Suggestions for Cheap off road rig/build

Howdy,

I've been creeping on TW since January to get an idea of what to expect before I bought my taco (purchased in Feb)

Now, I'm kicking myself for not getting a 4x4 and was looking for suggestions for cheap rigs, (Make Model Year Etc.) to beat the hell out of on the trail.

Budget is about 2k for a vehicle. (Just to put a number out there) What would you do if you were in this situation?

I understand this may be subjective since the 4x4 you can purchase greatly varies depending on where you are, but nonetheless. What would YEWWWWW DOOOO

 

xj

 

XJs can be had at really good deals especially beaters.

However, if you can sell your truck, usually 4x4 tacos are around 2k extra.

 

You can still find Willys Jeeps that cheap if you are patient and look hard. Hard to beat an early Jeep for a trail vehicle. They're so small it's like a UTV, and they sure are durable. And incredibly simple to fix. I love mine and it kicks ass on the trail.

 

Good luck trying to find one that's not way overpriced.

 

You definitely have to be patient. Have your cash ready and watch craigslist. Maybe be prepared to travel and pick one up from another state. I'm in Ohio so they have become rare due to rust, but they still litter farms and barns all over the western and southwestern states.

Like anything unique and rare, you have to really want one and be interested in them, otherwise they're probably not for you.

 

Suzuki Samurai, Vitara, Sidekick, or Chevy Tracker are possibilities. I had a '98 Sidekick that went everywhere I pointed it and it was pretty economical to own.

 

Thanks for the Feedback, everyone. This is why TW Works so well.

also found this Isuzu on CL. Thoughts?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5867122958.html

 

Just noticed the Mitsu Badge on the Front lol

 

Depends on how much work you're wanting to put in to an offroad-only vehicle.

 

I'm willing to bleed for this...


just kidding, putting in the effort to fix something isn't really an issue for me. I'm more looking to see what's been a reliable rig for everyone else, then draw my own inferences from there as to what I want to buy and then inevitable beat the hell out of

 

Yeah it's a Mitsubishi-built clone of the CJ3B, but it's dimensionally and mechanically the same as the American Jeeps with the exception of a turbo diesel engine and it being right-hand drive.

 

$2700.....

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5876496251.html

 

A first or second gen Toyota 4Runner / pickup with a 22r/re can be had around $3k. Usually in fair condition but perfect for trail rigs. I've been able to get two SFA 4runners for less than $3000 each.

 

I noticed 1st gen 4runners going up in price a little bit. But the 2nd gen 4runners go really cheap usually.

 

XJ or Toyota pickup, whichever you can get a better deal on for a mild wheeler.

If you want a crawler, look into buying a 2WD second or third gen pickup or first gen taco. They can normally be had for $1000 or so in good shape. Then use the extra grand to find a front axle and tcase on carpart and have a good crawler for $2000-$2500

 

older Toyota would def be ideal

Here would be a contender.

https://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/5893670335.html