Best expedition 4wd...

[Tremek]

I'm looking at building up a really competent overland 4wd for long trips, camping, 4-wheeling, running the dogs and possibly child around occasionally, and all the generally outdoorsy things we can do in Colorado.

This is a 3rd car so I'm also trying to keep it within a reasonable budget. The two trucks I'm considering:

- 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 -

- 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.

Both these trucks can easily be had in excellent condition (for their age) for under $10k and possibly well under that. The way I figure it is if I stay well under budget, I'll have more money to put into better tires, winch and winch bumpers, that sort of thing.

Are there any other suggestions you guys might have for such a vehicle? I'm largely staying away from Jeeps due to being overpriced and under-reliable within the price range I'm looking at, but am open to suggestions. Thanks in advance - if you have an opinion share the why as well.

[spyder]

Suzuki Samuri all the way...

[Sixgun]

Jeep rubicon unlimited, plenty of parts all over the US.

[Tremek]

Jeep rubicon unlimited, plenty of parts all over the US.

Rubicons aren't in my price range. Unlimiteds (4 door) are all going to be $15k-$40k, with most in the $20s. Even the 2-door TJ LWB Unlimiteds are up there.

As this won't ever be a DD (also have a G8 GXP and a Cayenne Turbo S for running around) I'm trying to keep the budget lower, and not feel bad taking on trails etc.

I know some people take their $40k Wrangler Unlimited Rubicons down rock canyons but I can't feel good about spending that kind of money on a car only to destroy it. :P $5-10k, however, might let a little trail damage happen from time to time.

[Flatline]

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?

[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.

[Tremek]

Suzuki Samuri all the way...

Heh, as much fun as those tiny things are I want something big enough to fit a car seat and dogs in - not much chance there! Also, 3 cylinders of fury probably won't cut it for actual travel that includes things like hills...

[patrick0685]

i love my 2000 4runner

[sully3acr]

Suzuki Samuri all the way...

Yes!!

[GilpinGuy]

I'm largely staying away from Jeeps due to being overpriced and under-reliable within the price range I'm looking at, but am open to suggestions. Thanks in advance - if you have an opinion share the why as well.

I've owned nothing but Jeeps for the last 20 years and have not had any reliability problems. In fact, I've never once broken down on the street or the trail. Been stuck in the mud a few times and beat up some sheet metal though.

I've done tons of trails in a '99 Cherokee Sport and a '95 Grand Cherokee. The Grand ran for 398K miles before I traded it in for the Wrangler I have now. All I ever replaced on that was a water pump. The Wrangler has ~160K miles and doesn't leak/burn a drop of oil.

I think the "reliability" reputation that people hear is because some people drive them like they are tanks and unbreakable. You can't drive them like they do in the commercials. Maintain them and they run great.

Yotas are great vehicles too though, if that's what you're leaning toward.