Classy Off Roader?

[All of 75]

Can anyone think of a classy and capable (older/cheap) 4x4 vehicle? It can't be a Land Rover because I'd like to avoid the Lucas electrics. But any ideas?


Thanks

[AllenB]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

How about a Ford Expedition? They seem to like it the more you push them. How far off road are you going? These things love snow.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

Give us a bit more to go by in regards to size and cost, and also by "classy" do you mean something that others will view as high-end or expensive in some way? Or just having a nicer interior?

Also, how serious are you about the off-roading? What do you want to be able to do with the vehicle?

[Tuck91]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

An older pickup from the 98-03 era can be had cheap, and they are usually easy tp find with off road packages.

Whether its a Chevy, GMC, Ford, etc is up to you.

[cnfowler]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

Give us a bit more to go by in regards to size and cost, and also by "classy" do you mean something that others will view as high-end or expensive in some way? Or just having a nicer interior?

Also, how serious are you about the off-roading? What do you want to be able to do with the vehicle?

I agree. We definitely need way more info.

Define older.
Define classy.
Give price range.
What is its intended purpose?
Are you going to tow with it? If so, what?
Manual or auto gearbox?
Are you going to modify it? If so, how (lift, power enhancers, or just bolt on stuff)?

This should get us pointed in the right direction.



Colin

[Still Learnin]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

As a fellow offroad enthusiast, Im suprised no one has mentioned the Toyota Land Cruiser, preferably 94-98. As those years came with a v8, front and rear differential lock, ABS, dual air bags, can seat 7 and since you want classy they come with leather. OR if you really want classy, you can get Lexus' version which is the LX450. If you look these vehicles can be had anywhere from 2000-8000

I have a 91 land cruiser. Same body style as the 94-98 but it came with a center differential lock rather than the seperate front and rear and with a smaller v6 motor. Very strong and capable car. A car used all around the world from safaris to desert.

Heres a flex shot for you (not mine)


heres a video for some love for the cruisers!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wx4Ou5Ab-c

[cnfowler]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

As a fellow offroad enthusiast, Im suprised no one has mentioned the Toyota Land Cruiser, preferably 94-98. As those years came with a v8, front and rear differential lock, ABS, dual air bags, can seat 7 and since you want classy they come with leather. OR if you really want classy, you can get Lexus' version which is the LX450. If you look these vehicles can be had anywhere from 2000-8000

I have a 91 land cruiser. Same body style as the 94-98 but it came with a center differential lock rather than the seperate front and rear and with a smaller v6 motor. Very strong and capable car. A car used all around the world from safaris to desert...

Sorry, but the '94 - '98 FJ80 LC did not come with a V8. And in fact, your '91 doesn't have a V6, either. All of those model years came with an inline 6. The redesigned '99 and up model has a 4.7L V8. The LX450 also had a 4.5L inline 6. And the LX450 didn't come along until '96.

For $2,000 - $8,000, one will be looking at Cruisers or LX450's with nearly 200K miles. I've been there and done that.

No one has mentioned vehicles because the OP didn't include enough details to properly recommend a specific vehicle.


Colin

[Still Learnin]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

Sorry, but the '94 - '98 FJ80 LC did not come with a V8. And in fact, your '91 doesn't have a V6, either. All of those model years came with an inline 6. The redesigned '99 and up model has a 4.7L V8. The LX450 also had a 4.5L inline 6. And the LX450 didn't come along until '96.

For $2,000 - $8,000, one will be looking at Cruisers or LX450's with nearly 200K miles. I've been there and done that.

No one has mentioned vehicles because the OP didn't include enough details to properly recommend a specific vehicle.


Colin

Thanks for clarifying that for me as I wouldnt want to pass on wrong informations. In my mind I was thinking 6 cylinders 4.0L and the 94 models with the 4.5L so my fingers automatically typed v6 and v8. Not knowing much about the Land Cruisers engine other than its underpowered and is horrible on gas I'd like to bring it back to life and start driving it again like it used to back when my dad drove it.

You can always get a zuke!

[THE BIG BUFFER]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

There is only one vehicle that fits the bill.... a JEEP!!

[JoeDirt]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

...and when that Jeep needs towed home, grab your Explorer!


(had to, BB)

[THE BIG BUFFER]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

...and when that Jeep needs towed home, grab your Explorer!


(had to, BB)

Hahaha! At least you did'nt say your Toyota...Camry!

[cnfowler]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

...and when that Jeep needs towed home, grab your Explorer!...

I thought you were serious! Oh, you were.


Colin

[cnfowler]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

Thanks for clarifying that for me as I wouldnt want to pass on wrong informations. In my mind I was thinking 6 cylinders 4.0L and the 94 models with the 4.5L so my fingers automatically typed v6 and v8. Not knowing much about the Land Cruisers engine other than its underpowered and is horrible on gas I'd like to bring it back to life and start driving it again like it used to back when my dad drove it.

You can always get a zuke!

No problem. I'd absolutely love to have a '93 - '98 FJ80. I love the looks of them. Like most of the 4x4s of the early 90s, they were definitely underpowered. But so were the Wranglers (actually they still are). 4Runners, Land Rovers, the list goes on. Just that period of time I reckon.


Colin

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

Don't know about classy but sure is a lot of fun...

[All of 75]

Re: Classy Off Roader?

Sorry for not responding, this is much more active than most forums I'm on.

I'll try to address some of the questions:

Off road wise: I want to go where my truck can't (2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Hemi w/ sport package), and I'd like to be able to do some prerunning type things in the desert and go on some rocky (not total rock crawling but difficult) trails. A smooth ride is a must.

I need to be able to hold my gear and friends' for camping.

Manual or Automatic is fine, but preferably auto.

Classy: A nice interior and exterior (leather and a comfortable cockpit). Something I can pull off listening to jazz in.

Safe: Something safe in crash test ratings 4 stars+, preferably 1 airbag or more.

Price: $10,000 and below. (Used obviously)

Mods: Snorkel, lift (if this makes it ride smoother in the desert, I'm thinking OME or coilovers depending on the vehicle), winch, lots of lights, lockers, and mud tires. The cheaper it is, the more I can put on it. And if the lifts etc. are chep to buy, the better it is.

I'd like something that is "tucked in" i.e. it doesn't have long overhangs and there isn't much on the underside that reaches down.

And something reliable that gets decent milage. My current fleet has an average of 14mpg, which I would like to change. And the extra mpg helps with getting to more remote places.


In the mojave, I end up where you'll see one car on the main road every 8 hours or so. And you have no one else with you or within miles.

Thanks!!