| Author | Message | ||
     Dave Statler (Falconx84) Member Username: Falconx84 Post Number: 198 Registered: 02-2004 |
I hate to ask this on dweb, (seeing as how it's non-rover) but you guys have come through before, so here goes.... A friend of mine wants his own truck, mainly to offroad, still needs to be street legal and worthy and reliable enough to use as a daily driver. He can't afforda rover, and being 18, his mom doesn't thin it's a good idea to have a rover to beat up on trails and such, seeing as how it'll be his first offroad rig. Any siggestions on a good truck/suv? Looking to keep the stock price a little low, he's not a rich kid Thanks dweb  | ||
| Dave Statler (Falconx84) Member Username: Falconx84 Post Number: 199 Registered: 02-2004 |
Make any suggestions, even if it is a j**p. At this point, its all about the passion, the drive, the desire to off-road, not so much the rig. I know I'll have him in a rover later when he can afford the upkeep. | ||
| Felix Gumbiner (Felixthecat) Member Username: Felixthecat Post Number: 125 Registered: 02-2004 |
It's funny you should ask that, because Disco's are the cheapest high-performance 4x4s on the used market.•••••• equally capable Japanese SUVs are no where near a 95-98 Disco's price range. I got my 96 with 86k on the clock in immaculate shape (have since torn it up) for $8,000. You won't find anything of equal performance in that price range. You can get used Wrangler's for 3, 4, or 5k, but no V8's, diff locks, comfort....or class. For a late model Tacoma or 4Runner or something, you're looking at 12-20k. Make sure he does thorough research, Discos can be a total steal on the used market. It isn't like Discos fall apart on the trail and immediately require repair. I've been driving the shit out of my Disco, which is stock, for neigh on 3 months with nothing more than an oil change. | ||
| Phil (Discoanywhere) Member Username: Discoanywhere Post Number: 212 Registered: 06-2003 |
I'd have to recommend jeeps, toyotas and suzukis.. Jeeps are cheap but watch those rotten tubs, easy to work on, lots of aftermarket mods available and used parts, but crappy ride on the road and then theres that jeep thing?..lol The old toyotas pick ups have reliable engines even the 4 cyl, easy to lift, plenty mods available, but harder to find parts.. Suzukis... well some may laugh but those little samuri's side kicks and hi-ya's (lol) can skip on through alot of trail! I've never owned a suzuki but close friends have and I've been pretty surprised at the performance! There probably not as easy to modify for the trail and I'm not to sure how the parts scene is on them? although I have to agree with Felix that Disco's are the best buy for your buck... | ||
| Glenn Guinto (Glenn) Senior Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 868 Registered: 02-2002 |
get a series truck | ||
| James M. Reed (Utahdog2003) Member Username: Utahdog2003 Post Number: 67 Registered: 03-2004 |
Tacoma...no question. I had mine for 80,000 miles of off-road use, road trips, wet dogs, camping, MTB kayak trips to Tsali etc... Stock, the thing was next to unstopable, and were it not for the fact that it was a regular cab, short wheelbase, and I'm getting to the point where space is an issue...(kids), I'd still have it. No question...Tacoma. A nice 2.7 150hp I-4, short wheelbase, reg-cab, slap a shell on the back. If your associate is going to use it...don't get the crew of King, too expensive and LLLOOOONNNGGG wheelbase. I kinda miss mine *sniff*  | ||
| James M. Reed (Utahdog2003) Member Username: Utahdog2003 Post Number: 68 Registered: 03-2004 |
Crew OR King rather | ||
| sam (Dent) Member Username: Dent Post Number: 64 Registered: 01-2004 |
if you thinking of getting something new, i'd prolly suggest a base jeep TJ. tons of after market parts and a good price to so he/ she can add on to it as they go along. if they're thinking of something used, buy a disco or series. | ||
| Peter Carey (Peterca) Member Username: Peterca Post Number: 128 Registered: 10-2003 |
Jeep or FJ-40/45/60/80 LandCruiser. YOu'll probably find the Jeep cheaper than the Cruisers nowadays though, but both have ample parts and clubs available to help with modding and upkeep. Both also have cheap parts and any mechanic can help out with major stuff. pwc | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 69 Registered: 11-2003 |
Dave, Is this guy in Blacksburg? If so, have him contact the SC4WDA, there's probably a couple of members with rigs for sale -- otherwise, at 18, I think an FJ40 or 55 would serve him well, they're super easy to work on, and are appealing if he's into older utility style vehicles. Also, the inline 6 won't get him into too much trouble ... -Alan | ||
| Dave_lucas (Dave_lucas) Senior Member Username: Dave_lucas Post Number: 467 Registered: 02-2002 |
I would say go with an early Toyota truck or 4 runner, the parents will be pleased because they are considered to be very reliable and safe vehicles. And if he wants to use it off road he will be pleased because you can do some amazing stuff with the Toyota’s. On the cheap 1984 - 1985 Toyota Pickup or 4 runner (85 with 5 speed and EFI 22RE is considered the best one) A little more money 1986 - 1994 Toyota pickup (look for a 22RE W/ 5 speed) Personally I would not go any newer than the 1994 because of lack of upgrade paths at this time. Here are some additional places for him to spend his allowance http://www.allprooffroad.com/ http://www.aor4x4.com/ http://www.frontrangeoffroadfab.com/ http://www.inchwormgear.com/ http://www.marlincrawler.com/ http://www.rockstomper.com/ http://www.toyotasuperaxles.com/ http://www.hendrixmotorsports.com/_wsn/page3.html | ||
| Dave_lucas (Dave_lucas) Senior Member Username: Dave_lucas Post Number: 468 Registered: 02-2002 |
Ohhh I almost forgot the FJ60 and the FJ62 (big land cruisers) Cheap, reliable and strong I love the small cruisers, but they are getting hard to find and you will pay a small fortune for one that is in good condition. | ||
| Mark & Bev Preston (Markp) Senior Member Username: Markp Post Number: 296 Registered: 02-2002 |
This is easy - Scout. Tough enough to take an 18 year old, simple to work on and with parts that are cheap and plentiful. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 1076 Registered: 08-2002 |
1995 Disco! | ||
| Billy Deakins (Discodog) Member Username: Discodog Post Number: 57 Registered: 11-2003 |
I had an '87 FJ60 prior to my Disco and would definitely recommend it. You can pick one up reasonably cheap and they are tanks. Even worse gas mileage than my Disco though. | ||
| Sean Clawson (Jacintyre) Member Username: Jacintyre Post Number: 52 Registered: 09-2003 |
I'm gonna second Glenn's suggestion on a Series truck. I have a '71 that is my daily driver and has been on numerous trips off road and back with no problems. Plenty of resources available, and easy to work on. You can find them fairly inexpensive, in good condition and they are very capable trucks. Off road the thing goes like a tractor. Just watch out for a the frame and bulkhead. | ||
| Dave Statler (Falconx84) Member Username: Falconx84 Post Number: 201 Registered: 02-2004 |
Alan - yes he's in the bburg area. He's the son of a co-worker at sheetz Mark - I had suggested a scout, too - apparently they're hard to find in decent shape for the road. I had suggested a disco (of course ) but We're looking in the less than $3k area right now. It's hard to find even a 94-95 disco in that range. Plus, if he were to get it, he wouldn't be able to afford the upkeep. | ||
| Felix Gumbiner (Felixthecat) Member Username: Felixthecat Post Number: 126 Registered: 02-2004 |
Less than $3k? Yikes. Might have to go for a Ford Bronco II or something. | ||
| James M. Reed (Utahdog2003) Member Username: Utahdog2003 Post Number: 75 Registered: 03-2004 |
oooh, 3 grand aint gonna get much. might just have to tell him to suck it up for a while and go for reliable transportation now, 4x4 fun later. (30 year old) Scout? | ||
| Joey (Joey4420) Senior Member Username: Joey4420 Post Number: 764 Registered: 04-2003 |
I would say an old suzuki samuri or sidekick, you would be amazed at the aftermarket stuff available for them. Prices are not real bad, and the will last awhile and get decent fuel economy. | ||
| Ivan C. (Disco94) New Member Username: Disco94 Post Number: 16 Registered: 11-2003 |
Don't forget car auctions, or those places were they sell slighty banged up cars. 4wheel and Offroad did a build up a while back where they got a Cherokee ready for Moab for 5k, and they picked up the truck as a theft recovery for about 1800. All that was wrong with it was: No key for the doors, and no radio. The truck itself, if I remember correctly, had less than 80k miles, and the only things they had to replace were because they wanted to (transfer case, gears, etc.) so there's another idea... | ||
| Sean Roberts (Luckyrover) New Member Username: Luckyrover Post Number: 27 Registered: 03-2004 |
Samuri, you can find a base rig for approx. $1000. Spring over conversion, toss in a 8-to-1 low range t-case and some lock-rights in the diffs and toss some 31's on it and you are set for almost any trail for well under 3K. | ||
| Felix Gumbiner (Felixthecat) Member Username: Felixthecat Post Number: 127 Registered: 02-2004 |
I doubt your buddy wants to be "that guy" in the hideous 4-banger neon Suzuki with the big tires. I agree with James; save up your cash for another year or two, don't go scrapin' bottom just because you wanna run some mud holes... | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 1451 Registered: 09-2002 |
Sure is a weekend project for an 18-years old with no prior 4x4 experience. | ||
| Perry Ray Miller (Discojunky) Member Username: Discojunky Post Number: 165 Registered: 03-2003 |
You did say truck right? You can pick up a Chevy 79'-87' with a front straight axle and in good shape for $5K. They are pretty easy to find with the L,1,2,3 manual transmission and 10 or 12 bolt axles. Easy to build, cheap to repair, parts-o-plenty. You would be suprised at what a truck like that will do if set up right. | ||
| Mark & Bev Preston (Markp) Senior Member Username: Markp Post Number: 298 Registered: 02-2002 |
Dave, How about this one. Sure it's a 4-banger, but he is a 18 year old :-) Plus it will get good gas mileage. FYI - the 4 cyl 196 is 1/2 of the big block 392 V8. http://www.binderbulletin.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21195 - Mark | ||
| Anton (Anton_r) Member Username: Anton_r Post Number: 74 Registered: 09-2003 |
hmm ... what's wrong with Suzuki ? I saw some wonderful off-roading done with Samurai ... even in places, where most Land Rovers won't be able to get in to. | ||
| Aaron Richardet (Draaronr) Senior Member Username: Draaronr Post Number: 577 Registered: 09-2002 |
for 3k maybe a subaru. ha ha | ||
| Chuck Stroud (Str0ud) Member Username: Str0ud Post Number: 59 Registered: 02-2004 |
Dave, Ford's Bronco would be an excellent choice for your friend. They have served me well for the 10 years prior to the purchase of my Discovery. -Str0ud | ||
| Ross Thoma (Rossthoma) Member Username: Rossthoma Post Number: 231 Registered: 08-2002 |
I personally love "my first wife" 1995 Ford Ranger Extended Cab 4X4 V6, but switch it to manual locking front hubs and bump the boots to 31X10.5 R15 . I was my work truck in alberta, sask, and BC for 6 years doing oil and gas field exploration in both the mountains and farmland winter and summer gumbo mud and snow and cross country over clearcuts. I went everywhere and got stuck only a handfull of times and that is when I got stupid after I got my 9000lb warn. I have towed out of the field everything fron dodge 2500 diesel ext cabs with sliptanks to every kind of and size of chevy and jeeps too, "4lo 2nd gear" is my favorite. It was the best investment I have made it will out preform my rover in some places and after I was run off the highway in northern alberta and rolled over an embankment when the truck was 4000km's old I winched my self back up dug out the snow and ice from the engine and suspention and drove 8 hrs to Calgary for x-mass and the only bad thing that happend to the truck was while it was on it's drv side the washer bottle drained out the nozels. I would buy another in a heartbeat but not the new IFS version I get more travel out of the twin I beam steup. Ross Thoma | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 219 Registered: 03-2003 |
Sean hit it on the head. SAMURAI!!!!!! Get a 90 or newer with fuel injection. It has a pussy 1.3L that will last forever with proper maintenence. Do a SPOA lift put 32's on it, maybe weld up the rear, front too as long as you won't ever put in 4 on road, and be done. The thing is so light, you could probably get out of most situations with a come-a-long, hi-lift, and some straps. The things are awesome. Also if you bang a tree or put it on it's side, just say oops! I would though get a couple of very securely mounted front seats and probably a 5 point harness. It does have a 79" wheelbase and may go over. | ||
| Felix Gumbiner (Felixthecat) Member Username: Felixthecat Post Number: 131 Registered: 02-2004 |
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You can upgrade my grandma's motorized wheelchair if you want. The problem is the Samurai is an ugly tin can. It's like driving a remote control car. 18 year old kids are much more image conscious than the average performance-uber-alles 4wheeler. Don't get a Samurai, man. They're ugly and gutless. Bronco's or old Chevys are the best bet. | ||
| Brian Pippin (Tnrovers) New Member Username: Tnrovers Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2003 |
About an 90-92 Danger Ranger all the way, you can get eveyrhting you need at Auto Zone and if its like my Autozone thats all the guys that work there drive. Big early 90's Rangers and C1500. | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 222 Registered: 03-2003 |
Felix, you're right about the tin can look. Personally I think they look cool and they are without a doubt the most capable offroad vehicles with minor upgrades. If you're suggesting something with a better image, I would then have to suggest a Cherokee. Same thing...minor upgrades and a very capable offroader. However don't plan on it holding up. A year of minor offroading and the doors will either not shut or fall off. Because of the unibody, they will just not last. I would also stay away from anything carburated. They will stall and require a lot of wrench turning. I had an 83 3/4 ton chevy. I had to get rid of it because it wouldn't pass IL emission standards. It would haul ass through the mud though. That modified 454 would through rooster tails. I still have to say SAMMY!!! | ||
| thom mathie (Muskyman) Senior Member Username: Muskyman Post Number: 675 Registered: 11-2002 |
Sammy...no doubt cheap with a maximum fun factor $500 honda for the street | ||
| Sean Roberts (Luckyrover) New Member Username: Luckyrover Post Number: 31 Registered: 03-2004 |
Sami's are so easy to work on that it would be a GREAT vehicle for someone new to the scene. I currently own an 87 Sami, 89 Rangie, 83 Wagoneer, and 87 Wagoneer, and the only one that I don't mind wrenching on is the Sami. Everything is simple, easy to get to and LIGHT!! Need to pull the t-case? 30 minutes and its sitting on the floor. Motor? 2 hours and that thing is sitting on the bench striped down. And this is without an engine hoist or a buddy to help you. Just don't buy a Wagoneer!! They are fun, but MAN!! they suck to wrench on! | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 1080 Registered: 08-2002 |
Man, tough to tell this is a Rover site eh? Dave, reset your friends "image" of Rover and recommend they get one. It will become part of the family. Get a 94 or 95 Rover for under $7k. If you are patient, they can be found for 4-5k. | ||
| Dave Statler (Falconx84) Member Username: Falconx84 Post Number: 202 Registered: 02-2004 |
believe me... it's not his image of rover that needs worked on ... its his wallet When I first met him, I was asking about offroading with him. he was like "you're the dude with the rover? Hell yeah, come on!" | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 1082 Registered: 08-2002 |
Fine then. There are deals to be had. How much are they looking to spend? For a decent late model vehicle, I'd bet any of the mentioned vehicles are going to be similar prices. 1988-90 RRC are also a good choice and I have seen them very low price. | ||
| Jake Hartley (Jake) Senior Member Username: Jake Post Number: 272 Registered: 03-2002 |
90 or earlier Rangie. There are at least 5-6 on LRX.com right now under 3 K and most of them are drivable. | ||
| Dave Statler (Falconx84) Member Username: Falconx84 Post Number: 203 Registered: 02-2004 |
Hopefully I'll be talking to him about it today. The big problem right now is that his parents are separated and his dad hasn't had much to do with him and his brother, and they're not sure if he'll help buy a truck or not. His mom's likely going to end up paying most of it, and I'd feel kinda bad if I got him hooked on a rover and she couldn't afford it. Know what I mean? | ||
| Jake Hartley (Jake) Senior Member Username: Jake Post Number: 273 Registered: 03-2002 |
anything under three grand will most likely be a little service and parts hungry due either to age or wear n tear. Rovers are pretty easy to fix, however, so are Chevys. In TX, one can pick up a 4x4 Chevy from the 70's - 80's pretty cheap. International p/u's are pretty cool & most tough. mechanical parts are pretty easy to get at most NAPAs. main problem is rust. Still think an old Rangie would be a good choice. If he got in over his head after a bit, he could always unload here by parting it out and most likely make a few $$ | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 1084 Registered: 08-2002 |
Dave, Yeah but how will you feel if you get him hooked on any vehicle and they can't afford it? Like something won't go wrong with any vehicle around $5k. At least you know rovers. Brian | ||
| Runnerma (Runnerma) Member Username: Runnerma Post Number: 57 Registered: 12-2003 |
Sammy is the way to go. Very light, nothing breaks and everything on it lasts long..... In the beach goes like a demon,(because it is very light), and the only problem of it is the big mudholes. But one can go through them with flooring it. Definetaly a fun vehicle. Ohh and the parts are very very cheap. A engine could cost as much as an exaust of ours... | ||
| Jake Hartley (Jake) Senior Member Username: Jake Post Number: 276 Registered: 03-2002 |
Is there a web-site for Sammys like D-Web? I am getting kind of interested in these guys. | ||
| Trey Burns (T_burns) Member Username: T_burns Post Number: 43 Registered: 02-2004 |
Here is a website of some good ole Texas guys with their Zuks http://www.samurai-offroad.com/index.html | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 1086 Registered: 08-2002 |
yeah a sammy is the way to go if the 18 year old is willing to have his friends call him a dork. ;-) | ||
| Greg French (Gregfrench) Senior Member Username: Gregfrench Post Number: 779 Registered: 11-2002 |
Sammi, For sure. My Bro-in-law has one. I always though they were "Wannabe" 4x4's until we went out. It was doing things the Disco wouldn't even touch. There is a whole Sammi community out there that is WAY too into their rigs (sound familiar?) I even found myself looking at them in Autotrader...just in case. | ||
| Ray Wallace (Rayd2) Member Username: Rayd2 Post Number: 68 Registered: 05-2003 |
Samurai seems the clear choice if you're in the $3,000 area. Easy to work on, lots of parts available, a damned capable vehicle that can run circles around some of the "more popular" rigs, and a kick to wheel in the boonies. After he outperforms some of his buddies in their more expensive rigs, the "dork" problem should disappear. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 1094 Registered: 08-2002 |
Oh my god. http://www.samurai-offroad.com/Heat_wave_2003/heat_wave_2003_%20007.html Common guys. This guy is 18 he really doesn't want a Sami. A Disco/RRC would be much better deal. You could take a couple of friends and gear. A Sam will not hold crap. The Disco will take a beating and regardless of the other posts, unless you beef up the Sami it WILL break. Yeah, like when I was 18 I would desire to take a date out in a Sam. Give me a break. | ||
| James M. Reed (Utahdog2003) Member Username: Utahdog2003 Post Number: 100 Registered: 03-2004 |
that H2 is the most foolish thing I have ever seen. | ||
| Mike Rupp (Mike_rupp) Senior Member Username: Mike_rupp Post Number: 353 Registered: 02-2002 |
Brian, why are you so anti-samurai? In the first post the guy asks for a recommendation for a capable off-roader that is also a daily driver. He also mentions that he can't afford a Rover. That being said, the Samurai is a good recommendation. Let the 18 yr old decide what is cool or not. The only criteria mentioned were a capable offroader and daily driver and less expensive than a Rover. The Samurai fits the bill according to those criteria. If money is important, then a Rover is not a good choice. Even if the purchase price is low, maintenance and upkeep and modifications are extremely expensive compared to a Samurai. As far as being called a dork, that will end once he takes the Sammi with the above mentioned mods off-road with his friends. It will kick the crap out of all of his buddies trucks off-road. I've seen it first hand. If my brother has his Sammi out, I'd rather sit in the passenger seat than take out the Disco and try to follow. | ||
| Mark & Bev Preston (Markp) Senior Member Username: Markp Post Number: 299 Registered: 02-2002 |
Here in Colorado there are a few Samuri's but I don't see any teenagers driving them. The truck of choice for the young wheeler is a Scout. Lots of girls drive Scouts. Imagine a guy in a Sammi pulling up along side a girl in a Scout. Get the picture? For Scouts it's top off fun, low cost and a great 4wd. American iron. Last forever. Sami's are wimpy. They may be good off road but they don't have the right image. For that age group image means alot. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 1097 Registered: 08-2002 |
No kidding, my nieces make such a big deal over the H2. Makes me glad I hvae no kids. | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 234 Registered: 03-2003 |
I don't think you guys are really getting the point. The kid said that he is going for a low budget. Yeah it won't be an expedition vehicle and drive across country with a loaded roof rack, but it's cheap. Money is his concern. I agree about the scout being cool but with mods and maintence he'll go broke. I have about $3 grand into my sammy. DONE!!! Paid $1500, lift $700, tires $700. | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 235 Registered: 03-2003 |
"A friend of mine wants his own truck, mainly to offroad" | ||
| Mark & Bev Preston (Markp) Senior Member Username: Markp Post Number: 300 Registered: 02-2002 |
And Scouts aren't cheap? Engines go 200K+ miles and then only need new rings becaue the block has a high nickel content. Lift and tires are the same price. I wheeled a stock suspension Scout all over Colorado for a lift cost of $0. And you get D44 axles and a large source of used parts from the light IH line of trucks to school buses. And when he's done with it I bet you he could sell it for more than he bought it for, provided he doesn't turn it into a piece of junk. | ||
| Dave Statler (Falconx84) Member Username: Falconx84 Post Number: 204 Registered: 02-2004 |
I just saw my friend again -- he said something about an isuzu amigo. Too bad I forgot to mention a sammy to him. You guys have me thinkin about one | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 238 Registered: 03-2003 |
Mark, you make some good arguments. Sammys are the same way as far as resale. Like I said, I have #3000 in it and have seen a ton that are weak going for more than that. I don't think I'll ever sell it though. I had a Polaris Sportsman for about 2 years and sold it for more than I have into the zuk. I think of it as my 4 wheeler with a liscense plate. | ||
| Ray Wallace (Rayd2) Member Username: Rayd2 Post Number: 74 Registered: 05-2003 |
I think most of you have forgotten what's it's like to be strapped for cash, as in "poor". When in that state, you buy what you can AFFORD, not what you want. Give the kid a break-- he's just starting out, not in a position to dazzle his rich, gifted friends. A Sammy! Ray |
