a couple years, and it was a great truck other than being a bit thirsty for fuel. Have also known several other folks who've owned them and most always seemed to have real good luck with them....my brother had a 95' model that he traded with 210K miles on it, and it still ran and drove excellent when he unloaded it. They also tow pretty well for their class.
- Jeep Cherokee - I admittedly don't have much experience with them, but the Chrysler part scares me a little. The Limiteds seem to be more geared for concrete use...better ride/drive out on the road, while the XJs are more for offroad...from what I've read it seems that most "Jeep Guys" flock towards the XJ style, and try to stay away from the Limited style ones. I also know the reputation for the 4.0L, which does seem to be a plus.
- Isuzu Trooper - I don't know much about these either...only on my list b/c I've known a couple guys that owned them and both couldn't say enough good about them. One is a good friend who has a place up in the mountains, it's his primary transportation when he's up there...I believe it's a 99' and he's had it for about 8-years now, and says that it is one of the best offroad/trail trucks he's had. He claims to have never had any major issues out of it, but last time we spoke about it I seem to recall it still had relatively low miles for it's age....around 100K I think. Although somewhat low, the miles it has seen have been harder than just regular road driving, it has seen some tough winter conditions, and the road going up to his place is pretty bad in itself.
I've also thought about a Toyota Landcruiser, but appears anything decent is going to be more than what I'm trying to budget for. I've never been a fan of 4-Runners (except for the early 2-doors, and I'm looking for a 4-door)
So...would like to hear opinions on what I've listed above and also any additional recommendations any of you may have.
Just looking for a cash car to have on the side really.
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