mid-suv under $10k, 100k mi

[tikidollracer]

i'm looking to get a mid-size suv for CA travels (beach, desert, mtn), and also soccer games and light commuting (already have a truck). since everything is now unibody, options seem limited. i've decided not to get a high-mileage project vehicle, as i'd like to use it immediately and slowly build it up, rather than having to start tearing it apart. anything approaching 200k mi. is going to need a new suspension, and would really benefit from a new trans and engine as well. hence, i'm looking at something w/ less than 100k mi, that i can get relatively cheap (under $10k). i can handle welding, waterjet, etc., but don't really have the space and stuff for an engine swap. looking at the typical offerings around here (SF bay area), here's what i'm considering,

Jeep ZJ/WJ (ZJ preferred)
Nissan Xterra (gen 2 preferred)
Toyota 4Runner

toyotas seems to fetch a premium around here, so finding a good one under $10k might be tight. i'm assuming w/ the 4runner and xterra i'd be doing a SAS at some point, and similarly the Jeep would get some frame stiffening, likely from welded side skid plates. i looked at the trailblazer and explorer, but those seem fully aimed at mall expeditions, even though they have a good frame, rear axle, and engine, so they have potential.

any suggestions, comments, or things i may have overlooked? thanks for the help.

-SM-

p.s., i'm new to this forum, and don't see a way to x-post this to the nissan and toyota forums.

 

[reece146]

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.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

i'm looking to get a mid-size suv for CA travels (beach, desert, mtn), and also soccer games and light commuting (already have a truck). since everything is now unibody, options seem limited. i've decided not to get a high-mileage project vehicle, as i'd like to use it immediately and slowly build it up, rather than having to start tearing it apart. anything approaching 200k mi. is going to need a new suspension, and would really benefit from a new trans and engine as well. hence, i'm looking at something w/ less than 100k mi, that i can get relatively cheap (under $10k). i can handle welding, waterjet, etc., but don't really have the space and stuff for an engine swap. looking at the typical offerings around here (SF bay area), here's what i'm considering,

Jeep ZJ/WJ (ZJ preferred)
Nissan Xterra (gen 2 preferred)
Toyota 4Runner

toyotas seems to fetch a premium around here, so finding a good one under $10k might be tight. i'm assuming w/ the 4runner and xterra i'd be doing a SAS at some point, and similarly the Jeep would get some frame stiffening, likely from welded side skid plates. i looked at the trailblazer and explorer, but those seem fully aimed at mall expeditions, even though they have a good frame, rear axle, and engine, so they have potential.
any suggestions, comments, or things i may have overlooked? thanks for the help.

-SM-

p.s., i'm new to this forum, and don't see a way to x-post this to the nissan and toyota forums.

Both the Xterra and 4-runner have a real frame last time I checked, and Toyotas hold their value because they are a better made vehicle than most.

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 agree, the WJ needs less and rides smoother than the ZJ, but the ZJ is cheaper to build.

 

[adrenaline503]

I doubt youll find a Second Gen Xterra under $10k with under 100k miles. There is a 1st Gen for sale near me with 64k miles for 10k, just to give you a reference. I saw a 2000 4runner with 23k miles (yes, 23k) for $15,000. The Xterra and 4Runner do have real frames. 4Runners cost a lot even used, that whole Toyota thing. An Xterra is capable as an 4runner and hold up just fine. I don't know anything about Jeeps, been down that road before and won't be doing it again.

Don't forget about Monteros and Troopers, they are wolves in sheep's clothing.

 

[system-f]

Watch the 2nd Gen Xterra (frontier included). The front diffs are crap and come apart. I have heard this problem was resolved 2007 and later. 2005 and earlier Nissan 4x4s v-6s have a damn near indestructible drivetrain in stock or slightly modified form.

 

[shmabs]

If you are considering the 3rd gen runners and xterra's the montero's and montero sports are another vehicle to consider. Japanese build quality, beefy drivetrains, fully boxed frames and respectable milage. From the factory my sport has a high pinion 8 inch (ifs) front differential, factory 4.90 gears, 9.5inch ring gear rear axle and some pretty large CV's and shafts (front and a rear). With the addition of a locker, sliders and skids i really like my mitsu for what it is. The aftermarket support is lacking compared to your other vehicles, but it sounds like you have the skills and ability to overcome that (within reason)

I was in a very similar situation to you (and area) and ended up with a one owner 2001 montero sport with 110k, i got really sick of looking at over priced 3rd gen 4runners and xterras. I looked at WJ's as well and have owned a zj, and several other unibody. The WJ's are a vast improvement, had i found my unicorn WJ i probably would have bought it. I was after a v8 with the 242 transfercase, simple climate control (damn blend doors!) with under 100k for a reasonable price, not much else mattered, but alas i never did find one.

Actually my montero sport is for sale now, although at 124k its probably more milage than you are interested in. The mitsu forum is full of info, if you have any questions i might be able to help, as i did a lot of research on them before buying one.

Mike

 

[tikidollracer]

thanks for everyones help so far. i did look at the montero, but i thought everything recent vintage had a unibody frame. is that not the case?

i'm leaning towards a gen-2 xterra off-road. saw one today for $13k w/ 75k, so i may be able to get it within budget. i think a good 4runner is out of my budget. i could be happy w/ a WJ, but it seems like a vehicle that doesn't know what it wants to be. lots of foofoo like leather, sat-nav, ***-warmers, etc. that i don't want.

-SM-

 

[jeep-N-montero]

thanks for everyones help so far. i did look at the montero, but i thought everything recent vintage had a unibody frame. is that not the case?

i'm leaning towards a gen-2 xterra off-road. saw one today for $13k w/ 75k, so i may be able to get it within budget. i think a good 4runner is out of my budget. i could be happy w/ a WJ, but it seems like a vehicle that doesn't know what it wants to be. lots of foofoo like leather, sat-nav, ***-warmers, etc. that i don't want.

-SM-

You are pretty new to this stuff I take it? Pretty much every SUV on the market is available with heated leather seats.

 

[shmabs]

The third gen montero is indeed unibody with IRS. The gen 2.5's are the most recent body on frame monteros.

The WJ's are very plush, much like yourself i didn't want all that stuff hence my "unicorn" They are however available without all that stuff, but it seems like someone would have to order it that way from the factory.

Mike

 

[TMPhoto]

I just bought a ZJ with 135K and put a long arm kit with 32s on it for less than 10K. All it needs is a rear main, valve cover gaskets, and hoses....coulda done the lift for a couple thousand cheaper if i had my own welder/garage but i had to pay for someone else to do it....
I know you dont want high mileage or anything, but you also want something under 10K. You can get a ZJ for really cheap and put a good amount of work into it in any direction you want and stay WELL under 10K if you do the work yourself

 

[AeroSynch]

Just throwing this out there, but you can get a 2004 Land Rover Discovery II (2004 is the worthy year) for under $10K with under 100K miles. Now, maintenance is another thing..

 

[tikidollracer]

now we're getting to the questions that torture the soul. if $10k and 100k was easy, i wouldn't be asking. if i just compromise a little, maybe i could find a good ZJ, put in some sweat, and have a classic ride. or maybe a disco that spent life taking the kids to school. a ride everyone should own once, but no-one can find parts for.

the best thing is there's no wrong answer. i'm just trying to narrow down the choices, so i can find a new ride by the new year.

-SM-
my ******** is naturally heated

 

[fishyoo7]

I just picked up a 2002 Grand Cherokee Overland for $6500 and 80,000 miles. It needed some TLC as it was not maintained to well (seals are leaking, power steering leak, junk tires). This is in Michigan, but the vehicle came from Vegas, so it wasn't rusty. With my 4" lift, JK Wheels and Tires, plus maintence items (I am doing all the work), I am coming in under $10,000, as that was my budget as well. Just need to save a bit more to pick up my winch bumper...

 

[BigSwede]

Get an 02 Trooper, more cargo volume than a comparable Durango, really capable off road, reliable, and dirt cheap compared to Toys and such.

 

[willypete]

I vote for the WJ you can get a Laredo edition with the V8 and skip all the extras or a Colombia edition which is basically a Laredo with the HO V8.
I have a Disco and have had two ZJ's. If you don't want a project the WJ is the way to go. The 2nd gen xterra offroad would be my second pick for your goals.