Need Help Deciding what SUV to Buy!

[Beetree]

Our car died. We want to get a used SUV. I am tall, so I already know I don't want a Honda, Or Nissan. I had a Trooper (89) once and loved it. Our daughter suggested a Jeep L. or a Subaru. I just don't know what to do! I hate car shopping! Last time we were lied to and ripped off! Thank you for any suggestions! Take Care, Bee

 

[dieseltrooper]

Here are some helpful sites...
www.kbb.com
www.alldata.com
www.autotrader.com

Tell us your most important criteria, such as age, price, reliability, and use.

 

[Beetree]

Thank you DT for the links! I would really like to find a DTrooper, like the one Doc found in the guys garage! LOL In fact I would love a DTrooper. Personally, I like the older models. It can be scary to buy something older and then have some major part go bad though. I do not want to buy a new car. Do want something reliable. Do want to tow a 15 ft. fibergl. boat. I also want one of the petromax German lanterns, Doc was posting about! want want want

 

[dieseltrooper]

I'd love to find another "dieseltrooper" as well!

But... 2.2ltrs is not enough for towing imo. Parts availability is another issue. Anything for the C223T will be special order via the dealer $$.
You didn't say if you needed 2 or 4 doors. How much "shade-tree" wrenching are you equipped to do? Anything over 100K mi will need ongoing maint. Little things bite you in the exhaust manifold... Like my 91 Trooper lacking a auto trans drain plug. What was Chevy thinking?
For reliabillity, Toyota is hard to beat. There is a 76 Landcruiser for sale in my neighborhood w/350 Chevy power. $1500. Betcha that would tow your boat...

 

[Hamilton Felix]

Beetree, it sounds like you already know you like the Isuzu Trooper. And you know you'd like the diesel version. As dieseltrooper pointed out, you wouldn't have a lot of towing power. But how often do you tow the boat, and over what kind of terrain? A 15 foot boat is pretty small. How much real weight are you looking at, trailer and all?

If you know what you want, start searching for it. Putting a used Trooper into top shape is less expensive than buying a new one, though it's a lot harder to get financing.

 

[Beetree]

I asked for help and sure got it. THANKS Bunches! I bet that landcruiser can go through some gas! The boat..do not know how much it weighs, but will find out. Boat ramps can be slippery. But most terrain is asphalt roads. So far! Thanks again!

 

[dieseltrooper]

Link to 1980 IH Scout diesel: http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/adsearch/collectorsearchprocess.html
79 Diesel Scout: http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/3/2/74180532.htm
Another 1980 Scout (turbodiesel): http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/adsearch/collectorsearchprocess.html
1980 INTERNATIONAL SCOUT II TW, POWER STEERING, 94K ACTUAL MILES, 4-SPEED, COLD AIR CONDITIONING, RARE TURBO DIESEL, EXTREMELY CLEAN, RUNS & DRIVES 100%, $10000, 336-985-0322, 336-408-8451, 336-287-4480, CLAYTON AUTO SALES, WINSTON-SALEM(336) 408-8451

I love how some folks think these trucks are worth these prices...

Btw, the diesel in the Scouts is a 3.5ltr Nissan staight 6. The 1980 models are easy to spot due to the square headlights (only year).
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/5/7/74287057.htm

 

[dieseltrooper]

More diesel ads from autotrader collector cars...
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/5/9/73744859.htm
1981 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER, {COMPLETELY RESTORED}BJ40 Diesel new body, retubed with steel, all rust sandwiches removed 100% sandblasted, etched and painted, new shocks, fuel tank, seats, brakes, restored and ready for daily use, appraised at $35K Canadian. wow $26, 000, 902-798-4274.

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/0/9/74125009.htm
1983 TOYOTA PICKUP, DIESEL, 5 spd, Arizona Native, no winters, 2 owners, low miles, cold air conditioning, stereo, handy reliable truck, sips fuel, $3, 250 may trade. Grand Rapids, MI, 616-868-6984.

1986 ISUZU PICKUP, diesel, 30-40 mpg, 5 spd., new paint and carpet, LB ex tires, alloy whls., refurbished, $3,1955, 706-865-1659.

 

[Beetree]

WOW, I can't believe some of those $ either! Thanks for the interesting links and reading! There is a little of everything out there in web world!