Good daily driver?

[Fitz73Chrgr]

My search for a decent Grand Cherokee is taking quite some time, as I am very reluctant to spend more than I personally think a car is worth. 

I am broadening my search, and would like to know if any of you guys have recommendations for good daily drivers.  I need something reliable, roomy & possibly 4 wheel drive.  I'd like something with decent gas mileage.  It also must be American.  I am going to spend $5500 or less. 

I have been considering Dakotas & Rangers.  I'm not a huge fan of Blazers or S10s (unless they are ZR2s).  I like Durangos, but they must get awful mileage.

Also, what is everyone's opinion of the Chrysler 4.7 & Jeep 4.0?  I have been considering a slightly higher mileage 4.0L Grand Cherokee (120-135k), but I would like to know about the longevity of those engines.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Tilar]

http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions/

Just keep an eye on that site and you'll get one show up sooner or later, and in your price range.

[Brock Samson]

 i gotta go git a pass port in a couple minutes but these eve i will post this sweet Larado that would be a fishermans' dream boat,.. maybe not exactly what your in the market for and too far away but maybe some else will want this cherry one owner 4x4... no grease or creame or prep H needed...  i just got thru reading magnums last post...  I'll post it later... 

  "Grease the wheel on the road with the fish and oil and cream, then the other tire should grab..."

and...

"'I opened the trunk and looked for inspiration. I thought about using
    the jack in some clever way, but I didn't have one. I opened the
    toolbox that I keep in the trunk and I found the following: a can of
    Bumble Bee tuna, a screwdriver, a pair of vice grips, a roll of
    electrical tape, a flashlight and a tube of hemorrhoid cream and no
    Fillipo Berio olive oil. So the question is which one of these did I
    use and how"?

   

[Fitz73Chrgr]

For example, this Jeep:

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/ctd/1226185160.html

The price is about right according to KBB, I haven't actually gone to look at it.  I hear the 4.0L is bulletproof, which might make me more comfortable buying a higher mileage car like this one.  I planning on keeping this next car for 2-3 years. 

[moparguy01]

i guess im a cheapass, but my daily driver is a 98 ford escort zx2 with 51k miles on it I paid 800 bucks for, my wife's daily driver has 50k and it a 99 ford taurus i paid 150 bucks for.

I say be patient and look around for a real steal of a deal.