Help me pick my rig $2000 budget

[Martinjmpr]

While the Montero is the biggest vehicle on the list, mpg will be as good as any on this list including the Suzuki, expect at least 20mpg but I think you can get 24mpg since you live in Utah.

The only thing I disagree with is the above. 20 MPG from a Montero? I had a 1990 with a V6 and 5 speed and my average was closer to 16 - 17. On long, slow drives in flat country I could eke out 19. I think one time I broke 20. I find it hard to believe a more modern Monty with a heavier body and auto tranny will give you 20 and 24 seems like a pure fantasy. Is there any data to back this up? I've never heard of Monty's being known for good MPG (except for the turbo diesels, of course, which were never available in the US.)

Realistically, if you are talking about a 3500 -4400 lb vehicle made in the early to mid-90s (remember gas was cheap then and people didn't care much about MPG) 15 - 18 is all you can reasonably expect, and is perfectly adequate for these vehicles. The Trooper with the 4 cyl engine might do a bit better but its boxy shape probably negates any MPG advantages of the 4 cyl engine. A 4 cyl Taco or 22r equipped 4runner or Toyota Pickup can probably do 20+ MPG but it will be as slow as molasses going uphill in January.

[4D55 Performance]

The only thing I disagree with is the above. 20 MPG from a Montero? I had a 1990 with a V6 and 5 speed and my average was closer to 16 - 17. On long, slow drives in flat country I could eke out 19. I think one time I broke 20. I find it hard to believe a more modern Monty with a heavier body and auto tranny will give you 20 and 24 seems like a pure fantasy. Is there any data to back this up? I've never heard of Monty's being known for good MPG (except for the turbo diesels, of course, which were never available in the US.)

Realistically, if you are talking about a 3500 -4400 lb vehicle made in the early to mid-90s (remember gas was cheap then and people didn't care much about MPG) 15 - 18 is all you can reasonably expect, and is perfectly adequate for these vehicles. The Trooper with the 4 cyl engine might do a bit better but its boxy shape probably negates any MPG advantages of the 4 cyl engine. A 4 cyl Taco or 22r equipped 4runner or Toyota Pickup can probably do 20+ MPG but it will be as slow as molasses going uphill in January.

Sorry for the late reply but, I definitely understand where you are coming from. I had a 1991 Montero and the best I ever saw was 17mpg on the open road. The Gen I's were terrible on fuel economy. The 1997-2000 Montero excelled at returning excellent fuel economy and 24 mpg on the open road is very attainable with stock tires. They had a 4.2 rear end, a very efficient engine and improved arrow dynamics over the previous generation. I also understand that a lot of MPG has to do with the actual driver. For instance I also have a Mercedes G500 and I will get 18-19 MPG in mixed driving, while others only get 13 mpg with the same vehicle. Maybe I am way more conservative than the average driver, but to me I feel like I just drive like everyone else. I hope this helps.

[KeZu]

Others have mentioned this, but being a recent college graduate....

Step 1: Lift current 2wd toyota. Enough to fit 32" tires see #2.
Step 2: Add A/T Tires, 32" is as big as you need to get most places.
Step 3: Go. You can build what ever else you need as you go, but really....

I have a 4wd Isuzu Rodeo that I got in college and I wasted a ton of money getting the 4wd part to work. But, honestly with a 3" susp. lift and aggressive 32" tires I can go almost anywhere I need to in 2wd, 90% of the time. Total cost of those two mods? $500.
If I bought again, I wouldn't care so much about making sure I got a 4wd one. Expedition type offroading, to me, is all about the getting out there, not surmounting the toughest trail, though I know that can be fun.

Other option is sell current 2wd for an older, cheaper, but reliable 4wd. If you must.

Just my .2

[Black_ZJ]

I recently learned that the early Trooper was capable of 22-26 mpg with the carb tuned correctly, seats 5, and has tons of cargo space. Oh, and you can easily fit 31's on them stock, even 33x9.50's could be accomplished. I'm actually looking at replacing one of my Jeeps with a 95-97 Trooper in the next month or so.

[cody93225]

I would go with the cherokee. Tons of aftermarket support. Winch bumpers, sliders, and tire carrier are bolt on and the cheapest to buy. Lifts are easy and cheap. I would buy a cherokee today if I found a decent one. Anything for $2000 may needs lots of work. Have you considered turning your tacoma into a 4wheel. They make SAS kits for them, and it has alot of aftermarker support.