HELP, need used 4x4 advice!

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Here is the Nissan

>>16012384
Get the Nissan. That GC sounds like it's already beat. Then go buy an XJ Jeep for an off roader

>>16012384
>jeep
Unreliable poorfag vehicle
>nissan
Scum bag shit vehicle

>>16012384
Why do you need 4wd? Why are you buying from a dealer? Why aren't you just buying a civic for 3k and getting snow tires?

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Look for a 1st gen Xterra with a manual trans on Craigslist. There's quite a bit of aftermarket, and they are better than the second gen Xterras (more rugged, no push button 4x4, look better too)

>>16012384
put their VINs in the check thread, but otherwise I'd go for the xterra. 5.5k for the mileage is pretty nice. The jeep's "being in worse" condition and the fact it is already tricked out and still being sold that cheaply only screams shitty offroader owner trying to make a last quick buck to me

>>16012384
To expand on the GC a bit, that's a Limited so it has QuadraDrive. It's a form of AWD that operates hydraulically and requires wheel spin to apply. It's based on the Eaton Vari-Lock differential that has a small gerotor pump inside that applies a clutch pack the look quite a lot like an automatic trans clutch pack. If there is no wheel speed difference the the diff acts like a normal open differential.

So basically the way it works is when the rear axle starts to spin the differential in the axle starts to apply itself. If spin continues the differential in the transfer case starts to apply itself. And finally the front axle starts to apply until wheel spin is eliminated. There is a delay but it's only a couple of seconds to go through the whole process. However you can see how this might not be popular when off-roading. Then add in the fact that the diff in the transfer case likes to fry itself because it's way the fuck away from it's oil supply and the system is not well regarded in off-roading communities

>>16012523
I can't get two, one will be both on and off road vehicle. So the mods won't be for extreme wheeling, just trail riding, dirt, light mud.

>>16012568
I'm in Florida. We don't get much snow round these parts.

>>16012570
I looked for those, but like most of the Jeeps, the first gen Xterras around here are badly ragged out. The best one I've found locally has 200K plus and a rebuilt engine.

>>16012609

Yeah, I was hoping to find a GC with the Selec Trac system to avoid the AWD issues, but they all come mated to the 6 cyl which by most reports is grossly underpowered for the GC.

>>16012659
So don't either of those pieces of shit. Get a taco or ranger or something.

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OP both sound like heaps to be honest. A 2nd gen Xterra for $5.5k is highly suspect IMO.

Hunt down a clean and UNMODIFIED example of just about anything and it'll serve its purpose. What sort of offroading in Florida anyways? Beaches? Swamps? Find a plainer ZJ or WJ with SelecTrac and Laredo trim to avoid HVAC woes. WD21 pathfinder or older Trooper with a 5spd, Montero or Montero Sport. 4Runner. 1st gen Xterra is a good idea. Overarching theme is condition. Buy stock and maintained.

as someone who has owned four 02-04 Grand Cherokees I would highly recommend the Nissan if you don't know any history on the Jeep.

>>16012683
I'm in the middle of the state, lots of good trails in the forests, sand hills, dry lake beds a plenty. Wont be climbing rocks, but light to moderate terrain will be usual.

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>>16012714

I'd say a solid front axle is by no means necessary then (although not saying it wouldn't be a nice-to-have).

Post a CL and I can take a look-see at what you have locally. What's upper end of the budget (remember to factor in about $1000-1500 in catch up maintenance and repairs right off the bat)?

>>16012683
I get your points on the Jeep, and I agree on the Laredo. I've read about the mix door AC problems on the Limiteds. It's just hard locating a Laredo with the V8 and Selec Trac since someone would have had to order it that way. I may just have to settle for the straight six.

Why do you say the Nissan is suspect? I looked up values for that year and mileage. Private party sale value was around 4500, trade in value was about 3800. So them asking 5800 seemed about right. Maybe it's just because I live in a pretty low income area?

>>16012753

How many miles? Early VQ40s have some timing chain issues, and a few other niggling issues (internal trans cooler leak, some electrical stuff).

>>16012735
7500 total budget for vehicle and improvements.

https://gainesville.craigslist.org

>>16012771
130K

>>16012786
https://gainesville.craigslist.org/cto/5808112779.html

>>16012793

I'd say if you can check how it sounds from a cold start to confirm that the timing chain guides/tensioner aren't fucked and check the trans fluid for any contamination with ATF, and no accident history, that would be a pretty decent choice.

Will this be used much on road, or for commuting/highway duties?

I'd say this is a very clean truck that's worth looking at.

http://ocala.craigslist.org/cto/5829624238.html

>>16012831
Not even sure I can wrap my mind around that weird beast.

2nd gen 5spd 4Runner for $3kish

http://daytona.craigslist.org/cto/5828545350.html

>>16012831

Haha I was thinking about linking that one.

OP how about a big old Bronco?

https://gainesville.craigslist.org/cto/5808112779.html

>>16012875
I'll have to email that guy, he's got fwd (front wheel drive) listed, but it could only be rear or 4wd.

Clean 2 door XJ:

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/5806687184.html

Cheap/clean ZJ with some higher miles:
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/5831683620.html

>>16012898
>http://ocala.craigslist.org/cto/5829624238.html
Good catch, I'm not seeing a t-case lever by the transmission unfortunately. It's funny for me to see so many 2WD trucks for sale, seems like at least half if not more of the 4Runner listings are RWD.

>>16012899
Funny, I actually just looked at that XJ the other day when I was in Orlando. Looks great online. In person it looked like someone dumped a barrel of oil all over the engine compartment, the trans and T case. Plus the entire underside was covered in dirt/oil layers.

>>16012921
I'm in redneck country bro, people with 4x4s keep them. And most of what you find is trash. Hence my excitement over the reasonably priced clean Xterra with no obvious signs of abuse.

http://www.highwaymotorsonline.com/mobile/view/1762A

Could turn out to be an expensive headache, but here's a dented up 80 series with the factor front and rear lockers (!). Hope you can habla espanol though lol

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/5794582076.html

>>16012958
Lol, I don't habla.

I don't know why, but I'm actually thinking about the Vehicross.

>>16012958

Another beastly LC, an older FJ62:

http://gainesville.craigslist.org/cto/5795247639.html

>>16012887
it's cool. but rare so don't modify it.