Posted on 01/09/2005 1:50:28 PM PST by Joe Hadenuf
I don't post vanities much, and I hope the AM would at least leave this out in the open for a least a day, so as to try and get some good Freeper feedback.
I know many here are SUV/off road/Pickup truck enthusiast/experts.
I am looking for feed back from those on this site from those that own/owned or are looking to purchase an SUV or a truck, like myself.
My use will be regular on road use and occasional off road.
I am looking for *best years* vehicle, a used P/U or SUV. V-6 or V-8 with smaller displacement. Manual trans or automatic, and preferable 4x4. The pickup must seat four adults with at least a 6 foot bed. I am looking at a mid size type SUV. Any towing done would just be a small light trailer for dirt bikes etc.
The years I am looking at are late 90s or say about 1995 to year 2004. I just got rid of an 1985 Chev subruban w/350 manual trans w/granny low. It was too big, used too much fuel, and was getting pretty old.
Any owner input or feed back would be greatly appreciated, and I am looking for quality, ruggedness, and above all, dependability for on and off road. Any year/models to avoid?
Thanks a bunch!
Joe.
Buy AMERICAN-
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango, pushing 100,000 miles, that is a great truck. Can haul 7 adults, but the middle and back seats fold for tons of storage (two dogs, kennels, etc). It's a v8, gas is about 20-25 mph. I haven't had any maintenence issues other than the stupid power windows dying under waranity, and just regular checkups, etc. I've driven it in snow, (I'm in Wisconsin), ice and some really bad conditions. I like it because it has a part time 4 wheel drive that you can put into gear while driving at a moderate speed, (about 25 mph). Anyway, I'd recommend one.
Yes, support unions! Really, all US made cars have components made in foriegn countries. Is there one car or truck that is completely made here that I'm unaware of?
Anything Toyota.
Sorry, I cannot input to your specs, due to the engine size limitation. If I am going to go to the trouble of taking up two parking spaces so I can be safe in what I drive, the damned thing is going to have a tank motor in it and get a whopping 5 gallons to the mile! Otherwise, I will drive a Honda Civic and enjoy the MPG. Having both means compromising on safety, to one degree or another. How much safety will you give up?
I have a good 2003 Silverado (2wd) xtra cab that I use as a daily driver. I do a lot of hunting and outdoor activiites, so I got a really cool 77 CJ5 Jeep. It's pretty (red) with a really hot v8, but guess what? It ain't practical. So I bought a 96 Cherockee 4 door, 4wd. I can haul 3 hunting buddies and a kid along with gear. It's civilized, has air, gobs of power and mileage ain't horrible. It'l go anywhere. When it wears out, i'll buy another. They quit making it a few years ago (replaced it with the Liberty).
I've been searching for an SUV with similar desires as you. Grand Cherokee is a very good value used, '95 on. You can get a used one, V6, under 100k, for aro8und $5k. That's the best "low end," IMO.
On the high end, get a 4-Runner (Toyota). They simply last forever.
Are there any Toyota SUV's with 300hp?
Toyota and Honda?? More American made parts than other makers!
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
Voted the 4X4 of the year!
And it's Made in USA!
"you got a Hemi in there?" LOL
Interesting you mentioned that. Our neighbor just suggested the same thing two hours ago.
On the high end, get a 4-Runner (Toyota). They simply last forever.
I can testify to that. My wife has a 97 4-runner limited, w/4 wheel drive, it has about 97k miles and runs like a watch. I found out on those 4-runners if you break a timing belt, it doesn't hurt the engine like on most other vehicles.
We are seriously thinking about finding another used Toyota 4-runner, at least it seems to be on the top of our list so far.
To bad we just can't afford that newer V8 4 runner. But I must say, my wifes V6 is very strong.
Ditto on the 4 Runner. We've have a 1997 4 Runner and have NEVER had any problems with it!
On the other hand, I don't think this meets his specifications, but we also have a Subaru 1996 Outback and it has also been a "dream car" as far as maintenance.
Truth be told, my teenager and husband prefer the Outback to the 4 Runner because the Subaru has a nicer ride, and when they go off road they say it's more fun to drive.
Your the 3rd one today that suggested that. It's on the short list.
We had two Dodge Rams, 2001 and 2002. The were excellent and got what we consider good gas mileage for a truck, 21 miles per gallon. Unfortunately we had to down size because we are retiring and moving. Had no problem selling one and trading in the other. We bought a Ford and can truly say that we are upset over the 18 miles per gallon we get, it also is slower to start up. The Dodge's started up immediately, not the Ford, has to crank a bit. The Dodge's stopping when applying the brake was also superior. Other than that, we love our Ford F150 4 x 4 SC. Hope this helps.
But is there a car completely made here, no outsourcing, zilch, nada? And, if there is, are they unionized? It's a trade off. I would just rather buy a truck and not worry about it, but I hate knowing my hard earned money is going to a union that thugs its employees into supporting the dems. No way to get around it, I know, just an observation. I used to work in the auto industry, then (pre-9-11), all the big three, saturn, the japenese, etc who have plants in the US did it, all used foreign components.
I love the older F-150s.
I am just not sure about the models that are 7 years old or newer. Trying to find something from about 97 to 2004.
Is that a 6' bed? And any problem with 4 adults on short runs?
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