BajaNomad - Best little lite 4x4? (Used,cheap)

Best little lite 4x4? (Used,cheap)

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 11:57 AM

I'm looking for a cheap used 4x4.

I started thinking Toyota Rav4 4x4. $2-5000.
But more of a snow , wet weather little thing.
But very cool and comfortable.
I think it would work. For dirt roads, packed sand, etc. They can be lifted a little.
I've been a lot of places in 2 wheel that I didn't/shouldn't have gone.

Suggetions? Not a pick-up. Smaller better.
Jeep Cherokee?

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 12:34 PM

Maybe Ford Escape 4x4.

4x4abc - 1-20-2019 at 12:43 PM

few cars today are real 4x4
the "kind of 4x4" - called "real time" or "intelligent 4WD" are useless for your quest
pretty much all pickups still have real 4WD
Suzuki is coming with a fun little thing, the Jimny
real 4WD

4x4abc - 1-20-2019 at 12:49 PM

apologize for not seeing (used/cheap)
most capable, light and cheap - plus real 4WD - are Suzuki Samurais

older Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee (1990's) are girt cheap, pretty reliable, cheap parts - and real 4WD

I have several Grand Cherokee
all less than $2k
capable, comfortable, AC, darn reliable

bajaguy - 1-20-2019 at 12:53 PM

I have a Chevy Tracker 2 door 4x4, great for what we use it for, but if I had to do it all over again, I would get a nice, used (yes, they are out there) Jeep Wrangler, 6 cyl, standard transmission. Many more options for added accessories and parts availability

TMW - 1-20-2019 at 12:55 PM

I suggest whatever you decide to buy have it checked over by a good mechanic before you buy. At least you would have done your due diligence.

willardguy - 1-20-2019 at 01:01 PM

3G 4runner or an XJ, they're everywhere along with parts.

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 01:04 PM

I want a Wrangler but not yet.
I've got to think I will be using this thing mostly as a "grocery car" and dirt roader. I Think the speed limit to town is like 30 mph. So something comfy and air tight to keep dust out. Good aircon.
So think car. Cruise control so I don't get a ticket. It happens.
I still have my 2008 F-350 4x4 offroad if I really need to get "out there".
It gas powered and 350 hp. You do the math.
The little Rav 4 4x4 V6 gets 29mpgs highway and is like Toyota's fastest lauching vehicle by coincidence.
And cute like me.

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 01:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

I suggest whatever you decide to buy have it checked over by a good mechanic before you buy. At least you would have done your due diligence.

My plan is to drive it off the lot and let it break along the way. That's where we're camping until parts get there on the bus.

pacificobob - 1-20-2019 at 01:11 PM

how about a jeep wrangler '98 low miles, lockers front and back? located here in baja. montata plates. pm if interested.

AKgringo - 1-20-2019 at 01:13 PM

I have several of the older model Kia Sportage (95 - 02). They are based on a Mazda light truck drive train, and are rear wheel drive with a hi/lo transfer case.

I bought them because they were not very popular, and therefore, more bang for the buck than other SUVs. Great performance off road (with proper tires), not so great body, sensors, switches and wire connectors.

A better choice for use in Mexico would be the Chevy Tracker/Suzuki Vitara. Very similar to my Kia, but with a Suzuki engine, and better chance of parts and service in Mexico!

Kia, and the Chev/Suzuki models came in 4dr hard body, and 2dr convertible models.

Another option that I have thought about, but never drove, is the Isuzu Amigo, or Rodeo Sport. This is another 2dr rig, with a larger engine than the Kia or Tracker.

[Edited on 1-20-2019 by AKgringo]

LukeJobbins - 1-20-2019 at 01:17 PM

Xj for cheap, but mpgs is not great. You can go a million other places in a stock 4x4 xj than a heavy f350. And the 4.0 6cyl engines are bullet proof.

But my real suggestion if you have a little money is a 98-01 cr all wheel drive. Light, good mpg, very comfortable, and all wheel drive rarely if ever gets stuck in the sand(in my tons of experience)

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 01:31 PM

Yeah An F350 isn't a "jeep trail" machine.

I forgot about those little Suzukis.
Sportages are kinda cool.
The closest to a Jeep I will get is a Cherokee.
But still not "car" enough.

I think I want to try and break a Rav4.
It has a lock position on the 4x4 part but no low range.
No armor and no ground clearance.
A tiny lift and make some armor plates for the soft parts and I think it will work.
No low range but 275hps will get you out of alot of messes. Or make it worse. Probably both.
The are small and easy to dig out.
A little winch or something.

[Edited on 1-20-2019 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 01:33 PM

But mostly lt's a car. And plus I never get stuck anyway...

4x4abc - 1-20-2019 at 01:42 PM

the "lock position" only turns an almost always 2WD into a temporary AWD - still no 4WD.
The lightweight saves your day

http://www.rubicon-trail.com/4WD101/4WD-AWD-autoAWD.html

AKgringo - 1-20-2019 at 01:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

And plus I never get stuck anyway...

Then you are not trying hard enough!

AKgringo - 1-20-2019 at 02:18 PM

I recommend oversize, low pressure tires for the most satisfying kick!

4x4

J.P. - 1-20-2019 at 02:19 PM

I have a 91 4.0 WRANGLER THAT IS BONE STOCK that i will let go of for 6.000.00 $

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 02:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by J.P.

I have a 91 4.0 WRANGLER THAT IS BONE STOCK that i will let go of for 6.000.00 $

That is hard to pass up...

J.P. - 1-20-2019 at 03:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

Quote: Originally posted by J.P.

I have a 91 4.0 WRANGLER THAT IS BONE STOCK that i will let go of for 6.000.00 $

That is hard to pass up...

Its in Baja MONEY TALKS.

Archie - 1-20-2019 at 03:56 PM

I´ve seen 1st and 2nd gen 4runners with the 4 cyl. going over 300,000 miles and the little beasts just won't die.

You can get one of those for $1K or less around here.

Same for the subaru outback ´00 to ´05. Im on the market for one of those, i liked specially the undercarriage, most of it its corrosion resistant and dirt cheap to repair.

John Harper - 1-20-2019 at 06:26 PM

No need for a pickup bed, perhaps for materials, propane tanks, etc? Perhaps an older extended cab Tacoma or Ford Ranger? I find it very handy to have a pickup, but nice to have that extra space behind the seats too.

John

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 09:46 PM

I had my Ranger 2wd on my 1st trip. It was awesome.
For now I guess I will drive my F-350. Gas hog but high wide and handsome.
Now I'm back to wanting a Jeep YJ for my Calimax run to town.

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 09:54 PM

But yeah. A mini suv seems cool for light duty.

bajaguy - 1-20-2019 at 09:59 PM

Then you should look at JP's from the above post

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

I had my Ranger 2wd on my 1st trip. It was awesome.
For now I guess I will drive my F-350. Gas hog but high wide and handsome.
Now I'm back to wanting a Jeep YJ for my Calimax run to town.

mtgoat666 - 1-20-2019 at 10:59 PM

Fishbutt,
You gonna fish or cut bait?
chit or get off the pot!

fishbuck - 1-20-2019 at 11:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Fishbutt,
You gonna fish or cut bait?
chit or get off the pot!

Soo true.
I need to drive down in a few weeks for a short trip. So I will continue to figure out an alternate to my F350 later.
You know something that gets better than 9mpg.

mtgoat666 - 1-21-2019 at 07:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Fishbutt,
You gonna fish or cut bait?
chit or get off the pot!

I need to drive down in a few weeks for a short trip. So I will continue to figure out an alternate to my F350 later.
You know something that gets better than 9mpg.

why did you buy an f350 If you cannot afford the fuel to drive it?

motoged - 1-21-2019 at 12:24 PM

Goat,
Has FB demonstrated any logic so far?

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Fishbutt,
You gonna fish or cut bait?
chit or get off the pot!

I need to drive down in a few weeks for a short trip. So I will continue to figure out an alternate to my F350 later.
You know something that gets better than 9mpg.

why did you buy an f350 If you cannot afford the fuel to drive it?

John Harper - 1-21-2019 at 12:40 PM

Come on, he's an enthusiastic dreamer, nothing wrong with that. Better to have lots of ideas, and cross them off as reality sets in. The poor guy just retired and spent time in the hospital, give him a break. I think his excitement is kind of endearing.

My Ranger 2WD has been a reliable vehicle for me as well. Both of them.

John

[Edited on 1-21-2019 by John Harper]

gnukid - 1-21-2019 at 01:05 PM

It's best to use a car that you know, that works and is good for rough roads. A big full size Ford truck is a great vehicle for Baja, if you are looking for a commuter or high milage car that's something else but it won't be good for fishing off the beach and cruising arroyos like the truck and the truck is safer in accidents. Run what you got.

[Edited on 1-21-2019 by gnukid]

caj13 - 1-21-2019 at 02:02 PM

samaris, trackers, gran vitaras, all cheap and hard to kill, with locking difs

fishbuck - 1-21-2019 at 02:23 PM

Thanks. Still looking.

fishbuck - 1-21-2019 at 02:29 PM

Today is fuel injector cleaner in the Ford day. Maybe I can squeak a little milage out of it for now.
Red Line looks best.
I'm liking the Suzuki idea...

AKgringo - 1-21-2019 at 04:36 PM

Suzuki makes the Tracker for Chevrolet.

gnukid - 1-21-2019 at 04:48 PM

Use injector cleaner every tank for 6 months, Lucas, Chevron, Sea Foam, keep the filters clean, oil clean and the truck tuned up with proper air in the tires and you will see improved mileage and performance. If you use what you have you save money.

weebray - 1-21-2019 at 05:21 PM

Everybody, including the Pope, lies about their gas milage. BTW, The J in jeep stands for junk. It's well documented. (This will be followed by several people that have 300,000 trouble free mi. and have owned five of them and blah blah blah. Can't fool me, I'm a wrench.