Ok I'm gonna start actually making money again and I'm in a pickle. As we all know I have my Cherokee but where I'm moving it would never pass inspection. So I've put my eyes on doing something else. It has to seat 5. Has to have AC. Has to be 4wd. Prefer Straight axle front and rear. MPG's are not extremely important but a consideration. Must be able to tow. My thoughts have drifted here.

1. Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Probably an 80's model.

2. Toyota Land Cruiser. Like a FJ-60/62.

3. Another Cherokee. But they are a little cramped.

4. Factory TBI Chevy/GMC Blazer/Tahoe. Fullsize.

5. Fullsize Ford Bronco. I know it's not straight axle but the design works.

6. ? Your ideas.

It will be a DD. It will see light to moderate trail use. It will tow a small camper and boat at times. It will be left mostly stock. Thoughts?

Subaru?

Posted by sleeperspirit Subaru?

Subaru Legacy or Forester
(yes, I said Subaru... shut up)

FJ60/62 is a nice rig but trailer towing is going to be a bit of an issue with it.

Might be able to score an FJ80 for a decent price. they are great rides and about bulletproof. A bit more power over the 60/62s as well.

Where are you moving to that has such stringent inspections? PA I know is insane about them, but WV I didn't think was. How about a short-bed F150 with the crew cab? Or a Chevy Avalanche?

Our inspection rules are simply so you don't endanger yourself or anyone else on the road with an unsafe vehicle.

Even California isn't that bad as long as you maintain your car correctly...

Posted by splumer Or a Chevy Avalanche?

What did poor Dave ever do to you?

Posted by splumer Where are you moving to that has such stringent inspections? PA I know is insane about them, but WV I didn't think was. How about a short-bed F150 with the crew cab? Or a Chevy Avalanche?

My cherokee doesn't even have proper fenders and I've literally butchered the suspension together. It drives fine and is just dandy in SC but here they have a basic safety inspection. With the Cat removed and various other deadly looking modifications it won't pass. I have thought about a mid 90's F250 diesel 4 door but those are far and few with a short bed.

Posted by sleeperspirit Subaru?

I said tow. What's next? Miata

Posted by jeepdave I said tow. What's next? Miata

B9 Tribeca


...Ford Broncos are straight axle yes?

Posted by bandi What did poor Dave ever do to you?

You obviously haven't visited the politics board!
Seriously, what's wrong with Avalanches? I rather like them.

Our inspection rules are simply so you don't endanger yourself or anyone else on the road with an unsafe vehicle.

My niece lives in Carlisle and said she sold her Cherokee and bought a new Subaru because the repairs she needed to do to get it to pass would have cost something over $2k. In Ohio, they'll let anything on the road. I've seen cars literally held together with ratchet straps, bumpers dragging on the ground (and not because of an accident!), windows missing, etc. Technically, it needs to run enough to get to and pass the emissions test, but there are ways around that. Maybe I'll start taking pictures of the death traps I see.

Posted by splumer You obviously haven't visited the politics board! Seriously, what's wrong with Avalanches? I rather like them.

This isn't my anti-GM side speaking, I swear- but they really aren't a great vehicle. The box fills up with water, the water generally leaks into the passenger compartment, which leads to the wiring under the carpet sitting in trapped water.

Lots of wheel bearing, 4x4 electronics and brake issues. They also rust out really quickly around here.

Posted by bandi This isn't my anti-GM side speaking, I swear- but they really aren't a great vehicle. The box fills up with water, the water generally leaks into the passenger compartment, which leads to the wiring under the carpet sitting in trapped water. Lots of wheel bearing, 4x4 electronics and brake issues. They also rust out really quickly around here.

i have to agree with my counterpart here... if you live in the snowbelt and have an Avalanche, a high quality, hard tonneau cover is a must. Even then it's a 50-50 whether or not water is getting in.

First generation Pathfinder? IRS up front, but I've never seen one stuck where an XJ could pass. 4x4s all had an LSD in the back and manually locking hubs up front. Nice ones are in the $1500 range.

Posted by wannabeotaku First generation Pathfinder? IRS up front, but I've never seen one stuck where an XJ could pass. 4x4s all had an LSD in the back and manually locking hubs up front. Nice ones are in the $1500 range.

I had a friend who destroyed every vehicle he owned within a couple of weeks.

Not his '87 Pathfinder- it lasted him 2 years and went on to another owner... who promptly rolled it.

I've had a pathfinder. 88 model. Good but not really wanting one again plus not as roomy as I want.

Honda Ridgeline?

Posted by splumer Honda Ridgeline?

Ugh.

The Ridgeline isn't bad, but you absolutely must change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles or you stand a good chance of destroying your driveline.