Would it be a bad idea to mention a Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (99-04)? 4.7 V8 and solid axles for under $10,000 depending on the year. 15/20 MPG also I believe since it is not very heavy being a unibody (~4000 lbs).
Yes, yes it would...j/k. Previous to the Xterra I had a 2001 XJ Sport with a 3.5" lift and 32's. I hated that Jeep, drove like crap on the road. It worked great offroad but neither my wife or I ever enjoyed driving it on the road. Since the suspension is essentially the same on the Grand than I would quickly decline that option.
Trump- my current Xterra is worth somewhere in the $7-8K range. On a newer one I don't think I could swing anything more than $10k right now, things are just a little bit tight and I have too many other hobbies that are occupying some cash. I have seen some 05's going for around $11k but I never seem to see them in time enough to consider it. I may just have to deal with this one for now and wait until the values come down a little more.
Trump- my current Xterra is worth somewhere in the $7-8K range. On a newer one I don't think I could swing anything more than $10k right now, things are just a little bit tight and I have too many other hobbies that are occupying some cash. I have seen some 05's going for around $11k but I never seem to see them in time enough to consider it. I may just have to deal with this one for now and wait until the values come down a little more.
The big trick, if you decide an 80 is for you, is finding one with lower miles that's been taken care of/maintained. Even early 100's are getting difficult to find with <100k miles.
Yes, yes it would...j/k. Previous to the Xterra I had a 2001 XJ Sport with a 3.5" lift and 32's. I hated that Jeep, drove like crap on the road. It worked great offroad but neither my wife or I ever enjoyed driving it on the road. Since the suspension is essentially the same on the Grand than I would quickly decline that option.
It will go most places a solid front will go, but will do it less comfortably, hence the popularity of the solid front. On the road, the IFS will shine. Where are you realistically going to spend most of your time?
Actually they are not the same suspension. The XJ was coils front and leafs rear. The WJ is coils all around like the FZJ80.
I too have an XJ with 3.5" of lift and 32s and it is super uncomfortable to daily drive. Too bumpy, I feel cramped, etc.
Guess what I am replacing it with? A WJ, yes, because I drove one and it was definitely a night and day difference. I have looked at LCs but they are so expensive, so I figured I might as well get a WJ since it is cheaper and newer, plus V8.
Here is my dilemma. I currently own a 2004 Nissan Xterra. I don't do much serious 4 wheeling, mostly exploring backcountry, bit I do like a little capability when needed though. I don't mind the open diffs.
Pro's
--Very comfortable off road ride. I have had many 4x4's and the Xterra rides soooo much better than anything else I have owned or driven.
--setup exactly how I like it and performs very well for the way I use it for.
--mileage isn't horrible, I usually get 14city/17hwy.
--very reliable.
--NO RATTLES, I hate rattles and this rig is nice and quiet.
--I haven't yet but I can mount a winch inside the stock front bumper.
--good highway manners, even without swaybars.
con's
--3.3L V6 180hp 202ft pnds torque = gutless pig. I tow a 4x5 offroad trailer and it feels it. Occasionaly I tow a small trailer with a quad and dirtbike on it, you can imagine how that feels.:Wow1:
--a little small inside, would be nice to have some more room.
I really want a 100srs but I just can't afford one right now. I am wondering if I could like an 80 instead. I have to daily drive this vehicle and I really don't want to sacrifice the pro's about the Xterra. I know the gas mileage sucks and I know the 80 is rated at 212hp and 275 ft. pnds of torque. How will it do towing a light trailer? How do they handle on the highway with 2-3" lift? Rattles?
So let's hear it, and be honest. Can I be happy with an 80 or should I just wait until I can get a uzj100?
I stand corrected. I guess I should have researched that a little more. Either way maybe I do need to look a a WJ. I definitely like the looks of them and the V8 is very enticing. Time to start looking around...thanks.
I thought you said reliability is important? The unibody WJ is a big step back in durability and reliability compared to your current ride let alone a Land Cruiser. I've seen those things break fans and rediators when flexed out!