Need vehicle suggestions for around $3000

[Martinjmpr]

Re: Manual transmissions

I've actually been surprised at how many later model (1992 - up) Troopers I've seen with manual trannys. I'm not sure when the last year the Montero was available with a manual. My 90 (1st gen) had the 5 speed and I liked it.

Another surprise to me was the number of Explorers that were sold with 5 speeds. Given that the Explorer is pretty much the stereotype of the Suburban Soccer Mom car, I would have figured they would all come with autos but I think they were available with 5 speeds even in the 4 door versions, up through the 2nd gen (through 2001.)

 

[BigSwede]

Re: Manual transmissions

I've actually been surprised at how many later model (1992 - up) Troopers I've seen with manual trannys.

Quite a few 92-97 Troopers have manuals, like mine for example (and the Isuzu MUA5 is a stout tranny!), but they are quite a bit rarer 98+ (which is the Aisin AR-5 tranny not the MUA5, still an excellent tranny).

 

[reece146]

The Explorer isn't a bad truck... kind of like a Jeep in that what it may lack up front can be fixed in the aftermarket. I believe it was built to a higher standard than any ChryCo product.

The old TTB version is my sentimental favourite (had one) and it is an "easy" truck to convert to a regular front axle. I found it worked well enough with the TTB if you corrected the geometry after lifting.

From what I remember the five speeds were considered weak but I never had any problems with mine - well other than destroying the clutch in a mud hole that one time at band camp.

Nowadays they are just old. I still think they nailed the styling with the first generation, especially in white when seen from the rear quarter view with the blacked out D pillar.

Hmm... may have to revisit those trucks. I've always found the nostalgia is a lot better than the reality with every old vehicle I've revisited though.

 

[red87]

Re: Manual transmissions

I've actually been surprised at how many later model (1992 - up) Troopers I've seen with manual trannys. I'm not sure when the last year the Montero was available with a manual. My 90 (1st gen) had the 5 speed and I liked it.

Another surprise to me was the number of Explorers that were sold with 5 speeds. Given that the Explorer is pretty much the stereotype of the Suburban Soccer Mom car, I would have figured they would all come with autos but I think they were available with 5 speeds even in the 4 door versions, up through the 2nd gen (through 2001.)

The one problem with manual gen II monteros is that you can't get the locker with it. The SR trim (bigger axles, bigger motor, locking diff) was automatic only.

 

[scrubber3]

The one problem with manual gen II monteros is that you can't get the locker with it. The SR trim (bigger axles, bigger motor, locking diff) was automatic only.

The axles are the same diameter in all Gen 2 trims. The SR engine did have ~30 more HP at the crank, but after you factor in drivetrain loss, that figure goes closer to 12. even less in 4wd. At the cost of a more complex and troublesome engine. The rear diff came with a locking Differential that was half an inch larger than the LS, but they are easy enough to swap out as the LS is already wired for the air locker.

 

[red87]

Oh, I thought the front diff was bigger too.

 

[scrubber3]

I am not positive about the front, either they are the same size or the SR is 1/2" larger. The SR uses the same length CV axles as the manual LS so I think that the carrier is just wider.

 

[Martinjmpr]

The Explorer isn't a bad truck... kind of like a Jeep in that what it may lack up front can be fixed in the aftermarket. I believe it was built to a higher standard than any ChryCo product.

Given the huge number of older Explorers I see on the roads, they must be fairly robust. Seeing as how the Explorer is basically a variant of the Ranger, that makes sense (lots of older Rangers around, too.)

From what I remember the five speeds were considered weak but I never had any problems with mine - well other than destroying the clutch in a mud hole that one time at band camp.

Wasn't it the same 5 speed that the Ranger used? Seems odd that they'd use a different tranny in such a similar truck. I know the auto transmissions were different (as were the engines) but I would have assumed that they would have used the same tried-and-true manual that had proved itself over many years on the Ranger.

Nowadays they are just old. I still think they nailed the styling with the first generation, especially in white when seen from the rear quarter view with the blacked out D pillar.

First generations are indeed very nice, but IMO they never got better than the 2nd gen (1995 - 2001, I think.) One of the best looking SUVs ever made IMO. Nothing awkward or goofy looking, just a clean, balanced look without anything "gimmicky." In fact, I'd put it right up there with the 3rd gen 4runner as one of the best looking SUVs produced.

Hmm... may have to revisit those trucks. I've always found the nostalgia is a lot better than the reality with every old vehicle I've revisited though.

If I knew somebody who was on a tight budget (like the OP here) I would definitely tell them to look at a 1st or 2nd gen Explorer. Sometimes when I have time to kill I scan CL and I have been amazed at how many well-taken-care-of "soccer mom mobile" Explorers can be found for $2500 or less. Throw on some decent springs and tires for $1000 or so and you are ready for a long trip.

 

[4x4junkie]

Wasn't it the same 5 speed that the Ranger used? Seems odd that they'd use a different tranny in such a similar truck. I know the auto transmissions were different (as were the engines) but I would have assumed that they would have used the same tried-and-true manual that had proved itself over many years on the Ranger.

It's the same Mazda M5OD-R1 transmission used in Rangers right up until Ford decided to pull the plug on the truck (a nice 24-year run for that trans, '88 thru '11). It's an excellent trans aside from it's somewhat tallish 1st gear. You could also swap gears from any non-4.0L Ranger M5OD into the Explorer's M5OD case for a 10-13% increase in reduction across 1st, 2nd & 3rd gears (differences in strength are insignificant between the two gear sets). Of course this wouldn't quite equate to having a 70's-truck "Granny Gear", but it's certainly livable given the 4.0L V6's broad torque curve.

 

[brianf408]

Well after a little looking around this weekend, I think the Land Rover bug has bitten me. I like the Xterra a lot, but most of the ones I seem to come across have a TON of miles on them for the money. Toyotas are all too pricey for what you get, and Jeeps, well, they are still a Chrysler product and just sitting in the Liberty made me cringe a little. Loved the 02 DiscoII, even though that particular one was a bit rough it's gotten me interested in finding a Discovery. I've spent hours reading threads across different forums discussing issues, reliability, and Disco I vs II.

Looking at these 2 this evening:
http://lawrence.craigslist.org/cto/2879658783.html
I like that it's already got a lift, bumper, and sliders on it, just saves me the time and money from buying one. But could also mean that it's been run pretty hard. Body damage doesn't bother me much, I'd hate to get a perfect looking truck and scrape it up off road.

http://lawrence.craigslist.org/cto/2880692639.html
Looks like it's been a good mall crawler, but has a bit more miles than any of the others I've seen. And this would actually be a 99.5 Disco II right? Still having CDL equipped but with no lever to select it? Only downside I see to this one are higher miles and high-maintenance paint color.

I think overall I would prefer a Disco I since they are supposedly a little more simple and rugged, but I won't turn down a decent II if I find one for the money.

Any thoughts on these I have lined up for this evening?

 

[reece146]

If you are gravitating to the Discovery make sure you spend a week or two doing your research. There is so much noise out there regarding what to look for that it is hard to determine what is true or not. Don't pull the trigger till you are certain. There's always a good selection of trucks to buy if you are patient.

 

[scrubber3]

If it was my money, I'd get the 99. Believe it or not, the power steering fluid treatment that Lucas makes does very well with Power steering pump whine. Might be worth a try if you need to put the pump replacement on hold. The thing with the first Disco is that you don't know everything that has been done with it or how bad it's been beaten or if it has been stuck in the water once or twice.

 

[brianf408]

Alright, looked at both of them tonight. Here's my thoughts:

97 Disco I: Not going to spend much time on this, the truck was a total POS. Broken windshield, worn tie rods, horrible steering wobble, the steering wheel was at about a quarter turn to go straight. Not to mention a ton of other issues like squealing belts, engine noise, DISGUSTING interior, etc. Only good thing I can take away from it is that the OME kit rides pretty nice.

99 Disco II: Was surprisingly a very nice truck. I think my wife liked it more than I did. As the ad stated, it very obviously needs a power steering pump (LOUD), and the 3 amigos were present. Otherwise it drove very nice, steering was tight, rode well, no engine noise or anything. Couple little things like sticking lock actuators, and the rear gate latch being stubborn. Windows worked, sunroofs worked, very clean and good-shape interior, exterior was in good shape other than a couple oxidized spots on the roof and a couple scratches that I can sand and buff out myself. Only other issues I noticed were that it has a tire out-of-balance or something at about 75+ mph, and the suspension was starting to feel a little soft. Oh and it's on coils, so no worries about air suspension issues.

I told the seller we'd get in contact with him again to look at it in the daylight, and to drive it when his DUI blow-device alarm wasn't going off constantly. He's having the blow device taken off by the police department on Thursday, so we'll probably look at it Thursday afternoon. I asked about the 3 amigos, he told me it came on when he got a diagnosis for a bad wheel-speed sensor, but as far as he can tell the ABS and traction control are still working. He also doesn't have much for written service records, but everything does seem up to date as far as maintenance by the family friend or whoever is doing the work. Little sketchy, but doesn't worry me too much since there weren't many obvious issues.

To sum it up, if everything checks out again the second time around, I plan on offering him $3000 for it. Won't pay over $3200. What are you guys getting for MPGs in these? My wife is worried about the jump from my Miata to the Disco as a bad-weather DD. Current owner says he averages about 15 MPG.

 

[scrubber3]

Good idea passing up the 97. I don't know why but something didn't seem "right" about it from looking at the ad.On the 99 I would suspect the shocks are probably shot as this seems to be the most commonly ignored maintenance item on any vehicle. Check out the tire brand and quality before you suspect a simple out of balance issue. I'd suggest dumping those tires and rims anyway and picking up some better suited for the purpose of a Disco. Good luck on the purchase. To be honest, with the situation that guy may be in, you could probably offer him less than what you're thinking and he may agree to it. Good chance he has to pay a lawyer for his DUI. Just saying....

 

[RealJon]

To sum it up, if everything checks out again the second time around, I plan on offering him $3000 for it. Won't pay over $3200. What are you guys getting for MPGs in these? My wife is worried about the jump from my Miata to the Disco as a bad-weather DD. Current owner says he averages about 15 MPG.

I have never drove a disco but since its around the same size as my Trooper and has a v8 I would assume thats a bit off. DD around town / back roads I get around 11. Highway is near 16. It doesnt matter how hard I drive it, it really doesnt change.