Which 4x4 to buy

Brianwsnc

New Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Location
winston salem
I am interested in a 4x4 vehicle. I know there is probably as many suggestions as there are people that own them.
Here are a few requirements that may lower the amount of ideas
I don't want to spend alot of money. Just something to kick around from time to time.
I want an automatic and since I am not a huge man, I would like something small.
I do not want a truck.
Suzuki (don't know models)
Subaru (Don't know models)
Toyota (I like the look of the old land cruisers)
or Domestic.
I do like forgein brands most.
Thank you in advance:driver:
 
Brianwsnc said:
I am interested in a 4x4 vehicle. I know there is probably as many suggestions as there are people that own them.
Here are a few requirements that may lower the amount of ideas
I don't want to spend alot of money. Just something to kick around from time to time.
I want an automatic and since I am not a huge man, I would like something small.
I do not want a truck.
Suzuki (don't know models)
Subaru (Don't know models)
Toyota (I like the look of the old land cruisers)
or Domestic.
I do like forgein brands most.
Thank you in advance:driver:
Click to expand...

Your best bet would be an older model XJ. Try to stay with a '91-up though so you get the 4.0 HO and not the renix model motor. Tons of aftermarket and very easy to work on! Just for reference...I picked my '89 Cherokee Pioneer up with the 4.0/AW4/231 for $300 and it only had 140,XXX miles on it and I drove it home which was 45 minutes away and I'm still DD'ing it to this day.
 
If you are an imports guy I would keep an eye on:

Suzuki Samurai
Toyota Landcruisers (don't expect cheap though)
Toyota 4 Runners
Isuzu Rodeo/Amigo
Isuzu Trooper (2 Door)
Mitsubishi Montero/Dodge Raider (84-90, Short Wheel Base)
Nissan Pathfinder

My top 3 would be:

2 Door Montero
Suzuki Samurai
Isuzu Trooper

But that is just me.
 
Draidier, thanks for the list. I will look at those too...

To others, Thanks also. Any suggestions with insite of what's good is a GREAT help
 
Brianwsnc said:
I know I said I didn't want a truck, but after looking, I think a small truck would be good. ( I had a GMC 4x4 Z71 and it was just too big)

Is this a No no... or a good deal

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/ctd/1587198186.html
Click to expand...


If you want it to wheel, pick something with good to great aftermarket support. I wheel a Dodge RamCharger, and while I wouldnt take anything in the world for it, I wish Id started with jeep or toyota simply because they make anything and everything in the world for them. The RamChargers, not so much.

Duane
 
CLRracer said:
If you want it to wheel, pick something with good to great aftermarket support. I wheel a Dodge RamCharger, and while I wouldnt take anything in the world for it, I wish Id started with jeep or toyota simply because they make anything and everything in the world for them. The RamChargers, not so much.
Duane
Click to expand...
But that's what make yours and daddy's trucks cooler!
 
Lol...

XJ's are a great starter rig.

Grab a 6.5 rough country lift for 900, throw some 33's under it and youve got a decent dd playtoy, jeep will pull the 33's on stock gears fairly well and for the investment ull have a blast.

Dont buy the s10, it will cost you a freaking fortune to lift.
 
under 6' tall make it a CJ5 JEEP and I agree thats enough said..
 
pipeline said:
But that's what make yours and daddy's trucks cooler!
Click to expand...

Well duh :flipoff2: Besides, I was always the fat outcast in school, why should my truck be any different??

Duane
 
Another vote for an XJ. As said, get a 91 and up. They are very affordable to purchase up front. The 4.0 and AW4 are stout and quite reliable. Already solid axle from the start, so that will save you money. The stock axles can handle 33's plus spare parts for them are cheap and easy to find. Very affordable to lift as well, if you're not afraid to trim the fenders you can run 32-33" tires with a spacer in the front and shackles in the rear.

I've become a huge fan of the XJ's. Bought both of mine in the last 3 months and I'm on the lookout for another.
 
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