SUV info and advice

[mejallen]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. I'm hoping to get some information so I can make a decision on an SUV purchase.

I've owned a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Mitsubishi Endeavor and a 2008 Nissan Xterra in that order and my Xerra was stolen last month so I'm looking for a replacement vehicle with a lower cost, maybe 2003 - 2009 models.

Out of these three vehicle I was unhappy with the Endeavor and prefered the other body on frame models. I'm not sure which jeep models or land rover models are body on frame other than the Wrangler. I'm aware if the Toyota options and believe the Lexus 470 is built similar to the Land Cruiser. I'm not opposed to a unibody but I'm a tall / big guy and appreciate the higher clearance and being able to step up into a vehicle rather than leaning down and crawling into one.

I appreciate your opinions and advice.

John

 

[Mitch502]

I'm 99% sure the Wrangler is the only body on frame Jeep left. I don't feel cramped at all in my ZJ, or a WJ, or my Wife's WK...

 

[calicamper]

470 is a landcruiser just jazzed up for the Lexus name plate. There is a reason the Land Cruiser is considered the King of SUVs. I really liked mine, but needed more seating so swapped to a Sequoia.

The LC is wider and far far superior to your smaller narrower SUVs you had in the past regarding on pavement handling, which was a big plus after getting rid of my 4runner which was up on two wheels more than once avoiding accidents in process on the highway.

The Lexus GX is basically a 4runner tweaked for Lexus name plate.

A good friend has a really nice built up Exterra, given the money put into it and near identical mileage ID rather just have a 470 and simply have a superior machine and great V8.

 

[mejallen]

Thanks for the quick responses, is there somewhere I can find what the abbreviations mean ZJ, WJ, WK?

 

[Comanche Scott]

Here's a start. But it is just a start. So if you see something you like, simply type Jeep ZJ, or Jeep WJ, or Jeep JK into your favorite search engine. You'll get lots of info and forums with specific subforums for each of these models.

ZJ:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee_%28ZJ%29
WJ:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee_%28WJ%29
WK:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee_%28WK%29

Hope this helps,

 

[chasespeed]

If you were happy with the Xterra, I'd just get another one.

We loved the Frontier. And I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.

That said... I have a WJ now, and it suits us fine... For now(we have 3 kids). No regrets, but, for how we use it, it's kind of a waste, but, if we head back to the northeast, it'll be perfect.

And don't fall into the Kool-Aid of any particular brand.

Find what works for you, starting with comfort in the cockpit. And work from there.

Chase

 

[SilicaRich]

If you were happy with the Xterra, I'd just get another one.

I 100% agree

Nothing wrong with any of the other ideas but there's nothing with sticking with what worked for you in the past.

In the year range you are looking, for Jeeps, I would look at the various Grand Cherokees listed above or TJ/LJ gen Wranglers. Nothing against 07-09 JK/JKUs but I'm biased against the 3.8 motor offered those years, however, TJs and LJs are not exactly spacious for the driver's sake or comfortable. I don't think there is a Toyota/Lexus 4x4 not worth looking at. Might just start jumping into the driver seat of various vehicles and see which one speaks to you.

 

[Jeep or Tacoma]

test drive a lot

Crisis = stolen truck = opportunity + risk. Now is a chance to see what else might fit the bill. Land cruisers are nice but expensive costly to mod. ( not in everyone options the king of subs unless your are talking soccer mom) I had an fj 100 with a lift and arb bumpers 33inch tires tjm back bumper custom made side bars. it was pretty nice got terrible mileage and worried me whenever it had to go into he shop.$$$$$. MY jeep wrangler is for me the best thing I have owned in terms of enjoyment, Love to take the top off, love to know there is virtually no where I can't get too. The jeep wave from others makes it like a brother hood. Reasonably cheap to mod and there are no end to the options for that. Then of course there are full-size trucks mid size trucks old trucks and new. there is a lot to be tested. So jut don't rush into it..

 

[Jurfie]

Nothing against 07-09 JK/JKUs but I'm biased against the 3.8 motor offered those years

You mean 07-11.

 

[SilicaRich]

You mean 07-11.

I know. OP mentioned looking for a vehicle between the years through 03-09, reason I cut the range short 2 years

 

[Jeep or Tacoma]

biased against 3.8?

Why sure there are underpowered and slow but they are reliable there ar guy here pushing 200k on their I have a 135k on mine.

 

[SilicaRich]

Why sure there are underpowered and slow but they are reliable there ar guy here pushing 200k on their I have a 135k on mine.

I don't want to start flame and trail form the subject of the thread. It's my bias, and made sure to mention that, we are not all the same. It's up to the OP to form his own opinion or bias on the same subject if he feels the need to.

This friendly conversation over the matters is done

 

[Jeep or Tacoma]

funny thing is I just talked to my service re at jeep. He said the 3.8 are "bullet proof" as long as you keep the oil in them. They are not super powerful but I'll settle for bullet proof anyday

 

[Jurfie]

I know. OP mentioned looking for a vehicle between the years through 03-09, reason I cut the range short 2 years

Ah. Carry on, then.

 

[GetOutThere]

Now is the time to check out different vehicles. You can always grab another x-terra if nothing else out there ends up exciting you.

Don't be afraid of the 3.8 in the Wrangler. It won't win you any races, but it is widely considered a generally reliable motor. Might burn some oil. Big deal. I'd be more worried about the old interior. Ergonomics are terrible, and it is not a fun place to be for any length of time in my opinion. If you don't need the increase in off road chops, I don't think the vehicle will offer you anything.

Check out the WK Grand Cherokee. It has nice V8 and diesel options that were not available to you with the X. The 2004 WJ Grand Cherokee (older model) can be had for a steal with the bullet proof 4.0, or with a pretty nice V8 as well.

Could check out the Liberty, but I really think the X-Terra is better in every measurable way, unless you find a CRD... which are very rare.

If it was me though for that model year range... I'd be hunting for a 100 or 200 series Land Cruiser (or the 470), and would barely consider any of the alternatives.