The right vehicle for me

txsurfer

New member
I have been browsing the forums for a bit, and I like the stuff I have seen here. What I want to ask you guys is what is the right offroad vehicle for me to build, I will provide the details and budget, you guys tell me your honest opinions.

The vehicle will be able to travel great distance, a true expedition vehicle. I plan on driving into Mexico and Central America (possibly ship to south america as well) a lot in the next upcoming 10 years. I dont want something too big, as gas will do nothing but steadily get more expensive. I would prefer something around 15mpg or better, 25 would rock :)
I dont want something all sleeping and cooking, I can camp for that. I dont mind sleeping on the ground. I want to be able to carry surfboards and a decent amount of luggage, but being a "backpacker" by nature, I can pack light.

I want to buy the vehicle and start my work on it, possibly topping out at around 9K if possible. I dont need all the crazy rock climing stuff, or mudding stuff. I just want good offroad on medium duty trails. Most of the roads I will be exploring in Central America wont require anything too major. I dont know anything about "lockers" and all that, so feel free to point me to a guide or something.

Cars I have been considering, early 90's Rodeo. Late 80's-93 4runner. 90-95 Cherokee. 80-93 toyota Pickup. Early 90's Pathfinder. Ok guys, have at it. If you can, give me your opinions on strengths/weaknesses of each I meantion if you know of any. I knwo this is a hard question, but I just want to see all of your opinions on this. Just please keep in mind my 4wd requirments. Thanks!
 

BKCowGod

Automotive ADHD is fun!
Personally I am a huge fan of the pre-honda/GM small Isuzu (89-95 rodeo/pickup). My ride has all of your requirements and cost under $5k including all mods (current and future)... That would leave you some nice money in the bank for cameras, breakdowns, food, and a more ambitious trip schedule. You will get plenty of good advice from this group... Just sharing something a bit unorthodox that has worked well for me. Oh - 25mpg is easily attainable in a pickup with the 4-banger.

edited to include strengths & weaknesses: short range w/stock tank, underpowered for passing situations, hard to find a nice one. Parts are cheap and plentiful, diesel engine bolts right in, the chassis was used for a bunch of vehicles, it blends in almost anywhere...
rackrear.JPG
 
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Sgt Grunt

Adventurer
Toyota seems to be very popular in Central and South America, also I would go with gas vs. diesel. Maybe a 90 's Toy pick up with a topper.
 

Brian894x4

Explorer
I would have picked a Land Cruiser '93-97, but you're gas mileage and price sort of rules that out.

IMO, and not having made such a trip, the two things I'd want most for a rig going that far would be reliability and servicablity. Toyotas got you covered for reliability. For servicbility, I'd want something within your requirements that can be found in Mexico, Central and South America so parts would be easier to find. So in that case, I think I'd go with a 4runner, any year up to about 1995 and opt for a 22RE and 5 speed. Or a truck of the same generation with a canopy if you're going by yourself or with just one other person.

A 4runner will be more comfortable, but a truck will be able to carry more gear without the rear seat and extra weight of the 4Runners.

To me, overall comfort, luxery, power, etc, are all secondary, when you're going that far and that remote.

Just my opinion.
 

Scott Brady

Founder
1995 Long Bed (not sure if the LB is available that year) Toyota Truck with the 22RE and manual transmission.

Perfect solution and low key, reliable and 20+ mpg.

Install 30x9.5 AT tires on it and new shocks (OME would be great), then figure out your load and get a good spring pack for the rear.

Set the bed up like the Baja Taco mobile (www.bajataco.com).

Your 9k will be spent by then.
 

Bergger

Explorer
expeditionswest said:
1995 Long Bed (not sure if the LB is available that year) Toyota Truck with the 22RE and manual transmission.

Perfect solution and low key, reliable and 20+ mpg.

Install 30x9.5 AT tires on it and new shocks (OME would be great), then figure out your load and get a good spring pack for the rear.

Set the bed up like the Baja Taco mobile (www.bajataco.com).

Your 9k will be spent by then.

I too would opt for this choice. You'll be able to carry more gear and still be able to sleep more safely/convienently in the bed. I believe 1993 was the last year Toyota offer a long box (7' bed) option on the 4x4 so I'd look for one of these. 1992 ended it on the 4x2. My neighbor has a white 1991 4x4 long box and its a great truck! I would definitely opt for the 22RE with manual. The 3.0 6 cyl does not give you enough benefits in the power dept to off set the lose in gas mileage and the potential head gasket issue. Good luck and keep us informed.
 

Pskhaat

2005 Expedition Trophy Champion
Toy truck sounds just about right :) Folks here have travelled south much more than I, but if I may suggest some 16" Toyota wheels and 238/85r16 which are your super-common international tire size.
 
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S

Scenic WonderRunner

Guest
Of course I agree with the Toyota 4Runner/truck picks! and especially the 22RE Engine!

If I were to do this again, I would have selected a 1985 4Runner with the 22RE. You get the solid front axle and a bullet proof engine that anyone can work on easily (especially for your trip south!). It seats 5 when you have the need. The seats fold down flat for camping/exploring. I think it's still one of the best all around choices out there! And I just Love the short wheel base and narrow tight trail abilities!


25MPG! ~~>http://www.fueleconomy.gov/Feg/bymodel/1985_Toyota_4Runner.shtml


From stock to Rock in just $9,000.............!:beer:


clickit! ~> http://www.off-road.com/toyota/readers_rides/2003_08/

stock 1985 Toyota 4Runner....in almost "ExPo white".......
2.jpg


.
 
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cruiser guy

Explorer
I would agree with the 4Runner as well with the caution that ANY Toyota 4Runner or pickup tend to be carjacker magnets! They are common and easy to service in Central America (like having a Chevy 350 up here) but are also much desired.
If you go to an older LandCruiser like mine, they are also easily serviced but are not as common and not such a desired item by the car jackers.
Make no mistake, the car jackers in Central America are packing guns and they are NOT afraid to use them. I know of several people PERSONALLY who have been carjacked at gun point one of whom was shot in the leg just for kicks AFTER surrendering his vehicle!!
 
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Pskhaat

2005 Expedition Trophy Champion
Curious, why would an LC make it less desirable? One would think the converse: it more desirable due to its rarity?
 

txsurfer

New member
Im really liking the feedback im getting on this topic. Yes I have already checked out the building an expedition vehicle for under or around 15K. I did get some ideas, but everyone was right at or near 15K. 9K for me is already pushing it.

I could hang on to my RAV4, even though its only 2wd I have gotten that car in some places I didnt think I could. Its small size helps great when stuck it tight spots. It gets around 28mpg and I could possibly bump that a little. I just want something thats mainly going to last. My RAV4 will, but I will be needing to possibly rebuild my tranny very soon. O well... keep em coming guys!
btw , i just found this on houston craigslist
http://houston.craigslist.org/car/237240721.html
 

cruiser guy

Explorer
pskhaat said:
Curious, why would an LC make it less desirable? One would think the converse: it more desirable due to its rarity?

It's not that it's a less desirable vehicle, they are not stealing them to use them, they are stealing them to strip them. The Land Cruiser is less common therefore it is harder to get rid of the parts and they won't sell for as much. I get looks all the time at my PTO winch but I've not yet had any carjacker issues.

The 4Runner and pickup are VERY common so it's easy to sell the parts. The 22R is even more common than a Chevy 350 here and EVERYONE who doesn't have one, want's one (not the situation with a Chevy 350)!

You'd need to see the way used parts are sold in Guatemala to know that selling parts that have been stripped is VERY easy. You wouldn't know if the used parts you're buying are stolen or not the way things are done there. I'd assume that the other countries are the same.

Also, do not expect much help from the local police in finding the vehicle AND there is no theft insurance available in Guatemala for non-Guatemalan registered vehicles (my insurance in Central America covers me from Guatemala to Costa Rica with the exception of Mexico, Belize and Panama and does NOT have theft coverage :( )! I've considered a GPS alarm to allow me to locate my vehicle if it is stolen but I have not been able to get answers to the questions I have. Questions like, a: does the GPS alarm website in the states, from say Omega, actually report a Central American location or does their system say the results are invalid because they are outside of the USA/Canada? b: how, exactly does the system work when I am outside of North American cell coverage since, from what I understand, many of these systems utilize the cell system (Central America is on a different cell system).
 

Brian894x4

Explorer
txsurfer said:
Im really liking the feedback im getting on this topic. Yes I have already checked out the building an expedition vehicle for under or around 15K. I did get some ideas, but everyone was right at or near 15K. 9K for me is already pushing it.

I'd be interested what folks who've made the journey have to say, but I personally would be nervous limiting my vehicle budget to that amount, including (I assume) vehicle, equipment and any needed repairs and servicing. It's one thing to drive thousands of miles across the U.S., it's quite another to drive thousands of miles in a foreign 3rd world country over mostly back country roads in places where parts and service are non-existent.

I wonder the options would be as far as renting a vehicle for a few months. At least that way, if it got stolen, wrecked or broke down, you wouldn't necessarily be out a personal vehicle, and you'll still have money left over to ship yourself home.
 

flyingwil

Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
Brian894x4 said:
I would have picked a Land Cruiser '93-97, but you're gas mileage and price sort of rules that out.

IMO, and not having made such a trip, the two things I'd want most for a rig going that far would be reliability and servicablity. Toyotas got you covered for reliability. For servicbility, I'd want something within your requirements that can be found in Mexico, Central and South America so parts would be easier to find. So in that case, I think I'd go with a 4runner, any year up to about 1995 and opt for a 22RE and 5 speed. Or a truck of the same generation with a canopy if you're going by yourself or with just one other person.

A 4runner will be more comfortable, but a truck will be able to carry more gear without the rear seat and extra weight of the 4Runners.

To me, overall comfort, luxery, power, etc, are all secondary, when you're going that far and that remote.

Just my opinion.

:iagree: Toyota is the way to go for parts, especially the older ones that are not so US based.
 

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