This is my predicament: I need to purchase a small 4x4 mostly for DD, but some minor trail runs. (When I say small, I mean in relation to the K5 I'm DD'ing right now) Now there are 2 decent looking options in the area for 'kicks that I am looking at. 

#1 - '98 4dr JLX with 170kms on it. 5 spd, near mint condition, albeit completely stock. I can pick it up for somewhere around $3500CAD.

#2 is a '94 2dr with 110kms. 5 spd, with minor off-roading modifications already done. ie. 32" tires, looks like a 3 inch lift, whether it is body or suspension I dont know, and skid plates. for around $3000CAD.

is the 4 years younger worth the $500, or do you think that with less km's on it, the 2dr is a better choice, especially since it already has some mods. I'm completely at a loss as to what to do. HELP!!!


please and thanks. 
                                   

it depends on how long your commute is. a 4 door will have a WAY better ride than the 2 door and will be better if you have a family. the 2 door will be better off road.

I would try and stay older than '96 to stay away from airbags that are int he '98

Where'd you find a deal like the 98, around here they go for twice that price. The 94 is about average to high depending on condition. Personally I would nab the 98 for mainly DD use.

Where'd you find a deal like the 98, around here they go for twice that price. The 94 is about average to high depending on condition. Personally I would nab the 98 for mainly DD use.

I'm in southern ontario. so most of these vehicles are leased by city families, and then returned after 3 years. there doesn't even seem to be a demand for them, as mostly everyone into the truck scene around here, goes for a heep, or a full-size domestic.

it depends on how long your commute is. a 4 door will have a WAY better ride than the 2 door and will be better if you have a family. the 2 door will be better off road.

I would try and stay older than '96 to stay away from airbags that are int he '98

well, I've got about a 45 minute commute each way right now, half of which is on back roads which are rarely plowed in the morning, when I leave. 
No family to speak of, other than a g/f and a great dane.  can the airbags not be removed if need be?

I've got a 45 minute commute to work myself right now with roads varying from 4 lane highways to unplowed back roads. I use the x-90 for the drive to work for the gas mileage. If it gets really bad out, I would consider taking the silver 2 door on 31" swampers, but I would not consider taking the goblin on 33's, the ride is just a little too uncomfortable and it really doesn't like highway driving. The 4 door you are considering would ride the best and would actually get better mileage and have more power than the 2 door you are considering. The 4 door will be running the 16valve engine and the 2 door probably has the 8 valve due to it's age. Another thing to consider is the mileage. Off-road use doen't really rack up the miles that much, but the ones they do rack up are HARD miles.  plus you don't really know how well-done the lift and modifications are on the 2 door. I would suggest the 4 door. That way you are starting with a clean slate and you can do some minor mods yourself and know they are done right...

My vote would be for the 4dr as well. We got a 97 for my wife and it has an excellent ride with good mileage. And it still does very well in 4-wheel drive.