February 22, 2010, 7:03 am
Its time for me to upgrade to a 4 wheel drive thats semi decent on gas. I have narrowed it down to these two options. (Feel free to offer suggestions for cars that I may have missed.)
ONE: My cousin is willing to sell me his 1998 Ford Explorer XLT with a 5 speed manual transmission and 4wd. He claims it is the stock V8 they put in the mustangs but I have done my research and can't find a model thats a V8 with 4wd anywhere. He doesnt really know what he's talking about when it comes to cars. Anyways, its in pretty damn good shape, it has a little over 99,000 miles. Their are no issues apparent to me. I drove it, and it drives really well. I totally understand that these cars are NOT good on gas, but heres the catch: He is willing to sell it to me for only 1500. He is a trustworthy guy, and he is family. He is only the second owner. He is only selling it because he got a new truck, and does not drive it. I drive very little just to school and back, and I would like to take it to Tahoe, and maybe 4 wheeling down at Pismo Beach. I have read mixed reviews on this model, but it seems to be decent. I just need something reliable, 4wd, and some room to get my drums around.
TWO: I have seen quite a few early to mid 90's Pathfinders on Craigslist for sale. I really do like the look, and like the reviews on them ever more. They are roomy, and extremly reliable. They are pretty good on gas as well. Best of all, they are semi affordable. BTW, I cannot pay much more than 2000 for a car. Part time job and being a student living on my own doesnt allow me to purchase a brand new car right now. The only issue with the majority of the pathfinders I am seeing is that they typically will have 200,000 miles or more on them within this price range. I do not have the time or the money to have the engine overhauled anytime soon, and I don't want to risk this being a problem.
So I am just looking for opinions and/or ideas. Keep in mind that I want something that isn't too bad on gas, I want a stick shift, 4wd, and best of all, affordable. My 82 Volvo just isnt cutting it anymore. While it is reliable, I need something with a little more power, and 4wd. I am not too excited on owning a ford, as I was raised with a family who hated american cars, but I may be willing to give this a shot.
Let me know.
