Advice on finding the right adventure vehicle sub $5000

[Martinjmpr]

ADDENDUM: If you can drop two of your requirements (the 4,000lb towing and the rear locker) there are a number of options that might work including the 2nd Gen (1995-02) Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer. You can often find those inexpensively and because they are typically "Soccer Mom Cars" they are often in good shape. The Mountaineer is AWD with no low range but for what you're doing that may not make a difference.
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I would much rather buy a low mileage, Soccer-mom'd Explorer or Mountaineer for $5k than a thrashed out, high mileage, overpriced 4runner for the same price.

 

[Martinjmpr]

This one is local to me (Colorado) but should give you an idea of what is out there:

http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/5419956093.html

'01 Mountaineer, 5.0 V8, AWD, just over 100k on it, for $4999. And being from Colorado it's likely to not be as rusty as something from the Midwest.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Here's an Explorer in Binghamton for $2k:
http://binghamton.craigslist.org/cto/5410483764.html
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Here's a Mountaineer with under 150k for $4000
http://binghamton.craigslist.org/ctd/5414012961.html
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This Expedition is in PA, 114k on it:
http://binghamton.craigslist.org/cto/5413349400.html
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Only thing I would say is, at that price, expect to have to put some money into it. Nobody spends $500 on new brakes or $1000 on new tires for a vehicle they're about to sell.

 

[calicamper]

ADDENDUM: If you can drop two of your requirements (the 4,000lb towing and the rear locker) there are a number of options that might work including the 2nd Gen (1995-02) Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer. You can often find those inexpensively and because they are typically "Soccer Mom Cars" they are often in good shape. The Mountaineer is AWD with no low range but for what you're doing that may not make a difference.
.
I would much rather buy a low mileage, Soccer-mom'd Explorer or Mountaineer for $5k than a thrashed out, high mileage, overpriced 4runner for the same price.

Agreed. My dads 99 exploder is pushing 260,000 miles everything about it is flat worn out. Still runs but its the local around town only set of wheels. At 150,000 miles it was doing back country camping trips with no worries. Today at 260,000 we hold our breath every time we go up a hill knowing at any moment a major failure and a trip to the scrap pile is very very possible.

He cant afford another truck his reliable ride is a super clean G35X bought used 4yrs ago. His gripe today is either finding a single owner grandpa owned late 90's early 2000 exploder under 150,000 for cheap, or building a light gear trailer the G35X can pull for camping trips and simply keep to paved options. Trailer idea is about a $2000 project. Old low mileage 4L exploder is a $4000-$5000 idea shopping around retirment communities for a clean low mile example.

 

[danfromsyr]

cost me about $500 to add a LSD to the rear on my AWD astro.. I x3 to consider then unless extreme off-road is the goal.

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.

 

[Haf-E]

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

Nothing - as long as it has a lift and some decent sized tires on it...



(not mine but see it all the time locally)

 

[Stroverlander]

cost me about $500 to add a LSD to the rear on my AWD astro.. I x3 to consider then unless extreme off-road is the goal.

I spent quite bit of time near and north of you all along Lake Ontario and the the '97 Safari AWD was perfect for that. Can't say I miss the snow and ice for half the year though.

What limited slip are you running in the rear?

 

[Stroverlander]

Nothing - as long as it has a lift and some decent sized tires on it...

Yeah, there are some neat looking lifted and modified Astro vans out there, certainly not everyone's idealistic 'adventuremobile' but I like mine and it works well enough for all the things I want it to do. As it seems there really isn't a suitable alternative in a similar sized platform, I wouldn't hesitate to add a CCV poptop to make it even more versatile down the road.

For me, nothing transitions so easily from hauling people to cargo and/or motorcycles while still being able to easily park around town along with having a decent tow capacity (5k lbs).

 

[QuadsBC]

3rd gen 4Runner. It's very hard to beat their reliability.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

The first generation Grand Cherokee (around 94-96ish) can be very capable with the right options. Get the straight six, the V8 is fun but thirsty and the six has plenty of power and is almost bullet proof. I had two of the V8s and they were pretty nice, but overall reliability can be an issue. The older Cherokees are very practical and plentiful, but rust may be an issue in your area. A Grand Wagoneer could also be a good choice if you find a nice one. My first choice (other than a truck) would probably be an old Toyota Land Cruiser, and plan to keep improving it and keep it forever.

 

[doubleroses]

You can find a stock, locked Land Cruiser for around that price. Yes, it might have higher miles but you can't go wrong with a Land Cruiser

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[calicamper]

You can find a stock, locked Land Cruiser for around that price. Yes, it might have higher miles but you can't go wrong with a Land Cruiser

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Yes you can, but your missing the part about rebuilding the inner axle seals, and a few other things and the 13mpg. Been there done that loved the truck my wallet not so much. And it was my 3rd car not my budget only car ;-)

 

[Haf-E]

Yeah, there are some neat looking lifted and modified Astro vans out there, certainly not everyone's idealistic 'adventuremobile' but I like mine and it works well enough for all the things I want it to do. As it seems there really isn't a suitable alternative in a similar sized platform, I wouldn't hesitate to add a CCV poptop to make it even more versatile down the road. For me, nothing transitions so easily from hauling people to cargo and/or motorcycles while still being able to easily park around town along with having a decent tow capacity (5k lbs).

I agree completely - lots of AWD drive Astro's and Safari's around at very good prices - parts are cheap and easy to find in u-pull-it yards. Easy to put in a S-10 transfer case for real 4x4 with a low gear or keep it as is for winter driving... People are starting to see them as a viable alternative to Vanagons and Syncros - they certainly can be better inside for hauling bikes etc.

Here is the Das Mule Expedition Outfitter's Astro - very nice...

I keep wondering how long the spare tire is going to stay on there though...

 

[doubleroses]

Yes you can, but your missing the part about rebuilding the inner axle seals, and a few other things and the 13mpg. Been there done that loved the truck my wallet not so much. And it was my 3rd car not my budget only car ;-)

A best knuckle rebuild kit from Cruiser Outfitters is around $200. You can get a cheaper one for somewhere around ~$150. That's only if it actually needs it. Yea, gas sucks but if you're worried about it then good luck finding a 4X4 Hybrid. Even a 4Runner gets crap gas mileage.

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[calicamper]

My 4runner got 18-20mpg on trips the LC got 13 on the same trips. My Sequoia gets 17-18 on those same trips. My Subarus get 25-32 on those same trips. Yes it matters. Even to someone that has the money.