New guy looking to replace his beloved Cherokee, focus on Montero
- Thread starter Swank Force One
- Start date
Swank Force One
Adventurer
That one has been in the back of my mind since day one, downside is that it's a ratty 2000 with a ton of miles. Upside is that i'd be swapping the diffs anyways to deal with 33s or 35s, and i'm not concerned about anything being SUPER nice for myself.
But, that's still a lot of miles. Would rather spend twice that for a near cherry one, and would prefer 98-99.
Here's the one in SD that i currently want.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/5206597355.html
plh
Explorer
That one has been in the back of my mind since day one, downside is that it's a ratty 2000 with a ton of miles. Upside is that i'd be swapping the diffs anyways to deal with 33s or 35s, and i'm not concerned about anything being SUPER nice for myself.
But, that's still a lot of miles. Would rather spend twice that for a near cherry one, and would prefer 98-99.
Here's the one in SD that i currently want.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/5206597355.html
$700 for 120k less miles. no brainer. That one with 280K miles has got to be very worn out. Plus that one in IN is going to be rusty.
Since you're a Jeep owner and like Jeeps, you or others in a similar situation might consider would be a '99 and up Grand Cherokee Overland, or G/C Limited Overland Edition .....or even a newer Jeep Commander with the right options:
1) You can get them reasonably priced these days.
2) The V8 4.7 litre SOHC had GOBS of torque and power (squeal the tires) that most imports can't match. We have a 2003 and a blip of the accelerator snaps thy neck. They're extremely responsive.
3) The Quadra drive system automatically lock the diffs up (front/center/rear) in about a 1/4 wheel spin. There are some pretty cool Y/T videos of Quadra-drives literally 'walking' through areas where other rigs with varying other systems (traction control, lockers, LSD's) struggled or can't do it.
4) Overlands are loaded with just about every conceivable option, and come stock with rock rails.
5) Very dependable so you don't need as much service
6) Great dealer network if you do
7) No shortage of aftermarket or 'used' parts.
8) Cheap to insure
9) Comfortable
10) 99-04 have solid axles
11) I think they're well screwed together machines.
I have taken 2nd 3rd and 4th Gen Grand Cherokees across many trails in the rockies and around moab (exciting but not the most extreme trails) and they have all performed beautifully.
Another rig you, or others in the same situation might consider would possibly be a Hummer H3, if you're looking to set yourself apart in terms of looks, but still want the truck-esque ride, or possibly a Land Rover Discovery I or II, particularly the II. All are going to be more polished than the XJ, the Land Rovers are extremely robust in construction, but an owner should have good mechanical skills and electrical troubleshooting skills. Once ya get the bugs worked out, they are very capable and I've found to be pretty dependable.
Good luck.
1) You can get them reasonably priced these days.
2) The V8 4.7 litre SOHC had GOBS of torque and power (squeal the tires) that most imports can't match. We have a 2003 and a blip of the accelerator snaps thy neck. They're extremely responsive.
3) The Quadra drive system automatically lock the diffs up (front/center/rear) in about a 1/4 wheel spin. There are some pretty cool Y/T videos of Quadra-drives literally 'walking' through areas where other rigs with varying other systems (traction control, lockers, LSD's) struggled or can't do it.
4) Overlands are loaded with just about every conceivable option, and come stock with rock rails.
5) Very dependable so you don't need as much service
6) Great dealer network if you do
7) No shortage of aftermarket or 'used' parts.
8) Cheap to insure
9) Comfortable
10) 99-04 have solid axles
11) I think they're well screwed together machines.
I have taken 2nd 3rd and 4th Gen Grand Cherokees across many trails in the rockies and around moab (exciting but not the most extreme trails) and they have all performed beautifully.
Another rig you, or others in the same situation might consider would possibly be a Hummer H3, if you're looking to set yourself apart in terms of looks, but still want the truck-esque ride, or possibly a Land Rover Discovery I or II, particularly the II. All are going to be more polished than the XJ, the Land Rovers are extremely robust in construction, but an owner should have good mechanical skills and electrical troubleshooting skills. Once ya get the bugs worked out, they are very capable and I've found to be pretty dependable.
Good luck.
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
I'm pretty sure he wants his next rig to be reliable....
Since you're a Jeep owner and like Jeeps, you or others in a similar situation might consider would be a '99 and up Grand Cherokee Overland, or G/C Limited Overland Edition .....or even a newer Jeep Commander with the right options:
1) You can get them reasonably priced these days.
2) The V8 4.7 litre SOHC had GOBS of torque and power (squeal the tires) that most imports can't match. We have a 2003 and a blip of the accelerator snaps thy neck. They're extremely responsive.
3) The Quadra drive system automatically lock the diffs up (front/center/rear) in about a 1/4 wheel spin. There are some pretty cool Y/T videos of Quadra-drives literally 'walking' through areas where other rigs with varying other systems (traction control, lockers, LSD's) struggled or can't do it.
4) Overlands are loaded with just about every conceivable option, and come stock with rock rails.
5) Very dependable so you don't need as much service
6) Great dealer network if you do
7) No shortage of aftermarket or 'used' parts.
8) Cheap to insure
9) Comfortable
10) 99-04 have solid axles
11) I think they're well screwed together machines.
I have taken 2nd 3rd and 4th Gen Grand Cherokees across many trails in the rockies and around moab (exciting but not the most extreme trails) and they have all performed beautifully. We've owned a '95 ZJ and ran it over 300k miles with just normal maintenance and it was fantastic in the snow with the T/C locked (SelecTrac). I have an XJ with a full-sized 7' Meyer snow plow on it and the unibody holds up well on them. A lot of guys use them for plowing and find due to their maneuverability they make great plow rigs. The Unibody is a LOT stronger than people give credit for. Some few attachment point might be weak areas, but unless you are running them super hard, they are a good, tough rig.
Couple other rigs you, or others in the same situation might consider would possibly be a Hummer H3, if you're looking to set yourself apart in terms of looks, but still want the truck-esque ride, or possibly a Land Rover Discovery I or II, particularly the II. All are going to be more polished than the XJ, the Land Rovers are extremely robust in construction, however a L/R owner should have good mechanical skills and electrical troubleshooting skills for best results. Once ya get the bugs worked out, they are very capable and I've found to be pretty dependable.
But the Monteros are great rigs too. All the stuff you need is there.
Good luck.
1) You can get them reasonably priced these days.
2) The V8 4.7 litre SOHC had GOBS of torque and power (squeal the tires) that most imports can't match. We have a 2003 and a blip of the accelerator snaps thy neck. They're extremely responsive.
3) The Quadra drive system automatically lock the diffs up (front/center/rear) in about a 1/4 wheel spin. There are some pretty cool Y/T videos of Quadra-drives literally 'walking' through areas where other rigs with varying other systems (traction control, lockers, LSD's) struggled or can't do it.
4) Overlands are loaded with just about every conceivable option, and come stock with rock rails.
5) Very dependable so you don't need as much service
6) Great dealer network if you do
7) No shortage of aftermarket or 'used' parts.
8) Cheap to insure
9) Comfortable
10) 99-04 have solid axles
11) I think they're well screwed together machines.
I have taken 2nd 3rd and 4th Gen Grand Cherokees across many trails in the rockies and around moab (exciting but not the most extreme trails) and they have all performed beautifully. We've owned a '95 ZJ and ran it over 300k miles with just normal maintenance and it was fantastic in the snow with the T/C locked (SelecTrac). I have an XJ with a full-sized 7' Meyer snow plow on it and the unibody holds up well on them. A lot of guys use them for plowing and find due to their maneuverability they make great plow rigs. The Unibody is a LOT stronger than people give credit for. Some few attachment point might be weak areas, but unless you are running them super hard, they are a good, tough rig.
Couple other rigs you, or others in the same situation might consider would possibly be a Hummer H3, if you're looking to set yourself apart in terms of looks, but still want the truck-esque ride, or possibly a Land Rover Discovery I or II, particularly the II. All are going to be more polished than the XJ, the Land Rovers are extremely robust in construction, however a L/R owner should have good mechanical skills and electrical troubleshooting skills for best results. Once ya get the bugs worked out, they are very capable and I've found to be pretty dependable.
But the Monteros are great rigs too. All the stuff you need is there.
Good luck.
Swank Force One
Adventurer
I don't really like Grand Cherokees save for the current generation Turbo Diesel, but that's not something i'd want to pay for.
And i'm looking for something with less aftermarket because i don't have any self control.
If i do another Jeep of any kind right now, it'll be the 2000 Cherokee Sport 4x4 that i still have.
And i'm looking for something with less aftermarket because i don't have any self control.
If i do another Jeep of any kind right now, it'll be the 2000 Cherokee Sport 4x4 that i still have.