Need a cheaper 4x4

I'd also look at 5.0 Explorers. The 5.0/4r70 is reliable, cheap to maintain and parts are everywhere. I had a 2000 up until 4 years ago with 200K miles and no major issues over the 15 years I had it and never once left me stranded. Only gave it up because after all those winters the body was rusting. Drivetrain still ran perfect and all the electronics still worked.

 

I'd seriously question the move all the way back to the Northeast. Then I'd work on the truck.

 

Plenty of full size out there

 

The xj is the best jeep ever built.

 

Old mazda trucks are allegedly re-branded Ford Rangers, or so I'm led to believe. All the grass cutting guys load up all their gear exclusively on first gen toyotas or Toyota pickups, Rangers, or mazda trucks I noticed.

 

Mazda b4000 is a rebadged ranger. Just like Ford escape=mazda tribute, or mazda6=Ford Fusion.

I did get all my parts from a Ford dealer, my truck was equivalent to Ford ranger fx4.