Looking for a new Expedition vehicle and can't decide, Help :)

[Lyric]

Hi everyone, I am new here and would like to start off by saying hello. I currently own a 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 and it's been a great vehicle with little issues but I bought the vehicle used. The vehicle was sold in the south where I lived at the time but it was originally from the north around upper state New York. So yeah its a rust bucket and I plan to get rid of it and get something that's not or not out of control at least. So anyways I am in the market for another vehicle and having a hard time choosing one. So I would like others thoughts, advice and tips. I previously have owned a Land Rover before the 4Runner and will not touch another one ever again. Love the capabilities the Land Rover had and everything about it but it was very undependable - badly. Never again, so Land Rover is out of the question. Below I have listed a couple vehicles that I am interested in and would love to own. I would enjoy anyone who would love to chime in and give me their thoughts to what vehicle would be the best, second best and why they would choose those vehicles over the other vehicles I listed. To give you an idea about myself and what I am looking for. I love to hike, bike, ride off road but nothing serious, go camping, I own two dogs and I enjoy taking long trips on and off road in whatever I am driving. I would prefer a vehicle that has descent power and descent room. A vehicle good for some gear and my two dogs who typically use the cargo area only for their spots. lol. I am also looking for something reliable as well. I would like to buy something I can keep for years to come and if it gets that old that I might even just swap the motor years down the road if it blows out and just keep driving it.

So here are the vehicles I would prefer and like:

2003-2007 Lexus GX470 First Generation - Like the styling inside and out but a little soccer mom-ish but I still like it overall
1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series - No complaints on this vehicle that I have besides my fiancé does not like the looks of it. lol
2006-2009 Jeep Commander - I really really like the styling of this vehicle and looks. I think it has a really sexy look all over. With it being a Jeep and built by Chrysler it does worry me if it will be dependable or not. I've never been a fan of American auto makers and their designs, quality and dependability of vehicles but I love the Commander so much. Fiancé hates it because its a Jeep and she thinks Jeep's are POS's
2007-2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser - I really like the styling here and the nice retro look it has going for it. Only one thing worries me is the amount of space for carrying or hauling compared to other vehicles listed.
2002-2006 Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero Third Generation - I really like the styling on this vehicle and looks but the only thing that worries me is its no longer made and parts may be hard to come by.

Again I really really like the styling and looks of the Jeep Commander out of all these but unsure on the Commander or any of the vehicles I have as well here.

I have considered the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited but not sure about them really. It would be a 2007 to 2009 if I were to get a Wrangler Unlimited and those had the Chyrsler mini van motors which I hear are horrible all around.

Help PLEASE and I am not sure if this is where this thread belonged but I didn't want to post it in the Toyota, Jeep ect ect sections are I am trying to get a biased look all around. Thanks

 

[Hilldweller]

Welcome to ExPo.

I'm a JK fan --- the 3.8L motor isn't bad. The autotrans for that motor is bad. A manual with it is fine.
Easy to tweak, easy to repair, easy to replace parts.

But your needs aren't screaming "Jeep" at me.
Have you looked at an Xterra? That's what I read in your needs....

 

[Lyric]

Welcome to ExPo.

I'm a JK fan --- the 3.8L motor isn't bad. The autotrans for that motor is bad. A manual with it is fine.
Easy to tweak, easy to repair, easy to replace parts.

But your needs aren't screaming "Jeep" at me.
Have you looked at an Xterra? That's what I read in your needs....

Thanks for the quick reply.

If I bought a Commander it would be one of the two V8 versions not a V6.

Why would you not see a Commander being my needs but instead an Xterra? Please explain, Thanks

 

[Hilldweller]

The Commanders are just big and clunky. Nothing really wrong with them ----- not much aftermarket support though.
You can just do more with an X.

Unless you need/want the extra room. I went from a JK to a Power Wagon and I'd find it hard to downsize now. It's just so easy and convenient to have everything you want on a trip and not have to worry about compromise.

 

[Lyric]

The Commanders are just big and clunky. Nothing really wrong with them ----- not much aftermarket support though.
You can just do more with an X.

Unless you need/want the extra room. I went from a JK to a Power Wagon and I'd find it hard to downsize now. It's just so easy and convenient to have everything you want on a trip and not have to worry about compromise.

Exactly like you said I would rather not compromise when doing trips. With two big dogs, camping/hiking gear, 4 adults and everything I think the Commander would work good. I want a little more room than I have now but not by much which I'm sure the Commander would offer a bit more room than my current 4Runner. This is another reason I listed the Land Cruiser and Montero in the options as well. I don't think the FJ Cruiser offers much room for gear and other things like dogs and what not does it?

The only thing I plan to do to a Commander if I go with one is like a 2" budget lift, Grille Guard, Tail Light Guards and a roof rack.

Now parts are easy to get right? And the motor and transmissions on the V8's are solid right?

 

[codename607]

I would consider a 5th Gen 4runner or Tacoma. I know those are not in your list but that would be my pick if I could get another vehicle. In the past I have owned a 2008 4runner, 2009 JKU Rubicon, 2011 JKU, and currently have a 2013 FJ.

The FJ is by far my best vehicle ever but it is kind of small for me. Sometimes I have a hard time getting everything inside for camping trips. This is including my girlfriend, our German sharped and a lot of kayaking and hiking gear.

Since I'm a 100% Toyota guy now I have considered a Land Cruiser in the future but I've recently changed my mind. Land Cruisers are great but they do have some draw backs. For me the biggest one was the mpg and the price for a newer one. Since I wanted something new and low miles I also wouldn't be able to afford a newer one.

Here is why I say a 5th Gen 4runner.
-They have a good amount of room on the inside.
-I could afford a newer one with less miles and in better condition. This is good because I would want to keep it for a long long time.
-The mpg is great compared to others in its class.
-The size of the tank is also good. FJ has a smaller tank. Not sure what the Tacoma is.
-Lots of 5th Gen 4runners have been sold so finding parts down the road should be easy.
-Lots of modifications can be done.

Hope all this helps.

 

[Lyric]

I would consider a 5th Gen 4runner or Tacoma. I know those are not in your list but that would be my pick if I could get another vehicle. In the past I have owned a 2008 4runner, 2009 JKU Rubicon, 2011 JKU, and currently have a 2013 FJ.

The FJ is by far my best vehicle ever but it is kind of small for me. Sometimes I have a hard time getting everything inside for camping trips. This is including my girlfriend, our German sharped and a lot of kayaking and hiking gear.

Since I'm a 100% Toyota guy now I have considered a Land Cruiser in the future but I've recently changed my mind. Land Cruisers are great but they do have some draw backs. For me the biggest one was the mpg and the price for a newer one. Since I wanted something new and low miles I also wouldn't be able to afford a newer one.

Here is why I say a 5th Gen 4runner.
-They have a good amount of room on the inside.
-I could afford a newer one with less miles and in better condition. This is good because I would want to keep it for a long long time.
-The mpg is great compared to others in its class.
-The size of the tank is also good. FJ has a smaller tank. Not sure what the Tacoma is.
-Lots of 5th Gen 4runners have been sold so finding parts down the road should be easy.
-Lots of modifications can be done.

Hope all this helps.

Thanks for your reply. I would consider a 5th Gen 4Runner but they are still out of my price range right now. If they were under $18,500 for a 2010 at least then I might consider it but they are still a little pricey right now.

 

[Hilldweller]

...
Now parts are easy to get right? And the motor and transmissions on the V8's are solid right?

Parts are easy.
Trans reliable? ehhhhhhh, we're talking Mopar here....
I just fried the trans solenoid in my PW a couple of weeks ago and it was replaced under warranty. I was almost at 50,000 miles and 2.25 years old.
I've had TIPM problems that turned out to be a manufacturing defect that an inept dealer didn't catch.

Talk to Dendy Jarret; his wife has one and I believe they like it.
But watch out for Dendy's Koolaid; he'd rather push a Land Rover than drive a Jeep... :ylsmoke:

 

[Lyric]

Parts are easy.
Trans reliable? ehhhhhhh, we're talking Mopar here....
I just fried the trans solenoid in my PW a couple of weeks ago and it was replaced under warranty. I was almost at 50,000 miles and 2.25 years old.
I've had TIPM problems that turned out to be a manufacturing defect that an inept dealer didn't catch.

Talk to Dendy Jarret; his wife has one and I believe they like it.
But watch out for Dendy's Koolaid; he'd rather push a Land Rover than drive a Jeep... :ylsmoke:

Now are you running the V6 or V8 Commander? I'm assuming its the V6 because you talked about the V6 previously in the beginning of this thread. Now I would assume the transmission would be different between the V6 and V8 version. With that, if it is different would the V8 transmission be better? I've read online a lot to stay away from the V6 Commanders. I personally would take a V8 over a V6 anyday if given the option if looking at a vehicle that offers both.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

Indeed we did have a Jeep Commander Overland Edition. SUPER nice truck. HATED the 9MPG city. SUCKED GAS!! and my wife has a light foot. Did better highway at 16MPG, but that was on the only 1 trip we took in it.

I had a JKU, and LOVED the utility aspects of that truck (take doors off, top off, freedom top off, etc.) But we were hauling a trailer, and had issues with tow weight and transmission overheating.

And yes, I am gonna suggest a nice green koolaid of a used Land Rover LR3. Tremendous platform as long as you have a certified truck or extended warranty (simply for the major stuff - suspension, diffs, etc.).

Welcome to Expo!
Thanks
Dendy

 

[Hilldweller]

Now are you running the V6 or V8 Commander? I'm assuming its the V6 because you talked about the V6 previously in the beginning of this thread. Now I would assume the transmission would be different between the V6 and V8 version. With that, if it is different would the V8 transmission be better? I've read online a lot to stay away from the V6 Commanders. I personally would take a V8 over a V6 anyday if given the option if looking at a vehicle that offers both.

Me? I've got a Hemi....
But I've got a Power Wagon.
I used to have a JK with the 3.8L and autotrans. 4.56 gearing, 33s, and a Superchip and the trans would still overheat when pulling my little Conqueror trailer.
I bought a heavier trailer and went to the big guns to pull it.
Some of the parts, especially electrical, are shared across platforms. My trans solenoid was the same as the 3.6L JK.

Before:

After:

 

[Lyric]

Indeed we did have a Jeep Commander Overland Edition. SUPER nice truck. HATED the 9MPG city. SUCKED GAS!! and my wife has a light foot. Did better highway at 16MPG, but that was on the only 1 trip we took in it.

I had a JKU, and LOVED the utility aspects of that truck (take doors off, top off, freedom top off, etc.) But we were hauling a trailer, and had issues with tow weight and transmission overheating.

And yes, I am gonna suggest a nice green koolaid of a used Land Rover LR3. Tremendous platform as long as you have a certified truck or extended warranty (simply for the major stuff - suspension, diffs, etc.).

Welcome to Expo!
Thanks
Dendy

Haha Dendy thanks for the reply . I once owned a Discovery 2 and promised myself to never buy another. Love the looks of all their vehicles but dependability and cost is something I can't bring myself too. Trust I love the vehicles for what they do but it's something that fits my wallet at all. Yes anyone buying one better have an extended warranty or certified because otherwise your hurting. Plus dealing with any Land Rover dealership is never great. I want to own something for a long time and even out of warranty. Not something I have to get rid of once warranty is up.

Trust me when I owned a Land Rover I took pride in and would shot anyone down who spoke badly of them but it took me two years of ownership and over $10,000 in repair cost to realize I was wrong. *I remember seeing the CEO of Land Rover and Jaguar on tv one day say, Dependability is nothing we worry about because our customers can afford it, we worry more about luxury and what makes you feel good.

Trust me I thought about the LR3 but nah

Yes, Ive heard they are probably one of the most dependable Land Rovers these days and far better reliable than a Range Rover or previous models but I just can't chance that. Honestly if they were that great why would people speak of getting a extended warranty or certified? Because those repairs will still adding up once it starts coming out of your own wallet. No way, not gonna happen here.

Thank you for recommending the Rover but I just can't chance it.

 

[Lyric]

If I decide to go with a Commander which if I do I plan on going with a V8 version, are there anything's I should check or look out for?

Plus using my 4Runner for trade in, would it typically be a easy trade in using the 4Runner when it comes to the Commander vs if I were going in using a Commander for a 4Runner trade in?

 

[Martinjmpr]

If you need more room than your current 4runner, you should probably cross the FJC off the list now. It's shorter overall and smaller inside.

Other than being a rust bucket, what don't you like about your current 4th gen 4runner? Lots of them out there in your price range. You're in Junction City (Fort Riley? ) so a trip to Colorado wouldn't be too much of a burden and 4runners are as common as weeds in CO. Maybe more common. Also we have a nice dry climate and they don't use much salt on the roads here. My '07 has about 110k on it right now and runs like a top. I previously had a '99 and it was still running perfect when I sold it with 150k.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Hi everyone, I am new here and would like to start off by saying hello. I currently own a 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 and it's been a great vehicle with little issues but I bought the vehicle used. The vehicle was sold in the south where I lived at the time but it was originally from the north around upper state New York. So yeah its a rust bucket and I plan to get rid of it and get something that's not or not out of control at least. So anyways I am in the market for another vehicle and having a hard time choosing one. So I would like others thoughts, advice and tips. I previously have owned a Land Rover before the 4Runner and will not touch another one ever again. Love the capabilities the Land Rover had and everything about it but it was very undependable - badly. Never again, so Land Rover is out of the question. Below I have listed a couple vehicles that I am interested in and would love to own. I would enjoy anyone who would love to chime in and give me their thoughts to what vehicle would be the best, second best and why they would choose those vehicles over the other vehicles I listed. To give you an idea about myself and what I am looking for. I love to hike, bike, ride off road but nothing serious, go camping, I own two dogs and I enjoy taking long trips on and off road in whatever I am driving. I would prefer a vehicle that has descent power and descent room. A vehicle good for some gear and my two dogs who typically use the cargo area only for their spots. lol. I am also looking for something reliable as well. I would like to buy something I can keep for years to come and if it gets that old that I might even just swap the motor years down the road if it blows out and just keep driving it.

So here are the vehicles I would prefer and like:

2003-2007 Lexus GX470 First Generation - Like the styling inside and out but a little soccer mom-ish but I still like it overall
1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series - No complaints on this vehicle that I have besides my fiancé does not like the looks of it. lol
2006-2009 Jeep Commander - I really really like the styling of this vehicle and looks. I think it has a really sexy look all over. With it being a Jeep and built by Chrysler it does worry me if it will be dependable or not. I've never been a fan of American auto makers and their designs, quality and dependability of vehicles but I love the Commander so much. Fiancé hates it because its a Jeep and she thinks Jeep's are POS's
2007-2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser - I really like the styling here and the nice retro look it has going for it. Only one thing worries me is the amount of space for carrying or hauling compared to other vehicles listed.
2002-2006 Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero Third Generation - I really like the styling on this vehicle and looks but the only thing that worries me is its no longer made and parts may be hard to come by.

Again I really really like the styling and looks of the Jeep Commander out of all these but unsure on the Commander or any of the vehicles I have as well here.

I have considered the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited but not sure about them really. It would be a 2007 to 2009 if I were to get a Wrangler Unlimited and those had the Chyrsler mini van motors which I hear are horrible all around.

Help PLEASE and I am not sure if this is where this thread belonged but I didn't want to post it in the Toyota, Jeep ect ect sections are I am trying to get a biased look all around. Thanks

Of your choices, i'd say the 100 series will be your best bet. Remind your significant other that she'll be riding on the inside, not the outside...haha. They're great trucks.

Don't do the commander. They're fraught with problems. I like jeeps but thats a big pile of trouble right there.

Off your list i'd encourage you to check out 2001-2002 isuzu troopers. I have a family of 5 and just made the jump from a jeep cherokee to a 2001 trooper. There really is no comparison as far as comfort, seating, space, etc. the cargo area is VERY generous and it uses quite the mix of AISIN and GM parts. All parts have been readily available at pep boys, napa or the local dealer.