2003 up has a 5speed, and a couple more horses. I'd pick one of those if buying today.
Think that will be sneaking up out of my budget. Tryin to downsize out of a too high payment and still keep something dependable and that can do a least most of what I can do with the truck now because that's how I use it!
NEVER do a payment on a used car. if i was tight id forgo the whole ****tin sport and get a reliable new econobox. 99% of lifes joys are freebees, and all those can be ruined when money becomes a hassle.
its been said before, an old expensive luxury car is like a once hot high maintenance elderly woman. it doesnt know it got old, but it still requires the money to keep it happy.
Your experience and advice led me to this 2000 lx 470. Way more comfort than I ever thought I'd have. It's awesome so far. This week some 285 75 16 BFG AT tires will go on and then I'll have more confidence off road. Vehicle has 140k miles and while I'm not crazy about the color, I wasn't going to let that keep me from the best deal and vehicle. It feels great and I can't wait to start the adventures.
Fireball - I'm a full time gold prospector. You can read about what I do in my articles for ICMJ mining journal ( http://www.icmj.com/writers-detail.php?id=76&keywords=Michael_Greyshock) and Gold Prospectors Magazine (http://www.goldprospectors.org/Medi...-Prospectors-FREE-with-a-GPAA-membership.aspx )
If I can figure out how to post a picture from my phone I will.