• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Good SUV for under $3-4k?

Gunslinger08

Gunslinger08

Lifer
I'm looking for a secondary vehicle. I currently drive a 2006 Mustang GT, meaning I have no room for more than 2 people or a few bags. I also can't drive anywhere if there's any snow on the ground. I'd like to pick up an older SUV for carrying larger objects and more people. A co-worker just bought a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and I really like it, but I was wondering if there's anything better out there. I want something that's dependable, has decent space, and has decent luxury features (leather, power windows and locks, keyless entry, etc.).
 
Just my opinion, but that price point sounds a little low??


(If you could get a '97 JGC in good condition, that's a good deal, imho)
 
If you can forget about some of the luxury BS the plain old Cherokees are cheap as hell and the straight 6 engine is legendary. The grands aren't bad either but finding one for $3k that isn't old, beat to death, or have tons of miles on it will be harder.
 
Tack at least $10,000 onto your budget to meet all your criteria. You'll need to give up some items on your list to get anything for $4K. If I were you, I'd give up the luxury features first. If this is your snow vehicle, you'll want dependability above all else, and a Grand Cherokee is not a good bet on this front, particularly the transmissions. The plain Cherokee is considered to be more reliable, for instance.
 
I have no idea what car prices are like over there, but could you get a new Suzuki Jiminy?

Not cool, however.
 
old jeeps are great but perhaps you would be better served by an older minivan? I'm serious. jeeps have quite limited interior space, and relatively strong resale value (better deals to be had elsewhere). They are excellent for off-road usage and towing, but for carrying people and stuff, even a station wagon would be preferable.
 
Thats true. My winter beater is an 89 dodge caravan I bought 6 years ago for $800. Bought it for all those reasons over a SUV plus my minivan is loaded, gets better mileage, and is more comfortable to drive.
 
95+ Jeep Cherokee FTW

I've owned multiple Jeep Cherokees and Grand Cherokees. Go for the regular Cherokee w/ 4.0L instead of the Grand Cherokee. The Grands just had too many problems with them compared to the Cherokee.
The V8 in the Grand isn't worth it unless you like getting <14mpg and the aluminum center rear diff was notorious for eating bearing.
The Cherokee is tried and true. Extremely cheap nowadays and simple to work on if you have to.
 
If you can get over some of the luxury crap, ever looked at the classic 70s Grand Wagoneer? They have huge interior space, very easy to work on, and as an added bonus, you could drive it for 5 years and probably sell it for more than you paid (as long as it runs). So depreciation isn't much of a concern. Obviously fuel economy is bad (12-15mpg), but if it's purely a secondary vehicle, then that shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Check this out :

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/422506205.html
 
I just bought a 1999 Chevy Suburban for $3200. It has a rebuilt trans and 350. There are a couple of dings but no rust and I think I got a decent deal. I like it a lot and it has the barn doors and 144K miles. I gotta get tires soon though but it was like $2K under book. There are deals out there like this, look on craig's.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top