I’m looking for ideas on a second vehicle that won’t be driven very often since I have a company car full of tools I usually drive, even for personal use. Since I have to pay to drive it, I do. Mostly it would be for trips to the dump or weekend camping trips. And trips to the range since company policy doesn’t allow weapons to be transported in it, they fired a manager recently when one was found in his car.
I didn’t trust the company car thing so I got a suv with a Mercedes diesel when I took this job but it doesn’t do well with sitting. I was thinking to get something older, common, 4x4, with readily available parts. And nothing anywhere near new for as little as I’d drive it. And it could be my project for something to do in my spare time. I’m considering getting an older wrangler or Cherokee with a 4.0 or a small pickup. I figure it may do better than something with a lot of electronics, but I might be overthinking things, I usually do.

2004 Tacoma 4x4 5spd 6cyl.

Nissan Frontier. Same body style from 2005-2021. It was in production so long that they had everything ironed out so it was super reliable.

I had a 2013 4x4 SV when I lived in Can-eh-duh, and liked it so much I bought a 2016 4x2 SL when I moved to Texas. Both had the V6.

Older Ford Escape (the box shaped one). Comes as a 4 or V6, all wheel drive and reliable as a hammer. My 2012 is just turning over 100k. The last one was running great at 160K when we replaced it.

100 series Land Cruiser or Lexus LX470.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Nissan Frontier. Same body style from 2005-2021. It was in production so long that they had everything ironed out so it was super reliable. [snip] Both had the V6.

I'll dive in and agree with this. There have been two of those Frontiers in this family, one traded at over 200k miles, the other is a daily driver now sitting at about 120k. Durable and dependable, particularly with that VQ-series V6 engine.

Given that span of production, the kinks are ironed out and parts are readily available.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
100 series Land Cruiser or Lexus LX470.

For your stated use, I'd have to agree with the above.

They are solid and will run forever...plus parts are easy to come by

Was in a somewhat similar situation lately and started out looking for a Nissan Frontier 4x4 with a long bed but ended up with a 2004 Tundra crew cab 4x4. They Toyota was cheaper, slightly bigger, and gets the same gas mileage.

quote:

I was thinking to get something older, common, 4x4, with readily available parts. And nothing anywhere near new for as little as I’d drive it. And it could be my project for something to do in my spare time. I’m considering getting an older wrangler or Cherokee with a 4.0

Go with your gut. In his pre-full time farmer/fertilizer salesman career, my brother owned and operated a successful automotive shop. He once said the 4.0 inline six Jeep engine was the closest he'd seen to indestructible. Several in his shop for oil changes or tires with well over 200k on the clock. When mated to a manual transmission, it is the closest definition of fool proof in the 4x4 world.

Yes, older manual Jeep is a good look if you don't want to invest in a Toyota. The auto tranny's in Cherokees is the Achilles heel of the breed. And the fuckin door handles. Other Than that, solid American metal you can fix with parts you can find at Napa.

4.0 Cherokees are freaking fanstastic, although if you want one that hasn't been beat to death prices are climbing. Small, light, drop-dead reliable, and they will go anywhere. Bought mine in 2002 and I've put north of 300k miles on it. I don't drive very much anymore, but I have no doubt it will go another 300k with minimal maintenance.

Check with the Consumer Reports car buying issue (usually produced annually) and read the used car section for reliability. Many libraries have it (ours does).

Older Frontiers usually sell for a lot less than comparable Tacomas; they are probably not quite as reliable, but cheap to repair. I had one on Maui, it was fun in the dirt on trails.

quote:

Originally posted by buddy357:
...... I’m considering getting an older wrangler or Cherokee with a 4.0 or a small pickup.....

The problem with buying used Wranglers and small pick ups (especially Tacomas) is they're so expensive for what you get because their resale is so high.

100 Series Land Cruiser or the Lexus LX470 equivalent.

1) It's legendary.
2) Engineered to last basically forever, with the aftermarket to support it.
3) Already a classic, won't depreciate much further, and at some point not too far off, will likely start appreciating in value if you maintain it and restore it.

quote:

Originally posted by msfzoe:
2004 Tacoma 4x4 5spd 6cyl.

Second vote for a vintage Tacoma with manual transmission. I have a 2000 and love it. Just be sure to inspect the frame for rust. If you don't want a pickup, I'd go for a late 90s 4-Runner or just about any Landcruiser. The LC will not get good gas mileage however.

How about a 1st gen Honda Ridgeline. I've had an 08 since new and it still suits me. Scotty likes them too.



Scotty loves Nissan Frontiers too

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
100 Series Land Cruiser or the Lexus LX470 equivalent.

1) It's legendary.
2) Engineered to last basically forever, with the aftermarket to support it.
3) Already a classic, won't depreciate much further, and at some point not too far off, will likely start appreciating in value if you maintain it and restore it.

Listen to the words of the prophet! I have an 80 series, but for driving comfort the 100's are a great option and much less cost than they will be in a few years. Gas mileage, however, is suboptimal at best.

I'd vote for a used Toyota 4Runner, but they're pricey, even used.

I had a 2006 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 with a six speed. My son adopted it and is paying to drive it. Gas mileage isn't great but it really is a fun, go anywhere vehicle.