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What Kind of Vehicle Should I Buy for Denver?

OGRES

OGRES

Ramblin' Wreck
BENEFACTOR
Lifetime Member
City
Suwanee
State
GA
So I have sold my Scrambler for my move out to Denver and will be picking up a free (:thumbsup:) Mercury Grand Marquis from my parents this weekend. The Mercury, while a very nice, if not HUGE, sedan will probably not be such a great vehicle for Denver. It isn't particularly good in snowy conditions and it sure as hell isn't going to get me out into the backcountry. I will only have to drive it a few miles a day to get to and from the light rail station so I think it will be just fine for a while. I am going to keep it at least until the first snow in the fall.

Another Scrambler isn't in the cards right now but I want something that will be capable for snow conditions AND for getting me up to the mountains to camp, hike, and fish. What kind of vehicle would you want if you were looking for a late model vehicle that could nourish your adventure side but would satisfy your inner cheapness?

Thanks fellsas...:cheers:
 
Ummm...a Scrambler?

Sorry, it had to be said...:D

Inner cheapness? There's only one answer that comes to mind then- an XJ Cherokee. They kick butt in the snow, are cheap to find and fix, and with stockish tires get decent fuel economy. And they just keep going....and when the time comes, you can cannibalize the Cherokee and plop the 4.0/ect in the Scrambler that you'll get down the road.:thumbsup:
 
I like the way you think...I have been thinking of the Cherokees.

Are there any years to avoid?
 
Stay away from the 2.8 V6 engine in the early years. I had an '86 with the 2.5. Not the best engine, but it was economical. I would look for the 4.0. One thing about my '86 was that it had parts from all over the place (Ford, Chevy, Renault? Hell, maybe even Yugo). If I remember correctly, the AC was sitting on top of the #1 spark plug. Not fun to change plugs in that guy. But I loved that thing. Sold it after the second engine rebuild though.

I was going to suggest an audi or a subaru after your initial question, but when I saw you want it to be cheap, I will take back my suggestion on the audi. I gave my 1996 A4 quattro to my sister in law who lives in Boulder. I love that car, and now she does. But unless you know german car repair, be ready to spend cash on maintenance. They go through control arms/bushings like snacks.
 
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'94ish or later XJ with the 4.0 HO. Avoid the XJ with the vacuum disconnect on the front axle.

I'd also vote for a ZJ with the 4.0 HO; avoid one with the alarm system and you won't have electrical gremlins.
 
Polarfire said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250793555373&viewitem=

:D
Click to expand...
Oh Yeah!

As far as the Cherokee, a later model with the 4.0 HO. I like the newer body lines/interior, 97-2001. Seems more roomy on the interior also, and I think that's when they introduced airbags too, so a bit better on insurance and safety. 97-01 interiors loose that '80's palstic, angular feel the early ones had. The 97-01 have steel tailgates also, much better than 'glass. 2000-2001 had the best horsepower ratings at 193. I prefer the 231 "Command Track" transfer case, but they also had the 242 "Select Track" full/part time case available. The 231 is simple and cheap. Try and find 3.73 gears, although 3.55 are the most common.

Stay away from the Puegot BA5/10 manual trans from 85-89 (?) too. Piece of junk.
 
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