Thinking of buying a used mid-sized 4x4....

[jellybean40]

Originally posted by THE BRONZE:
While the Dodge products look nice, from my experience, they don't hold up over time. If the powertrain doesn't fail, the interior parts and suspension will.

Thanks, i didnt know that.

[Owen McPhillips]

I've got a 93 Dakota 4X4 with a 5.2L V8.

Never had any suspension or drivetrain problems with it. Power for days with the V8.

I HAVE had the fuel hose pop off the tank (held in place with a cheesy little plastic clip that breaks easily).

And the paint job is close to the world's worst -- it's peeling and flaking all over.

Still, I think if I could have any truck I wanted, I'd get a 4X2 Dakota somewhere from 91-96 and customize it. Paint job and new fuel system at least.

I think it's just a good-looking truck.

I've driven an S-10 with a little 4-banger under the hood. Trust me, you don't want that. No guts at all. 0-60 in 5 minutes.

[CinaC]

I had a Dodge Ram as a rental when my Jeep was in the shop for deer-repair ... (was supposed to have a Cavalier ... but they were unavailable, and I was offered either a Metro or a Ram for the same price ... what a difficult choice ...)

It was nice. I had a lot of visibility. I also made sure to beat the HELL out of it!

[jeeper]

Stay AWAY from the Dodge!

The Chevy's aren't bad.

The Ranger's are pretty good too.

Nissan...ugh

Toyota, now THAT is the way to go!!! The Tacoma's are bulletproof!!! They are quite
expensive though, for one less than 4 yrs old or so.

I forgot to put in this part so I had to edit....

UNIMOG!!!!! Those things are the epitome of "Go Anywhere, Do Anything!"

Crazy!! I'm dissappointed in you!!! Everyone knows a TJ Wrangler with about 10 grand in aftermarket stuff will go ANYWHERE a Hummer will and ALOT of places a Hummer won't. And you can have enough left over to buy yourself a Suburban to tow the Wrangler with. Or maybe a Mustang GT to cruise around in when the 4x4 isn't needed.

[ 05-28-2002: Message edited by: jeeper ]

[TheMdntRdr]

Crazy!! I'm dissappointed in you!!! Everyone knows a TJ Wrangler with about 10 grand in aftermarket stuff will go ANYWHERE a Hummer will and ALOT of places a Hummer won't.

When I was in the Army, I had HMMWVs in places a Jeep couldn't go. Yes, Jeeps are smaller and can get into tighter spaces, but look at your statement, "put 10 grand into it". With a Hummer, it's great off the shelf.

Futhermore, you want great off the shelf, stick with Toyota. Now from what I've read on here, most everyone is fickled with this new crap that is coming out, but if you want something that will survive at get you places and is cheap to fix if it breaks, get a 73-87 fullsize Chevy.

[DubbL Tap]

1)I love Hummvees.
a. Hummers/Hummvees are way out of my budget.
2)I love Jeeps.
a. I'll vote for a Jeep any day.
http://jay.franklins.net/JeepMovies.html

www.BIGGRANDCHEROKEE.com

www.NAGCA.com

www.JeepsUnlimited.com

I would suggest a V8[318ci] (ZJ)'95,97 or 98 Grand Cherokee. In '98 the 5.9L Limited[360ci] was available. At least give the Grands a look.

[ 05-30-2002: Message edited by: DubbL Tap ]

[shooter1201]

Not a mid-sized 4x4, but yesterday, I came across a 1990 Chevy Suburban, 2WD, 88K miles for $4000. Nice...but it is plagued(?) with a 454 'gas hawg' under the hood....

[DubbL Tap]

"a 454 'gas hawg' under the hood"=POW-UR!

OTOH, I no longer believe in 2WD. Its against my religion. The only things that should work on two wheels are bikes. 4WD only for me.

However, its whatever floats your boat. $4000? It sounds real good but check the VIN# on www.carfax.com anyway. You can't ever be too careful.

BTW, FYI, I'm no expert on vehicle pricing and depreciation. So if anyone can lend some insight... www.kbb.com

[ 05-30-2002: Message edited by: DubbL Tap ]