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Help with car selection

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Bart.Man
Posts: 1742 - Karma: 1,952
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!
Jun 23 2013 2:12AM
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JakeAssBeatClap
Posts: 6673 - Karma: 2,537
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
Jun 23 2013 2:15AM
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Bart.Man
Posts: 1742 - Karma: 1,952
Cool, thanks. I'll look into that idea.
Jun 23 2013 2:20AM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
without a doubt 3rd generation 4 runner
Jun 23 2013 2:28AM
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bighomieflock
Posts: 2040 - Karma: 2,445
.
Jun 23 2013 2:31AM
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ILLinoisance
Posts: 3527 - Karma: 5,398
V6 Tacoma
Jun 23 2013 2:34AM
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Bart.Man
Posts: 1742 - Karma: 1,952
3rd gen? Seems a little out of my price range, or maybe not? Have a year range on the 3rd gen 4runners?
Jun 23 2013 2:35AM
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ILLinoisance
Posts: 3527 - Karma: 5,398
What's your price range exactly?
Jun 23 2013 2:36AM
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Bart.Man
Posts: 1742 - Karma: 1,952
Ideally around $3500, but would be willing to go higher, to around $5000 (total, with cash on top of trade)
Jun 23 2013 2:39AM
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grapejuice3000+
Posts: 2132 - Karma: 1,985
honestly, id go with this. its got a huge engine, but diesel really is very economical and no doubt this will tow whatever.

Jun 23 2013 2:53AM
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Bart.Man
Posts: 1742 - Karma: 1,952
Oh hell yeah! That would make an excellent daily commuter.
Jun 23 2013 2:57AM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
3rd gen is 95-02

something like this

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3887474168.html

maybe a little out of your price range but you can find some for around 5k and a bunch of 2nd gen ones from 2k-5k
Jun 23 2013 3:05AM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
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
Jun 23 2013 3:09AM
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MASkier
Posts: 657 - Karma: 704
INB4 STI Brah.
Jun 23 2013 11:26AM
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Dwarftosser1
Posts: 2602 - Karma: 951
If I had 4700 to spend and was willing to drive to Ft.Lupton......
Jun 23 2013 1:53PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,298
Wrx......trollface.jpeg
Jun 23 2013 2:35PM
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QuantumMechanic
Posts: 1029 - Karma: 891
Do want
Jun 23 2013 2:39PM
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Bart.Man
Posts: 1742 - Karma: 1,952
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)?
Jun 23 2013 3:54PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
When in doubt:

Click for larger image
Jun 23 2013 4:04PM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
Should be around 5000 (thats what the 4th gen v6 is rated for) but some quick googling will give you the exact numbers
Jun 23 2013 5:28PM
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7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
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.
Jun 23 2013 7:49PM
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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
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.
Jun 23 2013 7:59PM
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Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,816
tundra v8 or tacoma v6
Jun 23 2013 8:17PM
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