How cheap can I start out?

[Rachmaninoff]

I'm in college: not well off, but with potential to eventually get a cheap 4x4.

So, I'm wondering how cheap can I start off overlanding? Wheeling is one thing, but I kind of want to sleep in the back of my vehicle (Jeep Wrangler is likewise too small). I've been thinking about 90s Cherokees and 4runners, so still a light SUV that I can sort of just curl up on the bench seat of.

Maintenance is also a thing to consider. I want to avoid spending money on maintenance. Fuel econ is a small consideration because I know that most older cheap light SUVs are going to get terrible mileage that won't be offset by buying a more expensive vehicle.

So: older, cheaper light SUV with a consideration leaning towards somewhat lower maintenance. Performance should be fine for what I'm comfortable attempting with most light SUVs, since I'm not planning on doing anything tremendously technical (which doesn't mean not technical at all).

 

[82fb]

90's cherokees can be had in good running shape for less that 2k, many times less than 1k. put the rear seat down and unless you are 7ft tall you can sleep comfortably provided you have a foam pad under you. You can lift it a few inches with spacers and bastard pack leaves, get some cl 31's and have a great time wheeling and camping. Can't beat the xj for what you want.

 

[redthies]

You pretty much nailed it with XJs and 4Runners. Lots of people love Pathfinders and Monteros, but the Toy and Jeep have the most aftermarket support. They are also the most prolific and used parts will be easier to find. The Toy might have a better stereo to play your classical pieces...

 

[Rot Box]

84-89 Toyota 4runner with the 22R/RE and 5 speed--period. Very capable off road, good fuel mileage, reliable as a hammer and very cheap to own and maintain.

 

[BurbanAZ]

im partial to the old american trucks myself but their gas mileage is usually horrible unless u find a diesel. The 4runner years that others mentioned sounds like ur best bet based on what u said u wanted. Definitely doesnt take alot of money to start getting into this, the suburban i used on all our trips i traded a dirt bike for, and i make all my own stuff bumpers, racks, etc.. so ive spend almost nothing and now have a pretty capable comfortable rig.

 

[Eaglefreek]

A Jeep Cherokee is definitely one to consider. If you can find a 5 speed, low to mid 20's MPG on the highway is possible if you don't add huge tires and heavy accessories. You can go many places on the stock size tires. Parts are plentiful. There are always several in the junkyard.

 

[obkook]

3rd gen T4R

I landed on the 3rd Gen 4Runner for its perfect (for me) combination of daily driver and off road capability. Super reliable, easy to find parts, and a lot of soccer mom vehicles in the used marketplace.

 

[Rachmaninoff]

I really appreciate the help and advice guys. I've been wanting to get into this for more than 2 years now. I have a major passion for the outdoors and nature, and I've been deprived of it. I want a bit of freedom now.

 

[82fb]

I love the toyota's too. I have had an 83 longbed 4x4, an 82 longbed 4x4, and 81 Trekker, an 82 Trailblazer, and an 85 shortbed. I am now on my 3rd 97-99 XJ. If you are planning to stay with 31's, the xj is the way to go hands down. Way more power and comfort, with similar reliability, and if you get an older one, the prices are ridiculously low. If you want cheap, the older XJ's are way easier to find at good prices than 4runners of the 80's.

I know I will probably get some argument on the similar reliability part, so understand I am comparing my late 90's xj's to my early 80's toyotas. My current xj has 221k miles on it, with no major engine or trans work, and runs like it is new. None of my toyotas ran that well and they all had lower miles. ymmv of course.

 

[tatuedrednek]

My sentiments exactly 82fgb! I've got a Jeep Cherokee, and it has been everywhere! Absolutely love the thing! Parts are reasonable and plentiful, and aftermarket stuff, ie: lift, etc. is reasonably priced as well. Fuel mileage is ok at best, but the way it performs off road more than off sets the fuel cost in my eyes.

 

[KELLEVRA]

Cheap Buys

I totally agree, The jeeps, and toys are a great pic, but alot can be had for someone who waits. I picked this 97 F250 4X4 with turbo 7.3 for 1100.00 bucks on craigslist. I added the topper for another 450.00. Patience my friend patience
between my son and I we spend so much time on CL that nothing gets by us.

 

[Revco]

I love my big Suburban, but it's not really my "style". It's the first and only SUV I've ever had, and since I don't have kids or pets, or anything...there's no reason to have something that seats 7 people (4 captains chairs + 3rd row), although it is nice to know I can sleep comfortably inside it if need be. I guess I'm just used to having trucks.

I think when I finish my F250 build and sell the Suburban, I'll likely snatch up a cheap XJ Cherokee or 4-Runner to be a daily driver/beater, but knowing me, the XJ will have to have some sort of V8 swap like a GM LS engine, and the 4-Runner would have to have a 1UZ-FE V8 Swap.

 

[Jimmeh]

I used to have an old XJ Wagoneer, and kick myself right in the face every time I think of the day I sold it. Was a really stupid move on my part, since now I am looking for one to replace my Ranger with (not necessarily a XJ Wagoneer, but an XJ). Although, I am picky. My next rig HAS to have cruise control and power options. My Chevy doesn't have either, and that's the one thing I hate about it. Sure, it's not super expensive to put that stuff on, and it is just one more thing to break, but after just doing 1600 miles without cruise control, and it seems like everybody who usually pulls up next to me to talk refuses to pull up to my drivers side (plus constantly walking to the passenger side only to find it LOCKED!) I am over it, lol. Sorry for the rant, I just really hate bare bones rigs, lol. Most people like them, I am not one, haha.

 

[CCH]

Back when I was in your shoes, I went with a short bed, regular cab truck ('80 Dodge W-150.) It had a cheap aluminum cap, went everywhere I was stupid enough to take it in western/southwestern Colorado, and allowed me to carry oodles of gear and sleep in the back. It even towed parade floats in Grand Junction with that great granny low first gear. I think I spent $2,100 for it in 1991 and sold it for $3,000 in 1994. That was the last and only time I sort of made money on a vehicle. It wasn't as svelte on the hard trails as a Jeep, but it sure let me do the camping/gear thing better. I wouldn't knock a decent Cherokee, but a P/U with a cap is worth a look if you're wanting to sleep in it.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Trucks are nice, lots of room with a topper.

But my vote would be for an XJ. I spent a lot of time in my XJ, and for sleeping, no problem!

I built a platform in the back. Over 7' diagonally with the driver seat all the way forward!

Used the area underneath for storing tools, parts, food, etc.

The back was open and accessed when the hatch was open, the front 2 compartments had access 'hatches'

Granted, it turns the Jeep into a 2 seater, but it worked well for me. (as it was usually myself and the dog, or myself and ,my son)

Not a great amount of headroom, you would have a bit more with a beds built over the wheel wells of a truck with a cap on it.


XJ's can be had at a great price, are very reliable, and can go over 200K miles when properly maintained.

ETA:

I built 2 small 'fillers' for when the seat was forward, made for better sleeping and no lost pillows!