Jeep Cherokee XJ... sub/circa £1000 4x4s

[Justin Case]

I'm sure that a Subaru Forester or a five door RAV4 could be ideal; better both on and off road than most, and probaby not much smaller than the Cherokee inside.

[barmatt]

My brother has the ex-Wuvvum Jeep (4.0 pez auto iirc) with caramac leather, it's still providing decent service and he rates it.

 

Aye,this is it....

 

 

It's a typical yank cruiser, very easy to drive, automatic everything, huge cup holders, lovely squishy caramac leather seats and being just shy of 200hp it motors along returning low to mid 20's mpg depending on how often you like to hear the straight 6 shout at you

 

These do suffer from diff wind up, this one will drag it's heels on full lock, so I just avoid full lock. I changed the diif oils and put in the correct lsd additive and that helped a lot, it had massive understeer when I bought it but that was down to the front tyres showing metal, it's now wearing a nice set of Bridgestones so it goes where you point it.

 

This sounds like a for sale thread......

 

Well it can be if you like, I've been thinking about selling it on to buy a true wbod. If you're interested give me a shout.

[barmatt]

mmmmmmm squishy..............

 

[Tayne]

Car like?

 

Civilised for the missus?

 

 

 

SORTED!

 

 

[KruJoe]

Oof! ^ LWB Niva under that?

[Tayne]

If you insist.

 

 

 

Lada 2131 par Tayne, on ipernity

 

Long Lada Niva par Tayne, on ipernity

[Tayne]

Oof! ^ LWB Niva under that?

 

Just figured out what you meant.

 

Polish wikipedia says:

 

 

 

Polish Fiat 125p Combi with 4-wheel drive SUV that was built in 1977, based on Polish Fiat 125p Kombi. Equipped with a 1500 engine with a power of 75 hp and a transmission and front axle with Lada Niva, also used a wider front wheel arches and all-terrain tires ^[33] [7].There were several prototypes, and still retains at least one exhibit Motor Museum in Warsaw [33]. Fiat 4x4 gathered very positive reviews, but the project was suspended due to lack of components (Lada plants have not been able to meet Polish procurement) [34]

 

 

[cort16]

Impress your neighbours, depress your local AA man. 

 

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mercedes-benz/mercedes-ml430-auto-4.2l-4x4-2000-very-clean-year-mot-top-of-the-range/1138160467

[Alexg]

Frig me, I wouldn't touch one of those MLs with a stick-on-chrome lavished barge poll. Ok, thanks for the ideas, advise etc people. I enquired about a cracking looking Cherokee Sport 4.0l on ebay, looked a mega bargain for £695 with less than 100k and a dealer warranty (!).. but missed out, snapped up by a quicker punter straight away.

 

Then after a bit of sensible thinking, and a read through the comments I thought maybe a smaller less heroic 4x4 is the answer. If it's going to see little use a Subaru or Rav 4 would be less of an eyesore outside the gaff and less likely to throw a wobbly after a 6 week slumber. Another eBay browse and I only found the ultimate cult 4x4 hatch... Daihatsu Sirion Rally 4 - just 40k with full history and MOT at a dealer for £1500!!! I thought about it over the day, researched the best snow tyres and thought blow it, I'll find the extra cash... 'sorry, it's sold'. Snooze you lose I suppose. 

 

Anyway, the chances of finding another of those is non existent so I'm on Subaru Justys at the moment, Suzuki Swift shape. There's some sensibly priced ones out there at the moment like this. -

https://www.gumtree.com/p/subaru/subaru-justy-gx-awd-/1137670546

Just boshed this vendor an email asking about the cambelt, I think they need doing on these every 3 years or some silliness like that? If it looks sound I'll have it.

 

So, tyres. Looking at the best winter tyres for a small 4x4. I've narrowed it down to 4 Uniroyal MS plus 77 Winter tyres. In the group test on Auto Express they really impress, http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/89343/uniroyal-ms-plus-77-tyre-review and tyre leader can do 4 for £120! Bargz!

[cort16]

Oh come on were's your sense of adventure?Someone on here has to buy one so they can report back their findings.

[skattrd]

I can do you better than a Sirion rally4, I've got a spare Storia X4, but it's a tad over your budget ...  £3.5k

 

If you're serious about a rally4 though I can ask around for you. I did hear of someone selling a Mira classic as well ... 5 door 4wd kei

[skattrd]

The Sirion 4-trac is the same car underneath as the rally4, just without the special edition bits and is only slightly less powerful ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221906224044