Best expedition 4wd...

[newracer]

You really should consider a Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee in addition to the ones you listed.

I love Scouts but no way I'd consider one for an expedition vehicle.

[ruthabagah]

If you want to make a reasonable choice: Go with the 4 runner: they are well build, reliable, the parts are cheap and there is a large online community to support you.

Now if you don't care about reason and just want plain fun: Get a jeep!!! Les reliable, but more parts and more ways to make it a one of a kind.

[rockhound]

the 4.0 ltr motor found in nearly every jeep from 1984 to 2000s is one of the most reliable engines ever built, cheap, easy to work on and 300K miles is a reasonable expectation for that motor.

a complete long block replacement can be had for $500,

the jeep cherokee platform is easily the best all round 4x4 for family wheeling and hardcore wheeling.

parts are plentiful, easily had, building one is easy and cost effective.

and as opposed to toyota replacing front end parts on the trail if necessary is way easier on a jeep front axle than the toyota, steering joint are simple, fixing a birfield when they break on the trail is a major pain in the a..

the solid front axle toyotas would be a decent choice, but yota went to IFS a long time ago and theose solid axle rigs are getting way long in the tooth.

[spqrzilla]

The 4Runner is a good platform. However, if you are price sensitive, you can outfit a Jeep Cherokee XJ as a good expedition 4x4 for the cost of just picking up the base 4Runner of similar age.

A mild lift, taller tires, tow points or a rear hitch, a rear locking diff are most of what you'll need. I think the later Jeep Cherokees in the '97 to '99 range are good values and decent rigs. There is some suspicion of the durability of the head in the '00 and '01 engine. Avoid the Dana 35 rear axle found in the ABS equipped examples in that timeframe.

[newracer]

Next years raffle vehicle for the Colorado Association of 4WD Clubs is a Jeep Grand Cherokee. We picked up a 2002 in great condition for $5,000. We will be building it as an expedition type vehicle.

[encorehunter]

I built up a 95 Geo Tracker for really inexpensive. Not a lot of power, but it went everywhere I wanted to go. Top speed on the highway with mud tires was about 70. I was still getting around 25 MPG with a 4.5" lift and oversize tires. You can get a four door Tracker or Sidekick, there are a lot of aftermarket parts for them now. If you want more power, drop in a 4.3L Chevy, or a Volkswagen Diesel.
I love my 74 Scout II, but it only has a 3 speed in it, so top speed is about 65mph with stock running gear and tires. With the 258 6cyl, I am getting around 18mpg, but I will say it is very torquey.

[spqrzilla]

I miss my old Scout too, but you can't find one that isn't rusted to hell.

[Delfuego]

I'm a Toyota from a Toyota family...

- 3rd-generation Toyota 4runners - 96 through 2002, with 99-00 being the sweet spot (4WD transfer case that also allows for an unlocked center diff giving AWD functionality for sleet/snow/ice driving). I have a '98 4runner that I picked up for a song and really like but will probably be selling to get something in slightly nicer condition. The other option -

Any 3rd gen will do, just make sure it has the and the 3.4l engine and E-diff lock button (next to the console), this was no longer available after 2000 and not at all on the SR5 auto transmission. There is also lots of aftermarket products and if you are feeling real frisky, they even have solid front-axle conversions too. You can build a family truckster, all the way up to a real rock-crawler.

- Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ-80, preferably 1995-1997 (also includes Lexus LX 450 '96-97 as it's the same truck with some luxo cladding). Land Cruiser has solid front & rear axles, can be found with front & rear locking diffs (as well as a locking center diff) and are generally known to be bomb proof outside of the engine having occasional head gasket issues.

Stay away from this one, unless you like regular $2k-$4k repair bills...

The FJ would fit the bill, but may be out of your price range.

[MED]

From my experience the 4runners are easier to work on, get (slightly) better fuel economy, and don't weigh damn near three tons.

Have you thought about a tacoma crew cab?

I beg to differ….

My brother drove four of these things in the early 90s (new one every two years until his last one, a ‘95”. He limped the POS to my house on two dead cylinders with 130,000 pampered miles on the clock. Because he didn’t have the money, it fell on me to fix this thing….pulled the heads and discovered two burnt valves. I brought the heads in and was informed that my brother was one of the lucky few who didn’t have cracked heads. Of course, I had to put the POS back together; what a joy! In general, the thing was a gutless wonder that couldn’t tow for sh*t. The best “feature” was the defroster. On all his 4-Runners, only the bottom half of the windshield would be defrosted. Apparently, the blower motor was as weak and ridiculous as the engine put in it. ….oh, don't get me started on the rust problems and the lack of room for anybody over 5”2’.

I don’t know if the ’96+ is better, but the time I spent wrenching on this turd was far from enjoyable…I told him I would never work on one again! Anyhow, my brother’s praise of these things ended and he hasn’t bought one since.

He only got around 16-18mpg in all four; he sold it when gas spiked.

[Ronin13]

I love Scouts but no way I'd consider one for an expedition vehicle.

On the contrary dear sir, I think Scouts are fantastic- my good buddy has one and we've ventured into some pretty awesome locales in that beast!

I like the 4Runner, I learned to drive on a 2000 5-speed that got me into and out of some fun areas! I would go with that one, especially in a manual, they give you a little more control and that Toyota transmission is tough! Those things will last forever too... Not the biggest fan of 90's Land Cruisers, but the 80's models (if you can find one in decent shape) are awesome!