Advice on finding the right adventure vehicle sub $5000

[datsun72]

Hello everyone,

looking to go get some advice on getting a lite off roader and snow monster. Currently we just had 3 feet of snow and would like to be able to go out without thinking twice. I was considering a '99 4runner limited as it has the rear elocker and multi mode awd system but highly doubt I can get it for $5000. I have also considered Wranglers but are not too fond of them and prefer 4 doors. My father has a 01 Montero xls while it has been good the repair bills are really high.

Here are my some must haves:

-sub $5000
-rear locker
-able to go through high amounts of snow with ease.
-4 door
-low maintenance cost
-reliable
-able to tow greater than 4000lbs.
-no pick ups.


Thanks,
Mo

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Montero.

 

[datsun72]

01-02?

 

[4x4junkie]

A 4-door Ford Explorer hits all those items minus the rear locker (however virtually every aftermarket locker option available can be fitted to the sturdy 8.8" rear axle, and if it's a '91-'94 model, to the front axle as well).
A 2nd-gen 4Runner, and perhaps the Isuzu Trooper might be worthwhile options as well (though you'll want to avoid the V6 in said 4Runner).
Not sure, but I think the 1st-gen Nissan Xterra may be in your price range too.

I think the vast majority of vehicles in that price range are not going to meet your requirement of having a rear locker, so you might want to just make sure whatever you do get has a sturdy axle under it and that there is an aftermarket locker available you can put in (which all of the above including the Montero should be good for).

 

[plh]

Montero.



'98 and older with Factory Rear Locker. '03 and newer with fantastic electronic traction control (although sub $5k might be a challenge on the newer trucks). Mitsubishi LSD or ARB airlocker can be easily be fitted to the front.

Rear typically 9.5" and front 8".

Personally I'd avoid the '01 and '02 Montero. - Skip those years.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I bought my Expedition for $5000.

The '97-'02 are based almost entirely on the F-150 so parts are plentiful and cheap. Tons of Internet know-how on how to work on them in the form of forums, books and YouTube videos.

V8 power so you can easily tow 5000 lbs. that 8.8 axle that 4x4junkie talks about, that's my front axle. The rear is a Sterling 9.75. Mine has an LSD but lockers are available.

The aftermarket isn't great- but that's where you can get creative. I'd be lying if I said that I haven't considered making mine more "overland".

 

[LilPoppa]

We have 6 months of snow where I'm from and my 2000 Exploder hasn't let me down yet (this is our 6th year having it). I paid $5500 for it back then.

 

[Haf-E]

I would rather have a AWD vehicle with an LSD in the rear axle for living in an area with lots of snow for 6 months - avoids the issues of having to choose between an open diff or locked and 4x4 or rear only.

Although its not very macho - a 2003 to 2005 Astro or Safari AWD van with a lift and some good winter tires would come in well under $5000 and should do really well in the snow - and you can sleep in it if needed!

 

[Maverick1701]

X2 on the expedition I picked up my 4x4 97 for 2,300. I have owned it for three years w/out any issues.

Ref your last post:
Some expeditions (mine included) have the option of AWD along with 2hi.
Some only have AWD, 4hi, 4lo. A few (like mine) have 2hi, awd, 4hi, 4lo.

 

[VistaCruiser]

WJ Grand Cherokee V8 and QuadraDrive or heavy duty tow package. HD tow package comes with Vari-Lok rear only and HD cooling (mechanical & hydraulic fans). 247 TCase is very responsive full time 4x4 with 4Lo capabilities.

 

[Stroverlander]

I would rather have a AWD vehicle with an LSD in the rear axle for living in an area with lots of snow for 6 months - avoids the issues of having to choose between an open diff or locked and 4x4 or rear only.

Although its not very macho - a 2003 to 2005 Astro or Safari AWD van with a lift and some good winter tires would come in well under $5000 and should do really well in the snow - and you can sleep in it if needed!

What's not macho about an Astro AWD? :coffeedrink:

I agree about AWD with LSD for lots of snow, my '97 Safari AWD with full-time viscous Borg Warner t-case (and Nokian studded snows) went ANYWHERE and refused to get stuck. The closest it would come was deep, deep snow but that van was stock height, lifted with additional ground clearance would be even better.

I don't get to drive my '04 Astro AWD with part-time electronic t-case and factory G80 rear locker in snow and ice much anymore but still very capable and hits all your requirements.

 

[p nut]

That's quite a laundry list for $5k. Double your budget (at least) or compromise on some things. I wouldn't tow 4k+ lbs on a regular basis with any vehicles mentioned.

 

[calicamper]

I was thinking $5000 basically anything that runs and well cared for. Used car prices are crazy high these days 5k doesnt get you much. And the expo thing seems to trend high in gear costs. 5k budget and $50 walmart tent is poor college kid wanting some summer camping ability budget. Which case I had a 2wd Ford ranger and a cheap tent. Went plenty of places as long as I wasnt working and had gas money.

 

[Martinjmpr]

That's quite a laundry list for $5k. Double your budget (at least) or compromise on some things. I wouldn't tow 4k+ lbs on a regular basis with any vehicles mentioned.

.
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Yes, I agree with both parts. "Reliability" and "sub-$5k"? Sorry, not realistic unless you understand that there's a significant difference between "reliable for $15k", "reliable for $10k" and "reliable for $5k."
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"Reliable for $5k" means "expect to have to put some serious money into it within the next couple of years."
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You can't tow 4,000lb with a 3rd gen 4runner, I believe their max is 3500. Even at that weight, it's going to be a pig. I sold my 3rd gen after finding it inadequate to tow an 1100lb teardrop. You can probably find a 3rd gen 4runner in that price range but it's going to have high miles on it, and the chances of it being a "holy grail" 99 Limited with E-locker at that price are about zero. And don't even get me started on the "Toyota Tax."
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You can probably find a semi-decent GMT-400 Tahoe, Yukon or Suburban, at least around here. If you're in NY you might have to go quite a distance to find one that hasn't been destroyed by rust. It will be a gas hog and will probably need some major work to the engine, transmission or suspension within the next few years, or it may not if you get lucky. The Expedition is another good choice, at least 1st gen (97-02.) You might even be able to find a later model Bronco (full size, not BII) in that price range but I would expect it to need work (also not 4 doors.)
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I would advise you to either increase your budget or decrease your expectations.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Oh and if you don't speak GM truck, GMT-400 means the series of trucks and SUVs produced from about 1991 - 1999. The next generation was called the GMT-800 series and they ran from 2000-2006. Around here you actually could find a GMT-800 for under $5k but it's going to have high miles and probably will need some work. Not sure about your area of the country.