Tahoe vs timing chain job done Explorer??

[jujaku]

Hello all.

my very first thread here.
recently i am eyeing on some cheap SUV for next couple of year to use.

1. reliability (budget is $4K and don't want to spend extra @2K for repair)
2. cold A/C (i'm in texas)
3. enough power for 85 mph (again, i'm in texas)

2003 Explorer(V6,V8)/Tahoe(V8) and Jeep Grand Cherokee(V8) are within budget, with 150K+ miles on odometer.

@ Explorer: widely available, known to have timing chain guide issue and it is $$$ to replace
@ Tahoe: less available then Explorer, bit pricey, but proven engine. Tranny may need overhaul?
@ Grand Cherokee: smaller than the other two? not sure it is reliable as the other two.
@ anything else?


i want to hear your opinion between tahoe and timing chain job done explorer.
and if you guys have any other suggestion, please share with me.

thanks!

 

[drakon543]

Those years of explorer are also known for junk trans. Dime a dozen in my area half of them with dead trans. And what year grand cherokee 2000+? If you bumped the year or the grand cherokee back into 96 style with 150k on the odometer your looking at having it for another 70k miles with just basic maintenance unless your ecm craps. In which case you would have charging issues and its only about 150 for a new plug and play one.