Sub-Compact Overlander

[Warn Industries]

One of the most important things you can have on a subcompact vehicle (overland-based or not) is a good roof rack. We've used a Thule cargo carrier a number of times on our Suzuki SX4, and it allows for much more gear.

- Andy

 

[Jerry L]

Instresting discussion.

This project reminds me of the days when I chose a VW baja bug for camping and exploring.

The criteria back then is similar to this project.

Gotta be cheap to buy

Cheap to build up and maintain

and very capable on and off road.

I would think that the prospective canidate it would be a vehicle with high population numbers curently on the street. (i.e.)Jeep cherokees come to mind in this category.

Also keep an open mind dont rule out two wheel drive.

mmm How about a lifted chevy cobalt, cavalier or Geo metro?

Geez..Thats just crazy talk or is it?

 

[4Rescue]

I think this LWB would be what I'd aim for in a "Sub-Compact" expo rig.

Maybe this one... But with some tall skinny tires instead of the fat nightmares that are on it. I hate wide tires personaly, bu that's just me

This is just plain AWESOME:

No matter what I'd want to run a Toy-mini truck Drivetrain. I could imagine a 22RE would really be awesome in one of these little buggers if the VW TDi didn't turn out as planned. Although I'd have to imagine that the TDi would be SO awesome with it's tractor cackle. Course the 22RE could be re-built in the middle of NOWHERE by nearly anyone. I think there's something to be said about a powerplant that nearly every mechanic on the planet knows about. I'd imagine the VW TD would be similar, but probably have less parts availability and running a Turbo that's all soup'd up sometimes doesn't lead to major longevity. I'd hate to get some bad gas (the 22RE by comparisson will run an anything closely resembling gasoline so...) and possibly even some dirt in the rurbo and be STUCK trying to find a K04 housing or impeller in Africa. by comparison I'm pretty sure Toyota and 22RE are the same in every language and most comonly means "runs forever... Not very powerfull.

Or one of these... Couldn't pack much but BOY would I have fun getting there... And I'd get there fast as well plus it IS 4wd witha lockable Center and rear diff... A Sport Quatro has been a dream rig of mine for quite some time... Plus looking @ the vids of the Group B Rally's of the 80's sure took me back. now I also want a Lancia Stratos, Delta HF Integrale, and several other cars I'll never be able to afford
DREAM CAR:

Or an S1 maybe :drool:

Another dream car (plus the new Modern interpretation made using a ferrari chasis - I belive a 430 Suderia. cool cause the original used a Ferrari Dino V6
old-

and the new version :drool:

Oh baby (ugly to some but beautiful to me...) :drool: HF Integrale I think maybe a color matched Auto Home RTT would look pretty cool on top of one HAHAHAHAHA Or MAYBE a pop-top roof like a Dor-Mobile or that awesome 100series Cruiser.

A turbo question: If I didi have some catastrophic failure of the turbo would the diesel still run in "limp mode" w/o the turbo functioning???
Cheers

Dave

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Maybe this one... But with some tall skinny tires instead of the fat nightmares that are on it. I hate wide tires personaly, bu that's just me

That one is mine and they aren't wide, their 33x10.50-15's. That's the same width as the ones in the pic of the maroon one.

 

[4Rescue]

I didn't knwo that... THat truck is AWESOME Jeff, I've been drooling over it for quite some time. Glad I know who's it is now. NICE truck. I Love the Skinny SSR's, I thought they were like 13.50's from the side profile pic. Just goes to show you how disorienting tires are on Suzuki's. They make 33's look like 37's on any other truck eh.

Again, Nice truck. I LOVE it.

Cheers

DAve

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Thanks, its a fun rig that works great!

 

[psychohawk]

OP ... what say ye?

It seems there's been a lot of interesting ideas, though I'm guessing most exceed the $5k budget; my budget is about $4k, with $1k left over for maintenance requirements and a little vehicle set up.

I'm curious where this goes because:

~ the stated budget is close to my own;
~ I'm not looking for a full blown "expo rig", just a weekend get-away;
~ I'm not rock crawling ... 300 miles of asphalt and 30 miles of fire roads is all we'll likely see (I'm not convinced 4WD is a requirement);
~ we often skip trips because of fuel expense, 25+ MPG ... dreamy;
~ said "rig" must also be my daily driver, I'd rather it not look like a Trophy participant or a beater;
~ the vehicle must have some panache (!);
~ and, it's just the wife and I ... it's okay if we go light.

Precious few vehicles fall into this sliver of expectation:
~ 4 Runner, Wrangler, Cherokee, Pathfinder all miss fuel expectation.
~ Subi? Maybe ... the older ones--i.e. the ones that I can afford--scare me

I'm actually starting to think (drum roll please): '98 or newer VW Beetle.

~ hardly "expo", Trophy, or rock crawler ... sorry
~ remove back seat / build platform
~ 2" - 4" lift
~ skid plate
~ ATs or MTs
~ roof rack
~ okay, Trophy/Rally nod, maybe (just two) lights on rack or front bumper

Now, if someone will just buy my truck we'll get this build started!

Carl

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

OP ... what say ye?

It seems there's been a lot of interesting ideas, though I'm guessing most exceed the $5k budget; my budget is about $4k, with $1k left over for maintenance requirements and a little vehicle set up.

I'm curious where this goes because:

~ the stated budget is close to my own;
~ I'm not looking for a full blown "expo rig", just a weekend get-away;
~ I'm not rock crawling ... 300 miles of asphalt and 30 miles of fire roads is all we'll likely see (I'm not convinced 4WD is a requirement);
~ we often skip trips because of fuel expense, 25+ MPG ... dreamy;
~ said "rig" must also be my daily driver, I'd rather it not look like a Trophy participant or a beater;
~ the vehicle must have some panache (!);
~ and, it's just the wife and I ... it's okay if we go light.

Precious few vehicles fall into this sliver of expectation:
~ 4 Runner, Wrangler, Cherokee, Pathfinder all miss fuel expectation.
~ Subi? Maybe ... the older ones--i.e. the ones that I can afford--scare me

I'm actually starting to think (drum roll please): '98 or newer VW Beetle.

~ hardly "expo", Trophy, or rock crawler ... sorry
~ remove back seat / build platform
~ 2" - 4" lift
~ skid plate
~ ATs or MTs
~ roof rack
~ okay, Trophy/Rally nod, maybe (just two) lights on rack or front bumper

Now, if someone will just buy my truck we'll get this build started!

Carl

I have a Grand Vitara that I'll make you a super deal on. It seems to fit your requirements and most everything on your list is already done.

 

[The Swiss]

What about this for Sub-compact overlanding? Only weighs a little over 500 lbs, is - even though might not look like it - tough as nails and can be pulled by any vehicle that has a tow rating.

 

[Ozarker]

We have these, it's the same as the Mitsubishi Montero and Dodge Raider. We just didn't get the diesel option.

The diesel motor for these however are available here and it's an easy swap! :wings:

Where could I find these fender flares??? Really changes the look. Just posted a thread about rust and options. I could use these and do some stronger patching.....those look good! HMMMM, pic did not showup, page 16 the gen 1 looking Pajero...sorry

 

[compactcamping]

Carl, Sounds like you're looking for a SideKick, my criteria is similar to yours.

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Where could I find these fender flares??? Really changes the look. Just posted a thread about rust and options. I could use these and do some stronger patching.....those look good! HMMMM, pic did not showup, page 16 the gen 1 looking Pajero...sorry

You'd have to get them from overseas or you may get lucky and find a set in Canada.

 

[psychohawk]

@ Jeff@quadshop ... coincidentally, I was looking at your for sale within a day or so of you posting it ... very intriguing ... doesn't quite hit the fuel mark but still something to consider.

@ compactcamping ... Sidekick is on my short list.

Still leaning towards the Beetle though ... funny, yes, funnier if I listed in my signature the numerous cars owned over the last 10 years!

(side note: It's curious how being unemployed after working in a career for 15 years / making a career change / returning to school as a full time student changes your perspective on so many things!)

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

@ Jeff@quadshop ... coincidentally, I was looking at your for sale within a day or so of you posting it ... very intriguing ... doesn't quite hit the fuel mark but still something to consider.

I was getting 16-18 city, 20 hwy and 22 hwy if I keep it under 72mph.
I could even work a deal to get the tranny fixed so you could do a fly and drive. Drive that TAT back west! :smiley_drive:

 

[Morticon]

how come first gen honda crvs arent considered? i know i know no solid axles blah blah blah but if you want subcompact, this thing will rip on the dirt roads and the engine is big enough to deal with the lack of a transfercase... anyways these to look hot...

this coming from a guy who drives this....

id rather keep it for just rockcrawling and weekend fun and have a little crv or rav4 for trips and DD'ing