mid-suv under $10k, 100k mi

[tikidollracer]

still looking. thought i had a low miles 2nd-gen xterra, but someone beat me to it. looked at a fleet of WJs. sorry, i just don't think i can do it. hard to explain. i could have my pick of the discos and rovers w/ the 4.6 V8, but everyone one i've looked at has a blown head gasket. i may take a peak at the 3rd gen rover, as they are common yuppie kid carriers around here, and i might be able to get a pampered one near $12k. troopers don't exist around here, so that's not really an option.

-SM-

 

[reece146]

I've been thinking about getting a D2 to swap in a GM 5.3. To me that may be the ultimate truck - the right size for eastern wheeling with an engine that doesn't blow bubbles.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I am really happy with my 06 Trailblazer. Lots of power. Decent MPG (15-16ish) even with lift and extra weight and drag from armor and bumper and rack. Parts are dirt cheap but not often needed. Good space inside. It is IFS, so extreme wheeling is not its strong suit, but it rides good and has a boxed frame. I likely have about 10K in it as it sits with 33's, sliders, skids, rack, bumper, lights, winch.

You can get a g80 auto locker factory, gearing can be found in 3.42, 3.73, and 4.10. Creature comforts can be found in a multitude of levels. It even has a decent 2.7:1 low range.

 

[tikidollracer]

Get the WJ; it doesn't need stiffening and already has a front axle. Get the 4.7 V8, 242 transfer case, non-HO engine.

i've got a question about this. the 4.7 is more capable, but harder to find, and sells at a premium. one of the selling points (for me anyway), is that you can find jeep parts under any rock, and hence the common engine is preferred in that regard. given all this, and the reputation of the 4.0 for running like a clock, is there really a strong case for going bigger?

-SM-

 

[Logans91XJ]

You can easily find a Grand Cherokee or 4runner for under 10 G's. I would go with a 4runner since it has an actual frame and you can get a factory elocker and will require less maintenance then any other suv.

 

[Djlarroc]

i've got a question about this. the 4.7 is more capable, but harder to find, and sells at a premium. one of the selling points (for me anyway), is that you can find jeep parts under any rock, and hence the common engine is preferred in that regard. given all this, and the reputation of the 4.0 for running like a clock, is there really a strong case for going bigger?

-SM-

I would say yes. The 4.7 is a smoother, more powerful and refined engine. The transmissions coupled to the 4.7 are better than the 4.0 (in a wj). You also get better gearing in the 4.7 (3.73 vs 3.55), and a better rear axle.

I like the wj as well. Better than the zj imo.

4Runners and xterras are all good, but if you are already thinking of a possible sas... might as well go jeep w/a SA from the start.

 

[tikidollracer]

thanks for the reply. makes sense. i've looked at the LR3 as well. great engine, but too heavy for our needs. we're actually looking at an 2012 unlimited rubicon as well. totally different direction, but the easy button might be a better choice for us right now.

 

[JakeMate]

My 2000 WJ for sale. Just another option for you.
Click Here

 

[revrok]

My 2000 WJ for sale. Just another option for you.
Click Here

Hmmm, nice deal with most of the work done! Might be the OP's ticket

 

[tikidollracer]

the OP bought a new xterra pro. many reasons why we went new vs. used. partly where we are now as a family, and partly the available used cars. i think the cash 4 clunkers program took a good dent out of the market. it came down to an xterra vs. a jku ruby. the rubicon is an impressive vehicle, but the xterra fit our needs better. sometimes practicality wins. regardless, i got a good deal on a good ride, and now it's on to racks, tents, etc. thanks for everyones help. see you on the trails.

-SM-