Hello everyone, I currently own a 2001 Kia Sportage that I got nearly dirt cheap (practically what it's worth) and fell in love with driving a small SUV that could handle well in the snow, be fun to drive, and maneuver differently than other cars such as sedans, trucks, etc.

Anyways, my Kia had neglectful owners and I bought it with frame rust a few years ago that escalated in the past year or so since I've owned it. Although I have no regrets with this car, I'm already starting to look into "backup" cars just incase the inevitable fate of my Kia happens due to the rust and age and so on.

I started looking into Trackers a few months ago but started looking deeper recently after being told a Wrangler wont be the best for me by a few friends because I do a lot of suburban city driving. I'm mainly looking into 4-door, 4x4 Tracker or it not 4-door, one with a hard top and 4x4. I'm mainly concerned with how easy they are to maintain, how good the transmission and engine are with the proper TLC, how does the 4x4 work (considering my Kia had a bad front differential and ****-poor hub mechanisms so 4x4 was a no-go), and the basics to know about a Tracker. Edit: Also, what is the best way to test 4x4 if I test drive a Tracker? How reliable would 4x4 be?

Thanks
Nick

 

I bought a new Jeep CJ many years ago (I'm dating myself...). It rusted out in three years. I was really disappointed. But I did live in NH at the time... That was probably a contributing factor.

I recently decided to get a small 4x4 for exploring the Ocala National Forest in Florida. Looked at Jeeps (very popular here) but found my 99 Tracker 2 door 4x4 with auto transmission and I have quickly grown to love it. I put a Rally Tops hard top on the back. Its a great compromise vehicle, civilized, comfortable, easy and smooth on paved roads, and still very capable on the sandy jeep trails in the forest, with shifting between 2x4 and 4x4 on the fly as I turn on and off the pavement. Tight turning radius with 86 inch wheel base. Light steering and good suspension. I am really enjoying it.

Good luck with whatever you get.

 

Thanks Trackerman!

To add, how reliable is the 4x4 system? The frame and what to keep clean so no water or salt accumulates to rust things up? Average gas mileage?

Nick

 

I've owned several 4x4's over the years; International Scout, Jeep truck, CJ-5, Ford truck, and a real beast, an old FWD post hole digger. But this is first Suzuki/Chevy Tracker type vehicle so can't speak to specifics. General rules apply, use it - don't abuse it, check fluid levels often, watch for leaks, listen for sounds, keep it aligned, if you whack it - check it out, if it needs fixing - do it right. The only bullet proof vehicle I have ever owned, and still do, is my '93 Miata - it just goes and goes. So far I'm having good luck with the Tracker, too.

 

I bought a 2002 ZR-2 in December 2014. It was just by chance. The vehicle needed a lot of work and most of it was cosmetic and DIY. So, I bought it. It all worked out. Mechanically, it is great.
Just a note---I have read, the 4 wheel drive set up on a Tracker is called a "Part Time" System. It is not meant for bare road use. You should only use it when driving on slippery surfaces (Snow; Ice) or rough terrain. The drive train (Front to back) has different output. You will realize this if you activate 4 wheel while stopped and then try to move forward in a hard turn. The vehicle will balk and stiffen up and actually resist turning. This is where you can damage the system (If this is repeatedly done). So...word to wise, do not use the 4 wheel drive unless it is needed. I found this out on the Suzuki Forum. Otherwise, I myself had no previous experience with 4 wheel drive systems.

JR