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here's another vote for the Xterra, i've thoroughly enjoyed mine. they're pretty capable on stock suspension with just the rear swaybar removed. i've got the off road version with the factory rear locker, skid plates and billstein shocks.
Stock:
2in lift with rear sway removed
that said, i had a liberty limited rental last weekend that was not bad at all. the crappy dbw pedal and 3.8 were less noticeable with the automatic
FJ Cruiser? They're supposed to be very capable off road.
I like the Trooper idea, though.
I would stay away from 1st gen Explorers. I tried to make a trail rig out of one and it didnt end well. They need major work to be reliable off road. I went through the trans, the rear end, the driveshaft and a bunch of other little things in a couple months. However, if you like them then check out Explorer4x4.com (if they are still around) for ideas.
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:FJ Cruiser? They're supposed to be very capable off road.
I like the Trooper idea, though.
i looked at FJs and finally decided that they were basically an extended cab pickup with less utility. that, and the issues with the fenders cracking/buckling led me away from them.
Id much rather have a Tacoma than an FJ, but either way you're talking relatively big bucks.
The h3 is an off-road machine from the factory. I would say it IS roughly comparable to a rubicon.
Happy to see all the agreement with the Trooper. I guess i wasnt really out on a limb with this audience.. 
What about Montero? From what I've seen (and hope to find out is true) they are very capable off road and are pretty darned cheap, too.
Montero is on the list of frequent Craigslist searches. As is the 1988 Dodge Raider (I just love that boxy little thing).
I am also hoping for something north of 15 mpg, regular not premium fuel.
EricM wrote:Montero is on the list of frequent Craigslist searches. As is the 1988 Dodge Raider (I just love that boxy little thing).
I am also hoping for something north of 15 mpg, regular not premium fuel.
That's what I hope with the Montero I'm planning on picking up this weekend. A 92 SR, 3.0 SOHC. If I can get 17 doing 60 or 65 on the highway I'll be very pleased.
My 87 4Runner gets 17mpg doing 70-75 into a 20mph head wind. With a tailwind the mpg goes all the way up to 19
Really the Cherokee would probably be better overall. The lack of power in the 4cyl 4Runner is noticeable and the lack of back doors in the 1st gen makes access a pain.
Land Cruisers are cool, but I just can't stomach the mpg.
doing the math on MPGs and stuff, i may end up with a Tracker/sidekick... Still works, just on a much smaller scale.
Yes, the fake Hummer sounds good on paper and there's always someone that will say "my buddy had a bone stock one that went where these jeeps went with no problem. Then when the helicopter that came to rescue the Jeeps got stuck the hummer pulled it out, lifted it up and....."
I'm sure they are decent vehicles but I'd take a Cherokee any day over a counterfeit hummer. When those were first out I was at the Mounds (and ORV park around here) and I was keen to see those things wheel. After following them for a while in 2WD (I have Detroits though) I finally asked them why they aren't doing anything challenging. They BOTH were broke. One broken rear locker and one broken front driveshaft.
I've never heard from a happy H2 or H3 owner that actually wheels them.
In reply to jrw1621: Holy crap that Blazer Chalet is cool. Girlfriend and I have been discussing RV options lately, too. Hmm.
Plus one on the Montero here. Factory rear locker, mutil-mode transfer case, fits 33"s stock and can seat 7. Good power (215hp) and huge axles. Its a 9.5" in the rear and an 8" in the front. And its got headlight squirters! And they're painfully cheap. Mine was like 4k out the door at the dealership I got it from.
As much of a dyed-in-the-wool Jeeper I am, I likes me some of those riceX4's. The Trooper has always been in the back of my mind as a very cool sleeper wheeling rig.
I think my dads did quite well.
In reply to m4ff3w:
Laforza.... STAY AWAY! They can be found online stupid cheap, and were a sortof competitor attempt at the range rover style of over the top luxury SUV, however I've heard bad things of their electronics, and although they are american V8 powered, the electrical gremlins can be disatrous.
I'd rather have something with some aftermarket, like an XJ jeep, or even an H3 Hummer.
EricM wrote:Montero is on the list of frequent Craigslist searches. As is the 1988 Dodge Raider (I just love that boxy little thing).
I am also hoping for something north of 15 mpg, regular not premium fuel.
I have always wanted a Raider, they are awesome. Test drove one once but didn't buy it. They are getting scarce and more expensive. Those who have them don't let them go easily (same for SWB Monteros).
Here's a current ad for one in my area. $4K for an '87:
