XJ Cherokee alternative?

EvanB wrote: http://bloomington.craigslist.org/cto/4296659443.html

If i'm going to get that stupid, i'm going to go whole hog, because GREEN CARPET!!!

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ctd/4304206308.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4309144459.html

maj75 wrote: In reply to Swank Force One: However, if you did get a $3000 4runner from Cali and get it home (sorry I don't know where that is) I'm guessing it will be worth a lot more than $3000. ;)

Ehhh... worth afterwards isn't very important. It'd probably be something i have for a good decade or so and run into the ground.

Home is Indianapolis.

Swank Force One wrote:

EvanB wrote: http://bloomington.craigslist.org/cto/4296659443.html

If i'm going to get that stupid, i'm going to go whole hog, because GREEN CARPET!!! http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ctd/4304206308.html

You're right, green carpet is awesome.

They started using the 3.4 for the 1996 model years. Those are crazy durable. I have a 04 Tacoma with one. Check this out: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-members/96662-1999-limited-4-runner.html

In reply to Swank Force One:

Grew up near South Bend, deep in the lake effect snow/rust belt. I hate rust...

Been in Florida since 1984, could never go back to live in Indiana! I'm planning a ride and drive with my 18 yr old daughter from California to Miami this summer in a sub-$4000 car. Because I hate rust...

EvanB wrote: http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4309144459.html

I hate you so much right now.

maj75 wrote: There are 21 4runner 4x4 listings on CL in LA at the moment, older than 1997. There are a ton of 4runners available for sub $3000, almost any of which are better than an XJ,,,

Having owned both I much prefer my XJ over a 1st gen 4-runner.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4308694523.html

I know it's not in the mid-west...

Fletch1 wrote: They started using the 3.4 for the 1996 model years. Those are crazy durable. I have a 04 Tacoma with one. Check this out: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-members/96662-1999-limited-4-runner.html

Holy HELL i just read that whole thread. That's INSANE.

maj75 wrote: http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4308694523.html I know it's not in the mid-west...

Rule 2: i will definitely NOT fly and drive for a vehicle that has a coin flip chance of getting me home.

Ok but seriously.... anyone here have first hand experience with a Gen 1 Pathfinder? I want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly.

If i can find a rust-free one, will it last as long as an XJ, be as durable as an XJ, and have parts availability out the wazoo?

What in the hell is going on here?

(Range Rover classic with a BMW i6 swap.)

http://charlottesville.craigslist.org/cto/4299288231.html

Swank Force One wrote: What in the hell is going on here? (Range Rover classic with a BMW i6 swap.) http://charlottesville.craigslist.org/cto/4299288231.html

Needs more turbo and manual trans.

In reply to EvanB:

Is it the world's most reliable 1993 Range Rover?

Georgia's nice this time of year....well, now that Atlanta's de-iced anyway

http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/4308395514.html

$2300

yamaha wrote: In reply to EvanB: Is it the world's most reliable 1993 Range Rover? Having owned a range rover that is not Saying much

Swank Force One wrote: Ok but seriously.... anyone here have first hand experience with a Gen 1 Pathfinder? I want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly. If i can find a rust-free one, will it last as long as an XJ, be as durable as an XJ, and have parts availability out the wazoo?

They have pretty swanky reclining rear seats. I know one that can be had sub 1k, but needs a clutch. I'm thinking about buying it just because it's the v6 SE, but has a manual trans, so I'm also curious to see if they're worth a damn. I think I'd still prefer my xj, but the manual trans and cheap buy in intrigues me.

I had a boss back in the day who pulled the trans/transfer case of his first gen Pathy in his driveway to do the clutch. The combo of manual trans and case was heavy enough it pinned him under the truck until a buddy happened by.

still not sure why he didn't separate them before removal.....not the sharpest spoon in the shed I guess.

ultraclyde wrote: Georgia's nice this time of year....well, now that Atlanta's de-iced anyway http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/4308395514.html $2300

That.... looks like just what the doctor ordered.

ultraclyde wrote: Did I miss that 4WD is a requirement? If so I'd got XJ again. If not.... It's a shame the 97-01 Exploders are out. The 2wd 5L versions are great machines. Simple to wrench, although the 5L makes it a little tight. Ours is comfortable, will tow almost 7k lbs, gets around 18mpg in mixed driving, has the cheapest parts known to man, and has at 204k has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. It's a got a real frame, one of the best motors ever made in it's final iteration, arguably one of Ford's best auto trans (4R70W), and the solid 8.8 Rear end with disks all around. I see really nice V8 models around here for $2500 fairly regularly.

If 4x4 is a must, which it is, I'd recommend a first gen Mercury Mountaineer. It has all the pluses ultraclyde mentioned as well as being AWD. I've always wondered what that thing could do with a smaller body on it. Ford 5.0 motivation with AWD drive train....

Wiki on the Mountaineer.

ultraclyde wrote: I had a boss back in the day who pulled the trans/transfer case of his first gen Pathy in his driveway to do the clutch. The combo of manual trans and case was heavy enough it pinned him under the truck until a buddy happened by. still not sure why he didn't separate them before removal.....not the sharpest spoon in the shed I guess.

I never separate them...it's just more work. I do have a trans jack though, which helps. The first one I did I made my own base plate to use with the floor jack while lowering the combo, it helped, but not near as nice as the trans jack.

I do have a hard time seeing how that combo had him pinned though. They are easy enough to push so they'll roll off you, but not having been there I'm sure there was something else going on that played into it.

In reply to Xceler8x:

SFO already nixed the explorer......which the mountaineer is an explorer.

Swank Force One wrote:

ultraclyde wrote: Georgia's nice this time of year....well, now that Atlanta's de-iced anyway http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/4308395514.html $2300

That.... looks like just what the doctor ordered.

Booo 3.0

In reply to EvanB:

It's no powerhouse, but should be fine. Or is there a problem with this motor? I know it's the single cam 3vz, but it's the only V6 that came in the Gen2s.