Opinions wanted on used small/mid SUV's

[Andy Perreault]

Hi all, I'm looking to replace my worn out '88 Honda Civic commuter car with a used 4WD small or mid-sized SUV. It will be used pretty much for commuting to work and running errands, with an occasional mountain trip. I won't be doing any "hard core" 4 wheeling in it, and I'm not looking for high horsepower or performance. It will stay completely stock. I'll probably get a 4 door automatic, to make it easier for my elderly folks to borrow (they spend every summer at my place).

I know that there are a lot of different SUV's out there to pick from. The choices are almost overwhelming. That's why I thought I'd post this. What is your opinion of a good used SUV? I don't want leather seats and all the luxury items, just a reliable and somewhat economical (no V-8) commuter. I'm thinking of something like a Toyota Highlander, but I think used Toyota's are rather pricey.

Any recommendations?

Thanks, Andy

 

[Andy Perreault]

Dan, I have been considering the Jeep Cherokee. That 4. 0 liter straight six is an excellent engine. Thanks for the comment about them being slightly hard to get into, I hadn't thought of that. If I was to get one, I suppose I could put nerf bars or running boards on it to help the folks (mom's knees are going bad). Any idea as to what kind of fuel mileage they get?

Thanks, Andy

 

[Alan Reagan]

My wife is a Grand Cherokee fan. I have started to really appreciate them, too. We have had only two problems with the three she's had (she trades every four years). The in-tank fuel pump had to be replace twice on her '01 and the '01 had to have the transmission governor replaced at 65K miles. She just got an 05 but kept the 01 for daily commutes and lake trips. The body and suspension are in excellent condition and the in line six gets good gas mileage. No rattles or squeaks at 75K miles.



You just have to find one that hasn't had the crap beat out of it.

 

[jeepit]

The cherokee's can be had for a good price. In line 6 a good motor. Total utilitarian at its best.

 

[jkalchik]

If you've got "issues" getting into a Cherokee, try a 2 door model. The door is significantly larger. I've got 2, one is mildly modified (6" lift and 33x12. 50 MT/Rs) and I'm selling a 92.

 

[DKayser]

You are correct, Sir !

You are correct, Sir! Just got done putting carrier bearings, pinion bearings, and axle bearings in our 97. 3. 73 it is. I thought I had cut a fat hog by trading our 93 before the transfer went. At least it was cheaper than the case. I agree the Cherokee is a nice rig. It can be had as a stripper or nicely optioned. A friend has the lil one w/4. 0. They are very happy with it, but miss the luxo goodies on mine. DK.

 

[jkalchik]

Mine is a '91, completely stock with a lil over 150,000 miles on it. I bought it used a few months ago, it's a beater but the powertrain is decent. It has 235/75R15 tires, I think 3. 73 gearing (not positive haven't ever bothered to find out), automatic, no modifications to the powertrain. It gets about 17 averaged out city and highway. Highway MPG is around 20-21, in town is about 14-15, give or take. Supposedly a couple small changes to the air intake & exhaust systems, and maybe a header, really wakes them up, too.

<grin> Yer 91 XJ with a 4. 0l and an auto has 3. 55 gears. And with ABS, almost certainly a Dana D35C rear end.



When you're ready to start playing, join us over at http://www.naxja.org, a Cherokee's equivalent of TDR.



ChiXJeff

 

[jkalchik]

You are correct, Sir! Just got done putting carrier bearings, pinion bearings, and axle bearings in our 97. 3. 73 it is. I thought I had cut a fat hog by trading our 93 before the transfer went. At least it was cheaper than the case. I agree the Cherokee is a nice rig. It can be had as a stripper or nicely optioned. A friend has the lil one w/4. 0. They are very happy with it, but miss the luxo goodies on mine. DK.

I don't think so (unless you've got a 4 cyl 2. 5l,) go back and count the teeth again. 3. 55s with autos, 3. 07 gears with stick shifts. At least with 4. 0l I6s.

 

[DKayser]

Nope

I don't think so (unless you've got a 4 cyl 2. 5l,) go back and count the teeth again. 3. 55s with autos, 3. 07 gears with stick shifts. At least with 4. 0l I6s.

I did last friday night when we replaced all the bearings. 11/41. And according to the NAPA guy, it has a Dana 44. Of course, this is a Grand Cherokee,318 auto. Maybe that is the difference. I dunno,it`s a Canuck vehicle. Go figure. I don`t think the wife will ever drive anything else, unless it is another Grand. She is happy with the power,all the amenities,even the fuel mileage(15/21). I do wish it had part time or hubs. DK.

 

[Rescue Ram]

I second the Cherokee. I have had great service from the 4. 0 engine, though it was a long time ago.



We also have a '93 S-10 Blazer. It has been very good too. The engine threw a rod at 6k miles. The new crate motor they put in has been good since (120k).

 

[CSnyder]

We had a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited we ran up to 226k with no major problems and it had the 4. 0. We took it on 500 mile trips from home until the day we sold it for $2000. We sold it way under book because we replaced it with a 96 Tahoe for more room since we have twins and both are in the big car seats yet so our 7 year old would be smashed between them in the Jeep. We only paid 3500 for the Tahoe with 119k on it and loaded with no leather or rust. Our Jeep also had very little rust for being driven year round in Iowa weather. If you go with import models be careful with the rotary motors... . I sold lots of them when I worked at a major salvage yard as compared with American SUV's. Hope this helps... Chris

 

[jkalchik]

I did last friday night when we replaced all the bearings. 11/41. And according to the NAPA guy, it has a Dana 44. Of course, this is a Grand Cherokee,318 auto. Maybe that is the difference. I dunno,it`s a Canuck vehicle. Go figure. I don`t think the wife will ever drive anything else, unless it is another Grand. She is happy with the power,all the amenities,even the fuel mileage(15/21). I do wish it had part time or hubs. DK.

AH! A ZJ! Makes a huge difference. Cherokees and Grand Cherokees are not the same model at all.



You may indeed have a D44 under there, but I'll bet it's one of those goofy aluminum pigs.



You should have a D30 front, don't know if it'll be a disco or not. You can get a hub conversion kit but it's several hundred bucks.

 

[Andy Perreault]

Thanks for the replies. Anybody have any experience with a Honda CRV? They're everywhere here in Seattle.

Andy