The unthinkable: SUV buying advice?

MrJoshua wrote:

ignorant wrote: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___2000-FORD-EXCURSION-LIMITED-DIESEL-4WD-HIGH-MILEAGE_W0QQitemZ250313275003QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250313275003&_trkparms=72%3A727|39%3A1|65%3A12|240%3A1308&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245 used but good bones.. 2000 Excursion Diesel for $2500 It is mislisted as a Honda CR-V.. so probably could go cheaper than it should

Definitely watching and sniping that one.

I thought you said your wife didn't want something as big as a Suburban? The Ex is bigger.

SVreX wrote:

MrJoshua wrote:

ignorant wrote: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___2000-FORD-EXCURSION-LIMITED-DIESEL-4WD-HIGH-MILEAGE_W0QQitemZ250313275003QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250313275003&_trkparms=72%3A727|39%3A1|65%3A12|240%3A1308&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245 used but good bones.. 2000 Excursion Diesel for $2500 It is mislisted as a Honda CR-V.. so probably could go cheaper than it should

Definitely watching and sniping that one.

I thought you said your wife didn't want something as big as a Suburban? The Ex is bigger.

You trying to confuse me by quoting things I said?

No, I'm trying to confuse me by clarifying the things you said.

I did say Jenna didn't want a burb because they are sooo big and yes the excursion is bigger-buuuuuut..............Turbodiesel that can pull house make Josh happy!

must stop thinking about land rovers...

damn u josh..

Hey.. whatever happened to the TDI? Interested in selling?

ignorant wrote: must stop thinking about land rovers... damn u josh.. Hey.. whatever happened to the TDI? Interested in selling?

As much as I want to keep it, It cant tow so I would have to give up the Miata to make it happen. I think it would take a 928 to make me consider giving up the Miata goodness.

So yeah, im sad to say its probably for sale soon.

MrJoshua wrote:

ignorant wrote: must stop thinking about land rovers... damn u josh.. Hey.. whatever happened to the TDI? Interested in selling?

As much as I want to keep it, It cant tow so I would have to give up the Miata to make it happen. I think it would take a 928 to make me consider giving up the Miata goodness. So yeah, im sad to say its probably for sale soon.

very interested.

http://charleston.craigslist.org/cto/902435925.html

You buy that Excursion?

It sold for $6100, which is a pretty good price.

SVreX wrote: You buy that Excursion? It sold for $6100, which is a pretty good price.

Nah, that wasn't me. $6100 was a good price, but too much money for me to come up with by selling the Safari and the Jetta.

For those interested in the Jetta, I still need to decide whether I want to replace the airbags, seatbelts, fender, and windshield, or sell as is. I do have a challenge teammate possibly interested as well. More news to follow in a few days.

ignorant wrote: http://charleston.craigslist.org/cto/902435925.html

I do kindof like the burbs. I guess I should hurry up and sell stuff to have money in hand and be able to move on a deal that grabs me!

ignorant wrote: must stop thinking about land rovers... damn u josh.. Hey.. whatever happened to the TDI? Interested in selling?

Jenna is interested in the Land Rovers as well! She doesn't quite understand that what I need is a calming influence, not a co-conspirator.

On the Grand Cherokee is there a particular mileage that should be avoided? like over 120,000 or doesnt it matter.

so, a V6, no quadratra, manual ac would be good to go.

George 06 WRX TR 06 BMW 325CI

geowrx2 wrote: On the Grand Cherokee is there a particular mileage that should be avoided? like over 120,000 or doesnt it matter. so, a V6, no quadratra, manual ac would be good to go. George 06 WRX TR 06 BMW 325CI

Does this fit the bill?

http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/901666216.html

that excursion went for $6k

geowrx2 wrote: On the Grand Cherokee is there a particular mileage that should be avoided? like over 120,000 or doesnt it matter. so, a V6, no quadratra, manual ac would be good to go. George 06 WRX TR 06 BMW 325CI

Get the 4.0 inline 6. Not 3.7 v6.

Wife and I went to the charleston angler (fishing store) to buy some trout flies and she saw a rangey again.. I'm screwed.. HA!

The 3.7 V6 came in the 05-up GC and the 02-up Liberty. That engine is known for valve train problems and I'd avoid it like the plague. it starts as a rough idle, then you get a MIL and the code is P0300 random/multiple misfire. The real problem: the intake valve rotators go belly up and it burns valves. Otherwise, the bottom end seems pretty robust. Over 90k the 4.7 V8 develops oil consumption and bottom end problems. '05-up GC's have weird electrical issues and the power window regulator problems from 99-04 are still there.

The 99-04 bottom feeder 4.0 inline 6 with A/T, 2WD or part time 4x4, manual windows and manual A/C rattles like a box full of junk parts and is about as sexy as a bad cold but it will keep on running forever. 250K is not unusual for a box little Cherokee and the GC setup I described is the same basic drivetrain with a different body shell.

I assume the same electrical gremlins apply to the SRT model? mmmmmm, 420 AWD HP!

We honestly haven't seen enough SRT8's to form an opinion. They have DAMN expensive wheels, though, like $1100.00 EACH. The power windows etc are the same, so I would think they'd have the same problems.

I gave in to temptation

I actually bought a Land Rover! Its a 99 Discovery. Overall its kindof what I expected, big and slightly ponderous, pretty, comfy, and trucklike. The kids love it. They are especially fascinated with the rear fold down seats. Anytime we go anywhere in it the are dissapointed when they have to get out of "daddy's truck". The fact that it was a 40k vehicle not all that long ago shows. Leather seats, suede door panels, goofy adjustable arm rests, etc... It shows really well, everyone who sees it ooohs and ahhhhs and is amazed you can get that much vehicle for 3k. Even after I explain the flaws with this one and how they could potentially be expensive to maintain even if you do your own work I know at least one person who saw it headed to craigslist to check the market.

Sorry for using the link instead of my own pics. I will update soon with my own when my camera comes back.

Snazzy look ride. Good Luck with it. I want one as a family camping ride now. With a Baby on the way a 2 door Honda Hatch won't last long(except as commuter car for me)

this thread has me thinking about FJ80 Land Cruiser Toyotas. I know they are more expensive than the Landy's but not by much. The Lexus LX version is also a good find.

Geez.. now you're messing with my head and I'm looking at rovers.. arrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

For a beater woods vehicle I would seriously consider a 96-98 model. Most of the goodness with a little less size and a few grand less buy in. (typically available for $2000 to $2500 asking)

MrJoshua wrote: For a beater woods vehicle I would seriously consider a 96-98 model. Most of the goodness with a little less size and a few grand less buy in. (typically available for $2000 to $2500 asking)

I have been spending too much time on expedition portal. I need a tent trailer or roof top tent now.. and go camping..