#2413077 - 09/04/08 01:23 PM
90's SUV
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Dukeoflawnchair
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Registered: 09/04/08
Posts: 3
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Well, it's pretty clear that the '88 Camry that I've been driving's not going to last too much longer (I inherited after my dear grandmother bounced it off a few too many highway dividers).
So, I'm taking the plunge and wanting to buy a dreaded SUV. I don't plan on using it for towing (work truck for that), but road trips far north (Northern BC, NWT, Yukon, Alaska), plenty of logging road driving (hunting, camping, etc), and occasional driving in town.
Of the late 90's variety, what are your thoughts between the 4runner, pathfinder, cherokee, Isuzu, and explorer?
4runner's retain their value like stink, rust like mad, apparently burn a touch more gas, and perform worse in crashes.
Pathfinders have a knack for killing their transmissions early.
What can be said about the others?
Thanks for your opinions,
Edited by Dukeoflawnchair (09/04/08 01:28 PM)
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#2414199 - 09/05/08 05:15 AM
Re: 90's SUV
[Re: Dukeoflawnchair]
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EZEARL
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Registered: 01/02/08
Posts: 987
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Welcome! I bought my first Cherokee(a 96 model)a few weeks ago although I've had CJs for almost 30yrs. I've subscribed to JP magazine since it started so dug out the issues about the Cherokees. It seems that the 4sp auto transmissions are highly regarded and are said to outlast the venerable 4.0 engine. The Cherokees are used ALOT in off-road activities and are known for their durability because of strong drivetrain components. I am the second owner of this vehicle which has only 98,000mi on it. I personally know the original owner and know the vehicle was properly maintained(oil change every 3000mi,yearly routine maintence such as a grease job and filters at inspection time,etc.). I recently changed out the ORIGINAL plugs,wires,cap,and rotor button and really the only symptom of a problem was poor gas milage which I thought was an O2 sensor problem(tested out fine). I haven't driven it enough since to determine actual gas mileage figures but JP tested one at close to 20mi per gallon(local not highway). One thing I should mention is that the early Grand Cherokee had wiring problems that were a real pain even for the factory service people but they are different beast than the std Cherokee. Hope this helps ya.
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#2414383 - 09/05/08 07:02 AM
Re: 90's SUV
[Re: Dukeoflawnchair]
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tzone
Campfire Guide
Registered: 02/23/04
Posts: 2702
Loc: just south of the Youpers
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first off, welcome to the fire.
second, how late 90's are you looking for? it sounds like you are looking at the mid sized suv's. if you are going to be making longer trips with gear you may want to get into a full sized one.
in the mid to late 90's suv's, I'd reccomend the Ford Bronco. Plenty of comfort, plenty of room, totally capable of driving light off road and logging roads with no modifications.
_________________________
My biggest fear when I die is...my wife will sell all my guns for what she thinks I paid for them.
'SKOL VIKINGS 'SKOL
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#2415668 - 09/05/08 05:23 PM
Re: 90's SUV
[Re: tzone]
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mud_bogger
Campfire Guide
Registered: 03/02/07
Posts: 3148
Loc: Medford Oregon
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Only issue with the bronco is the fuel consumption. Of course our bronco gets about the same as the cherokee I used to have. The jeep wasnt stock configuartion though.
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#2416075 - 09/05/08 08:12 PM
Re: 90's SUV
[Re: Dukeoflawnchair]
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260Remguy
Campfire Tracker
Registered: 12/18/02
Posts: 7007
Loc: NE
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I pretty fond of Grand Cherokees and Cherokees. Jeeps can go places that you'd have to sling load many SUVs via Chinook, even with "iffy" tires. I like Grand Cherokees better than Cherokees, but if I lived where there was a lot of tight tree slalom, I'd go with the Cherokee. If you go with a Grand Cherokee, I have found that the 5.2(318) V8 gets about the same gas milage as the 4.0(244) L6 engine.
Isuzu Troopers are good and so are Mitsubishi Monteros. The Monteros are a little top heavy and tend to roll like Land Rover Discoverys do, but if you drive carefully, they'll get you there and back. Olds Bravadas are pretty good too and can usually be found in good (elderly adult driven) condition with all of the toys for $6K to $8K.
I would avoid Blazers and Jimmys. I like Explorers, but they have a design flaw that causes them all to rust badly in the front of the rear wheel wells.
Jeff
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#2416223 - 09/05/08 09:24 PM
Re: 90's SUV
[Re: 260Remguy]
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Dukeoflawnchair
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Registered: 09/04/08
Posts: 3
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Wow, seems to be a lot of good word for them cherokees, eh? Appreciate the heads up! Any thoughts on the TJ / YJ / CJ's?
Thanks all,
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#2417395 - 09/06/08 02:56 PM
Re: 90's SUV
[Re: Dukeoflawnchair]
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JMR40
Campfire Regular
Registered: 02/21/07
Posts: 387
Loc: Georgia
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I have no personal experience with the other choices but I had a 91 Cherokee and have had a couple of Wranglers. They amazed me at what they would do off road. The Cherokee rides much better on road than the Wrangler which is a bit more capable off road.
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#2419192 - 09/07/08 01:44 PM
Re: 90's SUV
[Re: JMR40]
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tbear99
Campfire Guide
Registered: 11/29/02
Posts: 2988
Loc: UPSATE NY
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if the cj or yj would be big enough they seem to have less issues then the cherokee's i prefer a manual tranny in a off road vehicle
_________________________
DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR
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#2419325 - 09/07/08 03:08 PM
Re: 90's SUV
[Re: Dukeoflawnchair]
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260Remguy
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Registered: 12/18/02
Posts: 7007
Loc: NE
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FWIW, the last 3 vehicles that I've purchased were found on either eBayMotors or AutoTrader. I'd didn't bid on them, but did contact the sellers, who were dealers, and negotiated to buy them. Where are you located?
I have an old and (usually) inexpensive U.S. Army surplus Jeep trailer that I haul extra stuff with. With a set of home-made 3' side-boards and end-gate, I can haul the extra stuff that is nice to have at camp. Extra gas cans, chain saw, generator, dining fly, etc., etc.
Jeff
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#2419338 - 09/07/08 03:17 PM
Re: 90's SUV
[Re: 260Remguy]
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Dukeoflawnchair
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Registered: 09/04/08
Posts: 3
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Unfortunately, I'm around Vancouver, BC at the moment...likely moving up to Fort Saint John, BC.
I'm really drawing a line between a cherokee and a YJ / TJ / CJ now...
Thanks folks!
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