more brain trust opinions wanted....

[SIR REAL ED]

Since you guys have a wealth of experience and are rarely shy about sharing knowledge....

It might be time to add another SUV/Small Truck to the fleet.

Current fleet:

2000 Jeep Cherokee, bought new, now has 232,000 miles
2003 Honda Element, bought with 18,000 miles, now has 175,000 miles, salvage title
2002 GMC 2500 HD 4x4, 8.1 liter, bought with 21,000 miles, now has 64,000 miles
2003 Honda CR-V, bought a few weeks ago, one owner with 53,000 miles.

The wife still loves the Cherokee and wants to drive it forever.  Probably doable with $1000-1500 a year or so with maintenance.  But at some point, an unavailable part may mean it's demise.

So in terms of replacing the Jeep (or possibly the Element), my wife would prefer something that sits higher than a sedan.  I'm thinking, RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander, CR-V, Ridgeline, CX-5, Nissan Frontier, or possibly another Jeep.

Does not have to be new, I'm thinking anything with less than 120,000 miles and newer than 15 years old.  Reliability is the number one concern.

What sayeth the masses?  What vehicles would you consider buying and why would you buy that vehicle?

Thanks in advance.

[Kev m]

I love my Jeeps.

But I'm not convinced Pentastars are 200-300k motors without work.

Of your list I'd probably think 4Runner if you want/need the serious 4wd, or Highlander for AWD.

But I'm not sure I'm ever be ready for the uh "flavor" of a Toyota.

[Ncdan]

Wife requires an SUV type vehicle due to seat height being higher from the ground.
We have a 2014 grand Cherokee bought new in 2014.
Wife wants to trade for a new one. However they have dropped the hemi and the only available motor is the V6 or an inline 4cly turbo and I don’t want either. So we are looking at the dodge Durango now.

[Kev m]

Wife requires an SUV type vehicle due to seat height being higher from the ground.
We have a 2014 grand Cherokee bought new in 2014.
Wife wants to trade for a new one. However they have dropped the hemi and the only available motor is the V6 or an inline 4cly t try turbo and I don’t want either. So we are looking at the dodge Durango now.

I like the Hurricane.

Hell, the 4cyl version is in my little Jeep.

[Ncdan]

I like the Hurricane.

Hell, the 4cyl version is in my little Jeep.

Be ok in the wrangler but after 11 years with the hemi, just not interested.

[Kev m]

Be ok in the wrangler but after 11 years with the hemi, just not interested.

Why?

HP?

My wife's Defender has a 3.0L electric supercharged twin scroll turbo motor that makes ~400 HP / 400 ft one lbs torque. Basically the same numbers as the 5.7L Hemi.

It makes the 5000# beast get up and move.

Rolls the highway effortlessly 70-90 with a lot left.

Pulls hard off the line.

Tows ~8000#.

The Jeep hurricane has even slightly higher numbers in the HP/torque specs on the Grand Cherokee, and much higher in the Grand Wagoneer.

[Ncdan]

Why?

HP?

My wife's Defender has a 3.0L electric supercharged twin scroll turbo motor that makes ~400 HP / 400 ft one lbs torque. Basically the same numbers as the 5.7L Hemi.

It makes the 5000# beast get up and move.

Rolls the highway effortlessly 70-90 with a lot left.

Pulls hard off the line.

Tows ~8000#.

The Jeep hurricane has even slightly higher numbers in the HP/torque specs on the Grand Cherokee, and much higher in the Grand Wagoneer.

Buy what you like and like what you buy👍

[Bulldog9]

Since you guys have a wealth of experience and are rarely shy about sharing knowledge....

It might be time to add another SUV/Small Truck to the fleet.

Current fleet:

2000 Jeep Cherokee, bought new, now has 232,000 miles
2003 Honda Element, bought with 18,000 miles, now has 175,000 miles, salvage title
2002 GMC 2500 HD 4x4, 8.1 liter, bought with 21,000 miles, now has 64,000 miles
2003 Honda CR-V, bought a few weeks ago, one owner with 53,000 miles.

The wife still loves the Cherokee and wants to drive it forever.  Probably doable with $1000-1500 a year or so with maintenance.  But at some point, an unavailable part may mean it's demise.

So in terms of replacing the Jeep (or possibly the Element), my wife would prefer something that sits higher than a sedan.  I'm thinking, RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander, CR-V, Ridgeline, CX-5, Nissan Frontier, or possibly another Jeep.

Does not have to be new, I'm thinking anything with less than 120,000 miles and newer than 15 years old.  Reliability is the number one concern.

What sayeth the masses?  What vehicles would you consider buying and why would you buy that vehicle?

Thanks in advance.

Unlikely the Jeep Cherokee (assume 1st GEN) will have NLA parts. Huge aftermarket for that, and they are very popular.

My first Jeep was a 1986 Cherokee Sport with the AMC sourced 4cyl and 5 speed.  Yours probably has the sublime IL6.... If Momma's happy........... Let me know if you decide to sell the Cherokee, I know a guy..........

From that list, and what you are looking to replace, I think a 4 Runner or Xterra would be a great option. Nothing in the Jeep line interests me except the Gladiator. I loved my 1996 Grand C and 2006 Commander, but both way to old with too many owners to want that basket case for a primary drive.

[SIR REAL ED]

Yep, ye ole Cherokee has the inline 6 4.0 engine, and the (as my mechanic friends say) indestructible 4 speed automatic used by Toyota and Mitsubishi.

Even today, when i put my foot in it, i am surprised how well it accelerates.

Plus it has the very desirable split rear seal on the crank.  As those who grew up in the Rust Belt know, a self-rustproofing vehicle is a wonderful thing.

My biggest concern with the Jeep is not being able to get some stupid OEM part like the vacuum operated HVAC control panel.  Last time I replaced it, I bought two off eBay, just in case the first did not work, and I used both.

Side note, the OEM battery and starter both lasted 14 years and about 140,000 miles.  Since then, it has been a new starter and battery every four years like clock work.

all in all as solid vehicle.

[SIR REAL ED]

Unlikely the Jeep Cherokee (assume 1st GEN) will have NLA parts. Huge aftermarket for that, and they are very popular.

My first Jeep was a 1986 Cherokee Sport with the AMC sourced 4cyl and 5 speed.  Yours probably has the sublime IL6.... If Momma's happy........... Let me know if you decide to sell the Cherokee, I know a guy..........

From that list, and what you are looking to replace, I think a 4 Runner or Xterra would be a great option. Nothing in the Jeep line interests me except the Gladiator. I loved my 1996 Grand C and 2006 Commander, but both way to old with too many owners to want that basket case for a primary drive.

Shortly after buying the Cherokee I drove it to work and a buddy who had an 88 Cherokee parked next to me and said "Let's pop the hood and compare engine parts."  It was surprising at first glance how many parts looked like they would interchange.

I'll add you to the list of people who have said "If you ever want to sell that thing, let me know!"  My wife works with a bunch of gearheads, every couple months she is asked if she wants to sell it.

Based on friend's Jeeps with the same engine, 400,000 miles should be easily attained.

Unfortunately, as one might guess from my list of vehicles, I know almost nothing about cars and trucks newer than 20 years old.

[michaell32]

Out of that list the Ridgeline stands out. I have never met an owner who didn't love it. My neighbor has one and after driving it I'm even tempted to buy one.

[BIF]

OK I will speak for the CX-5 and CX-50. My daughter has a 2016 cx5 that we purchased with about 20k and drove it all through college with nothing but routine maintenance, and it now has about 120k on it with no real issues. My wife has a 2024 CX50 with the turbo engine. It only has 25k on it. Both of them are happy with their cars. Now my opinion for what it is worth. I think they are boring as crap. The new one has electric steering that removes any kind of road feel to them. I am use to real drivers cars and my fun cars are vintage Alfa's, Loti (Lotus's) TVR's. I realize I am not the target market for these. But the CX5 is just a dull car, in my little opinion.
As far as the Cherokee goes, I have never owned one, but I would not worry about a parts shortage for them. There is too much of an aftermarket and if it has that 4.0 and you abuse it, it will last to 400k. The only thing that I have heard bad is a front end wobble.
The Mazda is the definition of throw away car. Extremely reliable and well built, but after 200k be prepared to throw it away.

[guzziart]

IMHO, gimmee a holler when you decide to get off the Jimmy.   

[Moparnut72]

There is a guy in my town who drives around in an older Cherokee with the six. It is spotless and sounds like it came out of the showroom last week. A few weeks ago he pulled up to the post office in a late model Cherokee. I don't know him but I had to ask if he had sold his old one in hopes that it might be for sale. "No, I will never sell it."

My wife has been through a few cars. We have had two Durangos, one with the V6 and the other with the 5.7 Hemi. Both were great engines, got good fuel mileage and no trouble with either. Her job is 50 miles away so the mileage builds up rather quickly. She got the new car bug a year and a half ago. I let her do the deal I didn't pay much attention just put my John Hancock on the paperwork. So when the deal was done I went out to check out her new Grand Wagoneer. I expected to see the new twin turbo Hurricane but no. It turned out it was a left over '23 which is why she got a really good deal. When I opened the hood there was a Hemi staring at me, not only a Hemi but a 6.4. Geez, it even has an exhaust note that lets you know it is not a car to fool with, a real hefty rumble. It even gets decent fuel mileage, it doesn't take much gas pedal to fly.
I have driven a rental Jeep with the 4 cylinder, I was impressed at how much power it had. Sorry I got off track.
kk

[Bulldog9]

There is a guy in my town who drives around in an older Cherokee with the six. It is spotless and sounds like it came out of the showroom last week. A few weeks ago he pulled up to the post office in a late model Cherokee. I don't know him but I had to ask if he had sold his old one in hopes that it might be for sale. "No, I will never sell it."

My wife has been through a few cars. We have had two Durangos, one with the V6 and the other with the 5.7 Hemi. Both were great engines, got good fuel mileage and no trouble with either. Her job is 50 miles away so the mileage builds up rather quickly. She got the new car bug a year and a half ago. I let her do the deal I didn't pay much attention just put my John Hancock on the paperwork. So when the deal was done I went out to check out her new Grand Wagoneer. I expected to see the new twin turbo Hurricane but no. It turned out it was a left over '23 which is why she got a really good deal. When I opened the hood there was a Hemi staring at me, not only a Hemi but a 6.4. Geez, it even has an exhaust note that lets you know it is not a car to fool with, a real hefty rumble. It even gets decent fuel mileage, it doesn't take much gas pedal to fly.
I have driven a rental Jeep with the 4 cylinder, I was impressed at how much power it had. Sorry I got off track.
kk

As a long time Jeep SUV lover, when the new Wagoneer came out, I was drooling. Wanted one really bad, but then saw the sticker, and the Grand Wagoneer even moreso. Hope you guys love it, it is a beautiful machine.

The 6.4 is a beast too, and I think that it uses the ZF based 8 speed? One of the best auto transmissions ever made. FWIW, if you are concerned about that horrid MDS system, running in Sport or Tow Haul Mode will prevent the computer from engaging the MDS. You can also disable it permanently, but that messes with warranty. My cousin is a long time Mopar Mechanic and talks about how much he hates the MDS and how it destroys their V8's.  Anyhow, double apology for going off topic...

But Maybe Not............. SRE, the Wagoneer is a great truck based SUV, and selling cheap as chips.

[bronzestar1]

Since it doesn't have to be new, and reliability is the top concern, the choice is obvious:  Toyota 4Runner.  The 4.0 V-6 and 5-speed automatic transmission is pretty much bulletproof, and there is a LOT of aftermarket support for this platform.  There are several trim levels, and I'd recommend the Limited version of the most recent models, since it has all-wheel drive and a locking center differential.  I had a '23 4R Limited, and my youngest daughter has a '23 4R TRD OffRoad Premium (ORP).  Her ORP has a lot more bells and whistles than my Limited had regarding driving modes, crawl control, etc.  But most of that stuff I'd never use, so the AWD of the Limited was enough for me.  Also, the Limited had a 3rd row seat, which wasn't an option on her ORP.  I'd avoid any of the vehicles in your list that are turbocharged, and try to stay with a normally-aspirated drivetrain.         

[nbags]

them 4 vehicles are more reliable then the crap being built today , domestic or import. I have a Cherokee sport that use for plowing not a ton of power but it will go thru anything. New cars are way over engineered   

[Aldo]

2014-2016 3rd Gen Toyota Highlander with 3.5L V6 Gas and 6-Speed Automatic is probably the most reliable vehicle on the planet. Get it in AWD or FWD. I have the AWD in Limited Platinum...it's bulletproof, tows 5k and seats everyone comfortably.  Third Row seating is useable, but mostly for kids...can work for adults in a crunch.  With the third row folded down, lots of room for cargo. Even more when you fold the middle row....I've even camped with it (slept in the back).

Stay away from 2017 and later Highlanders with the newer 8-speeds, the transmissions are garbage.

2nd Gen Nissan Frontier is a great runner up in terms of reliability, but it's a truck.

Jeeps are hardly synonymous with reliability, especially those with the Pentastar motor (google pentastar tick and the infamous crap oil cooler they used).

Just my .02 cents

[slowmover]

I bought a 2025 Nissan Frontier SV. I wanted an old school V6 before they disappeared. The Ford,Chevy and Tacomas all had turbo 4 cylinders. So far I’m happy.

[bronzestar1]

I bought a 2025 Nissan Frontier SV. I wanted an old school V6 before they disappeared. The Ford,Chevy and Tacomas all had turbo 4 cylinders. So far I’m happy.

Yup, one of the reasons I got my '25 Frontier.  The V6 and it was MUCH easier to find one with the standard-size bed...

[SIR REAL ED]

So far this thread has been an excellent education.  Please keep the opinions coming.

Lots of excellent information so far.  Thanks to everyone.  The 4Runner, Highlander, and Frontier all appeal to me.  A friend swears by Mazdas, but I don't think he keeps his vehicle for more than 100,000 miles.

At my age, I might only have about 200,000 miles of driving left before I get recalled!!!

A friend who is a mechanic thinks the sweet years for most vehicles is 1995-2005.  After OBD scanners, but before endless complication & sophistication.

Read that as, features a moron like me will never think to even look for, and then never figure out how to use properly after I become aware that the vehicle i have owned for years has those features.

The big question of buying new(er) to me is always, if $1500 per year keeps a vehicle of known quality running, how many monthly payments can you make for $1500?

Or spending $25K for something nicer is 16 years of $1500 a year repairs.

First world problems are the best kind to have.....

[bronzestar1]

"Read that as, features a moron like me will never think to even look for, and then never figure out how to use properly after I become aware that the vehicle i have owned for years has those features."

Don't feel bad...it took my daughter a year to realize her 4R ORP had a heated steering wheel!  It was SO funny, her and I are in her 4R ORP, which also has heated seats, and she made the comment that it would be nice if it also had a heated steering wheel.  I looked at her, reached over and pressed the button, and viola, heated steering wheel!  In her defense, the button to activate it was placed where as the driver you'd never know it was there, but still!

[SIR REAL ED]

I have not thought about it until now, but how many of the newer vehicles have quick shifters as standard equipment?

[Vagrant]

The six speed in my 17 Tundra shifts very fast and smoothly. And only as needed unlike some of these 9-10 speeds. They drive me nuts.
FYI, SRE you are a bit of an instigator aren't you.

[Vagrant]

I’ve mentally reset. I’d have to be nuts to buy something else.

[Kev m]

The six speed in my 17 Tundra shifts very fast and smoothly. And only as needed unlike some of these 9-10 speeds. They drive me nuts.

?!?

I'll take the ZF 8-speeds that are in our Jeeps and Land Rover over any automatic I've never owned or driven before thanks...

[Bulldog9]

?!?

I'll take the ZF 8-speeds that are in our Jeeps and Land Rover over any automatic I've never owned or driven before thanks...

Having driven vehicles with both of these transmissions, I will say again that I think the zfh speed is one of the finest automatic transmissions ever made. Of course it is much better executed in sports cars than it is in trucks, but it's a solid unit.

That said, the 6-speed and the Tundra is an outstanding transmission with perfectly spaced ratios and very solid upshifts, especially in tow haul mode. They can be made even crisper and more deliberate with a tune, But if I put the transmission in S and use the tow haul mode, it really wakes everything up and is a ton of fun.

I hear you Steve, the tundra is a fantastic truck, especially in the TRD pro trim with the true dual exhaust. Spend 8 hours in the truck today. Delivering kitchen cabinets and appliances to a friend's house to help them out. Had a blast every mile.

[Moparnut72]

I have a Cummins Ram with the heavy duty Aisin trans. These are used in Class 5 trucks. Pretty firm shifts but in Tow/Haul it will knock the fillings out of your teeth. Towing something really heavy it should shift firmly to prevent excessive wear on the clutch discs. Pulling a heavy load it is not so jaring but with no load it shifts really hard. We have had a few ZF 8 speeds, they are very seamless. The Durango had the gear engaged displayed on the dash the Jeeps don't.
kk

[SIR REAL ED]

"zfh speeds?"

"Alsin transmission?"

I need to do some more research!!!

Over the last few month I have read more than a drivers talk about big time engine problems in the 3.5 liter Honda Ridgeline.  This morning I encounter this information. 

https://apnews.com/article/honda-investigation-engine-failure-recall-acura-c5169e90d6efd6a81d7aeaa9fb0ff11d

Possibly 1.5 million engines?  $10,000 each. maybe?  Might be time to plan to buy some Honda stock on the dip.