Could I be happy with an 80 ???

[trump]

If the current Xterra meets with your approval, why not a 2nd gen? It checks all the boxes on what you're trying to improve.

[tacollie]

Have you had a chance to drive an 80? That may make a difference. I was set on getting an 80 until I drove one. Personally I like lighter vehicles and an FZJ80 actually makes my 4Runner seem fast.

On a different note a buddy was going to keep his 60 and do a motor swap. He went and test drove one FZJ80 that was in less than stellar condition. He drove to the bank and then home. He sold his 60 2 days later.

I like the 100s better.

[mph]

I think you would like a 100 series if you like driving a tank...We have a 100 series and a 06 4runner....Night and day difference in terms of handling. The 100 series feels like you can drive over anything while the 4runner feels quick; that you could swerve and miss it...

If the 100 series was my daily driver; then I would think twice. MPG sticks...

[timh]

I have definitely considered the 2nd gen Xterra's. Problem is mine is an 04, to get an 05 I have to spend nearly twice as much. The value of every vehicle that does fit my needs perfectly is just a little higher than I can afford right now. After hearing more about the 100's I am reluctant to even go that route now. Maybe the 2nd gen Xterra is my best choice...

[trump]

I have definitely considered the 2nd gen Xterra's. Problem is mine is an 04, to get an 05 I have to spend nearly twice as much. The value of every vehicle that does fit my needs perfectly is just a little higher than I can afford right now. After hearing more about the 100's I am reluctant to even go that route now. Maybe the 2nd gen Xterra is my best choice...

If you don't mind me asking, what price range are you looking at? I don't know much about 100's pricing, but for an example, we got my wifes Xterra (The '06 listed below) for $19k out the door with ~20k miles in 2008. If you went that route you'd still have a pretty familar platform and being able to get out of its own way is a bit of an understatement . That said, I'm not hating on the crusiers... would love to own an 80! Problem will always be the age/milage for me, and for you the power would be a marginal improvement.

Edit: Forgot to add that we normally get ~18-19 mpg with the X (6 spd manual and 265/75/16's)

[AeroSynch]

Would it be a bad idea to mention a Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (99-04)? 4.7 V8 and solid axles for under $10,000 depending on the year. 15/20 MPG also I believe since it is not very heavy being a unibody (~4000 lbs).

[timh]

Would it be a bad idea to mention a Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (99-04)? 4.7 V8 and solid axles for under $10,000 depending on the year. 15/20 MPG also I believe since it is not very heavy being a unibody (~4000 lbs).

Yes, yes it would...j/k. Previous to the Xterra I had a 2001 XJ Sport with a 3.5" lift and 32's. I hated that Jeep, drove like crap on the road. It worked great offroad but neither my wife or I ever enjoyed driving it on the road. Since the suspension is essentially the same on the Grand than I would quickly decline that option.

Trump- my current Xterra is worth somewhere in the $7-8K range. On a newer one I don't think I could swing anything more than $10k right now, things are just a little bit tight and I have too many other hobbies that are occupying some cash. I have seen some 05's going for around $11k but I never seem to see them in time enough to consider it. I may just have to deal with this one for now and wait until the values come down a little more.

[brushogger]

Yes, yes it would...j/k. Previous to the Xterra I had a 2001 XJ Sport with a 3.5" lift and 32's. I hated that Jeep, drove like crap on the road. It worked great offroad but neither my wife or I ever enjoyed driving it on the road. Since the suspension is essentially the same on the Grand than I would quickly decline that option.

Trump- my current Xterra is worth somewhere in the $7-8K range. On a newer one I don't think I could swing anything more than $10k right now, things are just a little bit tight and I have too many other hobbies that are occupying some cash. I have seen some 05's going for around $11k but I never seem to see them in time enough to consider it. I may just have to deal with this one for now and wait until the values come down a little more.

Try driving the WJ. I've had an xj and WJ. The WJ is night and day difference on the road. They definitely don't ride the same.

[spressomon]

The big trick, if you decide an 80 is for you, is finding one with lower miles that's been taken care of/maintained. Even early 100's are getting difficult to find with <100k miles.

[trump]

Trump- my current Xterra is worth somewhere in the $7-8K range. On a newer one I don't think I could swing anything more than $10k right now, things are just a little bit tight and I have too many other hobbies that are occupying some cash. I have seen some 05's going for around $11k but I never seem to see them in time enough to consider it. I may just have to deal with this one for now and wait until the values come down a little more.

Got it. I hope you can figure something out then.

The big trick, if you decide an 80 is for you, is finding one with lower miles that's been taken care of/maintained. Even early 100's are getting difficult to find with <100k miles.

That's what I was thinking as well. We all know they're reliable and have many good miles ahead of them at that point, but there are always the little things that need to be done on an older cruiser that can "nickle and dime you." Part of why I think just getting a newer vehicle for the right price would be the better investment. However, if you just want to have a piece of the legacy... get the 80.