Need a SUV, Explorer, Jeep, Bravada, Jimmy, what1?

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Hello guys, well I was going to go for a crownvic P71, but for upstate, NY, might as well get 4WD.... The only thing is i have NO idea what one would be a better choice.
Here is what i am looking at, No more then $3100. tops.

Explorer 5.0 AWD 125-150K miles. Years 96-99
jeep Cherokee, 95-99 125-150K 4WD
GMC Jimmy or Bravada, 96-99 125-150K miles 4WD
All will be automatic.
Or anything you guys can recommend.

I am going to be towing a 20HP garden tractor, and a trailer.

What am i looking to replace when i buy a SUV with these kinds of miles?
I am looking for something decently reliable... I do not want the 4.0 explorers because of the weak transmissions, and timing chain guides issues.. I know really nothing about the other two. Do they have any major issues, such as transmissions, engine problems, or any other premature isssues?

Any other thoughts?
I know for a fact, when i do buy it, i will change all of the fluids, transmission, coolant, switch to a 10W30 Synthetic..

Thanks!
 
Unless you HAVE to have an auto, the most bulletproof Explorer you can get is a pushrod 4.0 with an M5OD manual, but the V8 is good too. My 4.0 with the 4R55E never had any major problems related to the engine and none whatsoever with the trans though...it had 158K miles when I sold it with lots of towing.

Check for rust behind the rocker trim on any Explorer. Mine had a bunch. They can also rust on the header panel and a few other places on the body.

My friend's 2000 Cherokee has had an issue with the evap system and something is knocking bad in the front suspension. I don't think it has had any major problems in 140K miles though.

With the Jimmy and Bravada, check the transmission fluid. The 4L60E is good when maintained, but people don't maintain them. There was a recall for rust in the trans dipstick tube too. The other big concern would be Dexcool. It seems like a lot of 4.3s end up with mud, so give the radiator and overflow tank a good look. Older ones used to rot bad in the quarter panels, but I don't know where all the rust spots are on 95+ models.
 
I drove up to upstate New York [Unadilla] over the summer...Its off of I-88...I defintley agree on geting a Truck...I noticed just about all the NYSP riding around in Tahoes...Maybe you can get a good deal on one of those...I am sure they keep up on the maintenance on them...Maybe you can get a deal on a high mileage one...The ones I saw were in excellent condition....Otherwise I would go for a 5.0 Explorer since you want a 96-99...The 5.0 is great engine..

You will most likely have trouble getting parts for a Jeep if you need them...Getting parts for any Chrysler product is a major issue..At least down here in South Florida.

Good luck on your search.
 
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I would take the jeep just because Jeep Cherokees are awesome. Either way the engine will last forever.


Not if you can not get parts for it.
 
We really like our 4WD Escape with the V6....not as big as an Explorer but really does have similar interior dimensions (my MIL had two Explorers and commented on such).
 
Originally Posted By: CROWNVIC4LIFE
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I would take the jeep just because Jeep Cherokees are awesome. Either way the engine will last forever.


Not if you can not get parts for it.


So far as I know parts aren't too hard to get up here in New York. But both the 4.0 and 4.7 are rock solid. I would compare the 4.0 longevity wise to the 4.6L SOHC, albeit with probably slightly more little things, like O2 sensors.
 
Originally Posted By: CROWNVIC4LIFE
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I would take the jeep just because Jeep Cherokees are awesome. Either way the engine will last forever.


Not if you can not get parts for it.

not a problem! over 4 million cherokee xj's were made! thats not even counting yj's tj's wj's and zj's! all with the 4.oL. i have had mine for 7 years now and have never bought a part from the dealer! mike
 
I agree with the Jeep and I have never heard of anyone having problems getting parts (if needed) for a Jeep.
 
I vote Explorer. My old one has well over 300,000Km on it and still going strong.

Her hubby picked up a '97 5.0L last year and LOVES IT. The AWD is great, and the 302 well, it's a 302, nuff said
wink.gif
 
Yeah, i really like the Explorers.

I have NEVER owned a SUV, a V8, or AWD. haha. That really does that matter tho, as i really want to buy the one that will not give me problems, or should i say give me the least problems... I know it is a gamble with any used car, but if every SUV i look at, has been taken care of, with that amount of miles, am i looking for trouble? with 125-150K miles, am i going to be replacing something every month?
125+ miles for me sounds like a LOT. I am very paranoid about this, because of the very bad luck i have had both with my SL2, diff pin blew out when i hit a puddle on the highway, 125K miles) and my Taurus, (3.8L Engine no longer runs, 101K miles and a leaky transmission..... )
But then on the other hand, i have also owned a 89 Cougar LS, and that with 199K miles still ran really great, intill the headgasket gave out, and it almost became in possible to start..

is the 4wd harder on the suspension components/transmission/Tires? I know they do not handle like a car, how easy are they when it comes to flipping? How about working of these things, i will most likely do all the work myself... unless i dont have the tools, or a large problem comes up, (I HOPE NOT.
frown.gif
)

Thank you again for the replies..
 
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Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Unless you HAVE to have an auto, the most bulletproof Explorer you can get is a pushrod 4.0 with an M5OD manual, but the V8 is good too. My 4.0 with the 4R55E never had any major problems related to the engine and none whatsoever with the trans though...it had 158K miles when I sold it with lots of towing.

Check for rust behind the rocker trim on any Explorer. Mine had a bunch. They can also rust on the header panel and a few other places on the body.

My friend's 2000 Cherokee has had an issue with the evap system and something is knocking bad in the front suspension. I don't think it has had any major problems in 140K miles though.

With the Jimmy and Bravada, check the transmission fluid. The 4L60E is good when maintained, but people don't maintain them. There was a recall for rust in the trans dipstick tube too. The other big concern would be Dexcool. It seems like a lot of 4.3s end up with mud, so give the radiator and overflow tank a good look. Older ones used to rot bad in the quarter panels, but I don't know where all the rust spots are on 95+ models.


I really would prefer a automatic. The Jimmy and Bravada might be out, because local, they are HARD to come by.. I see explorers all the time... But if i do find one, that is runs great, with no real issues, i might pick it up. but i do not think that is going to happen, because explorers are just so much more plentiful.. Jeeps are around, but if the explorer is just as good, i am going for the explorer.

the Tahos seem to hold the value too well. I only have around $3000, even the older ones, still going for 4+, around here.
 
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Originally Posted By: Johnny
Out of the one's you named I would go for the Jeep. Tough as a boot.



Right on!
 
I'd go with the Jeep. The Jeeps of that time period and era were practically bullet proof engine and transmission wise. My 4.0 Wrangler did 225k trouble free with just about the worst maintenance history known to man.

As far as the Explorer, its a hit or miss affair(much like the Land Rover Freelander). I've seen the bad in them, transmissions going on 2 people I know(friend and cousin). Trans went with less than 45k on my buddies(99 Explorer) and roughly 70-80k on my cousins. Both were maintenance freaks. Various suspension issues with speaking and what not as well. I've heard good on them but like everything else even with the Jeeps do your homework.

I think a Jeep(opinion) is a bit more Rugged in every sense of the word(ride, motor etc) as it was built originally as a trail/hiking vehicle. The Explorer was ahead of the Jeep in terms of being transformed from the ruggedness to a more supple and comfy ride.

The Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada may look big, but the interior space is actually small compared to a Jeep/Explorer. Also prone to gasket issues.


If it were me, I'd take the Jeep, then the Explorer. Have them thoroughly checked out, replace all fluids etc.


At 120k you may need to do shocks, make sure leafsprings aren't broken(unlikely but depending on location rust will kill anything metal). Same goes for the Ford. Cherokee and the legendary 4.0 won't leave you stranded though, doubt the Explorer would either, but do homework on them and see what you find to be the major issue or what they are prone to.

I would pick the 4.0 if it were me, but I had one to begin with so :)
 
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I think the Durango is a good idea....Dodges don't hold their resale value as well as others, so you can get a newer one for your budget.

Other than that, like others, I'd go with a 4.0-powered Jeep. They're just plain tough vehicles.
 
It may not suit your style but you could have a look at the 1999+ Chevy Tracker/Suzuki Vitara. $3000 might get you a 2003 4 banger. Mine is a manual and driven intelligently can get 27-33 mpg highway tanks even while towing light loads. Probably an auto could get similar highway mileage. There are V6 ones too if you like a bit more power.
 
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