Looking for a project truck/Jeep/winter vehicle

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SlushboxTeggy

SlushboxTeggy

It's only stupid if it doesn't work
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An Integra just isn't made for my winter activities. Not enough room for people and crap to take on a ski trip. Wouldn't mind being able to do a little mild off-roading either. Was just wondering what you guys think would make a good, fairly cheap vehicle to accomplish this. Gas mileage wouldn't hurt either, but I'm a realist with this goal. Here's what I have been thinking off so far. The goal would be a vehicle that can fit 4+ people and some crap. 4wd, preferably selectable, but not necessary.

A truck would have to be 4 door. I'd love a Wrangler, but would also take a Cherokee if the price were that great. Also thought about a 1st gen Durango. The idea in my head is to get the vehicle for as cheap as possible, hopefully under $2k. I've seen all these examples on Craigslist in that price range. Usually high mileage or a little broken. With another ~$3k to make it reliable and have some fun with it (engine rebuild/performance, lift/suspension, tires, bumpers, winch, fun bits). I'd be doing all the work myself and getting the best bang for every buck. Time is not really a factor since I still have the Teg, but running by next winter would be the goal. Nothing fancy. Very utilitarian. Function over form.

So are there any things I'm missing here? Any vehicles I'm overlooking? Any finds you guys have noticed on Craigslist? What do you guys think of the idea in general? What did you have for lunch? etc...

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If you want even decent gas mileage stay away from the durango, I had one and it got 9mpg beating it ,babying it, highway, or city. Didn't matter it got a consistent 9 mpg wherever however i drove it. My vote is for a cherokee it gets good mpg and the 4.0l inline cannot be killed
 
You should be able to get a decent CJ-7 with a hardtop for 5-6k. They look nice, are super easy to work on, and the aftermarket is huge. Not the best long haul vehicle though. Look for one with a fiberglass body (most seem to have this now), as the steel bodies rust badly.

I really want to replace my truck with a restored CJ-8 Scrambler in a few years. Those are rare and command more $$$
 
I would have to say go for the Cherokee, stay away from the Grand Cherokees, notorious for trans problems. The 91 and newer Cherokees are the best years. I have two, one is strictly my offroad truck and has 205k on it gets beat on pretty bad and has never missed a beat, my other is my DD/winter mobile. They are super reliable, aftermarket support for them is really good, decent gas mileage I get about 15-18ish (with 31s and no re-gearing)
 
I used to always want a 90's S-10 or Blazer, or a 60's through 80's full-size Blazer. Or, the obvious Honda board answer, a CR-V. All these options leave room for "some crap" in the "4+ people and some crap" equation. Because, let's face it, 4 people in a Wrangler/CJ-x doesn't leave a lot of room for crap. However, obviously the CR-V is not for serious off-roading, but there's some vids out there of people getting it done.




Just thought about the Honda Passport/Isuzu Trooper. I know almost nothing about them, but they looked decent, and if Honda supplied the engines, then they should be reliable.


Edit* Wikipedia says the Passport was built and designed solely by Isuzu. Built in Lafayette, IN
 
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73-75 Blazer full convertible.
Maybe look into a Bronco.
I would go more towards the jeep.
 
efhondakid said:
I would have to say go for the Cherokee, stay away from the Grand Cherokees, notorious for trans problems. The 91 and newer Cherokees are the best years. I have two, one is strictly my offroad truck and has 205k on it gets beat on pretty bad and has never missed a beat, my other is my DD/winter mobile. They are super reliable, aftermarket support for them is really good, decent gas mileage I get about 15-18ish (with 31s and no re-gearing)
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I was leaning this way as well. They seem to be the cheapest of my 3 options too. Got any pics of yours?
hondarin said:
I used to always want a 90's S-10 or Blazer, or a 60's through 80's full-size Blazer. Or, the obvious Honda board answer, a CR-V. All these options leave room for "some crap" in the "4+ people and some crap" equation. Because, let's face it, 4 people in a Wrangler/CJ-x doesn't leave a lot of room for crap. However, obviously the CR-V is not for serious off-roading, but there's some vids out there of people getting it done.
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You'd be surprised with the Wranglers. At least for a ski trip. Stuff that needs to stay dry stays inside. For four dudes on a ski trip, that's four duffel bags. Other stuff goes in the ski/roof rack.

I was looking into Blazers too. Hell of an aftermarket. Engine swappable, although there goes my gas mileage. But my decision will be based solely on the deal I can get. First choice is still a Wrangler, but the price point is leaning more towards the Blazer or Cherokee.
 
Cherokee...cheap, easy to fix, not too bad looking...fully enclosed with more space than the Wrangler. Cooling system and cracked exhaust manifold seem to be the most common weak points on the 4.0 Cherokee.
 
hondarin said:
Just thought about the Honda Passport/Isuzu Trooper. I know almost nothing about them, but they looked decent, and if Honda supplied the engines, then they should be reliable.

Edit* Wikipedia says the Passport was built and designed solely by Isuzu. Built in Lafayette, IN
Click to expand...

I just bought a 2001 Trooper and it has a TON of room inside and is really cmfortable. Havent tried out the four wheel drive yet but from what I hear it works great.
 
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