Author Topic: Cheapest new 4x4? (Read 2642 times)

KeepTryin · « **on:** May 10, 2009, 02:45:33 PM »

Not picky here, been having very bad luck finding a used truck for hunting locally... (they are made of solid gold, even the broken ones) Does anyone know what the cheapest new 4x4 is? Years ago (99'-00') I tried to buy a stripped Tracker (rubber mats, 4 cyl.) and was virtually chased off the lot by a seriously angry saleswoman as all they had were the fully-loaded V6 fully optioned models and she *way* didn't want to talk of such downscale nonsense...

Ya know, it's really hard to be a frugal person nowadays, and has been for many years, despite the lip service in the press for the last year. I'd go used and would like any advice, (I'm in NW Wisconsin) but it's looking like new is the only thing that is going to work unless somebody has a brother in law/cousin/buddy (I don't) who's trying to sell a F150 or such woodhauler level of vehicle for a REASONABLE price. I sure can't find one. All I want to do is drive through some snow/mud in a 50 mile radius of my place to hunt... If I have to replace my everyday 4 banger car to do it, I will, but who the heck makes (and will actually sell me) a relatively simple 4x4? I'm thinking nobody.

john keyes · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2009, 07:10:11 PM »

I personally like to buy stuff that is not running and just redo the motor or whatever it takes. I"m always pleased with the results that way, and I know alot about the vehicle by the time I get it running.
One problem I see you having is the 4x4 aspect which can get rough with the transfer cases etc
so much easier with two wheel drive.
get a two wheel drive p/u with a big bed, nice hiway gear and haul a fourwheeler in the back of it

nomosendero · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2009, 02:02:13 AM »

This is a regional issue of course, but a 2 wheel drive p/u is of little value to me.

KeepTryin · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2009, 05:10:24 AM »

Hi, 2WD option is duly noted... I've actually never owned a 4x4 truck, but have had 2 2WD's and I put a 'Lock-Rite' in the last one (a 96 S10) and that thing would go anywhere I'm talking about, which is driving and parking at a turnout in a snowy hunting area and being able to back out and get home, I'm not talking about mudding and rock-crawling here...

However, a lock-rite was like $600 or more installed 13 years ago, I don't know what they are now, and I put that in when the truck was new so I felt good about doing it, not sure I would feel as good doing it an old bomber 2WD truck, hence the inquiry about 4x4's but you are right about complexity (transfer cases, axles, all that) and I really don't know how to evaluate a beater 4x4 with any confidence and will likely get burned.

I shouldn't have sold the S10, long story, but that thing had some other issues and was getting pretty ratty. It was a 'stripper' and I had a MUCH more difficult time buying that one than I did the 'stripper' I bought new in '86. Like I said, I'm kinda cheap and looking for a way to get around locally where I hunt. The wheeler in the longbox sounds good tho....

Thanks
'Tryin

Bigeasy · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2009, 07:45:30 AM »

You can get a Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 work truck, with the small v-8, air, auto tranny, for about $19,000.00. I have not checked, but maybe even cheaper for a stripped Dodge.

Larry

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2009, 10:12:19 AM »

Prolly a rag top jeep if 4x4 is all ya want. If it needs to be a pickup then as Bigeasy said the work trucks from GMC or Ford likely are the lowest in full size trucks tho likely you could get a similarly stripped smaller truck some cheaper.

Right now new vehicles are not selling for crap. Go talk to them and deal on them. I have no doubt that when I bought my new Toyota Sequoia last year if I had fully realized just how hard pressed they were to sell full size trucks at the time I could have gotten it $2500-$3000 cheaper but I just had not realized yet how poorly full size trucks were selling and still are. At that time (dunno about now) Dodge trucks were being marked down to 50% of sticker price but I didn't want a Dodge and wasn't looking for a pickup.

30-30man · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2009, 11:35:40 AM »

The dealers are working hard to sell vehicles now that most people don't want to buy. I was harassed the other day at the service department with my wife's car. They saw that it was paid for and kept sending different salesmen in to give me an offer on a a new car. I wasn't angry, I was just surprised that things have gotten that bad. I made a comment to one of the salesmen that things must be tough. He didn't admit it. He said they were selling cars, but I knew they weren't. While I was waiting, they approached everyone in the lounge. That is the first time I have ever been given an offer waiting on my free oil change. They've always left the service customers alone.

I believe I'd try to look at a GM or Dodge. They are on the verge of collapse and will deal the most. All the brands are about the same now. Although for a cheap 4wd, the Kia fits the bill. It also has a great warranty, but it's no pickup.

john keyes · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2009, 01:47:26 PM »

Quote from: nomosendero on May 11, 2009, 02:02:13 AM

This is a regional issue of course, but a 2 wheel drive p/u is of little value to me.

does Arkansas plan on building any roads someday?

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2009, 12:27:32 AM »

In 2003 I purchased a used 2000 Explorer XLS 4dr. with 22K. The XLS was equipped with the 140 hp. 4.0 OHV rather that the higher horsepower 4.0 OHC engine. It has permanant AWD with 4H and 4L. It also came with 15" tires.

On the highway 23-24 mpg was typical. Local driving is 18-20 mpg. With the exception of deer hunting, I use it as my hunting vehicle. I keep the rear seats folded down and have more space than I need for gear. For deer hunting I use a Ranger 4X4.

The Explorer does very well in mud and snow as long as you keep the off roading trek sensible. It does not have the highest ground clearance, but handles anything I need. I'm on my third set of Kelly Springfield SUV tires. They are primarily a road tire and are the best I've ever had on a SUV for wet roads. With good tread, they have done fine on muddy or snow covered roads.

I would not consider the Explorer an "off-road" vehicle. It's more like a modern station wagon with 4WD. However, it has been doing a perfectly adequate job for 6 years. Repairs have been for regular maintainence items such as brakes, rotor's, calipers, tires, belt, shocks, etc. It currently has 185K. The highway mileage has dropped a tad to about 21-22. Local driving is the same. The oil is changed at 3K, transmission fluid at 60k intervals.

I've been keeping a check on the internet sale adds and local dealerships for another one should mine retire. I see lower mileage examples in the $4000-6000 range, though many are not the XLS version.

Good luck.

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2009, 09:01:05 PM »

There's some pretty darn good deals to be had on stripper model Jeep wranglers right now. Today a dealer tole me they sold a new soft top, 2dr, manual shift wrangler for 18K with AC

Plus a jeep wrangler holds it's value better than just about any vehicle on the road when it comes time to sell.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #10 on:** May 18, 2009, 12:14:27 AM »

my suggestion too. Buddy just got one and its a good truck. Kind of reminds me of the trucks i used to buy. No options and rubber floor mats.

Quote from: Bigeasy on May 11, 2009, 07:45:30 AM

You can get a Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 work truck, with the small v-8, air, auto tranny, for about $19,000.00. I have not checked, but maybe even cheaper for a stripped Dodge.

Larry

Stuart C. · « **Reply #11 on:** May 21, 2009, 03:54:37 AM »

I'm in the EXACT same boat.
Love my F150 Work Truck. Love it's vinyl bench seat and plastic floor. But, it's only 2wd and no locking differential. It would get stuck on wet grass. Got stuck three times last winter just trying to get out of hunting areas. Vowed that was the last winter without 4wd.
I can't find a stripped 4x4.

The used Explorer or Jeep ideas do sound like a good and long term inexpensive way out. Guy down the street has a full size ~ '90 Blazer for sale. Might check it out.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #12 on:** May 21, 2009, 04:45:02 AM »

Just found a 09 Dodge 3/4 ton extended cab with the Hemi engine, and a whole bunch of optrions brand new for $30,550.00 Full sticker price is $44 thousnad and some change. Its red too, my favorite color..

Not an inexpensive truck, but a good example of the deals out there now on new trucks. I may very well get it, as I tow a heavy boat and camper, just not long distances, so I cant justify the extra cost involved in a diesel. My 06 GMC work truck gets it done now, but its not designed for the weight, and I miss the extended cab - no place to put the dogs...

Larry

KeepTryin · « **Reply #13 on:** May 21, 2009, 07:18:40 AM »

Vowed that was the last winter without 4wd.
I can't find a stripped 4x4.

Yes, there has been advice regarding a new 'Work Truck' but in my experience those are pretty hard to come by as they (the mfg's) don't make any money on them. I hesitate to ask after that episode looking for a stripped Tracker. I'm glad that gal didn't have a rolling pin.

I'm going to do some looking on the weekend. Bigeasy is right, once you get above a certain dollar level (which is too high for el-cheapo me) they seem to be willing to negotiate some. Sort of like getting a 400,000 dollar house for 250,000. But I digress...

Most I've ever paid for a vehicle is 16,800 for my Vibe and I damn near had a heart attack doing that. Good car though. Back to lookin for trucks. If a guy who doesn't know a lot about 4x4's went to look at one (used) what's the most obvious flaw to look for in the driveline and how do you do it? Stick it in 4L and see if it spits gravel off all four or what? Turn it tight and listen for bad noises?

mirage1988 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 21, 2009, 08:15:35 PM »

If they got you for 16,800 for a vibe- good luck findin a truck for cheap. Once you are in the computer, youre screwed! When the salesman goes back to talk to the manager, it is only because he can't keep from laughin' cause you bought a vibe. Good luck with your truck shoppin

KeepTryin · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2009, 02:55:27 AM »

Well, the Vibe was 16,800 out the door (taxes, plates, everything) Although I have yet to buy anything that someone else doesn't announce they could have gotten for half that. Of course they always seem to have gotten 'the last one' or something mumble mumble...

Very trouble free little car. Most reliable vehicle I've ever had. Of course it's actually a Toyota and my only other experience has been with GM stuff... so maybe my viewpoint is skewed a bit.

Cast wheels, the 5CD changer, cruise, power everything etc. Brand new 06. Cash. I'd be curious to know what I should/could have paid for it. Enlighten me, I am genuinely interested. I needed a car at the time (I was driving a LOT of miles) and 6'3" me fits in the driver's seat, it's got some headroom. I was answering a lot of questions about mpg's at the gas station last summer, lemmetellya.

It is true however, I'm not much of a 'deal magnet'-I can count on one hand the stuff I KNOW I've done well on-including two of the three houses I've owned (the current one included, thankfully *whew*)

Back to trucks...

I suspect I've let the "not Manly Enough Vehicle" genie out of the bottle. My apologies.

hillbill · « **Reply #16 on:** May 31, 2009, 02:13:22 AM »

when testing out a 4x4 is nice to be able to git at least on a dirt road or grass or something like that, put it in 4wd and jus drive it a little, turn sharp back and forth, gas it a couple times, listen and feel for any noises or weird stuff.it really helps to hav a buddy with yu, he can git out and watch while yu gas on it to make sure the front is locking in good. then get under it and wiggle the shafts looking for sloppy ujoints and stuff. look for leaks especially where the shafts go into the transfer case etc.look under the body good, has sum punk been useing it for a mudbuggy?is the undercarriage all beat up from rocks and sticks.around here some of the best deals ive seen have been on older jeep cherokees.if you can get by without the pickup bed .you can buy a really nice one for less than 5ooo$ or so, they seem to git roun 20mpg and are very durable. id only be interested in the 4.0 straight six engine tho.they are far better than anything else they use in them.good luck and keep us posted on what yu get

gp911 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2009, 04:46:22 PM »

I'll second the Cheap Jerokee, err, Jeep Cherokee route. If you don't need an open truck bed you can fold down the back seat in the Jeep and haul a big pile of stuff. The gas mileage is so-so, 15-20 depending on conditions, but the 4.0L runs forever. I'd opt for a clean older model from the mid-90's. I have had an '89 and now have a 2001, and both were/are great. You can find a clean older model with about 130k on it for $2500-3000. Don't expect to find a stripped 2-door manual trans model for cheap though. I swear every last one of those was bought new by smelly homeless guys looking for the ultimate cheap RV, and they don't get rid of them until they hit about 200k and reek like a dead coon's colon. You'll most likely end up with an automatic 4-door with power windows and power mirrors, but they are sufficiently rugged. I like the later metal hatch rather than the fiberglass version that was available from around '88-'92 (roughly). I honestly can't think of a better overall vehicle for the price, and I'll be keeping this 2001 model until it needs a massive cash transfusion to keep going. That '89 was great through almost 200k and it was abused and neglected prior to my time with it. Highly recommend the XJ Cherokee.

gp911

KeepTryin · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:55:53 PM »

Roger on the Cherokee. I do see those for more-or-less reasonable around here. I have a passing familiarity with the AMC 258 straight six (that is the 4.0L in those, yes?) so that's good. There were two of 'em where I work and one guy had a lot of bad to say about his, but he's the kind of person who hires somebody to check the oil in his lawnmower (and then brags about doing so) so I don't know what to think of that opinion. Probably not much.

I'll be sure to look over any 2 door sticks carefully. LOL.

My better half just found out two days ago she's losing her job. So I am definitely looking at used stuff, my fantasy of buying new kinda just went out the window. Plus the GM lots I've been looking on seem to have fully loaded stuff exclusively, like in the mid to high $30's-I'm just too cheap for that. I did find *one* work truck new but it didn't have a/c. Even with the GM card $2k offer and some dealing the pimped out ones are just too much. Plus I walked around a dealership for 15-20 minutes on Saturday after a wedding, I was dressed up even and no one came out and even said hi so I guess those folks have all the money they need right now.

There seems to be a Trooper contingent out there, there's a lady at work whose husband and father in law swear by them and have several around for parts and such. They use them in the woods a fair bit but those are a little scarce too. I like the old school Land-Rover look of them though.

Anyway, still looking. Thanks to all! When/if I turn something up I'll post about it.

gp911 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 16, 2009, 04:27:55 PM »

Actually the 258 was a 4.2L, but the 4.0L was an improved version with better power and the same stone-axe reliability. I've known the Trooper contingent, nice folks, little weird...

I had an Isuzu pickup that was well-built, but they do rust... Jeep Cherokees are usually easy to fix too, so if you find one with a couple issues it's usually not a big deal. Good luck in the search!

gp911

SmokeEater2 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 18, 2009, 11:38:42 AM »

I bought a new Ford Ranger 4WD last year (my second new rig ever) and I'm extremely happy with it. Good gas mileage,no mechanical problems whatsoever and it gets around great back in the sticks and on snow and ice. I'd buy another one when I manage to wear this one out.

reno2507 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 23, 2009, 05:19:49 AM »

Check Craigslist. I bought my last 4Runner (2000) and my current Landcruiser (1997) from there. Both are phenomenal vehicles for what I like to do. The 4Runner had lockers in the rear, but the Landcruiser has lockers front and rear. There is no comparison between a 4Runner and Cherokee other than price, and I've had many Jeeps (3-Commando's, 3-CJ5's, 2-CJ7's, 5-Wranglers, 2-Cherokees). A good 4Runner blows them all away, but Jeeps are cheap. The previous statement about Wranglers resale being high is absolutely FALSE. Compare the same year of 4Runner and Wrangler, with about the same mileage, and you will see the difference. Wranglers/ Cherokees are good, just 4Runners are much better. My Runner was stolen/ totalled, and I now have a "Brady bunch", hence the LC.

About price- Good 4Runners and LC's are expensive (you get what you pay for), but I bought both of mine with "rebuilt" titles aka previous totals. There are a couple cosmetic quirks, but I saved $7000 on my LC!!

This is not a slam on Jeeps! If I didn't have such an extended family I would still have a Wrangler. Topless in the summer is awesome!

My favs are 4Runner/ Landcruiser, then Wrangler/ Cherokee.

Not really a truck guy, but I would still lean to the Toyota's...

Buy American? Wish I could afford it..Unfortunately I have a fixed income, so I don't have a lot to spend on broken down vehicles. Otherwise I would buy domestic. Domestics are cheap to fix though, as the Junkyards are full of them!

KeepTryin · « **Reply #22 on:** June 27, 2009, 06:08:40 PM »

It turns out I'm not going to be able to get a NEW vehicle due to some personal stuff (wife just lost her job so it isn't a bright idea to be buying a new vehicle right now) I am not crying about it but have what I consider an amusing observation. I wrote a b**ch letter to GM about not being able to buy a stripped 4 banger Colorado 4x4 anywhere... they had bumped my GMAC card to 2K and have been sending me letters lately to encourage me to buy a new vehicle from them due to their current circumstances...

Anyway, they sent me two letters recently, one was a notice that a *totally loaded* 4 door Colorado was at a local dealers lot which cost as much as a $ilverado and then another announcing proudly that I could get a *V8* in a Colorado... Just what cheapskate me wants, right...

Honestly.

But, there's a beater 94 F150 4x4 down the road for $800. What should I be lookin' for on that ol' girl?

bilmac · « **Reply #23 on:** June 28, 2009, 12:35:38 AM »

Tryin

You may want to think about looking in different parts of the country, easy now with the net. Lots of big 4wd's cheap around Wyoming now since the economy has gone south. The big gas guzzlers are especially low priced. The young studs were making big money in the oil fields, and it was burning a hole in their pockets. It all went away in a hurry, and now there are big, almost new 4wd's sitting on every intersection for sale at half price or less.

It's a lot harder to find a sane vehicle, young studs had to have the biggest and best, but they are out there if you look.

Graybeard · « **Reply #24 on:** June 28, 2009, 11:56:10 AM »

Dunno what GM is doing these days but Dodge is selling them off at half MSRP or less. At the PD shoot this year Digger was driving a brand new blue Dodge he picked up for I think he said around $14,000.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #25 on:** June 28, 2009, 03:52:31 PM »

Go tho a few local lots and ask the sales person, "which truck get the worst gas milage" and start from there.

Cheese

saltydog · « **Reply #26 on:** July 11, 2009, 02:21:02 AM »

If you do not need a truck then look at a Subaru Forrester w/ a 5 speed - about $20k in my area. I know - after you quit laughing then go and try one out. The new 2009 models have alot more ground clearence, have a ton of room to carry guns and dogs, are frugal and run forever. Put a "Save the rivers" sticker on it and you will blend right in with greenies - imangine the suprise on their faces when you pull a deer out of the hatchback.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #27 on:** July 11, 2009, 07:54:15 AM »

IMO the main thing to look for in the used 4x4 is routine maintenance. Next get underneath and look for bent skid plates, steering parts etc. if you can determine that a kid drove it walk away. You want to find a used Explorer that was driven back and forth to work by someones wife. Look at the interior if it is all gouged and torn and abused the owner probably didn't take that good of care of the drivetrain either. Documented tranny fluid changes as well as engine oil, transmissions are very expensive and are just strong enough these days, not overbuilt like they were in days past, they rely on fluids being in top notch shape. If you find a heck of a nice looking SUV with about a hundred and twenty thousand on the ticker it'll likely have lots of miles left in it. Ball joints are a weakish point on many trucks if you see new tires or missmatched wear or brands bet on front end work being in your future.

Here is my rule of thumb buy a used truck / SUV. Plan on putting new shocks, new tires, a new battery, and serpintine belt right from the getgo, I mean like the day after it comes home, add in front end parts, maybe brakes, labor on things you can't do yourself and I figure $800 to $1200 over the sellers asking price. A lot of people don't want to put money into a used vehicle they are tired of and know they will be trading for a new one. Find hat truck, nothing really wrong with it they just want something different. That $1200 nets them $300 at trade the dealer can't sell a 120k vehicle he just auctions it off.

Stock02 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 11, 2009, 06:46:50 PM »

A bit older used Tacoma or 4Runner

bearmgc · « **Reply #29 on:** July 16, 2009, 06:31:32 PM »

Almost bought a Ford Ranger 4x4 a 2004 with 28000 miles for $9000, but decided to throw money into my Dakota. Glad I did. I love that truck with 155,000 miles. But that Ranger was a nice truck, traded on a f150 by a rancher. that Ranger was gone 2 days later when I drove by the lot.