Looking for some advice.

I am wanting a backup/weekend SUV. I sold my jeep because it was not big enough. I drive 100 miles a month but I want something that will last a few years with min upkeep.

Here is what I am thinking.

2nd Gen (95-01)-- These have the nice look and I can pick them up for 2-3K in the area. I have looked online at some for sell and looking at car lots as I drive by. Going with the older ones I am sure I will have to be careful with the rust(I am in Northern Indiana)

4 door--This is a must as I need enough room for the family to ride

4WD-- This is a must, I would like to do a small lift on it in a few years. Something like 2-3" total lift just for a aggressive look with all terrain tires.

V8 or V6-- The V8 would give me a lot more power then that V6 and it has a lot more aftermarket parts for that 5.0 as it is the same one that comes in the mustang if I am right. The MPG is not a huge diff from one to the other.

Trim package-- Key less entry it a very big plus and everything else I can take or leave.

Transmission-- I would like the 5 speed just because I miss driving a manual but I know those will be hard to find.

What should I look for?
Where does the rust start?
Any known problems to look for? (transmission trouble or motor fails)


EDIT** I would like to be able to pull a camper when I get one. Looking at one about 20' so not a huge one.


Thanks

 

I had a 2000 Mountaineer Premier with the V8. I never had a single mechanical problem with it. I did have rust issues with it. It appeared as if maybe the rear drains, just before the rear wheels, plugged and allowed water (and salt) to pool up and rust out. The only visible signs of the rust was some bubbling at the seam at the base of the rear door opening. Once I took the running boards off to investigate further, the rust was about 2" x 8" on both sides. I ended up cutting the rust out, forming some new metal, welding it in, painting, and reinstalling the running boards.

There was also a little bit of rust that formed behind the passenger side front wheel that ended up about the size of a quarter. Other than that it didn't rust bad and they use quite a bit of salt in the winters here.

The only power train problems I had were an intermittent MAF sensor (set a code for Intermittent MAF so it was easy to diagnose) and pitted rear axle bearings.

-Rod