Oldies, but goodies: SUVs/Trucks

[cellardoorv]

What are the best older SUVs/Trucks that are statistically "great and reliable"? As in, you won't feel "worried" that you're buying an older vehicle that's going to crap out on you the moment you touch it. I'm looking to add a bigger vehicle to my driveway, something AWd/4WD to do all sorts of outdoor activities, but for around 3-7K. It won't be a daily driver, but something that can withstand a light roadtrip (3-5 hours?) once in a while.

[BusyBadger]

Toyota Hilux

[Bubba1]

What are the best older SUVs/Trucks that are statistically "great and reliable"? As in, you won't feel "worried" that you're buying an older vehicle that's going to crap out on you the moment you touch it. I'm looking to add a bigger vehicle to my driveway, something AWd/4WD to do all sorts of outdoor activities, but for around 3-7K. It won't be a daily driver, but something that can withstand a light roadtrip (3-5 hours?) once in a while.

Toyota 4 Runner. It's part time 4WD, so the gas mileage is not bad. Mine is a daily driver and gets used on road trips.

[cellardoorv]

Because I have never heard of the Hilux, I did a quick search, and it turns out that the 4Runner is the current version of this, is this true?

[themadscientist]

Can't go wrong with an ole chebby.



I used to beat the crap out of them back in the day. They always got me back home.

[cellardoorv]

So adorable: http://hartford.craigslist.org/ctd/2231012083.html

[Kompresshun]

Toyota 4Runner
Ford Bronco (5.0l or 5.8l V8)
Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Tracker 4dr - a friend had one of the Sidekick 4drs and drove it about everywhere offroad and onroad. Plus it got good gas mileage and was very reliable.
Chevy S10 Blazer/ GMC Jimmy - Engines go forever and can be had for cheap because they're everywhere.

[Kompresshun]

So adorable: http://hartford.craigslist.org/ctd/2231012083.html

GET IT

That's one of the best Blazers you can get IMHO.

[LEMHEAD16]

Nissan Hardbody

[themadscientist]

Nissan Hardbody

That would be a good description of that sexy car of yours.

[Jesda]

Land Cruiser
Land Cruiser
Land Cruiser
Land Cruiser
Land Cruiser

[nissangirl74]

Nissan Hardbody / Toyota SR5

[orangeNblue]

The hilux is basically a tacoma which i would highly recommend..

I had a 2001 Toyota Taco V6 manual that also had a 6" suspension lift and 35's. Very reliable, fun, and a surprisingly comfortable ride. Mine was a daily driver, but I could take it off road no problem and used it a lot in off road trips and camping activities. I bought it used with over 100k miles on it and never had a single problem from it.

A buddy of mine had an 89 Taco for years and that thing started up and drove every day with absolutely no problem.

[PEZi]

this era tacoma

[AZhitman]

4-Runner. No question.

[themadscientist]

I drove a Surf, which is the Japan market name for a four runner. The ride was pillow soft and the V6 had balls. If you get an older V6 make sure the head gaskets have been done.

[dasoupdude]

hi-yoo

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c ... d=65229873

[Bubba1]

Because I have never heard of the Hilux, I did a quick search, and it turns out that the 4Runner is the current version of this, is this true?

In North America, the Hilux is essentially a Tacoma, which shares the 4 Runner platform.

The Hilux was featured a few times on Top Gear UK as a vehicle they literally could not kill..
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWKz7Ct ... ature=fvwp[/youtube]

[Bwana]

If you're looking for something full size I'm with Mike, early 70's Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4, 350, th350, is about the best truck around. My family has owned dozens of them and put hundreds of thousands of miles on them. Great trucks.

If not full size, get the tacoma.

[miamiheat3332]

Get a r50 nissan pathfinder, the one with the 3.5 engine though, you can probably find some in good condition for 7k, and they are very very reliable.

[cellardoorv]

So, for example, if I see a Tacoma/4Runner with 170K on it for 5K, should I even hesitate, or just be like, "Bah! It'll run forever!"

[Amays U G37S]

Toyota Tacomas are by far my favorite... I also love the expression 'toy taco'


Guys..

Where is the Xterra comment?!

V6 4x4.. Plenty of space.. 4000-6000 for a nice one..

[Bubba1]

So, for example, if I see a Tacoma/4Runner with 170K on it for 5K, should I even hesitate, or just be like, "Bah! It'll run forever!"

You should hesitate. You need to factor in it's condition, and how it was maintained/treated. I suggest having someone knowledgeable, like a mechanic, give it a lookover before you buy one, especially if you find it at a dealer, where the repair history is likely unknown. I would also suggest a running a carfax.

[cellardoorv]

XTerras are my personal favorite, not ruling out an older 2nd gen.

[Bwana]

Where is the Xterra comment?!.

Gassuckers.

[Kompresshun]

Where is the Xterra comment?!.

Gassuckers.

X2, plus every single one of them i've seen in that price range has either been 2WD or completely ragged out.

You can't go wrong with a 4Runner, it'll last forever and plus they look good too. I was dead set on a 4Runner before I bought my car, but I decided I didn't want 2 SUVs.

I wouldn't bother with a Pathfinder or Xterra, but if it were between the two, i'd go for the Xterra hands down. Larger aftermarket support, better options for lifting and ect.

Honestly, Ford Explorers aren't a terrible choice either, the transmissions suck in the automatics but if you picked up a Explorer Sport 4x4 5spd you couldn't really go wrong though, plus they're cheap and plentiful. I prefer the Explorer over the Chevy Blazer personally, if you can find a 5spd one. My brother has a 98 Explorer XLT with 255,000 miles and just had to replace the transmission around 200K.

[Jesda]

XTerras require you to do the Dew, go snowboarding, and call everyone "brah"

[orangeNblue]

So, for example, if I see a Tacoma/4Runner with 170K on it for 5K, should I even hesitate, or just be like, "Bah! It'll run forever!"

I would definitely give it a chance but there are bad apple's in every bunch and people don't always take care of their cars. I have every vehicle checked by a mechanic and a couple of "great deals" were disasters in disguise.

[sbird1]

My 1994 Suburban has 226xxx on it. Still original, good ole Chevy 350 engine and transmission. Still runs great apart from the AC compressor being broken and me living in SE Georgia. I'm not looking forward to summer...

[PapaSmurf2k3]

So, for example, if I see a Tacoma/4Runner with 170K on it for 5K, should I even hesitate, or just be like, "Bah! It'll run forever!"

Unfortunately, because they are SOOO reliable, and people generally say "Bah! It'll run forever!", owners often cheap out on/skip maintenance.
Generally, you can get away with it, but there are definitely some extreme cases out there (hell, I've heard of people going 60k+ miles without an oil change).