what small SUV to look at?

[Cordell]

Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada

 

Even as GM biased as I am, all you'll find now is junk when it comes to these things. The new shit is worthless, and the older shit is worn out.

 

While I don't like the way they drive Jeeps seem to last forever. I'd just go look at trucks. I don't care for any mid-sized SUVs, they all suck.

[2 Sweet]

Even as GM biased as I am, all you'll find now is junk when it comes to these things. The new shit is worthless, and the older shit is worn out.

 

While I don't like the way they drive Jeeps seem to last forever. I'd just go look at trucks. I don't care for any mid-sized SUVs, they all suck.

 

Ehh they aren't all that bad. I don't know shit about TrailBlazers, but the old S-10 Blazers were ok. I mean they had their fair share of problems, but nothing big. If you take care of them they last a long time. Plus parts are cheap.

 

But yeah, I'd look at a real truck if it were me. Ext. cab pickup or a Tahoe or something.

[nurkvinny]

I'll add that the last 3 S-10 blazers in our family all went 200k+ happy miles, none ever needing an engine or transmission, front or rear ends, or anything major drive line. The 4.3's just won't die.

[V8 Beast]

i can quote things and make them bold too.

 

You should wear loose fitting clothes and lean over a wood chipper.

[Tripleskate]

Honda pilot, Toyota highlander, those are the small to mid sized SUV's that ive had experience in for long drives and both are great midsized trucks. the Detroit products that ive driven were not the new models but nothing really nice about them.

Pilots are quite useful for almost everything listed, however after doing a massive roadtrip with one they only do about 18-22mpg on the freeway.

[Cordell]

Ehh they aren't all that bad. I don't know shit about TrailBlazers, but the old S-10 Blazers were ok. I mean they had their fair share of problems, but nothing big. If you take care of them they last a long time. Plus parts are cheap.

 

But yeah, I'd look at a real truck if it were me. Ext. cab pickup or a Tahoe or something.

The new one's have all sorts of problems. The 4WDs, brakes, engine, you name it, it's all sub-par.

I'll add that the last 3 S-10 blazers in our family all went 200k+ happy miles, none ever needing an engine or transmission, front or rear ends, or anything major drive line. The 4.3's just won't die.

 

and this was my other point, the old one's were great, but if you've had 3 200k+ mile S-blazers what do you think you'll find now?

[evan9381]

what about a 97 mountaineer? after seening the f/s for the blown up motor one, i looked at a few on CL...looks a little bigger than the explorer (or maybe im just looking at it wrong). found one for <$3k with about 139k miles. what are some common issues to look out for with these?

 

i plan to take any serious considerations somewhere (rob, derek) for a used car inspection, but i'd like to be able to notice something when i go to look before i spend time/$ taking something to one of them

[Guest Removed]

what about a 97 mountaineer? after seening the f/s for the blown up motor one, i looked at a few on CL...looks a little bigger than the explorer (or maybe im just looking at it wrong). found one for <$3k with about 139k miles. what are some common issues to look out for with these?

 

i plan to take any serious considerations somewhere (rob, derek) for a used car inspection, but i'd like to be able to notice something when i go to look before i spend time/$ taking something to one of them

 

 

it is a exploder! just the mercury model with more bs on it...

[Littleguy]

I can't believe Christian hasn't been in here talking about the Rav yet.

[AWW$HEEET]

I have never regretted buying my Cherokee. Great vehicle.

[zeitgeist57]

I'm manual-transmission biased, so I say Cherokee (I think in 1994 the Grand Cherokee I6 had a 5-speed manual option, but they are practically nonexistant on the used market).

 

I'm surprised no one mentioned the Honda CR-V. I know a few people that DD those and they love them...about the same size as an older RAV4.

 

If you want to go a little bigger, the 1st-gen Kia Sorento is also an option in your price range...3.5L V6, manual tranny option...

 

EDIT: Oooh!!! Suzuki XL-7, or Grand Vitara. Great trucks.

[evan9381]

as much as i like to drive stick, i'd like to have this as an automatic. just not something im looking for in an suv. but rob did mention the sorento but i cant find any in my price range...i emailed a couple people off CL on a couple jeeps...waiting to hear back from them

[2 Sweet]

http://columbus.craigslist.org/ctd/1683464555.html

 

http://columbus.craigslist.org/ctd/1682046713.html

 

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1681199600.html

 

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1679968491.html

 

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1683058963.html

 

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1682433303.html

 

ZR2 5-speed for a nice price.....

 

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1682060031.html

 

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1678552641.html

[evan9381]

aside from the couple 2 doors in there, a lot of those are good options. thanks!

[evan9381]

found these - emailed both, hoping to hear back soon so i can go look at them and see if they're worth taking for an inspection. the 98 - woman said she has records/receipts going back to 2005, 97 - guy said he doesnt have so many records but has receipts (??). just got a call from guy with the 97 and going to look at it sunday afternoon

 

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1678151895.html

 

***1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd*** - $3500 (Newark)

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: 2010-04-05, 8:34PM EDT

Reply to: sale-4hgvu-1678151895@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

 

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Black Exterior and Black Leather Interior

Automatic 6-Cyl. 4.0 Liter

 

Air Conditioning - Cruise Control - Leather - Power Steering - AM/FM Stereo - Cassette - CD Player - Dual Power Seats - Power Windows - Power Door Locks - Roof Rack - Dual Front Air Bags - Privacy Glass - Sun Roof - Tilt Wheel - ABS - 4 Wheel Drive - Alloy Wheels

 

2 Brand New Rear wheels!!!!

Routine Oil Changes & Maintenance!!!!

 

14 mpg City / 19 mpg Hwy

170K Miles

 

DRIVES GREAT!

VERY CLEAN INSIDE & OUT!

NICE SUV!

Only selling because I love the Laredo Model... If it does not sell, I will keep!

Located in Newark/Heath/Granville

 

http://images.craigslist.org/3k23pb3l95O45Z45W2a45c9d0ef1b201f19dd.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3p03o13ld5U45X05S1a45b90d8510cf7c1c0c.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3n03p13l25Y45Q05P2a45f654948ee1f717da.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3n03o93l85V45O35U5a45e32db28cb338141a.jpg

 

and this http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1683658007.html

 

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD - $3500 (Reynoldsburg)

 

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Date: 2010-04-09, 9:36AM EDT

Reply to: sale-s978e-1683658007@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

 

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I have for sale a 1997 Grand Cherokee Laredo. Its got a clean title, very clean and runs like a champ, so dont let the 177k fool you. Its always been serviced and never abused. It was my fathers Daily Driver, so most of those miles are highway miles. Things were replaced simply because the manual called for it at the mile intervals. I think I remember it getting 17-18mpg, which is what my dads 2007 Jeeps gets too. This has never got stuck in the wintertime, and I used it to pull the bike trailer around, so I know its got plenty of grunt to get the job done. But then again, it is a Jeep.

 

All power with sun roof & towing package.

2WD, 4WD Part Time, and 4WD Full Time High/Low

Always used Synthetic oil and changed every 4,000 miles.

Transmission was serviced with filter changed every 40,000 miles.

Replaced front U-Joints, shocks, swaybar, front bushing within last year

Replaced A/C compressor last year (Air blows ice cold if needed)

Replace water pump (last year)

Replace radiator (last year)

Replace power steering pump

Replace all belts

Aftermarket Sony Xplod CD player

 

The Bad:

I think someone low speed backed into it several years ago, and broke the turn signal (The bumpers were fine). The turn signal was replaced and is secure, but there is a ziptie for extra security. Not really a big problem or noticeable.

The Catalayic Converter was replaced with one from a parts store (which it has a warranty), but I think its a high flow cat, so the exhaust sounds bit louder than stock, but its never bothered me enough to look into. But Im tryin to be honest on here so you know exactly whats going on.

 

Thanks!

 

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/Nightviper19/97%20Jeep/2010-04-07124757.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/Nightviper19/97%20Jeep/2010-04-07124818.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/Nightviper19/97%20Jeep/2010-04-07124843.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/Nightviper19/97%20Jeep/2010-04-07125006.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/Nightviper19/97%20Jeep/2010-04-07125222.jpg

[OGRE]

don't be a pussy, get a full size SUV. we love our expedition.

[evan9381]

don't be a pussy, get a full size SUV. we love our expedition.

 

lol. i have no need for a full size.

[Vander]

What about an Infiniti QX4?

[evan9381]

thought about something like that, but then the saying of "if you want to drive luxury, you have to maintain luxury" popped into my head, and i dont think i want to have to deal with those replacement parts