4x4 vehicle recommendation

[anaphylaxis]

I'm thinking of getting a second vehicle that has some ability to haul stuff around and better ground clearance. It isn't going to be a daily driver, use will be minimal.

To keep cost down, I'm going to be looking for a mid to late 90's or early 2000's truck or SUV. Automatic, 4x4.

I'd like to end up with something that is reliable and not a major maintenance hog.

I've had good luck with Pathfinders before, but any suggestions?

[roberth]

3rd generation (1996-2002) 4runner

[KS63]

Yup. 4Runner or Tacoma.

[HoneyBadger]

Interested in an 01 silverado extended cab?

[Great-Kazoo]

factor in the maximum load you want to haul, then go from there.

[anaphylaxis]

3rd generation (1996-2002) 4runner


Yup. 4Runner or Tacoma.

Thanks.


factor in the maximum load you want to haul, then go from there.

Not likely to be an issue. Anything I'd be hauling around would more likely be bulky than heavy. Probably not going to be towing either.

[roberth]

I spend 2 months hunting for a 3rd gen 4Runner last year. This website will help you out - http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/

[hurley842002]

Yup. 4Runner or Tacoma.

This ^^ Tacoma in my case.

[Ronin13]

Just keep in mind, if you're on a budget, a Toyota 4x4 is not going to be your best option; they keep their value for a long time, mostly because you can abuse them, and they last forever and a day. Want perfect evidence? Watch the Top Gear (UK) series of episodes where they try to destroy a Toyota Hilux. Needless to say, punishment is something Toyota can take with a big old grin.

[blacklabel]

An XJ is a great candidate as well.

[hatidua]

Routine preventative maintenance can cause a great many different vehicles to exceed their normal life expectancy. Problem is, most people treat their cars much like they treat their lawn mowers.

[hurley842002]

Just keep in mind, if you're on a budget, a Toyota 4x4 is not going to be your best option; they keep their value for a long time, mostly because you can abuse them, and they last forever and a day. Want perfect evidence? Watch the Top Gear (UK) series of episodes where they try to destroy a Toyota Hilux. Needless to say, punishment is something Toyota can take with a big old grin.

This was something I planned on adding, but you beat me.

To give you an idea, there were 01-04 quad cab Tacoma's, with 100,000 more miles than mine has, listed at the same price.

[spqrzilla]

The 4Runner or Tacoma are good choices. But Jeep Cherokee XJ are cheaper. Some of the late '90's models that came out of a fleet can be in decent shape. Often its only the fleet ones that come w/o all the electrical crap like electric windows in the latter years.

[brianakell]

XJ's are a little cheaper than comparable 4runners from what Ive seen.

Another, tahoe/yukon. Go with the older 5.7 vortec's and they seem to have less issues than the 2000+ ones, and get better mileage. I can't get worse than 17.5 from a 99 Ive got. Between a 97 burb, and 99 tahoe, Ive put over 100k into them with very little issues.

Selling the tahoe, keeping a 4runner I bought 3.4/5speed. Wife wanted something "more sporty"

[Ah Pook]

4x4 is so passe.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQbze7DxR1GfgmHRsU_8fpoQGQXqVk9z TkcvpzuUyZxdWYxPzCi

[BushMasterBoy]

Chevy or GMC trucks is all I drive. If you are thinking bug out vehicle, I'd only buy full sized truck and not foreign name. Buying used? Change all the fluids, belts and hoses. I just bought a dually and found out the old fart had put automatic transmission fluid in the differential. He died before he could drive it much. I drained it and and replaced with gear oil. The gears didn't seem too badly worn, next summer I will pull it all apart and maybe replace the roller bearings for the axles while doing a brake inspection. The truck forums online are a great place to find tips to repairs. If it is a SUV, any Jeep with the 4.0L straight six is pretty easy to mantain. Never buy any truck/suv that has lots of modifications, such as lifted, chipped, etc. My experience is they have unsolvable problems.

[ray1970]

I can haul more shit in my 3/4 tin GMC than you can haul in two Tacomas. Since it isn't my daily driver, fuel consumption and maintenance cost are minimal.

[streetglideok]

I'm thinking of getting a second vehicle that has some ability to haul stuff around and better ground clearance. It isn't going to be a daily driver, use will be minimal.

To keep cost down, I'm going to be looking for a mid to late 90's or early 2000's truck or SUV. Automatic, 4x4.

I'd like to end up with something that is reliable and not a major maintenance hog.

I've had good luck with Pathfinders before, but any suggestions?

I would avoid Nissan from a professional opinion. Toyotas are pricey but hold their value as many have said. They don't often break, as long as you have maintenance done on them. If you run them till something breaks, expect it to cost a lot. Jeeps in particular, XJ Cherokees, can be found for decent prices, though you need to look for one not beat to hell. They are capable offroad machines, especially with a little lifting. Dodge Rams with the solid front axle are also very capable as well. I would skimp on Ford and GM if offroading is paramount.

[Cameron]

http://www.topgear.com/uk/imageresize/image.jpg?OriginalImageUrl=%2Fuk%2Fassets%2Fcms%2F 3bd6996f-c275-4bcf-850f-c2c5cc60bdea%2F670x377Image.jpg%3Fp%3D101125_12%3A 10&Width=615&Height=347

[cofi]

Buy my trailblazer!!
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/119221-fs-2002-trailblazer-(lifted-33s-lots-of-extras)

[Hound]

Jeep, easy decision. There is a reason there are so many of them around. Easy to maintain, work on and upgrade with none of it being overly expensive unless you want it to be. Toyota parts tend to be expensive. Jeeps are simple, which translates into easy field repair. This comes from years of history. I have had (and built) several ...they are great. Body style , be it WJ, XJ, CJ.... JK (price?), to match what you want to carry. I would agree in general with watch for too many mods. Guys tend to go up instead of out and don't always know how to do it right.

[T-Giv]

Agreed on going with the Jeep...however a JK is not going to suit his budget. Those things are pricey and Jeep has gone much more toward the pavement princess lifestyle these days. I'll hopefully be shopping for a clean XJ in the near future myself.

[streetglideok]

I'm not a real big fan of the JK, personally. The TJ is probably the best Wrangler/CJ made IMO. It had coil spring suspension all the way around, you can get them with a straight 6, and though it was on the road to fancy electronics of the JK, it is still basic, though not like a CJ or YJ Wrangler. If you do some looking around, you can find a deal on a TJ Wrangler, though probably not in this part of the country. Stock they are capable, and with some changes, they will go places that do not resemble roads, if you are so inclined. You can carry stuff, but not to the extent of a XJ Cherokee. You may also look into a Grand Cherokee, the ZJ chassis '93-'98, or WJ '99-'04. ZJs can cause headaches due to some electronics getting long in the tooth now. Suspension was class leading for offroading. WJ had improvements, and better electronics and more reliable IMO. You can find them decently priced often times, because they "aren't a Wrangler".

[Jer]

In addition to what everyone else has added I'l just add: I sold Jeeps for a few years in the late 90's and early 2000's. I own a Tacoma.

The reason they're expensive is BECAUSE they're ultra-reliable. That 'being expensive' also means you'll get more of your money back when you finally go to resell it.

[spqrzilla]

The Toyota is more reliable than the Jeep. Granted. But one has to decide if enough to justify the cost. Jeeps are not expensive to work on / get repaired. Just stay away from the years where Jeep was putting Frog electronics in the engine.

[Dave]

http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?auctionId=6880546&cm_re=gl-trucksandothervehicles-_-gl-trucksandothervehicles2-carousel-_-item-1

This thing laughs at 4x4's. Plenty of power and cargo room.

[Jer]

The Toyota is more reliable than the Jeep.
/thread

[roberth]

http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?auctionId=6880546&cm_re=gl-trucksandothervehicles-_-gl-trucksandothervehicles2-carousel-_-item-1

This thing laughs at 4x4's. Plenty of power and cargo room.

I looked into those, maintenance and parts are $$$$, same with the Pinz. The best practical military vehicle would be a CUCV with the 6.2L diesel. Check out Steel Soldiers for more info.

[hatidua]

http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?auctionId=6880546&cm_re=gl-trucksandothervehicles-_-gl-trucksandothervehicles2-carousel-_-item-1

This thing laughs at 4x4's. Plenty of power and cargo room.

- and the ability to be featured in the "people who can't park" thread on a daily basis!

[Ah Pook]

What does the OP want to haul? Camping gear, logs, spare engines...?

For all around hauling, I would get a truck. Lots of Toyotas around here that seem to last forever. I was looking at extended cabs a while back but couldn't find what I wanted. As far as American, I lean towards Ford and Dodge.

For an SUV type 4x, a Jeep XJ is hard to beat. They are popular in this area and lots of parts around, plus they are easy to work on. I recently picked one up and like it a lot (so far). The only thing I don't like about it, as well as most SUV type vehicles, is the hatch back. Give me a tail gate. The straight six 4.0L has good power and is almost bomb proof. I wouldn't haul more than a utility trailer with it, though.

I like the older 4 Runners with the removable top.

[Hound]

I did say the JK's might be pricey but I love mine. TJ's are good too, just did not feel like going through the whole alphabet with a 'J' on the end. I can say the straight six is solid but the v6 has been great. No Jeep is good with big trailors..... That being said, I did have a full size trailor with a very heavy Supra. A little harry, just needed to brake early but.... Ya, I was pushing it even with a JK. I would not recommend it. Jeeps .... there is one for every occasion, just pick the one that fits.

[anaphylaxis]

Thanks for the information, this thread has been interesting to read for someone as ignorant on the subject as I.

It seems there are two primary suggestions here: Toyota because of reliability and resale value. Jeep because of lower acquisition cost plus ease and low cost of maintenance.

I haven't heard much about the Pathfinder as per my original post, other than one poster suggesting that I steer clear. Is there anything in particular that tends to be an issue with them?

[Irving]

Maybe it is just me, but when I was looking to buy a 4x4 two years ago, Jeeps were anything but cheap and affordable. Every Jeep started at $5,000 no matter the model, year, or condition. That was right after Cash for Clunkers though.

[<MADDOG>]

Personally. I think the OP should broaden his horizons a bit. IMO, there's nothing wrong with getting an old 70'-80's 4x4... Old V8's and Dana's are pretty much bulletproof, and you can build them how you want and for the cheap.

My $.02

[roberth]

Personally. I think the OP should broaden his horizons a bit. IMO, there's nothing wrong with getting an old 70'-80's 4x4... Old V8's and Dana's are pretty much bulletproof, and you can build them how you want and for the cheap.

My $.02

Yes, a 1976 (first year with disc brakes) Ford F250 4x4 would be a solid vehicle. Maybe stop at 1978 b/c 1979 is when the smog crap started being loaded on the engines. I've seen these for $5000 and under, don't get one the guy lifted or modified, get a clean stocker. You'll have to shop and wait and pounce when the right one comes along.

[streetglideok]

I recommended staying clear of Nissans, and I say that for several reasons. They tend to be much harder to work on than most other brands, especially the Xterra and older Pathfinders and Hardbody pickups, their engines leave much to be desired in quality, and they have had some quality control issues as of late. Removing the transmission and t-case on a Toyota is not a simple job, but not the worst either. On a jeep, its a simple task really. On a Nissan, you are literally tearing apart half the vehicle. Stupidest thing I have ever seen in my life.

Jeeps tend to hold their value on their own, especially in areas they are popular, such as Colorado. I laughingly call Jeep the unofficial state conservative vehicle, the counter to the Subaru. Their(jeeps) prices usually don't run as high as 'yotas, but tend to require a little more repair work than Toyotas, but as vehicles age, that gap closes up. 4wd vehicles as a rule take a lil more care. Take my jeep for example. I own a Jeep Liberty KJ series, which is the first generation Liberty. I bought it used with 44k on the odometer, and was in good shape. Ive replaced a idler pulley for the drive belt, did oil changes on it, and driven it. 78k on it now, and I do have some smaller leaks on it, the rear diff pinion seal is leaking, and the front axle shaft seal leaks. I can handle that work with ease, its just getting time for it. I also need to service the fluids on it as well. I've seen a lot of Toyotas with the same exact leaks in the same mileage range as well. They will also need similar maintenance as well. I don't thrash mine, but it hasn't been babied either. She's been down a few trails that bone stock it really didn't belong. Most of the major parts on it are not horrible to work on, or replace. Every vehicle has its pro's and cons, you just have to keep an open mind. When I was looking for mine, Toyotas were on the list as well as Jeeps. I wouldn't be afraid of a Toyota, basically. However, price wise I got a lot more vehicle for my money, as other than a 4runner being a little longer, and not having every Wrangler owner bashing what I drive, I would have the basically the same thing. Nissans, Mitsubishis, Fords(I used to be a ford guy) were not on the list. A dodge with a straight axle, or a GM pickup would be ok, but for the trails here, full sized rigs are tight on them. So they were scratched off.

[<MADDOG>]

Yes, a 1976 (first year with disc brakes) Ford F250 4x4 would be a solid vehicle. Maybe stop at 1978 b/c 1979 is when the smog crap started being loaded on the engines. I've seen these for $5000 and under, don't get one the guy lifted or modified, get a clean stocker. You'll have to shop and wait and pounce when the right one comes along.

Ditto. As long as you are not in a "smog" area, the sky is the limit, even with 80's trucks...

[ben4372]

If you go pre 76 you can skip the Envirotest dummies. I had a 1999 Tahoe that was as good a SUV as I could have asked for. 19-20 mpg on highway. CHEAP and easy to find part. Nearly as easy to fix as a 70's truck, but much more usable.

[<MADDOG>]

If you go pre 76 you can skip the Envirotest dummies. I had a 1999 Tahoe that was as good a SUV as I could have asked for. 19-20 mpg on highway. CHEAP and easy to find part. Nearly as easy to fix as a 70's truck, but much more usable.

Granted.

However, I see anything without a computer as bonus! [LOL]

[Hound]

This is interesting to see for me as well. I currently own both a JK and 89 Pathfinder. My neighbor has an 05 4Runner, which I have helped him build up. I have already talked about my JK but now for the Pathfinder. The engine is another one of those 'bulletproof' engines. They just keep going but are not going to be a power house. This truck takes some finesse to off road due to the lack of power but is much like a lite Scout (which I have also owned with 2 K5's back there too, been doing this for awhile). There is not a lot of weight compared to a scout but neither have high horsepower. The thing is, off roading is not about HP. It is about torque. You don't need to do 50 MPH down a trail. You do need a good weight to torque ratio with reliability and ease/low cost of repair. Things will break. Pathfinders are lite, can be picked up for around $1800-2500, maintenance is mixed. Somebody talked about taking the whole thing apart to work on it... Kinda. The IFS in the front means more to work on but it holds up well. Raising it is very easy, rear springs and some cranking on the torsion bars (which will wear out but are cheap and easy to replace). The engine is packed in there and some things are a PITA to get at. Feel free to remove stuff from the engine compartment to make this easier. The pathfinder is not going to be on the top list for most 4x4's but its not bad. This is what I am building up for my wife since it is an automatic and I already own it.

The 4Runner is a good looking truck and can be "out there with the big dogs". My buddy has been able to do a good job on his but it has some weird quirks. The computer controlled suspension has to go. Great while it works but if it goes in the trail you are screwed. This is pretty easy to do though. The drive train is computer controlled, which is ok but can be a lifesaver one minute and a bane the next. It does this brake thing that does not always work the way you thought it would. I have also seen my neighbor not be able to back up a simple set of ramps even though the engine has lots of power. This was again the crazy way the computer acts. The engine and everything have not had a problem. The only time I have seen a truck grande both front and rear diffs was last year when I was running with a 4Runner group out at Moody's. He ended up having to back down the mountain without power. It scared the hell out of him. That same trip nobody else would go up the quarry wall while the two Jeeps (including mine) tried it, only mine made it. The cost on 4Runners is not cheap but not too much higher than a Nissan.

My first "4x4" was actually not a 4x4. My buddies growing up in Missouri had the Broncos and K5's while all I had was an old beat up 63' Chevy short bed. It was not lifted, did not have the cool lights and did not have big cool bumpers they all had. What it did have was a 250 straight six (great torque), good old Wrangler tires (good traction) and finally a granny low gear. I was known for putting it into "1st", getting out while it was still moving and walking up to the door knocking and walking back to stop it. That thing in 1st did feet per hour but when my buddies got stuck, I was the one that was able to waddle out there, hook up and pull them out. 4x4ing is about the truck but more about the driver. Pick a line that is not beating you truck to death and ALWAYS have your recovery gear. Go with a friend or group if possible and most trucks can be made capable off roaders. The cost is going to be lower for American vs not. We got rid of the LandRover when the brakes started to go and we found out the master cylinder could cost as much as $4500 (ya, that much retail... Absolutely crazy). My wife still misses that truck though. If you are just going camping then most anything will work that will carry your gear. If you want to get a little tipsy look for good torque and ease/cost of repair. The initial cost of the truck will not be where your wallet feels the pinch.

The first pic is out at Moody's the second is how we camp.

[roberth]

Ditto. As long as you are not in a "smog" area, the sky is the limit, even with 80's trucks...

Good idea, I didn't think of location.


Granted.

However, I see anything without a computer as bonus! https://www.ar-15.co/images/smilies/anim_lol.gif

Yup.