JumpCut
New Member
So I'll keep this brief but it's important for me to get the experts to weigh in - We currently tow a camper and a boat during the summer (obviously not at the same time). The boat and trailer are approximately 3500 lbs and the 16 foot Scamp is about 2500 LBS with gear. So weight and towing capacity are not my questions. I currently tow with a 2006 Jeep Commander 4.7 L V8. I've always been a Jeep guy but, when I didn't own a Jeep it was a Ford (well most of the time I'm kind of a gear head and have owned a lot of cars and trucks). That being said, I haven't been impressed with Jeep's build quality and the Commander has 171k (plus it was stolen, purchased back from the insurance company and still rolling). It is being to smell "Oily" soooooo with the rep of this engine and its history - well lets just say it's time to move on.
Here is my question - I tend to get attached to my vehicles, especially a tow vehicle because it has all those great memories. So I've convinced my self that this truck no matter which one - I should approach as my "last truck" and build it to last. Let me also say my job has been keeping a "Good Used" tow vehicle going for years now because I aways buy used (mom gets the new car I get the dinged up jeep that hauls the toys). And that's ok! I thoroughly enjoy shopping, researching and looking. But, now it's a matter of reliability and longevity. We are getting older (early 50's) and don't need to break down on our way to the Keys with our sailboat. ALL THAT BEING SAID. I've even research the 6.0 or 7.3 power strokes. But, fear the maintenance will get ugly (though I came really close to buying 2005 Super Duty last weekend. Then along comes all the post about the reliability and longevity of the Ford Expedition and I think well lets have a look around Currently I'm comparing the following vehicles: 2005 Super Duty's, LEXUS 470GX (Toyota Land Cruiser), Various Suburban platforms and a 2001 Expedition with 128k original miles, all the services records and a good service history. The owner is asking $4200 and there is not a rip in the leather or any major body damage. Also, the owner just did uppers and lowers on the front end, new brakes and tires in the last 7k says it's ready to anywhere. The Super Duty's are not going to even be close in price as you know. I tapped out at $5000 on the 2005 in the negotiations. It needed brakes, ac was questionable and there where A LOT of check engine lights on and a broken window. That could get price fast on a diesel. The Toyota has 233k and also, according the owner needs nothing and will go anywhere now. But, it's $4900 could get it for $4600 maybe... so there it is. I'm also looking at a 2nd Gen 2003 with 140k also "ready to go." So what would you guys do? I guess I already know because I'm on the forum. But, help me understand if this is a good value based on the above plan. My "biggest complaint" with the Jeep is when I went to rebuild the Jeep it was going to be like 5K!!! "I'm out!" Will the expo take the miles? Will she get me to the keys and back or over the Rockies with a small camper and look good doing it? Let me hear some stories.
Here is my question - I tend to get attached to my vehicles, especially a tow vehicle because it has all those great memories. So I've convinced my self that this truck no matter which one - I should approach as my "last truck" and build it to last. Let me also say my job has been keeping a "Good Used" tow vehicle going for years now because I aways buy used (mom gets the new car I get the dinged up jeep that hauls the toys). And that's ok! I thoroughly enjoy shopping, researching and looking. But, now it's a matter of reliability and longevity. We are getting older (early 50's) and don't need to break down on our way to the Keys with our sailboat. ALL THAT BEING SAID. I've even research the 6.0 or 7.3 power strokes. But, fear the maintenance will get ugly (though I came really close to buying 2005 Super Duty last weekend. Then along comes all the post about the reliability and longevity of the Ford Expedition and I think well lets have a look around Currently I'm comparing the following vehicles: 2005 Super Duty's, LEXUS 470GX (Toyota Land Cruiser), Various Suburban platforms and a 2001 Expedition with 128k original miles, all the services records and a good service history. The owner is asking $4200 and there is not a rip in the leather or any major body damage. Also, the owner just did uppers and lowers on the front end, new brakes and tires in the last 7k says it's ready to anywhere. The Super Duty's are not going to even be close in price as you know. I tapped out at $5000 on the 2005 in the negotiations. It needed brakes, ac was questionable and there where A LOT of check engine lights on and a broken window. That could get price fast on a diesel. The Toyota has 233k and also, according the owner needs nothing and will go anywhere now. But, it's $4900 could get it for $4600 maybe... so there it is. I'm also looking at a 2nd Gen 2003 with 140k also "ready to go." So what would you guys do? I guess I already know because I'm on the forum. But, help me understand if this is a good value based on the above plan. My "biggest complaint" with the Jeep is when I went to rebuild the Jeep it was going to be like 5K!!! "I'm out!" Will the expo take the miles? Will she get me to the keys and back or over the Rockies with a small camper and look good doing it? Let me hear some stories.
