I need car advice

[enigmatic]

I know I should post this in the Auto group, but I'm a lazy sod and need some feedback...

Wife and I are looking for a new old car; the money we have to spend is about 6000US and under. We're looking for a Ford Explorer/GMC Jimmy/Nissan Pathfider kind of deal, but I know we're going to have to look in the early/mid 90's range to get one. The car will last us hopefully about 18 months until our credit is to the point where we can get anything we want, so the idea is that we want to try one out for that time, than get a newer model in 18 months.

Anybody have experiences/advice on what to get?

[KitchenWitch]

1. My husband used to own a 92 Explorer

Very good durable vehicle!

[enigmatic]

2. Do you remember what it was?

an XL, XLT, Limited, or Eddie Bauer? We've ben mainly looking at the Explorers; that's our first choice..

[KitchenWitch]

4. I think it was an XLT

Good vehicle...especially for the snow here.

[enigmatic]

7. Thanks:)

[KitchenWitch]

9. Glad to be of service!

:D

[Droopy]

3. Personally

I would buy something newer and get something dependable rather than buying an SUV which will likely have over 100,000 miles on it. You might end up with some big repair bills if you buy the older SUV. I also think that SUVs are overpriced. It will cost you 35k-40k for a new Trailblazer here in the states.

[enigmatic]

6. We're looking at that part

We know at the chances of the engine and tranny possibly needing an overhaul, and we're mostly fine w/ that. We do so much camping and hauling that an SUV is really needed, but we're open to a pickup as well..

[KitchenWitch]

8. Does it have to be a full sized pickup

Ford Rangers are also good choices, my best friend has a 1996 Ranger and it has been a very good vehicle for her.

[enigmatic]

11. It can be a short box

We're going to take a look at a few tomorrow as well..

[Droopy]

12. Ah

You'll likely find a nice pickup for what's in your price range unless it's a four wheel drive. I bought a 2002 S-10 earlier this year for $8,000. I saw a Ford Ranger that was a year older for $6400. Granted they're smaller trucks, but they can still haul a good load. But if you need that 4 wheel drive you are going to pay for it.

[enigmatic]

13. That's what I figured

We spent today looking for that angle and I wish we had looked at more pickups. We've got a full day tomorrow, so we're going to expand a little..

[Dirty Hippie]

5. I have a 98 Pathfinder

When I bought my car I was also looking at an Explorer. On a whim I stopped at a mechanic's shop just as it was closing. I asked a group of the guys which vehicle I should choose. They all suggested the Pathfinder.

They recounted several Explorer horror stories, mainly involving the transmission.

This was in 2000 so the models they were talking about were the mid - late 90's.

My Pathfinder has over 120,000 miles and so far, not a bit of trouble.

On Edit: My brother-in law also bought a late 90's Pathfinder, also loves it.

[enigmatic]

10. Thanks for that

We've got a couple of Pathfinders we're looking at tomorrow; we'll look at those closely:)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

14. Not true...my friend got a 2000 explorer two years ago for 8 grand

shop them on the internet..there's LOADS available

[kodi]

15. $6k? for an old car? you must get one with a good engine... buy japanese

i have had several ford explorers, they all ran good up to 150K then the engines went bad. in fact, all US cars seem to have engine problems after 150-200K. the japanese just make better engines than the americans. if you want dependibility from a car over 5 years old, go for a car with a japanese made engine.