Yet another first car thread.....

[bentothejam1n]

So I've been driving my brother's (he's in iraq) truck lately but when he comes home i'll have to get a car for myself. I'm on a budget of around 8000 (I'm paying 4 grand and my parents are paying the other). So I've started looking into some cars mainly 2000ish explorers and blazers and a couple 97-99 saab 900s and 9-5s. The explorers and blazers usually have around 100k miles on them. im not too familiar with saabs but its one of the older gm made sedans that i like. is there anything i should be aware of about the saabs? What problems should i be expecting at 100k with the blazers and explorers? Would i be better off looking at foreign cars or is their reliability just an urban legend?
edit: i forgot to say that my dad would have a mechanic check it over if we decide to buy it.
/sorry if its hard to read, i'm pretty tired right now


i.e. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=213300074&dealer_id=56118847&car_year=1997&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=FORD&transmission=&make3=&model=EXPLOR&distance=25&make2=CHEV&address=66216&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&model2=BLAZER&max_mileage=&max_price=8000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=0&body_code=0&end_year=2007&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1994&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=5

[Mercenario]

I would stay clear of Saab's for a few different reasons, but mainly because of part availability vs. cost, and labor cost to repair.

[maxama10]

Hmm, 4Runner ftw... :) should be able to get one for 8k pretty easily
I dont really know that much about blazers/explorers sorry

good luck though

-Max

[warbeak2099]

Swedish BMW's are nice. But if you get one with Turbo, watch out for the torque steer. If you're not careful or experienced enough, it will rip the wheel out of your hands.

I guess it depends if you're more of a truck or sportscar kind of guy. I'm the latter, but it's up to you.

[master_alexander]

here, i did the work for you...


this (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=211664688&dealer_id=9011449&car_year=1997&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=JEEP&transmission=&model=&distance=50&make2=&address=66216&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=8000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=0&body_code=0&end_year=2007&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=4)
this (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=216057972&dealer_id=58017309&car_year=1997&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=JEEP&transmission=&model=&distance=50&make2=&address=66216&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=8000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=0&body_code=0&end_year=2007&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=18)


Jeep FTW

[bentothejam1n]

here, i did the work for you...


this (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=211664688&dealer_id=9011449&car_year=1997&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=JEEP&transmission=&model=&distance=50&make2=&address=66216&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=8000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=0&body_code=0&end_year=2007&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=4)
this (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=216057972&dealer_id=58017309&car_year=1997&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=JEEP&transmission=&model=&distance=50&make2=&address=66216&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=8000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=0&body_code=0&end_year=2007&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=18)


Jeep FTW
hah my dad would never go for a wrangler
thanks for all the help so far guys

[etjoyride]

I wanted a wrangler but my mom wouldn't let me, so i got a cherokee :D Just as versatile (almost). If you want something like a small SUV go for a cherokee or grand cherokee. IF you want something sporty/foreign i'd say bimmer (98ish 3 series coupe or something), but you must remember that labor can get pricey if you can't do it yourself

[master_alexander]

I wanted a wrangler but my mom wouldn't let me, so i got a cherokee :D Just as versatile (almost). If you want something like a small SUV go for a cherokee or grand cherokee. IF you want something sporty/foreign i'd say bimmer (98ish 3 series coupe or something), but you must remember that labor can get pricey if you can't do it yourself


yeah that and insurance... heh..

i think that you might be able to convince your parents by telling them about its saftey ratings. it is basically a rollcage on wheels, that can... well, go anywhere. lol. it isint a car thats going to be like "OMGZ IM GoiN t3H F4SSS7!!!" (heh..) but it is fun to drive and gets you from a to b.

[bentothejam1n]

yeah that and insurance... heh..

i think that you might be able to convince your parents by telling them about its saftey ratings. it is basically a rollcage on wheels, that can... well, go anywhere. lol. it isint a car thats going to be like "OMGZ IM GoiN t3H F4SSS7!!!" (heh..) but it is fun to drive and gets you from a to b.
heh my bro's tacoma is a 4 cyl. so i'm not too worried about power :D

[master_alexander]

lol, my parents use the excuse that we need a 4x4 vehicle for the lease to hunt (we kinda do...) but i want a beemer. *sigh* im also a speed demon. and my jeep doesent exactly get the best gas mpg.. do you pay for your own gas//will you?

[bentothejam1n]

lol, my parents use the excuse that we need a 4x4 vehicle for the lease to hunt (we kinda do...) but i want a beemer. *sigh* im also a speed demon. and my jeep doesent exactly get the best gas mpg.. do you pay for your own gas//will you?
i would have to pay like every other two tanks.. so i wouldnt have to pay a lot. whats your current mpg?

[skife]

Hmm, 4Runner ftw... :) should be able to get one for 8k pretty easily
I dont really know that much about blazers/explorers sorry

good luck though

-Max


QFT


i'm getting a '92 yota truck nextweekend, 22re 5speed 3"lift 31"s

[Lohman446]

Although I generally prefer GM products for quality there is no doubt that the Explorer is a far better vehicle than the Blazer.

[skife]

Although I generally prefer GM products for quality there is no doubt that the Explorer is a far better vehicle than the Blazer.


tranny swap blows in an exploerer though.

no room to work at all.

[bentothejam1n]

Although I generally prefer GM products for quality there is no doubt that the Explorer is a far better vehicle than the Blazer.
what repairs should i be expecting with an explorer with 100k miles on it?

[billybob_81067]

tranny swap blows in an exploerer though.

no room to work at all.

What post 90's vehicle IS it fun to swap out a tranny in???

Just did my 95 powerstroke... they had to freakin cram pack that engine in there and left basically no room at all to work on it

The auto tranny dipstick tube was bolted to the back of the head and I worked on that one bolt for probably an hour. 1/12th of a turn at a time!!! WOOT!

[skife]

What post 90's vehicle IS it fun to swap out a tranny in???

Just did my 95 powerstroke... they had to freakin cram pack that engine in there and left basically no room at all to work on it

The auto tranny dipstick tube was bolted to the back of the head and I worked on that one bolt for probably an hour. 1/12th of a turn at a time!!! WOOT!

bluepoint makes a set of ratcheting wrenches, they work miriacles.


'91 suburban wasn't to bad to swap the motor.

[etjoyride]

lol, my parents use the excuse that we need a 4x4 vehicle for the lease to hunt (we kinda do...) but i want a beemer. *sigh* im also a speed demon. and my jeep doesent exactly get the best gas mpg.. do you pay for your own gas//will you?

You mis-spelled bimmer :p

bentothejam1n- if you're looking to get real good MPG def. stay away form most jeeps. Most other SUV's aren't going to get you as good mileage as a sedan or coupe. If you really WANT an suv but to keep mileage then i believe an explorer should do alright.

[bentothejam1n]

You mis-spelled bimmer :p

bentothejam1n- if you're looking to get real good MPG def. stay away form most jeeps. Most other SUV's aren't going to get you as good mileage as a sedan or coupe. If you really WANT an suv but to keep mileage then i believe an explorer should do alright.
one of the main reasons im looking at suvs is because how they drive in snow/rain/ice as opposed to a sedan

[etjoyride]

What do you mean exactly? I slide on ice with my jeep (even some in 4wd). last night it went up on to wheels due to a patch of ice i didn't see.

If you're talking about 4wd then you might want to look into some AWD sedans or something.

[Lohman446]

what repairs should i be expecting with an explorer with 100k miles on it?

Probably ball joints. Go with the 4.0 V6, its dang near bullet proof (some early ones did experience lifter tick, but 2000+ you should be good - go for the newer body style, I think starting in 01. Keep in mind that the two door versions of both this and the S10 handle far worse than the 4DR for handling and can be had far cheaper too

Blazers expect ball joints, idler arm, pitman arms, oil cooler lines, intake gaskets, wheel bearings, 4WD motors - I often see $2000+ bills on Blazers under 100K miles.

That being said, if you are getting into 4WD vehicles I highly recommend you have a purchase inspection performed by an independent party prior to purchase.

[billybob_81067]

bluepoint makes a set of ratcheting wrenches, they work miriacles.


Ohhh you bet your butt I had a ratcheting wrench on there as long as I could... it got to where the head of the bolt got so close to the firewall that I had to take the ratcheting wrench off and finish it off with an open end... In fact it did hit the firewall before it finally came out.

[maxama10]

Cherokee would be cool and would work better off road than an explorer or blazer(stock).

Jeeps are pretty reliable too

I drive a Wrangler

MPG suck, even with a cherokee, but if youre only paying every other tank than no worries

You get 4wd and its likely faster than a wrangler

You can get a V8 model :) hooray for worse mpg and more power

simple things are tto replace some hoses fluids and belts; this is all stuff you can do at home (i cant think of anything else?)

Maybe spark plugs and distributor?

Clutch?

There is a plethora of aftermarket accessories readily available for the cherokee

Most of these can be applied to the 4runner and toyota trucks also

Not to mention theres a ton of forums dedicated to jeeps and specifically the cherokee

[Lohman446]

I would be more concerned of the Cherokee transmission...

The Cherokee (small Cherokee, not the Grand Cherokee) is a better off road vehicle than either the Blazer or Explorer, and has the on road ride to match. The 4.0L inline engine is a great engine but so is the 4.0 V6 Ford and, aside from intake gaskets, the 4.3L V6 Chevy (think a 350 with two cylinders cut off).

Transmissions none are great, but the Chevy uses a 4L60 (700R4 + electronics) that is generally cheaper to repair / rebuild than the A4LD used in the Ford or the various Chrysler options, in fact I would say Chrysler probably offers the weakest transmission in the group.

The V8 was only available in the Grand Cherokee, I would opt for a normal one (small Cherokee) if truly comparing to the Explorer / Blazer. Ford did offer a 5.0 in the Explorer but there is no real advantage to having it. Remember the Jeeps used aluminum rear ends and steel bearings and are well known to have rear end issues - something you should not see in either the Ford or Chevy. If you want pure V8 power in 98? the offered the 360 in a few Grand Cherokees, since I doubt you are going to buy the 4.7 in your price range.

Selectable four wheel drive is better than all wheel drive (look for a lever, switch, selector of some type). Full time four wheel drive vehicles by Chevy / Ford / Chrysler tend to have there own problems and are not as good as those with a selector.

[skife]

I would be more concerned of the Cherokee transmission...

The Cherokee (small Cherokee, not the Grand Cherokee) is a better off road vehicle than either the Blazer or Explorer, and has the on road ride to match. The 4.0L inline engine is a great engine but so is the 4.0 V6 Ford and, aside from intake gaskets, the 4.3L V6 Chevy (think a 350 with two cylinders cut off).

Transmissions none are great, but the Chevy uses a 4L60 (700R4 + electronics) that is generally cheaper to repair / rebuild than the A4LD used in the Ford or the various Chrysler options, in fact I would say Chrysler probably offers the weakest transmission in the group.

The V8 was only available in the Grand Cherokee, I would opt for a normal one (small Cherokee) if truly comparing to the Explorer / Blazer. Ford did offer a 5.0 in the Explorer but there is no real advantage to having it. Remember the Jeeps used aluminum rear ends and steel bearings and are well known to have rear end issues - something you should not see in either the Ford or Chevy. If you want pure V8 power in 98? the offered the 360 in a few Grand Cherokees, since I doubt you are going to buy the 4.7 in your price range.

Selectable four wheel drive is better than all wheel drive (look for a lever, switch, selector of some type). Full time four wheel drive vehicles by Chevy / Ford / Chrysler tend to have there own problems and are not as good as those with a selector.



the 700R4/4L60/4L60E from the factory are rated at 600hp.... but the pumps on the earlier ones sucked so they would burn up easy.

[Lohman446]

the 700R4/4L60/4L60E from the factory are rated at 600hp.... but the pumps on the earlier ones sucked so they would burn up easy.


Dang, considering the amount I end up having to rebuild there must be a lot of 600HP monsters out there....

Especially considering how many are catastrophic failures of the shell and/or planetary gear sets....

Don't trust factory ratings, there under ideal, never scene, conditions.

[billybob_81067]

700R4's have got to be one of the more common trannies to go out! 600 HP my butt. You gave me a good chuckle for the day at least though.

:p

If you do get an explorer with a 5.0 send me the heads off of it and I'll swap em out for a set of E7 heads for ya... ;)

[skife]

700R4's have got to be one of the more common trannies to go out! 600 HP my butt. You gave me a good chuckle for the day at least though.

:p

If you do get an explorer with a 5.0 send me the heads off of it and I'll swap em out for a set of E7 heads for ya... ;)


Hey man, thats what my instructor for automatic transmissions said.
I know they wont hold that, But thats what my instructor said, and it probably is GM's rating for them.

[maxama10]

heh some other options :rolleyes:

I saw a Toyota Tercel AWD SR5 parked today in front of the casino in town for sale, probably awsome mpg and fairly reliable, and very cheap id think.

or my friend has a little red Subaru hatchback that has 4wd (selectable)and a little boxer 4banger.
Ive seen it do some pretty amazing things (off road) not to mention you can pick them up pretty cheap also.

and of course with either of these they are hatchbacks and old and 4cyl so the insurance will be cheap which will please the parents



:p

[kosmo]

Blazer/s10 frames are softer than jelly. Not a good vehicle to have in a crash. Not good at all. The explorers interior is nicer too.

[Dubstar112]

what repairs should i be expecting with an explorer with 100k miles on it?


4wd parts go very quickly on these vehicles. Also brakes. Depending on the condition and the previous users. We have had two ford explorers both bought used, and both have had 4wd problems specifically the plastic hub componets and the brake system as a whole seems to fail, or show signs of wear easily. Keep in mind these are vehicles used in NNY where half the year you drive on salt sand and snow and never touch pavement.

[Lohman446]

Hey man, thats what my instructor for automatic transmissions said.
I know they wont hold that, But thats what my instructor said, and it probably is GM's rating for them.

No... basically your instructor got laughed out of being a real mechanic and found another job where the people around him would not call him an idiot.

Can the 700 be made to hold 600 HP - yeh, it can be if you spend enough money on it. But I assure you not factory.

Good call on the Ford lockout hubs - if you do have an issue with the auto hubs simply replace them with Warn lockouts and then you will never have a problem with them again.

[skife]

No... basically your instructor got laughed out of being a real mechanic and found another job where the people around him would not call him an idiot.

Can the 700 be made to hold 600 HP - yeh, it can be if you spend enough money on it. But I assure you not factory.

Good call on the Ford lockout hubs - if you do have an issue with the auto hubs simply replace them with Warn lockouts and then you will never have a problem with them again.



i blame him on being forign and liking those damned wenkel motors.

[billybob_81067]

i blame him on being forign and liking those damned wenkel motors.

Lol... tell him to go "wenkel" himself.

And yes Warn hubs roxor. :)

[behemoth]

Alright, Whats all this bad talk about s10s?

My first vehicle was a sonoma, loved the thing but winter time as a PITA.

Just recently, i bought a 99 blazer, great condition, everything looks solid except the 4wd dosent work. After reading some of the things posted here, i'm ready to find something else to drive :rolleyes:

Lohman, any ideas on the 4x4? My boss (ex mechanic) told me it was probably the in-dash switch. Bought a new one, nothing. I also took the battery out, and worked that little actuator to make sure it wasnt seized, it seems fine too...

I dont want to take it somewhere and walk out of there with a hole in my pocket...

[Lohman446]

Its normally the transfer case motor on the Chevy's. If you apply power to the motor and it does not move the fault is in the motor. If it does the fault is in the wiring / switch etc.

[behemoth]

Its normally the transfer case motor on the Chevy's. If you apply power to the motor and it does not move the fault is in the motor. If it does the fault is in the wiring / switch etc.

Great. Whats a transfer case motor going to run me?

[Lohman446]

Great. Whats a transfer case motor going to run me?

$150 - $225 depending on what brand. Retech and Dorman offer them, as well as A1 (though I would recommend against A1). Of course there are other options out there and there are two options for transfer cases on your vehicle.

[behemoth]

$150 - $225 depending on what brand. Retech and Dorman offer them, as well as A1 (though I would recommend against A1). Of course there are other options out there and there are two options for transfer cases on your vehicle.

Alright, thanks.

I'll take it somewhere to get looked at.