evilfij
Explorer
It is time for another vehicle (anyone who follows me knows I have one of everything) and I have had a desire for a mog since I missed out on U500 locally for $50k and change 7 or so years ago.
Having realized that a U500 is basically non-existent at what I would be willing to pay and also that keeping it maintained and repaired will be expensive and difficult, I have decided to looks for a square bodied mog.
My choices would be between a U1300l and a U1700l. The U1300ls I have seen are much less costly, but finding one with fast axles and a turbo motor seems hard. There is one I have located in the U.K. which is quite reasonable cost, but I fear I will not like it as it will be too slow to keep up highway speed. While I am in a very flat area, I need something that will do 60-65mph to travel safely (at least in my view of the world) as most of my trips involve extended interstate drives.
So, that and hours and hours of research lead me to the conclusion that what I want is a u1700l with fast axles and the 170hp engine (potentially to be upgraded to 200-220hp with tuning and an intercooler) running something like 395 85r20 tires as that is the only way I can reasonably cruise at the speed I need without shelling out $10k for an overdrive. I suppose if I could find a u1300l with fast axles and a turbo engine I can do the same, but there do not seem to be many around.
So that leads me to my question: there are precious few square unimogs for sale in the US so I am leaning toward importing one. I have someone (uncle Doug of dividing creek imports) who I trust 100% to do the import, but I want to make sure I get a good one as I don't want a project and I want it fully ready to roll (Ian's thread detailing replacing the engine and the axles is not something I am looking to do even though his mog is amazing). On the other hand, I don't need (and don't want to pay for) a pimped out Schwarzenegger level mog. To import I need the original engine and clear VIN numbers on a 25 year old (or older) Mog (BTW where are the VINs? Would a cab swap cause an import issue?). In short, a cosmetically challenged, but mechanically sorted and non-rusty mog would be ideal. Has anyone had an experience good or bad with the European places that sell mogs? Atkinson Vos for example? They seem to know their stuff.
My use for it would be short trips (week or less) and then basically using it as a pick up truck. No camper build, just a tent or whatever. In fact, if I had a choice, I would probably opt for a standard wheelbase mog to gain some maueverability.
Thank you in advance for any advice or pointing me in the direction of some advice. I have read a ton of stuff, but asking directly seems best.
Having realized that a U500 is basically non-existent at what I would be willing to pay and also that keeping it maintained and repaired will be expensive and difficult, I have decided to looks for a square bodied mog.
My choices would be between a U1300l and a U1700l. The U1300ls I have seen are much less costly, but finding one with fast axles and a turbo motor seems hard. There is one I have located in the U.K. which is quite reasonable cost, but I fear I will not like it as it will be too slow to keep up highway speed. While I am in a very flat area, I need something that will do 60-65mph to travel safely (at least in my view of the world) as most of my trips involve extended interstate drives.
So, that and hours and hours of research lead me to the conclusion that what I want is a u1700l with fast axles and the 170hp engine (potentially to be upgraded to 200-220hp with tuning and an intercooler) running something like 395 85r20 tires as that is the only way I can reasonably cruise at the speed I need without shelling out $10k for an overdrive. I suppose if I could find a u1300l with fast axles and a turbo engine I can do the same, but there do not seem to be many around.
So that leads me to my question: there are precious few square unimogs for sale in the US so I am leaning toward importing one. I have someone (uncle Doug of dividing creek imports) who I trust 100% to do the import, but I want to make sure I get a good one as I don't want a project and I want it fully ready to roll (Ian's thread detailing replacing the engine and the axles is not something I am looking to do even though his mog is amazing). On the other hand, I don't need (and don't want to pay for) a pimped out Schwarzenegger level mog. To import I need the original engine and clear VIN numbers on a 25 year old (or older) Mog (BTW where are the VINs? Would a cab swap cause an import issue?). In short, a cosmetically challenged, but mechanically sorted and non-rusty mog would be ideal. Has anyone had an experience good or bad with the European places that sell mogs? Atkinson Vos for example? They seem to know their stuff.
My use for it would be short trips (week or less) and then basically using it as a pick up truck. No camper build, just a tent or whatever. In fact, if I had a choice, I would probably opt for a standard wheelbase mog to gain some maueverability.
Thank you in advance for any advice or pointing me in the direction of some advice. I have read a ton of stuff, but asking directly seems best.
