Any decent AWD vehicles out there?

Macdaddy4738

Macdaddy4738

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
I know of all the Subaru's, and the Audi Allroad...but anymore like that?

I think its come time to maybe look into getting something a bit more practical than the TJ. Don't get me wrong, I love the thing...but its just become more of a chore than a pleasure to have right now. I have no room to haul stuff, rarely need 4 wheel drive (but when I do, I am glad I have it, hence the need for AWD at least..). I rarely go 4wheeling anymore, and Id love to get some more gas mileage out of something.

I dont even know how much I could get out of the TJ anymore. Its got 160k miles, its a 4cylinder, and the fenders now have 3 or four beautiful holes in them due to the P.O. having a terribly prepared paint job done. Id like to think 4500, but I believe thats optimistic now. It does have a 2" lift, a year old or so BFG AT's (32"), a soft top in good shape, new U Joints up front, new Distributor...JKS Disconnects...

The big thing is I want to haul a kayak with whatever I get, hence why Ive been looking at Subaru Outbacks/Legacy's because they wont require much work to get the boat on top...anything higher and I'll need to sink the money into the rollers to get it up there...

So, anything good out there?
 
'93 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (249 t-case) :D
 
The VW Passat is available in AWD, called 4Motion. Its basically an Audi. Ive got an 04 TDI Passat and I love it, but wish it was AWD/Manual instead of FWD/Auto.
 
well the problem im having is setting a price range on what to look for...

Ive got 0 idea what a 4cyl jeep with 160k and holes in the fenders will sell for...
 
Familiar w/ Toyota Matrix? It's basically a Corolla wagon.
I'd never given them any attention until my wife needed a car, and she fell in love w/ them. I must say, very impressed, plenty of power for a 4cyl and shitpiles of room inside, I couldn't believe it... and fairly sporty too.
Point being, there is an AWD version. Not very common but they are out there.
 
wow...are you that upset about not getting hazed when you needed a sponsor? you're going to sell your 4x4 and bail on us!

3000GTs seem to be fairly cheap now. Also, the Eclipse turbo AWD is a fun car i like the 91-91 better quality interior.

oh and the vovlo XCs....have you seen the video of the vovlo with vette motor? it wasnt awd, but still cool as hell. i think he called it the volvette.
 
Eh, the Jeep is just more trouble than its worth to me now. I rarely go 4 wheeling, ive got no room to store stuff, and getting a rack for this kayak will cost more than it'd be worth to put it on.

I love the Jeep, but its just not a practical daily driver, and I cant keep it and get another vehicle to drive daily.
 
my wife's Volvo XC90 is sweet and is AWD. I love driving that thing. Rides good, nice stereo, comortable, great on gas, lots of room, etc. and is still somewhat of a SUV
 
To be really honest, there is not many places that an AWD can go that a good FWD cannot go? I used to take my old VW Rabbit all over the place, thru our back fields to where we were going fishing, etc.

Subarus seem to really hold onto their value...which tells you something. I suspect though, a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 249 case would actually be a good compromise if you want to still be able to creep around URE some.

Compared to the other AWDs you have a little more ground clearance, etc. And they are dirt cheap...not sure if the Durango has an "full time 4wd" option or not, but if so, also a good choice. (4runner...or a Toyota pickup would also make a lot of sense for a KAYAK, etc)

You are right, 4 banger TJ with 160k is probably sub 4k now, maybe under 3k with body damage, etc. Trust me though, once you start this cycle / trading vehicles for a "new shiny" you will be like me and others on this board, and every 6-12 months be talking about your new rig that is "perfect" for what you want now..but...then...a NEW SHINY comes along..and

Since I have been on here / 4 wheeling...

72 GMC Jimmy 4x4
1990 Jeep Wagoneer (awd!)
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee (AWD)
1990 Jeep Wrangler
2002ish Ford Excursion (tow rig/hunting truck)
199? Jeep Wrangler
1993 Toyota LandCruiser (awd mode?)
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 (5.9L) 4x4
1985 Toyota Pickup 4x4

Don't start the cycle...it never ends! :D

[And for the record...a diesel would be really cool tow rig again, sigh...poor Dodge's days are probably numbered...]
 
If you are thinking that you need AWD for inclement weather, you don't really need it. I have gotten around just fine with plenty of FWD cars. You'd really need to look at how much money you have to spend on a car. Then go from there.
 
I was looking at the WJ's, they seem like they would fit the bill perfectly!

I wouldnt even mind trading the TJ for a hard top CJ7. With the back seat removed id be fine for hauling stuff, and I rarely have more than 1 other person in my Jeep as it is anyways.
 
Buy a Trailblazer SS AWD or a Jeep STR8.

:driver:
 
Macdaddy4738 said:
I was looking at the WJ's, they seem like they would fit the bill perfectly!
I wouldnt even mind trading the TJ for a hard top CJ7. With the back seat removed id be fine for hauling stuff, and I rarely have more than 1 other person in my Jeep as it is anyways.
Click to expand...

You should just get a Grand or a 4runner. Decent enough gas mileage, and you don't have to drop your balls off either. Both have plenty enough room and will probably go most places your TJ did.
 
wouldnt mind the grand at all, although id imagine that a direct trade for one is out of the question at this point.
 
A car with all wheel drive is completely different than a truck that has all-wheel drive. Selling a TJ get a CJ doesn't make much sense. If your looking for something with better gas milage your going to have to go smaller.
Why would would you buy a AWD, Tahoe, lets say when you can get the 4wd drive version that you can take out of 4wd and save some wear and tear.
Getting something AWD than you can get 4WD is dumb, it is going to defeat his orignal purpose of getting rid of the Jeep.
 
I'd think you could get a 90s 4Runner for the $$ for the jeep w/o too much trouble - go 4cyl 5spd and the MPGs aren't TOO bad, regear and they could be even better.
W/ that you have plenty of space, can go 4Wheeling, and a nice support structure for repairs etc.
Only downside is the height for the canoe, but if you don't lift it (haha yeah right it WILL happen!), but lets be honest, many, many people use 4Runenrs for canoe hauling. The rack will be cheap for it too.

Or - can't believe I'm saying thsi - what about a late 90s XJ?

If yo ureally want AWD AND want space, I'm failin gto see what AWD over 4wd buys you. Most AWD cars get poorer gas mileage anyway, the only ones that are decent mpgs are small and don't fit the "space" requirement.

What about just buying a hardtop for the TJ?
 
I think Im just going to keep the TJ...its going to be alot of trouble to buy a new vehicle anyways.

Although I wouldnt mind the 90's 4runner idea at all.
 
We've got a '99 Grand Cherokee Limited -- AWD, 7,000Lbs towing, V-8, auto, limited slip rear, all the bells & whistles. Plenty of power to spare -- pulled a Suburban 1/4 mile up an icy hill in Charlotte; we tow a 26ft camper with it regularly. It's at 212k miles with normal maintenance.

This AWD is a good setup: normally 90/10 (rear/front); limited slip t-case in high range will let it change to 90% front pull; real low range that is a solid setup of 50/50 split.
 
Back
Top