What is the good used small SUV for going to the Range and light offroad?

[jonny wong]

i am looking to buy a used small SUV ( kindda) to do liltle camping, shooting, fishing and visit the range once in a while. Anyone have any input on the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo? Passport? Liberty? Montero S or any other....?
Thanx.......!

 

[Combat-wombat]

We have a Jeep Liberty. It is a great vehicle, very sturdily built. Ours is a year old, and not even the slightest problem has occoured. I'd definitely recommend it.

 

[BerettaNut92]

The Honda Crisis Response Vehicle. Failing that, do a search on 'ibistek'.

 

[Stickjockey]

1950 Willys CJ 3A

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I was planning to buy a late model Jeep Cherokee earlier this year. They are common as dirt in SE PA, and several of my friends own(ed) one. All have been pleased with them. One has ~130K miles on his, and another has ~230K (!!) on his.

However, one of my neighbors was selling his '97 Expedition which was spotless and only $14K, so I bought that instead.

 

[HankL]

F-250 V10 Super Cab. Plenty of room for firearms in the cabin and more for ammo in the bed. 13 MPG to boot!

 

[Moparmike]

Mercedes Galandawaghen 500 AMG

Seriously, an old cherokee or an old CJ-7 might be good.

 

[DigMe]

I've been quite happy with my Xterra and I think you could probably get a 4wd 2000 model without breaking the bank. I guess it depends on your budget though.

brad cook

 

[Futo Inu]

Well, though the links in the thread no longer work, your question brought to mind this old thread:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums...ghlight=sport+AND+utility+AND+machine+AND+gun

Seriously, dunno about SUVs, but my poor man's SUV works for me: 01 Toy Tacoma, with Jason (Pace) camper shell. If you've got young'ens to tote around with you, however, you're better off with a 4-door SUV as you describe.

 

[NewShooter78]

I don't know about a newer one, but I've got a 1993 Isuzu Rodeo. Its one tuff suv. I even had the misfortune of driving it off a small bridge, and I drove it home that night after a boom armed, towtruck got it back on the road. It needed a front end alingnment, and a new tire after that, but I drove it home none the less. Its got over 150k on it, and its still running well. If you don't want a 4 door suv, you could also look into an Isuzu Amigo. It's like a 2 door version of the Rodeo, but you can get it set up like an old CJ7 without any interior carpeting and removable rear seats.

 

[Glockster35]

My last one was a 1986 Isuzu Trooper, I called it the "Desert Rat" because I have seat covers and a spare tire cover done up in three shades of DCU material. The vehicle was tan already, with a huge tactical roof rack made of spare metal (from a previous owner). In the enclosed picture you won't see the desert equipment, as it wasn't made yet.

 

[mtnbkr]

I'm a fan of Toyota's 4Runners. You won't find a better SUV for offroading short of a Hummer H1, yet it still drives well on the street. I've taken my bone stock 4Runner onto trails that you could take an AWD, wannabe SUV. Plus, I get 17-18mpg around town and 20-21mpg on the highway with the 3.4L V6. When I go camping during hunting season, I don't bother with a tent, I just sleep in the back of the 4Runner.

Chris

 

[Smoke]

Now you've gone and done it.....

I love, own, and endorse Jeeps.

I have had in the past or currently own:

1981 Jeep Scrambler
1985 Jeep CJ7
1997 Jeep TJ Wrangler
1993 Jeep Cherokee
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1991 Jeep YJ Wrangler

I still own the YJ and the Grand Cherokee. For what you describe I would heartily recommend either the Cherokee (smaller, square one, out of production) or the Wrangler.

Aftermarket parts abound for either one. Both are extremely tough. Both are well suited for light off road excursions from the factory with no modifications. I like the Wrangler because I like the open air. Its almost as good as a motorcycle.

Both can be had for reasonable amounts. This is especially nice if this is a second (third, fourth?) vehicle.

Jeeps and guns. They were made for each other.

 

[TimW]

Plus, I get 17-18mpg around town and 20-21mpg on the highway with the 3.4L V6.

My dad bought his 1992 4Runner brand new with this engine (automatic transimission). He told me he got about 16 around town and 18 on the highway.

When he died, I got the truck. Had the head gasket issue taken care of. I've never gotten above 18 on the highway, usually 16-17. Around town? 13-15, tops.

It's got 175,000 on the truck, about 85,000 since the head gasket rebuild.

 

[Jeff Timm]

This sounds like a job for the Yuppy Bible, aka Consumer Reports.

Decide what your priorities are:

Off road
On road
Load space
Parking (Ease, visibility, size)
Economy (Mileage, maintenance, initial cost)

For off road, nothing beats a jeep, but the cost of maintenance and high resale value beat you.

My Aerostar van has gone down every road I've needed to drive, including a few dirt roads and country "driveways."

Geoff
Who also wants you to remember the old Texas saying: "Four wheel drive? Jest gets ya stuck further from hep."

 

[mtnbkr]

TimW, the reason for the difference is because your 1992 model had the 3.0L engine. It's a notorious pig when it comes to fuel economy and power. Still, not a bad engine once you get the headgasket issue worked out.

Chris

 

[TimW]

3.0 worse than 3.4? Wow...

the reason for the difference is because your 1992 model had the 3.0L engine

Who'da thunk that a larger engine would get better mileage...I take that back, my neighbor's 5.+ Chevy V-8 gets bettermileage than mine. That 3.0L is a dog going uphill (on freeways) with anything more than me and my wife in it. But it WILL climb..just takes it's time. As for off-road, no problems yet.

Does your back end sag, too?

 

[Glockster35]

Gearing could also have a big effect on the gas mileage. Larger tires have to also be figured into the gearing.

 

[BlkHawk73]

I'd suggest either a Jeep Cherokee or Wrangler. The Cherokee has more room but if you're not having more than one passenger the Wrangler has enough for your range trips. Just fold and tumble the rear seat. Also, with either of them, upgrades are endless in case the off-road bug bites you.


To Smoke...shame, shame, shame for getting rid of that Scrambler

 

[Ian]

I've been very happy with my 10-year-old Subaru Legacy wagon. Lot of space (71 cubic feet), all-wheel drive, great fuel economy (~20 mi/gal city, 33 highway), and cheap to acquire and insure.

 

[mtnbkr]

Does your back end sag, too?

Not yet. Mine is a 1997, a third generation 4Runner (1st was beginning to 1990 I think, 2nd was 1991 to 1995 1/2, third was 1996-2002, 4th is 2003-??). I think they fixed the rear end sag for the 3rd Gens. The problem stemmed from the use of Tacoma springs in the heavier rear end of the 4Runner.

Check out www.yotatech.com if you're into Toyota 4x4 trucks.

Chris

 

[rage]

No question..a Jeep Wrangler TJ. Put on 30" tires, air down and disconnect your front sway bar when you offroad. Bone stock, Jeeps are amazing offroad.

After a while you'll get it lifted and locked and add taller tires. Next you'll want granny gears and a long-arm suspension, beefier axles. Eventually you'll get an F-250 and trailer it.

Beware!

 

[xjer]

I am an xjer myself.

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is a very good dual purpose vehicle.
The 4.0 inline six is a great motor, good for 200,000 miles.
The Cherokee has a solid front axle which is a lot less likley
to cause you problems off-road. You can find them priced to
fit almost anyones budget.


Mike (xjer)

 

[Schuey2002]

I called it the "Desert Rat"

The one that my brother-in-law owned was affectionately nicknamed, "The Pope Mobile".. Everytime I'd would ride in that beast, I always got the sensation of riding around in a fish tank on wheels.

Why are all these people staring at me?

Is it just me?

Why are they laughing at me? I can hear them.. Look at that all those kids in that school bus.. THEY know something.. What is it?

Maybe they're just making fun of this rig?

 

[Smoke]

Glad to see that THR is full of Jeep fanatics.

It's nice to have company.