Influencer II
Best Bang for Buck Overland Rig
- Thread starter Lifestyle Overland
- Start date
The Cherokee Chief/Super Chief idea isn't bad. Trouble will be finding one in the Ohio area that isn't a rust bucket on wheels. Probably still get more for my money if I went newer. I really want to go to a classic though, just more my speed. It's not just going to be the family OV rig, but a semi restoration as it goes. That was the end goal with the Willys Truck, still want it with the next rig. Sure creature and riding comforts aren't going to be as nice, but that's part of the forced family fun!
The Ramcharger, Cherokee, Wagoneer & FJ55/60/62's all have very similar wheelbases. I think all are viable options, providing I can find one of them once I get the Willys truck sold.
The Ramcharger, Cherokee, Wagoneer & FJ55/60/62's all have very similar wheelbases. I think all are viable options, providing I can find one of them once I get the Willys truck sold.
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Pioneer II
How about a Cherokee? 5-Speed though...
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/5907955794.html
Grand Cherokee?
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/ctd/5916528433.html
Actually, there are a ton of nice Cherokee's on the Des Moines CL right now.
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/5907955794.html
Grand Cherokee?
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/ctd/5916528433.html
Actually, there are a ton of nice Cherokee's on the Des Moines CL right now.
1st Gen 4runners can be had for that price and are super sweet. If they are too new for you, you could search for a Trekker, but that would be a rare find :)
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I love old Toyota's, but they are getting pricey. For the money, ease of getting parts, and working on them, you can't beat an old square body Chevy K5 or Suburban.
I agree with the Blaze, Ramcharger, and Bronco suggestion. I would also support the Cherokee and Grand Cherokees. Of course there is the early Nissan Pathfinders.
So I've been digging Craigslist up all weekend. If I can find a classic like a FJ or Wagoneer it is either priced insanely or has been used in a mud bog for the last three years. However, what I can find are very clean Land River Discovery's and Range Rover's. They all seem to be 150K or less on miles and tend to be 2000-05. All seem to be in the $2500-4000 range, is it worth it? I don't know enough about them to know if they would make good vehicles.
The Disco and Range Rover are great vehicles with stellar 4X4 systems. They will 5 to 10 years ahead of the competition with a lot of their technology. The Range Rover is also probably one of the passenger friendly rides. But.....the engines tend to develop heat issues with that many miles and blow head gaskets which will cost you a set of heads. If you get one with a strong maintenance history you could possible catch it before it cost a set of heads. They are also very technically advanced with air ride suspensions which is great for the first owner but can be a very costly endeavor for the next owners. If you are not scared of doing the work yourself and can find someone with Land Rover knowledge they can be great rides.
First of all nice ramcharger. What year? Mine is a 88. My land rover has 130k and heads blow at about 120k my 3 amigo lights are on but other than replacing the starter, it hasn't given me too many problems besides with a battery.
#2777
Hey Lane, I've got an 88 as well with a newish 360 swap and FiTech injection. How old is you Land Rover? A coworker has an LR3 and the air suspension leaks down every day so he sits for about 5 minutes each afternoon waiting for it to inflate.
Influencer II
You can still find fj80 (91-92) for that. They are going up every year. If you fine with the 3FE and taking your time where you go. Got mine 3 years ago for 2Gs.
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Advocate II
Pathfinder II
Mid 90s vintage Discos & RRCs are amazing vehicles, and can be had for <5k. However, at this price point, you need to be aware of the rust issues. If the truck has been in the SW most of its life, it shouldn't be an issue. Trucks from the NE are probably basket cases & good for parts only. Only the RRC had EAS on all four, but it's almost impossible to find one in this price point that's still intact. Most have been converted to coils.
As for the overheating issues, the 3.9/4.2 are fine, provided they've been maintained. I know a lot of folks that have put Mercedes OM6 or other diesels in, but you probably won't find it in a sub 5k rig.
Bottom line, any rig you find for <5k most likely will require additional budget to make it reliable or do what you want.
Forgot to mention, the RRC LWB is fantastic for family overlanding. Extra 10 in of rear legroom make a huge difference.
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As for the overheating issues, the 3.9/4.2 are fine, provided they've been maintained. I know a lot of folks that have put Mercedes OM6 or other diesels in, but you probably won't find it in a sub 5k rig.
Bottom line, any rig you find for <5k most likely will require additional budget to make it reliable or do what you want.
Forgot to mention, the RRC LWB is fantastic for family overlanding. Extra 10 in of rear legroom make a huge difference.
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I'm in the market for a new 4x4 and am looking for something to use overlanding. I have to stay under 5k and don't have loyalty to a any certain brand. So in everyone's opinion what's the best vehicle?
I apologize if there is a thread on this subject already. I searched and couldn't find one.
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I apologize if there is a thread on this subject already. I searched and couldn't find one.
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Enthusiast III
88-98 GM truck or suv. Tons of aftermarket support, very reliable, and I have yet to see a stock one listed for over $4k.
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Honestly, the right choice will be different for everyone, and different for you at different times in your life. I say be patient, vigilant and do TONS of research. Don't force yourself into something that you're not 100% ok with fixing, loving and living with. Trust me, I own a 1992 GMC Typhoon …lol.
Under $5k is tough. But for me I have had the most luck with GM. I have had Nissan, Toyota, Dodge, Ford and GM trucks....and for me at least GM has been by far the most reliable. Others have had different experiences with other brands. But I don't consider myself a brand loyalist by any means.
sometimes a rig just speaks to you. Whether you like how it looks, how it performs or just how it feels. Before I got my H3, I was actually looking for a Jeep or other SUV with offroad cred. I never even looked into or considered a Hummer, but when I decided to test drive one on a whim, everything fell into place. Go try different vehicles and see what fits
sometimes a rig just speaks to you. Whether you like how it looks, how it performs or just how it feels. Before I got my H3, I was actually looking for a Jeep or other SUV with offroad cred. I never even looked into or considered a Hummer, but when I decided to test drive one on a whim, everything fell into place. Go try different vehicles and see what fits
Yep.
Some of the Jeep Patriots and Compass's are getting up in years, and the FD1 / FD2 are pretty darned respectable for the money. We've got nearly 45,000 miles on a 2015 without a hitch, and I have read about them going well over 200,000 miles without many issues.
There should be PLENTY of Rav 4's out there for that money as well.
Best of luck !
