Ideal expedition vehicle for a trip to South America

[RMP&O]

$15grand will go far for a 30yr old vehicle.

I would say add a Suburban to the list. On top of that I have seen, right here on this forum in fact, nice old K5s or similar with a vintage 4wheel camper or the like on them. That would be a sweet and perfect truck for the trip as well as maybe when you are down there. Reason being, your home goes where ever you do!

For $15k and if you have the time you could easily buy an older truck that is not full of rust and put just about any engine in it you want. Diesel or petrol, fuel injected too. Figure $5k or less for the truck and then $10k for the engine stuff.

Have you thought about finding a solid FJ60 in the USA that is 30yrs old? Then import it to Canada, get it legal and take it south. $15k will buy you one hell of a nice FJ60 and you can find the early 80s ones without to my trouble. An FJ60 is also a great truck to take down there. Yet, as far as I know parts while in Brazil may be tough. Yet, if you establish a good parts source here in N.America before you go you will all set no matter what the Cruiser has in it, ie diesel, v8 or whatever. That goes for other trucks too. Long term living down there your best bet will be to simply buy a local vehicle.

[1leglance]

as the proud new owner of a 70 Suburban I will second the motion of a Chevy Suburban...although I would go with an 80's vintage maybe.
Tons of room inside, parts are dirt cheap and like was mentioned you could get one from the southwest USA so no rust, have it shipped up north to you, completely outfit it and be way underbudget.
Matter of fact I will jump in now and say you could have a great rig for under $10k and just use the rest of the $$ to travel.
Since you are looking to hotel/hostel alot of the time (which makes sense as camping in Central & South America is actually a pain) then a Suburban is perfect or since there is 2 of you a Blazer/Bronco also works well. But I like the 4 doors if you want to carry a passenger or just want easy access to your stuff.
Add a fridge, on board air, water tank/shower setup, storage drawers that double as sleep platform if needed and you are set.
Get the 1/2 ton version and you will have the Chevy 350 which has parts everywhere and any mechanic can work on it.

Most important keep the rig simple and as close to stock as possible, travel as much as possible and just fix what breaks

[haven]

A restored Land Rover would meet all the criteria (except price, in some examples).
Take a look at these I found on Craigslist tonight
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2743675696.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/2757527720.html (Isuzu 4 cylinder engine)
http://annapolis.craigslist.org/ctd/2732184611.html

[haven]

Updated summary
-- an SUV with 4x4 drive
-- manufactured in 1982 or earlier
-- seller somewhere near Chicago
-- overall price no more than $15,000

Original Suggestions
Ford Bronco
Jeep Wagoneer
International Scout
Chevrolet Blazer
Toyota Land Cruiser 60 series
Mercedes Gelandewagen (if price is right)

New suggestions
Chevrolet Suburban
Land Rover Series (price issues)


Suggested and eliminated
Toyota pickup (not a SUV)

[haven]

Here's a Gelandewagen that might meet your needs
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...750615613.html

[RMP&O]

Here's a Gelandewagen that might meet your needs
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...750615613.html

Other then it being RHD that is a perfect and sweet truck right there. Fits the price range too.

[Clecio]

First of all, I would like to thanks everyone for the tips, sugestions, ideas etc.
Well, I agree. I will add the Suburban to my list, definately.
As far as the Land Rover, I have been thinking about it, but besides the price it has to be Left Hand Drive, otherwise I wonīt be able to get a license for it here in Brazil. I am in Brazil right now by the way.
The G Class, would be a great option, but too expensive. Thanks again "haven" for sending the link for a perfect one but unfortunately it is RHD.
The FJ60 would be great, besides I like how it looks like a real "overland", but I have been searching for almost a year, and I couldnīt find a good one for the right price yet.
So, so far I think the best options would be a Suburban or Blazer. Those trucks are easy to restore/prepare for this trip. Any ideas about the best year/model?
Anyways, if somebody knows about any other truck, older than 1982, 4x4, SUV, please send the link to me. I will appreciate it.
Thanks again.

[4D55 Performance]

I think the Suburban would be my first choice, but my second choice would be a Jeep CJ-7. Other vehicles that fit the criteria, but would not be high on my list are the S-10 Blazer, Bronco II, CJ-8, Willys Wagon and International Travelall. Another vehicle that you may want to highly consider is a 1970's Dodge 4x4 van. They are out there and they do exist.

[Clecio]

A 4x4 van would be just perfect, but I have never seen those. Does GM and Ford has a old 4x4 van too?

[haven]

4x4 vans are the product of a conversion by a third party. Quigley and Pathfinder were two companies making 4x4 van conversions in the 1980s, I believe.

Here is an example http://mohave.craigslist.org/cto/2686521786.html