Looking to purchase a used car

Hey guys, I am in the market for a used auto. a few years ago I purchased a used Dodge Intrepid with 19,000 miles on it. I had it for 3 years and had 100k miles on it when the engine blew because a sludge problem. After looking itto it more it seems that that car with the smaller engine was prone to this problem. At the time I still owed a lot on it and decided to spend 3500 on a used engine. I was hoping to get 2 to 3 more years out of it. Well 9 months later it happened again. It was a great car just a poorley designed engine. Well I am on the hunt again. I own my own printing company and so I am looking to either get a SUV or minivan. I have found several i am interested in. 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 130k miles on it. It seems to be a well maintained auto. I did a car fax and all looks good.  They are asking 5500 I am also looking at a  2000 Mercury Mountaineer    121k miles on it  Also well maintained asking 4990 Then there is the Ford Windstar limited  aprox 100k miles on it also well maintained asking 5900. I have about 6000 to spend I am looking to find somehing for local driving as I now live above my shop and won be putting on many miles . I am also looking for something I can pull my sled with. What do you guys think? Mike

I would not buy an American car with over 100K mile. I have also had an intrepid and two other Dodges both trucks that all gave iy up around 100K. Actually one of the trucks didn't even make it to 20K before Dodge bought it back. I then got into a Ford f150 that I loved and had ZERO trouble with until it hit 123K the tranny exploded. I now am driving a Trailblazer thats been great so far. I also purchased the 100K mile warranty On the up side the costs of SUV has dropped quite a bit lately because of the cost of gas. If you could find a low mileage ford i would say OK but the hondas and toyotas are very reliable. HWOEVER stay away from the first two years of the Tundra, they were build on Tacoma frames, Tacomas are their smaller truck.

Mike -  My opinion - go with the Jeep.  The Mercury is a Ford Explorer. Mom had one that once hit 132k, needed complete front end. Sean

I’m with Sean on this one…. Go for the Jeep if those are your options. My neighbor has one and runs the he11 out of it And it still hasn’t given him problems. (he’s a "Mud-slingin’-Boat-trailer-pullin’ fiend.") Hey, glad you clicked the link. Welcome to the Men’s Locker Room! Hope you find all of the info, experience and support That this bunch has to offer. Best Wishes- Dx

Hi Mike, Does the Jeep have the 4.0 litre engine? If it does, snatch it up, that engine is the best and most dependable engine made. My mechanic loves that engine for durability. I bought one for my son that had 127,000 miles and it is still running fine 2 years later. Tman

4.0= old Mopar 318 ?

IMHO.... The Jeep is the only one to consider, especially if it has the 4.0 straight 6 engine. If it has the V-8, I would pass. The Jeeps are famous for front brake rotors warping and the power window cables breaking every 50K miles or so. Otherwise, they are as solid as an American vehicle gets.  We have owned a bunch of Jeeps in our fleet, and still have a few of them with upwards of 180K miles on them. We have switched over to Honda and Toyota over the years. Almost all Honda now. We have 7 Honda Civics, an Element and a new CR-V. One of the Civics has spent one day in the shop for a very minor problem, over the last 7 years and well over 1M miles between them. Just oil, filters and brakes. Nothing else. We have 2 Toyota Pick-ups, both 1999's with over 200K miles each. Had to replace the catalytic converter on one of them recently. Otherwise, nothing but oil, filters and brakes. Good Luck. JP

If you are looking into a smaller truck, you may get a better deal by buying the foreign partner of an American manufacturer.  For example, the Mazda truck and compact Ford are made on the same assembly line--kind of like the old Dart and Valiant--just different badging.  Look up the various auto mags online for further info.  Also, if you can afford a more recent model, you may get a decent buy on a vehicle coming off of a 3 year lease.

Mike, I've been in business for myself also, and I would stay away from the little stuff. If you are going to be using it for your printing business also, I would go with a full size van.  I've had several, and a full size Ford or Chevy will get a consistent 15-18 mpg if you keep your foot out of it.  If this is to be your main vehicle, not full time cargo.. I would suggest a conversion van with the rear seat removed.  I've had two like that, and they were very comfortable, could still seat 2 in the middle captains chairs, but had room in the back for large items up to a riding mower The Triton 5.4 engine in the Ford vans is an excellent motor, and I know guys who have ran 7-900,000 miles without an overhaul. (Expediters).  With proper maintenance,  it is a very long life vehicle. Dale