Help! Haven't had much luck on other boards. Here's some background - since I've been a teenager I've always driven a Chevy 1/2 ton SWB manual 4x4. My current vehicle is a 2004 SWB, 5 spd, skid plates, and Goodyear MTR tires. OK, now I'm 62, and the upright bench seat isn't helping the back ache any. Crew Cabs and the sort are out of the question - too much bulk.

My wife just bought a 2wd Liberty - I like driving it less bulk. The dealer had a srippo 4wd 6 spd on the lot that he wants to get rid of - maybe $19,000.

My off roading is back country canyon lands of northern Mexico (I live in Brownsville, Texas). Trails can be pretty steep and rocky, but there is a road. It's not desert rock crawler nor mud-bogging (although they do that around here). Sometimes I go to the Appalachians in Pennsylvania to visit relatives and I'll do designated trails in the Laurel Highlands.

So here's my question - will I be happy with the Liberty? Am I giving up anything off-the-road compared to the Chevy? Sort of don't know what to do - the Chevy is a good vehicle, but it's a little big for me now. I'm thinking the Liberty,less bulk, and a more comfortable seat. Don't want to make a mistake, though.

Need some comments.