BajaNomad

4x4 beater preference

yakyak2010 - 10-23-2011 at 06:16 PM

I'll throw this ? out there. If you wanted a used 4x4 beater for baja (read cheap,reliable as a rock, and throw in 20+mpg), what would you all think is the best vehicle out there? Not a offroad racer just something that will get you where you need to go.

Barry A. - 10-23-2011 at 06:20 PM

Your "20+ mpg" criteria sure eliminates most of them, if not all.

Barry

yakyak2010 - 10-23-2011 at 06:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
Your "20+ mpg" criteria sure eliminates most of them, if not all.

Barry
I didn't ask for easy. As long has it doesn't have solar panels or more than one battery, I'm good.

Bajaboy - 10-23-2011 at 06:50 PM

4 cylinder Taco

N2Baja - 10-23-2011 at 06:55 PM

Does it have to be 4x4? I had a postal jeep that went everywhere the 4x4's went. It had a 6 cyl engine in it and was very easy to work on.

Ken Cooke - 10-23-2011 at 07:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
4 cylinder Taco


You took the words right out of my mouth. Try to obtain one with a straight axle - '80-'84 model, preferably.

mojo_norte - 10-23-2011 at 08:26 PM

4 cylinder Taco - unless you want to lower the MPG to high teens..

BFS - 10-23-2011 at 08:31 PM

4 door sidekick 4x4 gets way over 20 mpg, flies across the sand, cheap to buy, easy to fix...

mojo_norte - 10-23-2011 at 08:37 PM

My 95 wrangler 2.5 FI 4 cyl 5spd gets 20 mpg -
My 87 F150 5.0 VI V8 gets 17 MPG.
Both are rock solid reliable

ddawson - 10-23-2011 at 08:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
4 cylinder Taco


This.

David K - 10-23-2011 at 10:45 PM

Suzuki Samuri, Old Toyota 4 cyl.

J.P. - 10-24-2011 at 03:12 AM

I have a clean 1995 Nissan Se v6 4x4 with 138,000 mi with air,power brakes and steering,factory lift, good Toyo tires, Nice camper shell very clean truck Liscensed untill Oct 2012 I will sell for $4,000dls firm It,s in Ensenada.

paranewbi - 10-24-2011 at 03:20 AM

"4 door sidekick 4x4 gets way over 20 mpg, flies across the sand, cheap to buy, easy to fix..."
BFS is right!
Got one...230,000 miles and one new radiator. Won't haul cattle but really does fly across the dirt.

rhintransit - 10-24-2011 at 04:50 AM

Suzuki Sammys or GEO Trackers...
not much room, but they go anywhere, are easy to fix, and gas mileage is great. (unless you have/run AC, in which case it goes way down, as does the zip factor)

willyAirstream - 10-24-2011 at 05:37 AM

ditto on the Suzuki Samuri

also jeep wagoneer from the 80's, but it won't get 20mpg

[Edited on 10-24-2011 by willyAirstream]

BooJumMan - 10-24-2011 at 05:38 AM

Straight axle Toyota "Hilux" (They are just really the Toyota Pickups -- not considered a Tacoma).
They were made from 1979 through 1995.5. Straight axle variations: 79-85. Rest are torsion bar front with leaf rear.

1985 was the only year they offered an EFI (22-RE opposed to the carburated 22-R) and straight axle, and is the holy grail of Toyota pickups.

Even a freshly built 22-RE will give you only 20 mpg on mixed 50/50 city/highyway at best. The parts are very cheap to replace, but you shouldn't need to. I did my own top end repair (head gaskets, valve job, cam shaft, etc...) for about $250. ;)

I'm always tempted to buy one of those early 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee's for like $1k but I don't know how reliable they would be. The Toyota pickups will be a dime a dozen. The Tacoma's (95.5 and above) will be considerably more money because of the larger I-4, coil sprung suspension, body improvements, etc...

BajaGringo - 10-24-2011 at 07:33 AM

My suggestion? Buy the cheapest, most dependable 4x4 you can find and don't worry about the gas mileage....

Islandbuilder - 11-11-2011 at 05:17 PM

Hello,

I'm looking at a '96 F-350 regular cab. This has the 7.3 turbo diesel on a 5 speed stick. The seller assures me that it gets 20mpg on the highway due, I guess, to it having very tall differential gearing.

It's dented and worn, but it starts, pulls well, and is under $4,000.

Any thoughts? Anyone want to do an intervention before Monday when I put it on the rack and inspect it prior to purchase?

Thanks!

tiotomasbcs - 11-11-2011 at 05:53 PM

I'll vote for the Subaru GL Wagon. My 4X 87 Wagon has only 120,000 miles altho its rusting apart. The mountain communities are full of em and they are super dependable! Snow or sand! Shame on you DK for not mentioning your original Baja vehicles? ps mines not for sale. Tio

Curt63 - 11-11-2011 at 05:54 PM

I cant speak about the year/model of that truck, but the Ford 7.3 Diesel is an excellent engine.

David K - 11-12-2011 at 12:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by tiotomasbcs
I'll vote for the Subaru GL Wagon. My 4X 87 Wagon has only 120,000 miles altho its rusting apart. The mountain communities are full of em and they are super dependable! Snow or sand! Shame on you DK for not mentioning your original Baja vehicles? ps mines not for sale. Tio


Oh for sure... I had 3 4WD Subaru wagons... over 100,000 miles on each... all over Baja.... even the original old old road to Gonzaga from Puertecitos in 1979.

I didn't mention them because being so old, the 4WDs may be of questionable quality (all the newer Subarus are no longer 4WD, but full time AWD and no low range or center differential lock). Also, to drive such a rig in Baja (with its 13" tires) did take some skill...

Here's my 1980 4WD Subaru on the beach north of Laguna Manuela, in 1983... My dad's last fishing trip to Baja before he died. Surf fishing wonderland... Whistler called that spot 'Variety Beach'. We caught croaker, halibut, calico bass and plenty of them!

nomad 033.jpg - 41kB

bajabass - 11-12-2011 at 06:00 AM

On any Ford full size truck, 2 or 4 wheel drive, have the front suspension, steering and brakes checked very closely before you buy!!! You can drop 2k retail easily if it is all worn out. I owned a front end shop for over 20 years in Socal before moving to La Paz. Ford was very, very good for my bottom line every month!!

Bob and Susan - 11-12-2011 at 06:46 AM

bass...so you're saying DON't get a FORD? :light:

comitan - 11-12-2011 at 07:23 AM

Fix or replace Daily :lol::lol:

bajabass - 11-12-2011 at 07:25 AM

Not at all, the local mechanics need all the work the can get!!! :lol:

Really though, Fords are built tough, it is just a weak link in high mile trucks, that's all. Have it inspected by a good front end shop before buying if possible, and add any needed work into the budget for the vehicle.

That said, I drive an '06 Tundra 4x4, and Dra. Bajabass rolls to work in a Honda Element. I left most of my tools in Socal!!!

BFS - 11-12-2011 at 08:49 AM

THIS is what you want. 5 speed, rarely stops at Pemex, will go anywhere. And yes that's a palapa roof...

palapacar.jpg - 50kB

David K - 11-12-2011 at 08:56 AM

Excellent, BFS!

bajabass - 11-12-2011 at 09:08 AM

Perfect little beach bomb! Light weight, and the aired down, oversize tires, thing should almost float on sea as well as land!!!

4x4

bajaguy - 11-12-2011 at 09:29 AM

Sold my 1985 Subaru BRAT and bought a 2000 Chevy Tracker 4x4 softtop. Put a 2" lift on the Tracker, and upsized the tires from 205-15'a to 235-15's.

The Subaru didn't have the ground clearance for the many topes and/or potholes. The Tracker does great, good gas mileage, easy to repair. Parts available from Hawk Suzuki:

http://www.hawksuzukiparts.com/

Metro Geos, Chevy Geos, Chevy Trackers, Suzuki Viteras, Suzuki Samuaris, Suzuki Sidekicks ..........all the same clones





[Edited on 11-12-2011 by bajaguy]

vivaloha - 11-12-2011 at 09:57 AM

Good posts Nomads...

David K - that picture of you and your pop's last fishing trip with your Suburu was super classic...both the car (old skool subeee) and you and your pop both styling and smiling! Thanks for that!

Regarding the topic of 4x4's my sentiment is this:

1986 - 1992 Toyota 4 Cylinder - 22RE 4 x 4
All models that fit those criteria will fit your needs:
1. pretty good on gas mileage 20+ on a super light, not loaded one
2. will handle your to and from 4 x 4 / dirt needs
3. will be easy to fix - locals have 'em, fix 'em, parts available...

After giving this same topic much thought over the years I have
chosen the 1990 / 1991 4Runner, 4 cyl, 4 door, 4x4...fairly rare but
still that 22RE engine...These things float on the dirt roads especially
models that have spring coils....

Good luck and let us know what you choose...

Vivaloha:bounce:

vivaloha - 11-12-2011 at 10:00 AM

oh and one last thing...

BFS - that is one slick looking Tracker! Congrats on that tasty rig!
Love the 4 doors and the palapa roof...super chingoncito!

Question BFS - are the parts easily found down there?

David K - 11-12-2011 at 10:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by vivaloha
Good posts Nomads...

David K - that picture of you and your pop's last fishing trip with your Suburu was super classic...both the car (old skool subeee) and you and your pop both styling and smiling! Thanks for that!

Regarding the topic of 4x4's my sentiment is this:

1986 - 1992 Toyota 4 Cylinder - 22RE 4 x 4
All models that fit those criteria will fit your needs:
1. pretty good on gas mileage 20+ on a super light, not loaded one
2. will handle your to and from 4 x 4 / dirt needs
3. will be easy to fix - locals have 'em, fix 'em, parts available...

After giving this same topic much thought over the years I have
chosen the 1990 / 1991 4Runner, 4 cyl, 4 door, 4x4...fairly rare but
still that 22RE engine...These things float on the dirt roads especially
models that have spring coils....

Good luck and let us know what you choose...

Vivaloha:bounce:


Thank you! He was the total reason I became a Baja nut... sure miss the guy! Here we are in 1982 at Rancho Santa Ynez:


Islandbuilder - 11-12-2011 at 10:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
On any Ford full size truck, 2 or 4 wheel drive, have the front suspension, steering and brakes checked very closely before you buy!!! You can drop 2k retail easily if it is all worn out. I owned a front end shop for over 20 years in Socal before moving to La Paz. Ford was very, very good for my bottom line every month!!


Thank you for this information! The ABS light is flashing, it pulls left under hard braking, and it feels like the steering is a bit loose. Are you suggesting that this may be an issue?;D

I am hoping for something that I can put a light lift-top camper on, and using that rig to explore Baja.

David K, great pics of you and your dad. It's heartwarming to see a father and son sharing their love for Baja. Rare, which is a shame.

bajabass - 11-12-2011 at 11:13 AM

OK, 96 should be rear anti-lock only???? Usually it is the rear wheel speed sensor. About 30 bucks and one bolt. Brake pull. 2WD, check radius arm bushings right away. Leaking/frozen front calipers. Look for thinner/burned pads on one side, or moisture around the caliper pistons. Blown rear axle seal can do it also. Loose steering. Check all tie rods and ball joints. The tie rod at the pitman arm usually goes first. Closely check the steering "rag joint", or steering coupler, just as the steering shaft enters the steering box. Make sure any replacement tie rods and ball joints have grease fittings, or "zerks", as they do not have them O.E. as a rule. Radius arm bushings and I-beam bushings, use a "poly" style, they last much longer.

TMW - 11-12-2011 at 11:52 AM

[Make sure any replacement tie rods and ball joints have grease fittings, or "zerks", as they do not have them O.E. as a rule.]

Bajabass what is your experience with the sealed joints etc on a Toyota Tacoma or Toyota in general. On my 04 Tacoma none of the ball joints or steering components have zerk fittings only the drive shaft. I had a 93 Toyota 4x4 truck with the same deal and put 150,000 miles on it and never had a problem.

bajabass - 11-12-2011 at 12:01 PM

My Toyotas with sealed joints have been fine also. I have seen Tundras and Tacomas with worn joints, though usually only the ones lifted, driven hard, with high mileage, 150,000+. The heavier the truck, the harder the parts wear factor, with diesels leading the pack! I've found trucks with as little as 50k with badly worn parts. Many customers referred back to the dealer for warranty replacement. No money in it for me, other than customers for life!! Call me crazy.

wessongroup - 11-12-2011 at 12:32 PM

DK a real keeper of a shot... great that "pictures" were part of your experience... with your Dad... those will always last... thanks for sharing..

Islandbuilder - 11-12-2011 at 12:37 PM

bajabass, thank you again for your advice! Very specific and helpful. I have decided to wait until I have sold my Land Rover project car, and a yard full of unused boats before I aquire another project. I like the diesel engine, favoring either the Cummins 5.? or the International 7.3 Powerstroke.

I am seeing that diesel may be harder to find in the small ejidos than gas would be. Can anyone speak to that?

TMW - 11-12-2011 at 12:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
My Toyotas with sealed joints have been fine also. I have seen Tundras and Tacomas with worn joints, though usually only the ones lifted, driven hard, with high mileage, 150,000+. The heavier the truck, the harder the parts wear factor, with diesels leading the pack! I've found trucks with as little as 50k with badly worn parts. Many customers referred back to the dealer for warranty replacement. No money in it for me, other than customers for life!! Call me crazy.


Thanks

MitchMan - 11-15-2011 at 09:33 AM

FWIW,
I have a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4, 4 cyl 2.7 liter, 5 speed stick shift, regular cab. Plenty of torque, plenty of power to pull and beach launch my 16 ft fiber glass center console outboard boat. Absolutely and positively a fantastic vehicle.

Gas mileage: Got 24 mpg on California highways, however, in La Paz, I get only 14 mpg because of all stop and go in town driving, rarely if ever get it into 5th gear, only get to use 4th gear from time to time, but certainly not in town. During the summer, a/c is always on. All things considered, for La Paz driving, if I had it to do over again, I would get a 6 cyl 4x4 Tacoma automatic drive instead as I would probably get better in town gas mileage; couldn't get worse gas mileage.