4x4 Buying Recommendations

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Loves2Backpack

Guest
I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
be appreciated.
 
The last year of the CJ-7 was 1986, it is hard to think of any car that is
18+ years old to be reliable for commuting. But I do commute with my CJ7
daily. I would look at the newer TJ models (Wrangler), the 4.0L is a strong
engine I would look at that over the 4cyl models. If you are looking for
something newer the Rubicon model has many strong off-road options, but it
still as worth on-road as their other models.


"Loves2Backpack" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
> what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
> able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
> and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
> is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
> Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
> be appreciated.



 

Toyota 4Runner or similar vehicle

On 1 Dec 2004 10:51:10 -0800, [email protected] (Loves2Backpack)
wrote:

>I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
>what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
>able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
>and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
>is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
>Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
>be appreciated.

----
elbert.clarke@**us.army.mil
remove the ** to email
 
You might want to ask for opions over at "rec.autos.makers.jeep+willys"
there you will find the best knowledgeable people on all things jeeps.

Snow...

"Loves2Backpack" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
> what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
> able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
> and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
> is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
> Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
> be appreciated.


 
I can only speak from what my hunting partners do, every time we go on a
hunting trip they all want to take my jeep. They own so called off road 4x4s
but they always go back to my jeep for the back country.

HarryS


"Loves2Backpack" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
> what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
> able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
> and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
> is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
> Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
> be appreciated.


 
Hello Loves2Backpack and HarryS,

Go for the TJ or Rubicon. I owned/drove a CJ7 for 120,000 miles, sold it to
an acquaintance who drove it 40,000, sold it to a mutual acquaintance who
drove it 50,000 miles before it eventually rusted out. We all took the CJ
off-road but used it mainly to commute although the 4.2 liter I-6 guzzled
the gas a little bit. The TJs are much better with the 4.0 liter engine. I
love my current driver (98 Tahoe 6.5TD) but I sure miss my CJ.

Good luck,
Franko

"HarryS" <NoSpam.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I can only speak from what my hunting partners do, every time we go on a
> hunting trip they all want to take my jeep. They own so called off road
4x4s
> but they always go back to my jeep for the back country.
>
> HarryS
>
>
> "Loves2Backpack" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
> > what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
> > able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
> > and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
> > is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
> > Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
> > be appreciated.
>
>


 
Agreed, he should check out the newer Jeep TJ or depending on budget the
YJ.

Don't expect better gas mileage than the CJ7 though, because you won't
get it. The computerized fuel injection on the TJ is a bit of a gas
hog, the old carb on the 4.2 gets a lot better mileage when kept tuned
up.

The TJ and the newer engines are more forgiving about regular tune ups
than the older ones, that's for sure. The 4.2 will start running like a
pig if not tuned at least every two years. I don't mind, because I do
all my own tuning, if you have to run to a mechanic, it can get
expensive because few mechanics these day have the first clue about
carbs. (a carb kit is only $20.00, but no one knows how to install it
so they charge $300.00 every time for a rebuilt instead of putting in
the kit)

My CJ7 is my daily driver and we take in on vacation trips too so we can
hit the bush anytime or anywhere we want. Longest trip was a 4600 mile
east coast run. We love the old thing!

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Franko wrote:
>
> Hello Loves2Backpack and HarryS,
>
> Go for the TJ or Rubicon. I owned/drove a CJ7 for 120,000 miles, sold it to
> an acquaintance who drove it 40,000, sold it to a mutual acquaintance who
> drove it 50,000 miles before it eventually rusted out. We all took the CJ
> off-road but used it mainly to commute although the 4.2 liter I-6 guzzled
> the gas a little bit. The TJs are much better with the 4.0 liter engine. I
> love my current driver (98 Tahoe 6.5TD) but I sure miss my CJ.
>
> Good luck,
> Franko
>
> "HarryS" <NoSpam.com> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I can only speak from what my hunting partners do, every time we go on a
> > hunting trip they all want to take my jeep. They own so called off road
> 4x4s
> > but they always go back to my jeep for the back country.
> >
> > HarryS
> >
> >
> > "Loves2Backpack" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > >I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
> > > what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
> > > able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
> > > and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
> > > is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
> > > Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
> > > be appreciated.
> >
> >
 

"Loves2Backpack" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
> what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
> able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
> and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
> is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
> Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
> be appreciated.

If you want reliability, go with a Toyota 4 Runner. Jeeps are ok, but not as
reliable.


 
Thanks guys for your input. I think I am leaning toward the TJ.
Anyone have any experience with buying an auto on Ebay? It looks like
the place to buy a used vehicle as long as you can inspect the vehicle
prior to handing over the cash.
 
> I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
>is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
>Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
>be appreciated.
>
>
>
>
>
>

try a landcruiser, mines an 88. I pass up jeeps all the time.(only on the
really steep climbs lol)
MLM
 
"JohnQ.Public" wrote:
>
> > I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
> >is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
> >Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
> >be appreciated.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> try a landcruiser, mines an 88. I pass up jeeps all the time.(only on the
> really steep climbs lol)
> MLM

Good thing we are following with the winch when you hang all 4 over the
top too eh?

;-)

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
 

"Loves2Backpack" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
> what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
> able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
> and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
> is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
> Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
> be appreciated.

Chevy Tahoe Z71 with a 5.3L Vortec engine. Great off road vehicle and a
superb street truck. They can be as basic or as luxurious as you'd like
and/or can afford. Plenty of clearance for mild to medium off road 'trails'
without lifting it and there is enough protection to slide off the
occasional rock. All you need is to change out the tires for side wall
protection and you're good to go. Lots of cargo and passenger space and when
needed throw in the third row seats.

There are the obvious; Toyota 4 Runner, Sequoia or Land Cruiser and Ford and
Dodge SUVs but there are a few sleepers such as the Cadillac Escalade, the
Mitsubishi Montero Limited and the Lexus 470 which you'll never see off road
but are some of the best built stock 4x4s on the market and luxury+.

Bob Walker


 
On 1 Dec 2004 10:51:10 -0800, [email protected] (Loves2Backpack)
wrote:

>I am selling my 98 Silverado 3/4 ton, and would like some feedback on
>what vehicle would make a reliable commuting vehicle, but yet still be
>able to hit the trails. I am frequently on the backroads of Colorado
>and I was thinking about a Jeep. I prefer the CJ7, but perhaps there
>is something better. The guys at my office think I should get a
>Cherokee but I don't really like the Cherokee. Any suggestions would
>be appreciated.

I bought a '90 YJ w/ an aftermarket fuel injection kit, lifted w/ 33's
and lockers. It's a great offroad vehicle but with the trackbar and
sway bars removed it drives like a pig in town. I live in northern CO
and was able to do Storm Mtn, Moody Hill/Crystal Mtn, and Kelly Flats
a couple of times before they started closing the trails. It's been
an amazing vehicle and has outperformed even my highest expectations.
The biggest problem is how heavy it drives on the road but I chalk
that up to an offroad suspension package.

Where abouts in CO do you live? Happy hunting...

Gder
 
[email protected] (Loves2Backpack) writes in article <[email protected]> dated 2 Dec 2004 12:13:12 -0800:
>Thanks guys for your input. I think I am leaning toward the TJ.
>Anyone have any experience with buying an auto on Ebay? It looks like
>the place to buy a used vehicle as long as you can inspect the vehicle
>prior to handing over the cash.

You have to be insane to *offer* any money for a vehicle[*] that you have not
driven. Test-drive first, then bid.

[*] Non-running parts cars excluded, assuming you are offerring less than
10% of the blue-book value if it were running.

-- spud_demon -at- thundermaker.net
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer.
 
This was the first time I posted to this group. You guys made some
really great suggestions. Thanks.
 
All this info and no one mentioned Land Rovers?? You can pick up a nice
early 90s Range Rover or mid-late 90s Discovery for 4-5k. They are far
more capable off and on road than any Jeep. Leather, heated seats,
center locking diff...They are great and at the price they are a steal.
As to buying on Ebay... I have bought my last 4 cars on Ebay. The only
thing I can say is that you have to fly out to pick them up, that way
you get no surprises. Better to waste the $$ on airfare than on a
lemon. But 99% of the people are very honest and represent their
vehicles very fairly. And at a signifigant discount.

 
All this info and no one mentioned Land Rovers?? You can pick up a nice
early 90s Range Rover or mid-late 90s Discovery for 4-5k. They are far
more capable off and on road than any Jeep. and the "terra flex" system
that you see so proudly advertised, well it only lets the Jeeps attempt
to articulate the way the Rovers do. Leather, heated seats, center
locking diff...They are great and at the price they are a steal. As to
buying on Ebay... I have bought my last 4 cars on Ebay. The only thing
I can say is that you have to fly out to pick them up, that way you get
no surprises. Better to waste the $$ on airfare than on a lemon. But
99% of the people are very honest and represent their vehicles very
fairly. And at a signifigant discount.
feel free to email me if you have any questions about the Rovers. oh
and Im new to this group but it seems like a pretty good little bunch!!
Thanks for letting me add my .02 cents.

 
They are no wheres near as capable as a Jeep and way to much to maintain

"Corey Shuman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> All this info and no one mentioned Land Rovers?? You can pick up a nice
> early 90s Range Rover or mid-late 90s Discovery for 4-5k. They are far
> more capable off and on road than any Jeep. Leather, heated seats,
> center locking diff...They are great and at the price they are a steal.
> As to buying on Ebay... I have bought my last 4 cars on Ebay. The only
> thing I can say is that you have to fly out to pick them up, that way
> you get no surprises. Better to waste the $$ on airfare than on a
> lemon. But 99% of the people are very honest and represent their
> vehicles very fairly. And at a signifigant discount.
>


 
Id like to hear the justification that they are not as capable as a
Jeep. For the Land Rover arguement, a stock land rover Disco, Defender
or Range Rover will articulate any where from 10-16 inches over a stock
TJ or GC. Also Jeep offers no center locking diff that I am aware of,
the wading depth of a Jeep, GC or TJ is 6 inches less than a Rangie,
which is the lowest of the group. The center of gravity in the Land
Rovers is also far superior to the Jeeps. The discovery with a stock
set up will stay stable up to 41 degrees. The jeeps would have gone
over at 34 degrees. get into the new rovers and there is no comparison
at all. The advertisement is that the new GC will beat a 325ix in the
0-60 and go in the dirt as well, right. Well my opinion is that if you
want a little racer then you should buy a car, not an SUV. and if you
want to go offroad, then get something competent.
As to maintainance, well, Just empty every pocket comes to mind, it all
depends on the vehicle you buy, if you buy a crapper of a jeep you will
have tremendous maintainance and repair costs, same hold true with the
Land Rover, however in my opinion the Rover is more reliable and will
run longer if properly maintained. How often do you hear about Jeeps
blowing Ujoints and having driveline issues. I rarely ever hear of the
same with a land rover. My highest milage Rover is a 1996 Discovery, it
has 141000 miles on it with all original engine, tranny, diff etc.. no
major repairs(over $500) ever needed. Minor maintainance taken care of
in my own garage and is dirt cheap to own.

 
a TJ with minimal mods will out perform a rover anyday of the week...maybe
not a GC but I know my TJ can


"Corey Shuman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Id like to hear the justification that they are not as capable as a
> Jeep. For the Land Rover arguement, a stock land rover Disco, Defender
> or Range Rover will articulate any where from 10-16 inches over a stock
> TJ or GC. Also Jeep offers no center locking diff that I am aware of,
> the wading depth of a Jeep, GC or TJ is 6 inches less than a Rangie,
> which is the lowest of the group. The center of gravity in the Land
> Rovers is also far superior to the Jeeps. The discovery with a stock
> set up will stay stable up to 41 degrees. The jeeps would have gone
> over at 34 degrees. get into the new rovers and there is no comparison
> at all. The advertisement is that the new GC will beat a 325ix in the
> 0-60 and go in the dirt as well, right. Well my opinion is that if you
> want a little racer then you should buy a car, not an SUV. and if you
> want to go offroad, then get something competent.
> As to maintainance, well, Just empty every pocket comes to mind, it all
> depends on the vehicle you buy, if you buy a crapper of a jeep you will
> have tremendous maintainance and repair costs, same hold true with the
> Land Rover, however in my opinion the Rover is more reliable and will
> run longer if properly maintained. How often do you hear about Jeeps
> blowing Ujoints and having driveline issues. I rarely ever hear of the
> same with a land rover. My highest milage Rover is a 1996 Discovery, it
> has 141000 miles on it with all original engine, tranny, diff etc.. no
> major repairs(over $500) ever needed. Minor maintainance taken care of
> in my own garage and is dirt cheap to own.
>


 
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