Help me pick my next beater SUV

D189379 · Dec 28, 2005

So it's come time for me to buy a used and cheap SUV. I'm trying to find something semi reliable(might be tough in my price range) which will be used mainly in the city as a daily driver and used to haul random stuff around on occasion (nothing overly heavy). Here are my 3 options:

92-95 Jeep Cherokee 180000-225000kms (112500-140000miles)
93-96 Ford Explorer 120000-180000kms (75000-112500 miles)
90-95 Nissan Pathfinder 190000-275000kms (118750-172000 miles)

I've ruled out a Jimmy or a Blazer as they seem to be rated very low in quality and in consumer ratings. I've also ruled out a 4 runner purely based on the ridiculous prices combined with even more ridiculous mileage. I will be getting a full mechanical inspection done and running VIN #'s on whatever I choose. I do realize finding a decently maintained vehicle of this age may be a chore, but I have time and I am prepared to wait for the right one.
So with that in mind, what does everyone else think about these particular choices? Anything I should avoid or look out for? Thanks for all opinions!

Bryanccfshr · Dec 28, 2005

The Jeep XJ. Just from a pure design standpoint I like the I6 better as well as the solid front axle for durability if it's a 4x4.

eljefino · Dec 28, 2005

Bryan's right, do you want 4x4?

Now, winter, would get you a good price for a 2-wheel drive-- and a lousy one for 4 wheels spinning.

Stay off the pathfinder, I am seeing a lot of 94-ish vintage scrapped, running, due to frame rot.

Around here explorer's resale prices are like GM stock; I bet you could get a lot for your money particularly with all their published and possibly overhyped fiascos.

MarkC · Dec 28, 2005

Jeep Cherokee all the way. You won't regret it, as long as you're not into "luxury".

vwoom · Dec 28, 2005

Yep..though I'm not into American Iron, between the three I'd vote on the proven I-6 Jeep Cherokee.

D189379 · Dec 28, 2005

It's definitely looking like the Explorer is going to give me the best value. I keep finding them with low mileage for low prices.
The Pathfinders I've looked at are all fighting with serious rust. (Doors, fenders, top of the window sills) I haven't found a Cherokee yet with anything more than some surface rust at the bottom of the rear fender where the back tires would kick up rocks.
I'm definitely leaning towards the Cherokee, but the prices are really inflated. I love the 4.0 engine, but alot of them, seem to need to have the radiators and water pumps replaced. It also looks like the rear axles are a week spot.
I've got some time tomorrow to look at a few so I'll see what I come up with.

michaelc80 · Dec 28, 2005

I would suggest waiting for the right Cherokee. Our 96 has about 160K on it and is one of the most reliable vehicles around. Book values on ones that old are pretty low as well.

I'm curious how you determined that the rear axles are a weak point. I've not heard that before. And if you do find one that needs radiator/water pump replacement that's easy (and fairly cheap) to take care of. After all, you are looking for a "beater".

andyd · Dec 28, 2005

mightn't there be a reason why used Exploders are offered so cheaply?

The XJis a pretty rugged vehicle

MarkC · Dec 28, 2005

My 96 doesn't have as many miles as michael80's (only 114K), but it's been very reliable for these past 9 years. Aside from maintenence, I've only replaced a faulty oxygen sensor, and it runs pretty much like it did when brand new.

2Fast4U · Dec 28, 2005

Get the Exploder. Maybe it will burn down your house... I believe that most of them come with the spontaneous combustion option.

MarkC · Dec 28, 2005

Another nice thing is that with a 4.0, an XJ has a serious power to weight advantage over that vintage Pathfinder, and the Explorer as well, I believe.Better gas mileage too.

Ryan00TJ · Dec 28, 2005

Cherokee for sure. The 4.0 is a very long lasting engine that's very easy to work on. The radiator and WP's are a common problem but are very easy to fix yourself if your basic mechanically inclined. Most componets are pretty bulletproof. The C8.25 or D35 is only weak if you lock it and add larger tires and the loud pedal. Running to the mall and back I think he'll be fine.

MarkC · Dec 28, 2005

We really should form a Jeep Cherokee cult here. If GC can, why not us?
Who wants to be Grand Poo-bah?

Bryanccfshr · Dec 28, 2005

I started scanning autotrader for Cherokees. There are some deals to be had if you are a patient shopper. I never had one but it is on my " I need a cheap dependable beater 4x4 " list. And I am a Toyota (dis)loyalist. Straight forward engineering and easy to replace parts.

it's a no brainer to me. To

with DC for replacing it with the Liberty!!

eljefino · Dec 28, 2005

Forkman posted here a while ago with this Cherokee he was GIVEN:

you might like these beater jeep threads:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=006243;p=1#000006
http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=012181#000000

brianl703 · Dec 28, 2005

quote:

Get the Exploder. Maybe it will burn down your house... I believe that most of them come with the spontaneous combustion option.

A 94 or newer Explorer will not have the faulty ignition switch. Only some 93 models did, and there was a recall so it should have been replaced.

I think it's amusing that nowhere on the http://www.flamingfords.info/affohome.html website do they actually talk about how to address the problem..replacing the switch is so simple that someone with two left thumbs could do it. EDIT: It's cheap, too, about $15.

TheLoneRanger · Dec 28, 2005

Here's another vote for the Cherokee from a 2-time owner. Try to find a 96 if possible, with the Chrysler 8.25" rear diff (Look for a 'squared off' housing, as opposed to the round D35 housing).

The AW-4 automatic is bulletproof, as is the I-6 engine.

D189379 · Dec 28, 2005

Well I put down a deposit on a 2000 Cherokee today. The guys asking just over dealer blackbook so I jumped on it. I know this takes me out of beater territory but I can't stand passing up good deals. I took it for a drive today and it runs great, shifts well, 4X4 works good, decent tires, and everything else works. So now the deal is pending a lien check and a full mechanical inspection.

Winston · Dec 28, 2005

Maybe too late but you should consider Mitsubishi. No one wants them so they are cheap, but they are very reliable trucks.

MNgopher · Dec 28, 2005

Welcome to the Cherokee Club (if it all checks out!).

Proven and easy to work on drivetrain with a motor that goes forever, what more can you ask for in a "beater"! Cooling is always a bit of an issue on these - airflow under the hood is not good and causes a lot of wear and tear on the system. Regular maintenance takes care of those problems though. Axles aren't an issue unless you go with bigger tires and thrash the thing!

Definitely from an era when the "utility" part of the equation still meant something!

Can I claim the elder cherokee status around here? My '88 XJ is currently sporting only 81,000 miles!

Help me pick my next beater SUV

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