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Posted: 1/19/2021 4:57:06 PM EDT
I need a vehicle. I don't drive much and want a 4x4 truck or SUV. The few I found locally are 2 F150's, 2005 and '06, and a few Suburbans from the same time frame. 100k-125k miles, no rust, looks like clean bodies. Reliability and sound mechanics are important here, I don't want a project truck.
The ones I found are about $5k-9k, Subs on the lower end of that. I'm hoping to be out the door under 10k on whatever I get. Are the Ford 5.4's from that era good to go? What I really want is a new long bed F250 but I have to be practical. 
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:04:47 PM EDT
[#1]
Toyota 4Runner
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:06:40 PM EDT
[#2]
4th Gen Toyota 4Runner...... find a v8 if possible. Just check the frame really well, other than that you will be good to go
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:11:27 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Toyota 4Runner Or Lexus GX. The Lexus Land Cruisers hold their value worse than the Toyota branded versions. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:12:57 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted: I need a vehicle. I don't drive much and want a 4x4 truck or SUV. The few I found locally are 2 F150's, 2005 and '06, and a few Suburbans from the same time frame. 100k-125k miles, no rust, looks like clean bodies. Reliability and sound mechanics are important here, I don't want a project truck. The ones I found are about $5k-9k, Subs on the lower end of that. I'm hoping to be out the door under 10k on whatever I get. Are the Ford 5.4's from that era good to go? What I really want is a new long bed F250 but I have to be practical. in about a year gas will hit $4.00 or more a gallon and they will be begging people to buy new / used trucks, as their lots will be stuffed with new and used trade in's. ( this is when you discover who REALLY wants / NEEDS a truck .. probably 70% of truck owners DONT, and will dump them for a minivan / something cheaper to operate.. ) |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:14:45 PM EDT
[#5]
You want easy to work on and cheap parts, don't go with a 4Runner IMO.
Suburban, Tahoe, GM pickup framed vehicle in the 2001-2006 generation. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:22:22 PM EDT
[#6]
I'm a Toyota guy, but Tahoes/suburbans in that range are the way to go. Parts are cheap, engines last forever (assuming pre-cylinder deactivation era)
and rebuilding 4L60 transmission variants are cheap. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:23:30 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You want easy to work on and cheap parts, don't go with a 4Runner IMO. 
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:28:43 PM EDT
[#8]
Do not buy a 05-06 Ford. I wouldn't even be comfortable with the newer 5.4's.
First step, figure out if you want a truck or an SUV. My 2011 Silverado has been solid, aside from eating balljoints. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:29:54 PM EDT
[#9]
99-07 Chevy/GMC 2500 or 3500 pickups are very solid. Stay away from the 1500 as it has the 4l60e which is pretty meh. The 3/4 and 1 ton 6.0/4l80E combo is very solid, the 8.1/Allison is great too but hard to find. The diesels were good, but diesel comes with it's own maintenance issues and it sounds like you dont need its capability
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:30:11 PM EDT
[#10]
The answer is always F-150 5.0 4x4.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:32:01 PM EDT
[#11]
FPNI and /thread
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:38:38 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Or Lexus GX. The Lexus Land Cruisers hold their value worse than the Toyota branded versions. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Toyota 4Runner Or Lexus GX. The Lexus Land Cruisers hold their value worse than the Toyota branded versions. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:38:48 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm a Toyota guy, but Tahoes/suburbans in that range are the way to go. Parts are cheap, engines last forever (assuming pre-cylinder deactivation era) and rebuilding 4L60 transmission variants are cheap. The 4Runner is a great vehicle. But they're small, and slow, and not for everyone. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:39:15 PM EDT
[#14]
Look around for private sales. I recently bought a 95 Jeep Wrangler or $3,000. I dropped another $2,000 on new top, seat raisers, muffler and starter. It was in fine shape mechanically.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:39:49 PM EDT
[#15]
Run far, far away from the 2004-2010 Ford with the 5.4L V8.
Also avoid any of the 2007+ GM vehicles with the 5.3. The cleanest 2005-2006 Suburban or Tahoe you can find is probably the answer here. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:42:11 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: in about a year gas will hit $4.00 or more a gallon and they will be begging people to buy new / used trucks, as their lots will be stuffed with new and used trade in's. ( this is when you discover who REALLY wants / NEEDS a truck .. probably 70% of truck owners DONT, and will dump them for a minivan / something cheaper to operate.. ) In a Biden administration, I bet it hits $5. It's the goal of the left to end the internal combustion engine. Higher gas prices make electrics more appealing. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:43:59 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Did you guys read the part where he said under $10k and 125k miles? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Toyota 4Runner Or Lexus GX. The Lexus Land Cruisers hold their value worse than the Toyota branded versions.  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:44:06 PM EDT
[#18]
GX470
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:49:27 PM EDT
[#19]
GX470, although in that price range you'll probably have some maintenance due.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 6:34:13 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Easy. There's about a dozen GX470's that meet the criteria on Cars.com. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/200145/EB0881C1-D246-4DA3-BEE3-E57EF50BE445_png-1786923.JPG That's the only one within 500 miles of central IL, OP better grab it. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 6:36:40 PM EDT
[#21]
H3 with adventure package, you get front and rear e-lockers.
Most underrated vehicle ever.  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:25:48 PM EDT
[#22]
2000-2006 Suburbans are pretty bulletproof. A friend now owns it, but my 01 was mightily abused, and still has the original engine and transmission and 275k miles.
Few minor issues, fuel pumps, window regulators, leaky exhaust manifolds, but very solid and nothing like the launching sparkplug 5.4. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:30:29 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Run far, far away from the 2004-2010 Ford with the 5.4L V8. Also avoid any of the 2007+ GM vehicles with the 5.3. The cleanest 2005-2006 Suburban or Tahoe you can find is probably the answer here. Nonsense. Buy cheap, do cam phaser lockouts, Livernois tune (or 5Star), drive for 500k+ miles. Literally everything about it except for the cam phasers is gtg. Add massive tranny cooler (cheap insurance), some 35s, and enjoy the fact it's flex fuel and the 5.4 loves E85 tunes and forced induction if you ever choose to upgrade. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:30:49 PM EDT
[#24]
Truthfully the 5.4 issues are quite overblown. The 4runner is great but for less money get a Tahoe or Suburban and fix anything that's wrong with it. Parts are cheap and everywhere. I don't really like GM products but there is a lot of value to be found in that age range for those two vehicles.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:35:56 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Toyota 4Runner This. Later model the better, avoid 3.0 v6 2nd gens. If big is needed, Suburban Medium, you can probably find a Sequoia in that price range. Not great wheelin rigs but solid trucks that for some reason don't have as much of a Toyota tax. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:36:41 PM EDT
[#26]
Gen2 Explorer
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:38:53 PM EDT
[#27]
im looking around now for a 4x4 that I dont need and I dont care if gas is $5 a gallon either. I drive like 50 miles a week.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:41:11 PM EDT
[#28]
I always liked the mid 90’s squarebody Fords . The Full-size Broncos of that era were solid vehicles. Good luck .
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:51:27 PM EDT
[#29]
Thanks all! To answer some of the questions-
Do I need a larger vehicle? -Yes. I'm too tall for a smaller SUV, H3 or mini truck. I don't drive that often but want to be able to move stuff and minimal camp in it. I would actually prefer an 8' truck bed. -I'll check out the GX470 but that seems like it would have expensive, uncommon parts. -People are divided on the Ford 5.4! I just need something to get around town occasionally, get to the VA and get all my stuff together for a, as of yet unplanned, move west this spring/summer. Normal use is probably going be under 10k miles a year. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:53:32 PM EDT
[#30]
I sell 4x4’s for a living. Of course Toyota is hands down the best. You just gotta find a good one under $10.
F150-timing chain issues with 5.4. If it makes any noise on cold start up avoid it. Of course 5.0 is awesome But not under $10 grand Chevy 5.3 (what I drive) they have lifter problems and have v8-v4 mode crap. They are hit or miss can’t tell if or when it will happen. $2500 repair Dodge. Hemi have camshaft problems if it has a tap or miss pass on it. The Dodge 4.7 V8 is a good one but low on power. All of them get crappy mileage |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:54:52 PM EDT
[#31]
Geo tracker
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:55:11 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I always liked the mid 90’s squarebody Fords . The Full-size Broncos of that era were solid vehicles. Good luck . We actually had a '95 family Bronco. My sister took it over after my dad passed but it was too big of a project for them.  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 7:56:36 PM EDT
[#33]
2008-2012 Rav4 with AWD if you want to go the SUV route and dont have a big family.
Get the sport version, 269HP 3.5L V6. Just be ready for all the torque steer, but it surely does scoot. And the sport has a 5spd auto instead of 4, and stiffer suspension, 18" wheels. Has a 4wd lock that can be used up until like 20MPH. But some nice all terrain tires on it or maybe even a lift. Reliable, affordable, resale value, etc. The V6 is decent on gas if you have a light foot. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 8:00:52 PM EDT
[#34]
Cool thread.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 8:09:41 PM EDT
[#35]
You could probably get a solid Tacoma in that range, look for a 2005 or earlier with over 300k miles.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 8:52:01 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You could probably get a solid Tacoma in that range, look for a 2005 or earlier with over 300k miles. oof. Sorry, too tall! And by that I mean I'm over 6'.
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Posted: 1/20/2021 7:32:33 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks all! To answer some of the questions- -I'll check out the GX470 but that seems like it would have expensive, uncommon parts. I just need something to get around town occasionally, get to the VA and get all my stuff together for a, as of yet unplanned, move west this spring/summer. Normal use is probably going be under 10k miles a year. They don't break... just take care of general maintenance and change the timing belt every 100k |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 7:38:29 AM EDT
[#38]
No rust! In Illinois?
 You must live in Cairo. |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 8:31:24 AM EDT
[#39]
Nissan Xterra is an option but research SMOD and know what years to avoid.
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Posted: 1/20/2021 8:40:04 AM EDT
[#40]
Jeep XJ.
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Posted: 1/20/2021 8:44:02 AM EDT
[#41]
The answer is always Toyota.
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Posted: 1/20/2021 8:50:32 AM EDT
[#42]
You could get a late 90’s early 00’s Land Cruiser for that price, and have a vehicle that will probably appreciate in value. It’s the era before the VVTi, and 5 speed, but based on what the once less desirable early 80 series are doing, when the later ones dry up price will increase
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Posted: 1/20/2021 8:57:35 AM EDT
[#43]
Stay away from the F150 with the 5.4 engine. It can be fixed if you want to spend $1400 in parts and 40 hours of your labor. If it isn't broken yet it absolutely will be.
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Posted: 1/20/2021 9:00:16 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 99-07 Chevy/GMC 2500 or 3500 pickups are very solid. Stay away from the 1500 as it has the 4l60e which is pretty meh. The 3/4 and 1 ton 6.0/4l80E combo is very solid, the 8.1/Allison is great too but hard to find. The diesels were good, but diesel comes with it's own maintenance issues and it sounds like you dont need its capability |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 9:03:50 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You want easy to work on and cheap parts, don't go with a 4Runner IMO. Suburban, Tahoe, GM pickup framed vehicle in the 2001-2006 generation. |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 9:06:19 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Run far, far away from the 2004-2010 Ford with the 5.4L V8. Also avoid any of the 2007+ GM vehicles with the 5.3. The cleanest 2005-2006 Suburban or Tahoe you can find is probably the answer here. Came here to post this |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 9:07:14 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Nissan Xterra is an option but research SMOD and know what years to avoid. 2011-2015 to avoid SMOD and bad timing chain tensioners. In reality those problems have probably already been resolved by now on the older model years. |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 9:11:01 AM EDT
[#48]
My Dodge 2500 was 5k add in another 5k+ in parts.
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Posted: 1/20/2021 9:14:58 AM EDT
[#49]
Rust is a major factor on the gx470 and 4runner since you're looking in IL.
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Posted: 1/20/2021 9:18:03 AM EDT
[#50]
Quoted: I need a vehicle. I don't drive much and want a 4x4 truck or SUV. The few I found locally are 2 F150's, 2005 and '06, and a few Suburbans from the same time frame. 100k-125k miles, no rust, looks like clean bodies. Reliability and sound mechanics are important here, I don't want a project truck. The ones I found are about $5k-9k, Subs on the lower end of that. I'm hoping to be out the door under 10k on whatever I get. Are the Ford 5.4's from that era good to go? What I really want is a new long bed F250 but I have to be practical. skip the 3v 5.4 they have decent issues with cam phasers and shitting the bed. I know of 2 friends whos trucks did that this year. |
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