My 2005 Tahoe is reaching the end of my love of it. Since I got it in 2011, I've had to have the fuel pump replaced, two steering boxes, front brakes twice, rear brakes once, and rear driver's side window replaced...and it needs done again. I've bought new tires once, and recaps once, with recaps lasting longer than the new tires. It's currently in the shop getting some minor cosmetic collision damage repaired...nothing structural or big (Driver's side fender and headlight assembly, new grill and bumper, and alignment from an idiot turning right from the left turn lane, right in front of me). It has just over 105K on the clock, and exhibiting an occasional loss of accelerator pedal, and it's stalled on me once in the past 2 months.

Now that my credit score is better than when I bought the Tahoe, I can qualify for a better deal. I found a 2010 Ford F-150 XL, with FX4 package, 5.4L, nerf bars, aftermarket rims, 51K miles for 22,000. I can probably get $6500 on trade in on the Tahoe or more, according to my local dealer.

I've also been looking at some of the smaller Jeep SUVs, as well as Wranglers. They've got a 2016 Renegade 4X4 in the $20K range, brand new. There's also a 2014 Patriot Latitude FWD with 5381 miles for $16K and a 4X4 version with 18216 miles for $17K.

Obviously, I'm looking at quality first, then 4X4 or not, then pricing. That F150 is sexy as hell, while the Jeeps are vanilla frosting on a white cake.

Anyone here with experience on the Jeeps from the last 5 years that can tell me what to look for and what to stay away from and why?

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

Generally, my requirements are 4X4, and manly looking SUV or a pick-up truck. I don't want a soccer-mom mobile, or anything of that nature. I want something that is quite capable for a vehicle in it's class, and in the sub $20K range.

I'm sure I left a number of vehicles out of my search...what would you recommend I look at?

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

Toyota 4Runner. You could probably swap the Tahoe even for a 1998...

I really want something newer than 2010, if possible. As much as I like those vehicles, newer, with potential to still be covered under warranty, is important to the wife.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

Used Honda Ridgeline. Unless you are truly banging it around off-road, Honda's AWD system will get you around, even in winter.

I didnt think jeeps were on the reliable side?

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual

Cherokees aren't...The Patriot is. As is a few other variations. So long as I stick with a manual transmission, I should be fine, too.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

The Jeep Renegade is literally a Fiat 500X with a Jeep badge and more masculine lines. I love them, but that combo doesn't inspire alot of confidence for me.

F150 values have tanked because of the 5.4 cam phaser issue issue with their VVT system. Makes the things sound like a diesel before they blow up. Don't take a chance on the ecoboost trucks either.

Jeep Patriots are basically all wheel drive unibody station wagons made for rental fleets and low payment buyers. The quality is not there.

If you're fed up with Chevy, look at a Ram.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

If you look at quality ratings, you may not end up buying a Jeep. However, that said, I still have my 99 Land Rover and finally have it pretty much sorted out.

Seems like a Toyota product might be your best bet.

I wasn't aware of the issue with the 5.4. I knew about out of round issues with 5.0 pistons and cylinders. I really wish they had found a way to keep the straight 6...or make one just as strong and bulletproof to replace it.

When it comes to trucks, I'm Ford loyal. SUV could be any brand but Chevy for me. I'll take a closer look at the Durango again. I had a 1st gen and loved it. The 2nd gen looked like a hippo mated with the Town and Country, and turned me off. I saw a Dodge Nitro that popped up in my searches. I may look closer at that, too.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

they kill you on interest on used cars.Better to save cash then buy.

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

Honda/Toyotas hold their resale better than domestic brands for a reason.

Also - not sure that jeep (or any Full size truck in this country) has stick shift now. Not sure how far you have to go back to get one.

I'd just get a newer Tahoe - familiar territory, cheap domestic parts, good truck-forum support, lower entry price, I know lots of happy owners of those (except they are all soccer moms...)

-John

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2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)

105k is nothing, I'd just fix what was wonky and keep rolling.

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617 swapped Toyota Pickup, 22-24 MPG, 50k miles on swap

Dunno if this is too soccer-momish, but a 4-Runner would fit your needs perfectly.

If you can find one that's not beat to within an inch of its life, an FJ Cruiser might fit your needs.

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I hadn't thought about the FJ. Good call on that.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles