Need vehicle suggestions for around $3000

[Soviet Joy]

I'm looking into buying a very inexpensive 4x4 vehicle. I plan to use it to take my son from the Bay Area to the Sierra Nevadas once or twice a month to go camping, fishing, and such. It won't be a daily driver. My budget for the vehicle is pretty small; I don't want to spend more than $3000 initially, with another $1000 set aside for needed repairs and upgrades.

I've had people recommend to me Cherokees, 4Runners, Troopers, and Disco Is.

I'd like something that is reasonably comfortable, pretty damn good off-road as a stock vehicle, something where I can do the maintenance myself, and has decent aftermarket support. I'm honestly leaning towards a Disco I in spite of their reputation for being unreliable because they're super-comfortable, are aesthetically appealing, and I'd like to offer Grey Poupon to the other off-roaders. Heh. At the same time, I'm very wary of being stuck with a money pit.

So, dear reader, what say you? If you had about $3000, what vehicle would you purchase and why?

 

[greg mgm]

My first choice would be a 4Runner. I had one a few years ago but sold it, and I regret that decision.
4Runners are very capable, reliable, and have tons of aftermarket support. I don't know how nice of one you can get for $3000.
But any of the vehicles you mentioned would be fine. My opinion is it's a personal choice. Test drive each one of those vehicles and see what works best for you.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

XJ's and Grand Cherokees are all over in that price range, and have major aftermarket support, not to mention a lot of forums and web-info for the DIY'er mechanic/troubleshooter.

4Runners fit the bill nicely also. Sold my '95 because it was starting to rust, which some days I had kept it and fixed the body.

 

[1leglance]

A 4runner will push your budget to find a nice one...while a XJ Cherokee will be very nice at that price and maybe leave you money to put on tires or baseline the maint.

 

[bob91yj]

I think you would get a newer/car in better shape getting an XJ Cherokee at that price point. Make sure you really fit the ergonomics of a Cherokee before you make the decision. Cherokee is also going to be a 25+ year old design/drivetrain, updated over the years, but let's face it, it's going to ride like a truck. With basic maintenance/care over the years they are very reliable if a bit crude when compared to a 4Runner.

I'm a Jeep guy BTW. I'm not skeered to admit that you have to be willing to live with their on road nuances to get the off road capability that they have.:sombrero:

 

[Desert Dan]

I think it is getting harder to find a reliable vehicle in that price range. You are talking about some long road trip miles 2x a month.

How about a Tacoma?? That would be great for you and your son.

Toyota and Jeep parts/dealerships are easier to find than Rovers and most vehicles in that price range will probably need some major $$ repairs soon.

Pay now or pay later.
You also have to think about how much time you want to spend working on it at home and on the side of the road.

Just my 2 cents worth of advice....

 

[fatrat]

94-96 Mitsubishi Montero SR. Comes w/ factory rear locker & can fit 33's stock or 35's w/ slight lift just not as much after market support as Toyota, LR, Jeep, etc.

 

[Soviet Joy]

Thanks for the different suggestions and advice.

The reason why I only want to spend $3000 are several. It will be the first car that I've worked on, and if or when I do something wrong and wreck it, I don't want to be out of a lot of cash. Likewise, I don't want to bang up anything that's in good cosmetic shape.

It seems like an XJ is probably the way to go....Thanks, guys.

 

[Smksignals]

my vote was for XJ. tons of support.

 

[Soviet Joy]

Honestly, it sounds like almost any of the vehicles discussed in this thread will do what I want them to do. I just have to figure out which one matches me and my personality. Would that be an accurate assessment?

 

[Bikemobile]

If there are only going to be two passengers i would look for a smaller pickup with a 6' bed and a camper shell (topper).

Sleep in the back on a twin mattress or in a tent on the ground.

BONUS: having a small pickup truck around is really handy.

I have an s10 zr2. Not known for extreme reliability but cheap to buy and easy to work on.

Ford ranger..
Tacoma..
Frontier..

I would also suggest a solid xj. Well built cheap and univerally good..

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

Trooper. Tough enough, good out of the box. Toyota prices are over inflated in a normal used car market. Right now we have a ridiculous, stupid used car market. I have to admit the Disco is tempting. Around here on CL the prices look pretty darn good, especial compared to a Toyota or Jeep. Are they that much more unreliable than a Jeep? I have been looking to replace my Frontier CC. It's only fault is not being born with a front axle. Other than that it has given us great service for the last 8 years.

 

[4x4x4doors]

Any of the vehicles you list could fit your intended purpose well. As has been mentioned, your budget will probably push you more towards some than others depending on how your local market runs. In that price range, I would be more concerned with condition and history than the make or model. Good luck with it.

 

[Soviet Joy]

Could someone tell me more about the Trooper. I've really never considered it before, but I'm hearing its pretty good off-road.

 

[Martinjmpr]

The only 4runner you're going to find in that price range is a 1st or 2nd gen, likely with over 200k. Most 2nd gens have the 3.0 (a/k/a three point slow) which is an underpowered and problematic engine.

I would go with either a Jeep XJ, Trooper or 2nd gen (92 - 99?) Mitsubishi Montero. If a truck will work you could also look at a regular cab Ford Ranger.