Budget Wheeler/Beater...best platform?

[Skrilla]

Ok so I am hung up on what to do for my project/toy. I have located a 95 Pathfinder w/200kms 5 speed for $1000. Has very litttle rust, body is decent however...it needs a manifold fix (cracked) I believe the throw out bearing is shot, clutch is wonky and the door handle is missing :dunno:

Not sure if its the best platform for a wheeler beater though....What else would be a good choice, I have been told early model Ford Trucks, and Wagoneer are great. If its a truck it has to be an extended cab because of my dogs...

Any help on what to choose??? Want to spend no more than $1000, and want something to learn on, as well as something that wont break the bank if it dies....

:dunno:

[soccernut]

I went with an 1988 4Runner...So far it has cost me $860. (600 for the truck, 200 for some used 31" mud tires, 60 for Add-A-Leaf kit in the back)

I Love this vehicle and it has performed VERY well on the trails. It has pretty good ground clearance off the bat, Very tough vehicle, VERY easy to work on using simple tools and Parts are cheap and available at your nearest Pick and Pull.

One cool thing I love about this generation 4Runner is the roof comes off.
A common problem is the sagging rear end which is a $60 fix, unless you go for a set of new springs.

I would go for the 4cyl 22RE engine since they are cheaper on gas and seem to be a bit more reliable that the 3.0 (or 3.slow...lol) V6 engine offered in this gen.

One another note, if you are lucky you might find yourself an 1985 which offers the 22RE engine and a solid front axle (IFS in the following years and 22R in the 1984). But those are tough to find.

I hope this helps

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a318/CatSplat/Jeep/f7b384e0.jpg

[Redlyne_mr2]

Good buy for $600, hard to find a decent sub $1000 truck.

[Unknown303]

Buy mine! It's already well on it's way to being a decent wheeler.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-1997-Jeep-Wrangler-W0QQAdIdZ216262717

[Skrilla]

Originally posted by Unknown303
Buy mine! It's already well on it's way to being a decent wheeler.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-1997-Jeep-Wrangler-W0QQAdIdZ216262717

:dunno: not working

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Was working yesterday, maybe he sold it already.

[Alak]

It Sold. In probably record time.

[Unknown303]

Originally posted by Alak
It Sold. In probably record time.

Yeah sold 7 minutes after making the ad.

[Redlyne_mr2]

What was it?

[Unknown303]

97 Jeep TJ Wrangler.

[bigbadboss101]

What u getting next?

[Alak]

Originally posted by Unknown303


Yeah sold 7 minutes after making the ad.

I just beat your record by 1 minute (6 minutes).

[FraserB]

Alak, you sell the Disco?:eek:

To the OP; Are you wanting to get out on the trail this summer? If so, you might end up paying higher than something is worth. If you can wait until the end of the season, you can usually find some killer deals that just need some TLC after they have been abused in the summer.

[Alak]

No, I had a little sports car I was driving for awhile as a daily. Fixed it up and made a very small profit.