4 wheel drive info?

[Jersey mike]

Hello all,

I'm looking to get a (used) SUV type vehicle for the family preferably a 4x4, like a decent Jeep Cherokee, but since I've never owned a 4x4 I'm not sure on what to be prepared to check out when testing a previously owned vehicle of this type. Most of the info online is pretty generic so I'm wondering what hints or tips people could recommend and what is normal sounds and feel.

Like I said I've never owned a 4x4 or an AWD vehicle and only ridden in probably 2 in my life for a short period.

This vehicle would not be used for off road purposes, just normal driving.

Thanks and I appreciate any tips and comments.

Mike

[Hook#3287]

There are so many options in that area of transportation with each having it's own pluses and minuses, it would be impossible to list them here.

I can tell you, I had a Ford Explorer 20 years ago and it was great.  Friends and family have owned just about every brand you can name and they all are good and bad.

Friend of mine just traded in her 2003 Honda CRX with 230K on it for a new one.  She loved her old one but the rust was catching up.

Best thing is to find one you like and have a qualified mech check it out if you don't feel you can.

[MarkT]

I don't want to get into any pissing contest over brands, but I have owned at least one 4X4 continuously since '78 - quite a few brands and capabilities.  One was rigged for snowplowing and I did a lot of that, with commercial accounts, in Wisconsin during the horrible winter of '79. (IIRC) There is a whole gamut of capabilities, from serious rock crawlers down to soccer mom's minivans with AWD. Rock crawling is a BLAST - had some fun doing that in the Colorado mountains, over old mining trails.  Have not built a custom crawler for competition - there are shops here that do that.

There is also a lot of variance in reliability and of course costs.  FWIW, in terms of reliability, Toyota makes some great trucks.  I would suggest doing some digging into what Consumer Reports says, and do a bunch of surfing online in 4-by forums.  BTW, CR doesn't say good things about Jeeps. Or Ford Escapes. And I have had good Fords and bad ones.  Presently have an Exploder and a new Mazda CX5 AWD.

[BF]

I've owned three Jeeps.  A late '60's J10, a brand new J20 in '76, an '80's Cherokee.....and my son owns now a Wrangler.  

There's a world of difference from the '60's and '70's Jeeps and the ones from the 80's till now.  

I had nothing but trouble with that Cherokee and my son has had nothing but headaches with his Wrangler.  

I've also had several Ford 4x4's including an F150, a full size Bronco and a Bronco II.  I've loved them all.  

My current ride is an old Expedition.  

They do suck gas, but any Expedition with 4 wheel would be a good buy IMHO.  If you want/need four wheel drive, just flip a switch on the dash.  

You might also want to look at the Toyota 4runner.  

As for tips on buying one, just take it for a test drive like you would any other vehicle......and take a look under it.  What you see under it will tell you a lot about how it's been treated.  

[cookiedough]

If not too much on the heavy side since for me, the seats are too skinny and hard to tolerate driving it, my neighbor bought a new 2014 Mazda CX5 AWD like MarkT did and is a good vehicle overall, highly rated for a smaller SUV.  Looks nice, fairly roomy and decent priced and drives nice, returns darn good gas mileage at near 30 mpg. I just don't like the seats, too skinny and too firm for my behind. 

I too would steer clear of Jeep Cherokee's, as indicated Consumer Reports (if you can believe them?) doesn't like much of anything Jeep related. 

We own a Hyundai Santa fe 3.3L V6 and that is nice as well for a bigger SUV than the Mazda CX5 and still gets near 26 avg mpg.  The Kia Sorento (clone of Santa fe) is a tad cheaper and is just as nice but different interiors and is a good value.

All depends on what you want, we really cannot decide for you, just offer opinions.  I do like the looks of the new Ford Explorer and am sure rides nice being a bigger SUV yet, but the higher price turns me off.

So many good choices out there nowadays, hard to pick just one really. 

Whatever you do, test ride it and more than just 5-10 minutes.  Most dealers will let you if asked take it home for the night and return the next day so you get a good 40-60 mile test ride. 

[Jersey mike]

Hello again,

 I wasn't looking for vehicle recommendations specifically,my interest was more toward mechanical issues in the 4 wheel drive line.  What would be tell tale signs of abuse, if the 4 wheel was operating correctly, any noises or sounds that would be indicators of something being wrong....or right.

My father in law owns a Honda Element AWD which I've driven briefly and noticed a difference from a rear wheel and front wheel vehicle.

Once I decide on a $$ range I can zero in on a make and model from customer reviews and seeing them in person. I'm pretty good at buying used cars and trucks and can find faults/issues that are obvious or trying to be hidden it's just that I've never owned a 4x4 or AWD so I'm not familiar with them.

Thanks again,

Mike

[PAVALKER]

Honda Pilot for SUV or Honda Ridgeline if you want the comfort of the SUV with a truck body, and plenty of utility and storage capability.  The ride is very comfortable, smooth and responsive and  don't forget Honda reliability.

Very happy with my Ridgeline.

Oh.....well, after reading your post above...... You just want to make sure the 4wd works I assume and it will be rough and jerky in a traditional 4x4 on dry dirt or pavement.  Shouldn't make any loud noises except for possibly when first engaged.  No leaks on either front or rear drive line.   I never had any maintenance issues with my 4x4s, just change fluids and didn't have any issues.

And on the Pilot/Ridgeline, the 4x4 is more automatic and it adjusts the torque itself.  You can lock it in VTM4 4x4 manually when stuck in snow or mud, in 1st or 2nd gear up to 18mph I believe, but not necessary for normal use.  Like the Element....

[cookiedough]

I don't think you will have too much issue with a used, but somewhat newer, 4wd SUV with the 4wd not working properly.  Most people who have a 4wd SUV rarely use the 4wd more than say 5-10 times per year is all. 

Only issue I ever had was one of my still under warranty chevy silverado with the 'auto 4wd' button not engaging.  My chevy dealer was aware of that issue and was a bad set of switches not enabling 4wd.

I like the idea, if working as it should,  the idea of some SUV's and trucks out there that have the 'auto 4wd' button vs. just the true 4wd button all the time.  Auto 4wd behaves like 2wd when push the auto 4wd button in, but nearly instantaneously switches to 4wd as needed off and on all by itself in slippery driving conditions.  Otherwise,  if just a 4wd button, it is ALL THE time in 4wd which is not needed all the time in most driving conditions and makes turning/steering sometimes more hard. 

One thing you do not want to do (besides making testing a used 4wd vehicle to make sure 4wd works) is when it is dry pavement (no snow nor ice nor rain),  you should not use 4wd.    You can test a vehicle with 4wd and push the button on dry pavement to make sure it works and no odd noises, but don't run it very long on dry pavement with 4wd on. 

[Big Rig]

JM,

They are all different, depends on what your needs are.

You know the basics, AWD all the time, 4x4 (locking hubs I have found the most reliable (typically older trucks). New models have hi and low range, I had an 97 f150 that would climb a tree in low 4x4 mode.

If you test drive any, take your time and LISTEN to what the vehicle is telling you. Make full cirlce turns left and right...if you hear or feel any grinding in those turns rethink your choice. Also, if you can get under the vehicle, do a visual inspection of the transfer case, if it is dark around the seals, think twice, unless they have paper work saying it was rebuilt. While under, look at the undercarriage. If it looks abused (scrapes, dents, rust) it probably was.  Most and I say most of them are like the valk, pretty durable when maintained. I will tell you (you already know) that running in 4by mode will eat gas...
It all depends on how you plan to use it. I would stear clear of any 4x4 that was used for plowing...those trucks have a short service life.

Good luck and show some pics when you finally get your new ride.

[Jess Tolbirt]

www.jeepforum.com
www.jeepforum.com/forum/
www.wranglerforum.com

there are lots of them... i belong to jeepforum.com

[da prez]

As stated earlier , consumer reports is a good reference. Beware of a low price on a newer vehicle.
another good place to check when you get close to finding one you like is to go online (sometimes I hate that word) and check the recall info as they will tell you a lot. Consumers Report do not buy list is there for a reason. I usually agree with them. Look for the options you want. The more bells and whistles , the more problems.

                                      da prez

[Hooter]

4 X 4s used can have a mirad of issues. I've owned one most of my life. Ask for service records. Look in it, at it, and under it. Ask about any accidents. A magnet works well for checking the body. DRIVE it in 2 wheel and especially in 4 wheel making sharp turns in both directions. Listen for noise, clicking, popping etc. This shold be done in a dirt area. Pavement will cause skipping of the front end if turned in 4 wheel. Look for dirt on the skid plates which means it's been off road. Under side will tell a lot. Look for leaks while your are  under there. Ck. the oil and see if it is clean. Smell the transmission fluid for burn. Tire wear can tell a bunch about the drive train. Especially the front tires.
   All else, take it to your favorite trusted mechanic and let him go over it.

[signart]

Buy yourself a Subaru, if you can find anyone that will sell theirs. Then go wax a Valkyrie in the twisties.

[henry 008]

Buy yourself a Subaru, if you can find anyone that will sell theirs. Then go wax a Valkyrie in the twisties.

+1

[DK]

You need to decide up front, 4WD or AWD. They're two different animals. You say a family hauler, which suggests AWD.

AWD gets you better mileage & lower maintence. I've driven 900,000 + miles on three Toyota AWD LandCruisers. I'm a maintenance fanatic, but I drive hard & fast. On all three vehicles my only substantial repair has been replacing a plastic radiator for $250.00. However, the things are so heavy you get lousy fuel mileage. ( 14 on the 6 cylinders & 22 with the current V8 ).

We have had several 4WD's on the farm. They are rough riding, very high fuel mileage high maintenance machines. We have had to rebuild several front ends for $$$. Granted, they are not very well maintained and get knocked around a lot. However in any event I do not think anyone would seriously contend that 4WD comes close to AWD in longevity and maintenance cost.

IMHO, don't buy a 4WD unless you actually need it.

When inspecting either type for possible purchase, pay particular attention to the drive train for slack in the gear sets, U joints, CV joints, propeller shaft slides, or knuckle joints. Many of these vehicles have old fashioned grease fittings best serviced every 6000 miles or so. You can pretty well tell if this has been done by looking at the component. Toyota trucks & SUV's & I'm sure other makes have knuckle joints that must be greased every 6000 miles. Greasing the knuckle joints is often overlooked as there is no grease fitting - on Toyotas there is a 1/2" pipe plug that must be removed & 6-8 strokes of chassis grease pumped in. Inspect for oil leaks especially around the transfer case. Set the brake & vigorously shift from forward to reverse repeatedly.  Be sure the door is open. Evaluate the slack & listen to the noises, especially clicking & popping. Some slack & sound is normal but at some point it crosses the line.  While driving the vehicle listen for gear whine & modestly but sharply "slalom" it back & forth on a safe road to evaluate the front suspension / steering. Hit some speed bumps hard. Find a rough gravel road. Ask for service records. Any of these drive train repairs are very expensive. Remember that a quality make / model with low mileage can be badly abused and barely show it. You have to look hard & remember that some people buy them for duck hunting, climbing hills, and mudding. It's best to buy a one-owner from a blue haired little lady on Sunday afternoon after church.

Apart from the drive train, evaluate the rest of the vehicle as you would with any other. Mainly, do your research. I believe they all have their pipe plug sort of peculiarities & a whole lot of people don't maintain their vehicles & this is really a killer on AWD or 4WD vehicles.

Dan

[bvergeer]

Buy yourself a Subaru, if you can find anyone that will sell theirs. Then go wax a Valkyrie in the twisties.

+1

+2

The best AWD in the DD business. Not always the fanciest of automobiles but unquestionable the most capable for everyday wet or winter driving. The best part is you don't have to search for an AWD Subie, they all are.

Ride Safe,
Bob

[DK]

+3

I love their boxer engine. Smooth, light, low to the ground & powerful.

[fudgie]

I would opt for 4x4 rather then awd. To me I want to control the 4x4,4hi & 4lo. Turning with a 4x4 is 'harder' then a 2 wd. Only cause it 'pulls' you. If your not on dry pavement your fine. 4x4 do 'whine' as your using another gear box so to speak. GM has independent front suspension rather then a straight axel like fords. Unless Ford has changed. Some off road models have skid plates, other 4x4s don't. I like skid plates.

Other then 2 front wheel bearing assembly's and axel seal my 04 Z71 has been great.