Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:45 am
"jonathan or someone, please expand on the topic of getting a vehilce with low miles. i've been looking for something under 80k, but how much weight should the mileage factor have in my decision making? for example, one with 50k vs one with 70k."
It really depends on the way it was driven. Highway miles are much easier on a vehicle than city miles. You'd do best to buy from somebody that took a lot of road trips, commuted to work on the interstate, something similar to that. You could take it for a "test drive" and have a friend that is a mechanic nearby if you want a good idea, but with 50-70k on it, it should run great if well taken care of. Make sure there are no clicks, ticks, whines and so forth. Check the oil, see if it's discolored in any way, also look at the transmission fluid, water, etc. If it's an automatic transmission, then see if the shifts are well timed and that the transmission doesn't shift too loose or too tight. If it's a manual, the clutch is usually the only potential problem with that few miles, but even if it is worn it's a relatively cheap fix (most SUVs aren't manual anyway, but just in case). Basically just choose on what you feel runs good and feels solid, and take your time buying, don't limit yourself to one choice.
"also, how about 4 wheel drive? i've heard it's better for resale value, but i'll probably drive this thing into the dirt so i'm not worried about that, and it'll strictly be an on-road vehicle. are there any advantages to getting a 4x4 in my case? better suspension and handling maybe? or would there just be extra weight and more potential problems"
About 4WD, if you aren't going to use it, don't get it IMO. It's added weight, added rolling resistance, has more potential problems and it decreases gas mileage, which SUVs tend to lack in the first place, no sense in making matters worse if you can help it. 4WD does offer better resale value, but 4WD also costs considerably more (new) to begin with, and will likely cost you more to purchase when comparing two SUVs in similar condition.
It really depends on the way it was driven. Highway miles are much easier on a vehicle than city miles. You'd do best to buy from somebody that took a lot of road trips, commuted to work on the interstate, something similar to that. You could take it for a "test drive" and have a friend that is a mechanic nearby if you want a good idea, but with 50-70k on it, it should run great if well taken care of. Make sure there are no clicks, ticks, whines and so forth. Check the oil, see if it's discolored in any way, also look at the transmission fluid, water, etc. If it's an automatic transmission, then see if the shifts are well timed and that the transmission doesn't shift too loose or too tight. If it's a manual, the clutch is usually the only potential problem with that few miles, but even if it is worn it's a relatively cheap fix (most SUVs aren't manual anyway, but just in case). Basically just choose on what you feel runs good and feels solid, and take your time buying, don't limit yourself to one choice.
"also, how about 4 wheel drive? i've heard it's better for resale value, but i'll probably drive this thing into the dirt so i'm not worried about that, and it'll strictly be an on-road vehicle. are there any advantages to getting a 4x4 in my case? better suspension and handling maybe? or would there just be extra weight and more potential problems"
About 4WD, if you aren't going to use it, don't get it IMO. It's added weight, added rolling resistance, has more potential problems and it decreases gas mileage, which SUVs tend to lack in the first place, no sense in making matters worse if you can help it. 4WD does offer better resale value, but 4WD also costs considerably more (new) to begin with, and will likely cost you more to purchase when comparing two SUVs in similar condition.
with a year 2000+ low-miles vehicle for under 15k, then that'll be perfect. i thought about financing 15 or 20k, but that'd make my payments like 400 or 500 and that's another $200+/mo i can invest in my "new house" account. i should have enough for a down payment on a nice house in 3 to 5 years, and 3 to 5 years after that i'll buy a new 4runner. i've always wanted to have matching 4runners :) , but when i get one i want to go all out with the limited, V8, 4x4, new model, all that good stuff, so i figure i'll get something that will get the job done for ten years, and right now it looks like the Grand Cherokee is gonna give me the best bang for my buck.