Help with car selection

Bart.Man

Bart.Man

Active member
So here's the deal:

I currently have a Subaru Forester worth ~$3000-3500. I want to trade someone (a private party, not a dealership) for a more truck/SUV style vehicle, as I would like to start towing something. Here's the requirements the new truck/SUV must meet:

Easy to work on (preferably an older model of something)

Be able to tow at least 3500 pounds

Get decent gas mileage, as it will become my commuter (ideally above 11 mpg)

Be of similar value to avoid paying much more (although I'm willing to add cash to the trade)

I've been thinking an older (late 80's) 4runner, but I don't know if that would meet my towing weight requirements. Obviously the value of the vehicle depends largely on the condition of it, but I'm just thinking something that usually hovers in that general range. Any help and pointers/advice are much appreciated and will be met with +k. Thanks!
 
Can't go wrong with a late 90's early 00's jeep cherokee or grand cherokee. They run about 3-5 grand and get like 15-20 mpg. I used to tow with my 99 grand cherokee and it was swell
 
3rd gen? Seems a little out of my price range, or maybe not? Have a year range on the 3rd gen 4runners?
 
Ideally around $3500, but would be willing to go higher, to around $5000 (total, with cash on top of trade)
 
just cruised denver craigslist for 5 minutes and found 3 3rd gen 4 runners on the first page for less than 5k so def managable. all had about 200k miles on it but those things will run forever
 
Yeah I've been looking around and it seems like a very realistic goal. Anyone know about the towing abilities of those (v6 5 speed manual, ideally is what I'd end up with)?
 
When in doubt:

Volvo.png
 
I believe it would be around 5000. I have the i4 tacoma which is essentially a 4runner with a bed and my truck is rated for 3500 towing. I LOVE the thing. Definitely wouldn't be wrong going with a yota.
 
Jeeps from that era are the definition of money pits. The grand cherokees are all time 4wd and get about 12-13mpg and something needs repair every month. If yours treated you well then you got very lucky.

Ever wonder why there's always so many for sale? This is the reason.
 
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