but i do appreciate your advice on the jeep. duly noted

 

No you cannot get a '03 for $5k.
Dont even consider the 2003's. Some people have good ones others dont.
Get a 2001 or 2002, you dont need a 2003, if you like the looks of the 2003 then buy a 2001 and put the 2003 headlights in it.
You can buy the headlights on e-bay and install them yourself in a weekend.
Seriously, your in college, save the money on the car and put it towards your student loan.

 

Why would you drive a grand cherokee if you can get for the same money a DII 2000/2001.

If you decide to go the grand cherokee route, make sure you check both differentials.

There is a problem with the pinion carrier bearings which give out causing massive play and leakage of fluid and as usual, people rarely maintain their vehicles, so they continue driving till the start hearing whining and grinding noises and this is one they try to dump them.

If both diffs are shot, it is 600 per to fix. The transmissions are a weak link, the engines are great.

The rest of the trim is typical Chrysler, do not mess with it because it will break, but you can look at it and admire the fine quality of PVC, ABS and polycarbonate plastics used!!!

 

Consumer Reports announcted their top picks for cars this week, they did NOT recommend ANY Chysler/Dodge/Jeep.
They did recommend any and all Honda, Toyota or Subaru, a couple of Fords and one or two GM cars.
They made sure to mention that the GM quality was inconsistant, so one Malibu was good but the next Malibu was bad.
And they wonder why nobody wants to buy their cars and trucks.

 

Jeeps are WAY cheaper to maintain, that's a solid fact. From the mechanic's labor rates to repair parts to off road accessories, if you want to trick a vehicle out or keep it tip top, you can do twice with the jeep for the money.

I've got a buddy that would love to get into a DI, but with a new baby can't afford it, so is buying a jeep Cherokee instead. Everything from bumpers to sliders to alternators is half the cost.

 

Half the cost and lasts half as long does not save you any money.

 

Guys thank yall for all the advice! I really appreciate it. My mother also, wants a disco, cause she like to do light mudding and what not, so she is most likely buying her neighbors 2000 disco with 80,000 miles for like 6,500 or so. he was asking 7, but i think i can talk him down. So its just gonna end up being a weekend car and my daily driver when i go home for breaks and stuff, but i will for sure be on this forum more if we do get it posting pics and my 2 cents on stuff

 

just gonna stay with my old suburban for my daily driver for now, seems cheapest route

 

Now here's where I agree with you a bit. LRs are built solid, with better components all around. Except possibly the gaskets.

But if you are looking at a purchase with budget as your first concern, getting enough years out of a used car where those durability benefits might come into play probably isn't a realistic position.

 

My philosophy is to pay cash for a car spending no more than $5,000 and keep it for no less than 5 years.
Even if you spend $1000 per year ($84 per month) in repairs (not maintence) you are still coming out ahead of the game.
You cannot buy a car for under $100 per month.
Life is way to short to make car payments.