thanks for the good advice guys.. im not 100% sure what i want to do.. i really miss having the ability haul around decent sized cargo, but im not positive im ready to make the plunge, but im going to start lookin around a bit

im doing the sameting. so far around here the jimmy and bravadas are they best deals. either those or a chereokee. im just waiting for a buyer for my car.

I agree with the 4.3 S10s... My wife'* truck is a 99 Jimmy and we've had more than our fair share of problems but I think this truck led a hard lift before we bought it.... I know the front end issues... It'* the same front end they use in the full size trucks, only smaller and less durable. If you're shopping for one upper and lower ball joints are usually the issue. I've heard good things about the TrailBlazers... A friend of mine is selling one for about $4000. High mileage but a new recent motor.

I'd STRONGLY go towards a Ford Explorer. They are the Vanilla standard for SUV'* but you simply can't go wrong. Parts and maitnence are relativly cheap due the mass amounts on the road. The 4.0L is a tried and true powertrain, that continues today. If a small truck is what you're leaning towards, I'd also go for a Ranger. All the powerplants are bulletproff, esp if you get a manual tranny to boot. As you know, I own a 1996 Ford Explorer and my sister own'* a 1993 Ford Ranger. Both are the most hassel free vehicles in our family'* fleet, the Bonnie being the worse. You can get a mid-to-high 90'* model for relativly cheap. I'd recomend a 4x4 unit none-the-less. It always comes in handy.

I wouldn't choose GM, well, they've had worse reliability. Mopar is in the same boat except for crappier powertrain/tranny/rear-end setup. next closest thing I'd get would be a Toyota 4-Runner or Pickup. But they will be a higher price and will be a pain to work on due to them being an import. BUT, they have a higher rate of staying on the road longer.

Best of luck!

And the V8 models arn't bad eather. Can tow quite a bit as well. Along with the awsome AWD system....

But where are you going to put all the 2x4'*,plywood, ice, beer and 6 buddies to help ya on a Saturday. LOL.

If you get a Ford, get one with the 4.9 Straight six and if you go auto, make sure its the E4OD. I still have my 92 F-150 reg cab reg bed w/ +200k I love that truck as much as my Bonnie. Still runnin' strong

Well, I may get beat for this, but I would check out the Subaru Forrester. Awesome little SUVs. 4 banger, so it gets awesome gas mileage, even the n/a ones are pretty quick, but add a turbo, whoa. Plus, they're all 4x4. They're really durable cars, BUT, if you ever have to have any service done on it, Subaru is an awesome company to work with. If the dealer gives you sh*t, Subaru will jump all over them. Trust me, I know . Well, anyway, just my $.02

id go ahead and get any jeep with the 4.0L that engine rivals the 3800 on reliabliliy and longevity, i sold mine with 175k on it and it ran like new. the transmission attached to the 4.0 is just as good an example that theyre reliable is theres a jeep at a local car lot with over 300k that runs great, they use it for snow plowing and never have any problems with it.