New DD

Akuma

New Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2006
Location
apeX
I am in the process for shopping for a new DD. Currently drive a 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I love the GC but it has become quite a hassle to keep up with all the little problems it has, plus a small run in with a deer. I was wondering if anyone had any feedback, things to watch out for, etc... with the following vehicles which I am considering (all vehicles will be from 98-03 range)

Chevy Blazer
Ford Explorer
Dodge Durango
Chevy S-10
Dodge Dakota
Ford Ranger

I am hoping to get one of these with a Manual Trans. and 4x4 if it has 2WD option wit the Tcase that is a plus.


Thanks in advance.
 
I can only give advise on the ranger & exploder, I have owned a few of these
Ranger= good choice but get an ext cab you will want the room
Explorer=also good choice but DO NOT get all wheel drive and I was more pleased with the 4.0L V6 than the V8:driver:
 
Forgot to mention I am looking for a V6, not a V8 I am not doing any heavy work with this vehicle and I dont need to use any more gas then I have to.
 
why a 4wd vehicle for a DD anyways?

Id say with the current gas situation, get a good MPG car? Unless theres a specific reason for the SUV.
 
I would steer clear of the durango.
Our neighbor has had 2-01 and 03 both had tranny problems before 60k.
YRMV
Not usre of maintenace how they drive or anything, but she is the typical soccer mom, and has had it happen twice.
 
The reason for 4WD, I want an SUV because I need the storage space, and my current residence is Boone. 4WD is handy during winter in the mountains and to get to a lot of my favorite camping areas you need 4 or its a pretty sketchy drive.
 
Akuma said:
The reason for 4WD, I want an SUV because I need the storage space, and my current residence is Boone. 4WD is handy during winter in the mountains and to get to a lot of my favorite camping areas you need 4 or its a pretty sketchy drive.
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ahh I fully understand now, being that I too live in Boone (Justice to be exact)

Id say stay away from the trucks, you will want the room to haul people around.
 
Justice huh... I'm across the parking lot from ya

Good point about the trucks but if I can find an extended cab that has the right price I would consider it.
 
on thing to consider is how much of a difference you will see between a v6 and v8 in a heavy-ish 4x4 SUV. the mpg probably won't be much different, but having power on tap if you need to tow or something is a plus.
 
gotta 89 bronco II for sale...older than what you think and not what you were considering but it runs awesome and is a good vehicle. perfect daily driver with a 2.9 v6, its not got tons of power but its pretty fast and it has a lot of torque. also it is a 5 speed manual. 140k. its white with red interior. pretty much stock but i put ford explorer springs under it so it can run 31's.
gimme a call if you are interested-PM to let me know what you think-chase-919 971 5498
 
Akuma said:
Justice huh... I'm across the parking lot from ya
Good point about the trucks but if I can find an extended cab that has the right price I would consider it.
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Coletrane or Gardner?

Yea, I can see an extended cab being a bit better. We had to cram about 6 people in a pickup truck already this year (but its not like my TJ has anymore room)

What about just picking up a newer Grand Cherokee? Or even a Cherokee for that matter.

If not, the Exploder seems to be a tried and true vehicle. The new durangos...eh id stay away for now. I believe they have some sound issues (not that its THAT big of a deal) I know the company I used to work for over the summer was setting up to make new acoustical soundproofing for the wheel wells of the new Durango so the sound from the tires might be bad?
 
How many people are students at good ol' Appy State? I'm a sophomore and I live in Mountaineer Village. I"m gettin ready to bring my YJ up, if I ever the get the sye and drive shaft, and i'm lookin for people to go wheelin with around here so I know more people then just SPOAYJ, no offense Blan...
 
Reed said:
How many people are students at good ol' Appy State? I'm a sophomore and I live in Mountaineer Village. I"m gettin ready to bring my YJ up, if I ever the get the sye and drive shaft, and i'm lookin for people to go wheelin with around here so I know more people then just SPOAYJ, no offense Blan...
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Im up here, my TJ is over in state farm. Nothing major to it, but im not afraid to take it wheeling.

I know SPOAYJ, bought a jeep wheel from him a while ago. We've been meaning to wheel lately, but havent got the chance.

Theres tons of Jeeps up here, but the vast majority wont ever see dirt :shaking:
 
I'm in Coltrane and hopefully my GC will be up here as soon as i get some of the problems worked out. Def. lookin for some people to wheel with so hit me up. I don't really want a new GC because to be honest, I hate the look of them, but a Cherokee is not out of the question. I saw some 01s on Auto Trader that looked pretty nice. But the general agreement seems to be the Explorer (If I go with this it will be my familys first Ford)
 
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